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Something has been noticeably missing from the main entrance of EPCOT for at least two days. Guests arriving at the second Walt Disney World Resort theme park have been walking past a dry fountain basin where the iconic water feature in front of Spaceship Earth usually flows.
The Spaceship Earth Fountain Has Been Dry Since Tuesday
Credit: Disney
On Wednesday, WDWNT reported that the fountain at the main entrance to EPCOT had been offline since at least Tuesday, July 21. The outlet shared a photo of the dry basin, confirming that the water effects had been turned off.
The fountain is a relatively recent addition to EPCOT’s entrance plaza, installed during the 2020 overhaul of the area as an homage to the original fountain that welcomed guests when the park first opened in October 1982. The current version features three transparent pylons engraved with EPCOT’s logo, with water cascading down from each pylon across a diamond-patterned circular base into the fountain basin. After dark, multicolored lights bring the feature to life in coordination with the Spaceship Earth illumination.
Credit: Disney
With the water off, the basin isn’t entirely empty; thousands of coins, mostly pennies, remain sitting at the bottom. Whether the fountain was shut down specifically to collect that currency or for unrelated maintenance hasn’t been confirmed by Walt Disney World Resort.
Where the Coins Go
Credit: Anthony_Goto, Flickr
If the fountain were turned off for a coin collection, the proceeds would be put to good use. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort regularly gather coins from fountains, water attractions, and other areas throughout the parks and donate the funds to children’s charities. In Central Florida, those collections typically benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Give Kids The World Village — a resort hotel that hosts families on Make-A-Wish and similar charity vacations at no cost to the families staying there.
Have you noticed any other changes around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Tips in the comments!
