Reflecting pool refurbishments are all the rage these days, and Walt Disney World has embarked on one of its own at EPCOT. While walking around EPCOT, we noticed that crews had drained one of the World Celebration reflecting pools and pushed the rocks to one side. While we didn’t see a single bucket of blue paint anywhere, we did notice that Disney seems to be sprucing up the pool, and collecting some loose change while they’re at it. Here’s a closer look!
Disney World Reflecting Pool Refurbishment at EPCOT
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- A look at the drained World Celebration reflecting pool near the Imagination and Land pavilions
- Why river rock has been pulled up and piled across the empty basin
- What the pool normally looks like, and which nearby ponds are still filled
- The coin connection: how Disney has turned drained water features into charitable donations
Here’s a look at the drained pond, which sits in an area close to the Imagination Pavilion and the Land Pavilion. This is also the pool closest to the CommuniCore Plaza area.
Crews stacked the decorative river rock that lines the pool bed into piles throughout the empty basin. This leaves stretches of bare concrete and scattered gravel where water would normally sit. Scaffolding with a metal staircase and a wooden ramp now spans the retaining walls, giving workers access.
The raised circular planters with grasses and flowers near the pool remain intact and untouched. Rolling planter boxes with hedges appear staged along a nearby walkway, serving as a barrier during the work. The monorail beam, Imagination Pavilion’s glass pyramids, and Spaceship Earth are visible in various backgrounds.
And here’s a look at what the reflecting pool would normally look like. The other ponds nearby are still filled with water and reflecting.
Back in 2022, Walt Disney World said that it donated more than $30,000 to the local Give Kids the World non-profit. The money was a result of Disney World draining and collecting coins from fountains around the theme parks.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!