Disney Dining Serving up the latest Disney Eats, Treats, News, and More!
For those of us who visit the Disney Parks on a regular basis, certain attractions are quite near and dear to our hearts. Therefore, while we all realize the parks do need to continue moving forward and improve their offerings for new generations, seeing some old favorites go can be a little bit emotional. Lately, many of these emotions have been directed toward Epcot, where we are seeing countless old attractions shut down to make room for the new. Sure, this means some truly awesome things are on their way, but we still feel it’s important to take a moment and truly appreciate the things that are going and say goodbye to these favorites. Wondering which attractions you should be waving farewell to? The following rides, shows, and buildings are either closed, temporary relocated, or on their way out.
1. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
This beautiful nighttime spectacular has been running in Epcot for a solid 20 years. For this reason, many of us are pretty sad to see it go. The show is set to close on September 30th, going out with the same gusto it’s offered guests for two decades. It will be replaced with a temporary nighttime show called “Epcot Forever” which is set to open on October 1st.
2. Club Cool
Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, we’re betting you adored Club Cool. After all, who wouldn’t love trying sodas from around the world for free? Unfortunately, this is another one that has disappeared on us. Club Cool closed up shop on September 8th. While there have been hints that aspects of the attraction will return in the future, we have no way of knowing how much of this yummy experience will be lost forever.
3. Fountain of Nations
The lovely fountain that sits right in the middle of Future World is an Epcot icon that many of us can’t imagine the park without. This Fountain of Nations has been in the park since its opening when it was dedicated to Walt’s wife, Lillian. 23 different nations brought water from their countries to add to the fountain, making it a truly unique piece of art. Unfortunately, this fountain has also gone away. It closed officially on September 8th and will be demolished completely.
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4. Fountain View
In addition to the beautiful Fountain of Nations, the nearby Fountain View in-park Starbucks location also closed on September 8th. Fortunately, we will still be able to get our Epcot coffee fix, as the Starbucks will simply be relocated to the west side of Future World.
5. Electric Umbrella
In the past, if one needed a bite to eat toward the front of Future World, Electric Umbrella would be the place to go. Sure, this eatery didn’t offer anything stand-out in terms of food items. However, what they did have was reliable and tasty—and most importantly, kid-friendly. This food option will also be gone in November, and guests looking to dine on counter-service food in Future World will need to turn to Sunshine Seasons for the time being. That said, we do fully expect another quick-service location to pop up in Future World at some point.
6. The Original Spaceship Earth
Before you get too upset, know that Spaceship Earth is not closing for good. That wonderful, iconic silver ball that is so beloved will remain intact, and in fact, the ride will still be around. That said, the attraction will be closing for quite some time. Currently, the ride is slated to shut down at the beginning of 2020 and won’t be back up until mid 2022 at the earliest. In that time, the attraction will be overhauled. Disney has announced instead of the story line of communication over time that it currently has, their will be a story line revolving around storytelling including new music and narration.
7. Epcot Character Spot
Yes, you read that right: Epcot Character Spot has closed. However, this isn’t as upsetting as it seems. You see, Disney knows good and well that no park experience is complete without the opportunity to meet Mickey and his pals. Therefore, you can count on these characters to pop up in other locations. Be sure to check your MyDisneyExperience App or Times Guide in the park for character locations.
8. MouseGear
MouseGear is the ultimate souvenir shopping location for all those visiting Future World. It is also set to close sometime this fall in order to receive a nice makeover to go along with the whole Future World overhaul. That said, guests will still be able to shop a bit at a temporary MouseGear location until the real deal can open back up.
9. Innoventions East, Colortopia, and Nanooze Break
If we’re being honest, the Innoventions buildings haven’t been used for much in recent years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Innoventions East has officially been closed. Of course, this also means that Colortopia and Nanooze Break, the attractions within the building, have also closed. While it is a bit sad to see this building go, we are excited to see what Disney has planned for the space.
10. The Camera Center
You know that nifty little camera store located under Spaceship Earth? It seems it’s finally become obsolete enough to go the way of the dodo bird. In recent years, the shop has been used primarily as a PhotoPass help center, while also selling a few items here and there. This left some people concerned about where they will go for help with PhotoPass. Never fear! There will still be a PhotoPass help location in place in the park.
11. Liberty Inn
Last but not least, we must move outside of Future World and back into the World Showcase. Here you will find that Liberty Inn, the quick-service eatery in the America Pavilion, has closed its doors. While the more nostalgic of us might feel a small amount of sadness to see it go, we have to admit we are pretty excited to try out Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue, which is set to take the place of Liberty Inn at some point in the future.
