Epcot’s Recent Closures at Walt Disney World

One of the most wonderful things about Walt Disney World is its ability to maintain classic attractions that generations can love together while also continuing to change and expand over the years in order to create new experiences and keep guests coming back year after year. Leading up to Walt Disney World’s fiftieth birthday in 2021, the Disney Parks have been seeing all sorts of changes as they prepare for the celebration. Epcot in particular has seen much change in the recent months as Future World and World Showcase experience closures and refurbishments which will ultimately lead to new and wonderful attractions, character meet and greets, entertainment, and more. While these new experiences are sure to be wonderful, guests are also sure to miss the amazing things that they are replacing and they sadly have had to say goodbye to some favorites. Here are some of the closures in Epcot.

[google_ad]

1. Leave A Legacy

When entering into Epcot, guests can see that there are many changes already beginning as well as the preparation of many to come. Just inside of the main entrance is a large plaza that is already seeing much change with the removal of the Leave A Legacy installation. These unique structures seemed to be emerging from the ground leading up to Spaceship Earth and featured small squares with etchings of guests’ faces that were available for purchase in the past. While Leave A Legacy will no longer be situated in that location, it is being moved so that guests can continue to see their images in the future.

2. Fountain of Nations

Situated in the main plaza behind Spaceship Earth, the Fountain of Nations was a beautiful fountain that featured different levels of water cascading down and special water cannons designed to make the water dance to music several times an hour. Not only was the Fountain of Nations a beautiful sight to enjoy and take photos by, but it also had historical significance with the mission of Epcot after water from many different countries from around the world was poured into it during the dedication ceremony. While the Fountain of Nations no longer exists, it will certainly be missed!

3. Club Cool

Just to the side of the Fountain of Nations was Club Cool, a fun location sponsored by Coca Cola where guests could cool off an enjoy a unique experience. In addition to wonderful air conditioning and a small merchandise location, Club Cool offered guests the chance to sample sodas from around the world for free. With both delicious and interesting flavors including the Beverly, many guests were sad to see Club Cool go.

 [google_ad_btf] 

4. Fountain View

Next to Club Cool was another popular location overlooking the Fountain of Nations with an appropriate name. Fountain View was the Starbucks location for Epcot and was perpetually busy throughout each day serving up pastries and small bites in addition to the full Starbucks drink menu. Many guests rely on coffee to get them through full days in Epcot, and this location will certainly be missed until the relocated option opens in the future.

5. Character Spot

Another recent closure in Epcot was located in the breezeway leading from the plaza behind Spaceship Earth into Future World West where The Land, Imagination, and Seas Pavilions can be found. Character Spot welcomed guests into a fun meet and greet where Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy could be found waiting to take photos, sign autograph books, and more. Set in front of fun cartoon-style backgrounds, this photo opportunity is sure to be missed.

6. Electric Umbrella

Just behind Spaceship Earth on the Future World East side of the park is Electric Umbrella, a quick service restaurant that many guests love to experience. The Electric Umbrella featured outdoor seating as well as two levels of indoor seating where guests can enjoy an array of quick service options with wonderful views. Electric Umbrella closed in order to be reimagined for the future.

7. Innoventions East

Also found behind Spaceship Earth was Innoventions East, a location that welcomed guests inside since Epcot’s opening day in 1982. Innoventions East and West were designed to offer interactive experiences that guests could enjoy that simultaneously showcased new technology while being educational. Innoventions East most recently featured Colortopia where guests could explore the psychology behind colors in different ways. Unfortunately, Innoventions East recently closed to make way for a new future experience.

8. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

One of the biggest changes that Epcot has recently seen is the ending of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. This beloved nighttime spectacular ran each night for twenty years on World Showcase Lagoon and invited guests to gather around the fire and witness a take on how the world was created. Featuring moving music paired with fireworks, pyrotechnics, and more, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth will certainly be missed by many guests.

9. Liberty Inn

The America Pavilion in World Showcase was home to the popular American Adventure which was situated in the main building and those who walked to the left hand side of the attraction could check out a quick service location that served up classic American options. Liberty Inn featured an airy dining room with views of the pavilion through large windows, but closed to make way for a new experience. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is now open and serving up some delicious new options.