The first steps in the redesign of Future World in Epcot have begun!
We’ve known for a few months that parts of Future World would begin closing September 8th, including Club Cool (we still love ya, Beverly!) and the Fountain of Nations. Other parts of Future World, like Electric Umbrella and Mouse Gear, will be closing in the coming months. Well, friends, we’re sad to say they wasted no time setting up for the impending construction.
We went to check out the state of Future World and found that construction walls have quickly appeared around much of the fountain area.
Sadly, there’s no more Fountain of Nations to greet you. Now, guests are met with a big black construction wall surrounding much of the fountain. To get around the fountain area, guests will need to stick to the lefthand side near Mouse Gear. Over near there, guests can get a good look at the fountain already drained.
On the opposite side of the fountain, Club Cool and Fountain View are both now closed. Planters and construction walls have gone up to direct guests away.
This wall continues on to the now-closed Epcot Character Spot.
A sign is up informing guests where to find Mickey and the gang.
All is not lost yet though! As of today, the opposite side of Character Spot, featuring Baymax, Joy, and Sadness is STILL OPEN.
We’ll keep an eye on how long this remains open. Guests still have easy access under this walkway to the West side of Future World past Character Spot at this stage of construction as well.
To learn more about where you can still meet characters around Epcot while Character Spot is closed, click here!
Next to Fountain View, Club Cool has been closed up as well. Planters are blocking off much of the entrance area. The back entrance is still accessible but plastic sheeting is coving the glass doors and a sign informs guests of the closure.
We’re sad to see some of our favorite spots closing, but excited to see what the future will hold for the new Epcot. Check back with DFB for updates on the changes at Epcot as they happen!
To read more about all the changes planned for Epcot click here!
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Are you sad to see some of these spots closed? Let us know in the comments!
Brian says
AJ. The wife and I are going in early December. And Epcot was always my favorite park. It will also be my wife first time ever. Should we only go to Epcot for one day instead of the two days. I value your opinion in what would be the correct and funniest choice
Caryn says
I am really sad about the fountain. We’ve so enjoyed when the water is synchronized to music. We’ve also appreciated the musicians and artists performing on the World Showcase side during some festivals. I’ll also miss the chance to stop in Mouse Gear in its original location after the fireworks to extend the day just a bit longer.
I’m sure it will all be wonderful when it’s done. At the same time, I think I’m happy our annual pass ends in the spring and as out-of-staters, we won’t be back for a few years after that.
Vanessa says
I hope Mouse Gear reopens soon. Do we have an idea if it will reopen or when? Also, I’ll miss my Starbucks stop ritual with my sons as it was our first stop in the park before heading for a walk in the park. Any idea for how long and if it’ll reopen? We stop in each park we visit for our usual drinks.
I’ll miss the fountain but I’m looking forward to the new look.
Tricia says
Please, please, please tell me the fountain closing is just temporary!!! It is one of my favorite places in all of WDW.
Robert Carpenter says
I tried to cancel my after 4 pass. Guest relations told me not much is being closed down. It’s wrong to charge guest full cost for a construction zone.
DFB Sarah says
Tricia, as far as we know, it’s going to be removed to make space for World Celebration.
Mark Kaplan says
I guess we needed an EPCOT makeover after all. It seems like the Disney Parks of my pastime is slowly slipping away. Walt Disney did say we must always be ready to make room for bigger and better imagination (not for baden). I just hope in the effort for EPCOT to keep up with the times among the winds of change, we don’t lose sight of the intended spirit of Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. A place where dreams all over the world can come together as one.
DFB Sarah says
Vanessa, Mouse Gear is still open currently, but we’ll update when things change!
Lisa R says
Caryn, I too am sad about the fountain as I loved the synchronized music too. And, one magical time we arrived to a school band from our home state playing in front of the fountain. But, sadly I mostly saw people just walking by the fountain not even paying attention to it.
I just hope that Disney doesn’t get rid of the light up sidewalks on the way out of ECPOT. That is a special way to end a day in the park.
DFB Sarah says
Brian, all the major attractions will be open, so if you still plan to enjoy all of them (including World Showcase), you may still need the two days.
Karen says
Hi Lisa R,
I too am really upset at the fountains removal. Like you I really really hope the lite up “sparkle sidewalk remains – this was the least stress full park we visited. My son is Autistic and has a thing shines sparkly things, he always objects to leaving the parks but at Epcot he’s ok as he LOVES the walkways.
Come on Disney help me keep this one thing familiar for us please…
(if anyone at DFB hears they have been removed I’d rather know sooner than later Thanks guys you help me keep up to date with the changes which are so vital for my son’s happiness 🙂
Susan Sheehy says
How is the entrance effected with the construction starting up? Will it change being able to use the monorail etc? Is security now even more of a challenge?
NENolan says
They finally remove those eyesores out in front of Epcot and then they create others inside…sigh.
DFB Sarah says
Susan, at present, security and entrance procedures remain the same as before construction began. The tram construction has made for a longer walk to and from the pick-up/drop-off, though.
Sheila says
How long will the work take going to Florida December 2020
DFB Sarah says
Sheila, Disney hasn’t released a timeline, but we’ll update when they do!