"Massive Epcot Entrance Overhaul Project Begins"

[rteetz]

Just so everyone knows the rumors and news board has updates on all of the park entrance projects as all 4 are currently undergoing changes for the better in terms of ease and mass.

 

[RaySharpton]

Just so everyone knows the rumors and news board has updates on all of the park entrance projects as all 4 are currently undergoing changes for the better in terms of ease and mass.

Thank you. I didn't know that. I'll just post the most recent photos that have actually changed for those that might not check a rumors forum. I didn't even know it existed.

 

[rteetz]

Thank you. I didn't know that. I'll just post the most recent photos that have actually changed for those that might not check a rumors forum. I didn't even know it existed.

It’s listed on the forum list and one of the most visited boards on this site

 

[yulilin3]

No, I came to EPCOT, but I didn't use the ramps as I had an ECV and didn't feel comfortable due to how steep the ramps are, so used the elevator, does that make a difference somehow?

for you to use the elevator you had to go out to the entrance ramp of the monorail. Did a CM assist you in doing this? If they did they should've sent a security CM to check you as the elevator is within the security bubble already.

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you. I went to look at it and it looks great. I guess my mind geared more to the Disability, Themeparks and Transportation forums. That is until it is time to plan for dining, then I go to that forum.

I learn something new every day, thanks.

 

[Robertroe]

I agree. That is really silly. It adds to what is already a hassle to get to EC from a MK resort.

At Disney 2 weeks ago and left from the Polynesian Resort......One Security Check at resort and that's it.

 

[jaysmom4285]

Just curious - assuming that you went from the Poly to EC and went down the ramp from the monorail, were you directed around the bag check tables that have always been in front of you? We were there two weeks ago and always had to go through bag check after we got off the monorail. Just wondering what someone else's experience was.

 

[RaySharpton]

No, I came to EPCOT, but I didn't use the ramps as I had an ECV and didn't feel comfortable due to how steep the ramps are, so used the elevator, does that make a difference somehow?

Hi, cmwade77. Going uphill at the TTC monorail entrance and at the MK monorail entrance are both steep for me, but my new wheelchair does a better job of going up unlike my old mobility scooter.

When using the TTC monorail station and exiting the EPCOT monorail station, I use the ramp going down and enter EPCOT Security Check Point Station. I like going downhill as long as it is controlled because my particular wheelchair recharges my Lithium-Ion batteries when rolling down past my speed settings. Something like the Toyota Prius car.

But when I leave EPCOT, instead of using the ramp, I use the Handicap elevator right next to it to go up and back to the TTC monorail station. It is just shorter than taking the ramp for me.

I never thought to ask the EPCOT monorail station castmember if I could get off at the EPCOT Monorail Station on the other side to use the elevator.

I guess that Disney had better make sure to let all of the Disney cast members know that entering and going down the EPCOT monorail station elevator bypasses the EPCOT Security Station.

I bet this massive EPCOT refurbishment might take of that particular situation.

At Disney 2 weeks ago and left from the Polynesian Resort......One Security Check at resort and that's it.

I know they had one on the bridge to the monorail. Did you walk from the Poly to the TTC area? Did you notice where the sidewalk entered the TTC area? I guess they haven't started a TTC sidewalk Security Check Point Station as they have for the Contemporary Resort

Just curious - assuming that you went from the Poly to EC and went down the ramp from the monorail, were you directed around the bag check tables that have always been in front of you? We were there two weeks ago and always had to go through bag check after we got off the monorail. Just wondering what someone else's experience was.

What is the term from Poly to "EC" mean?

If you are asking if he bypassed the security exiting the EPCOT monorail station regular exit ramp; then no, you have to go through security. But if you are asking if he took the elevator down the EPCOT monorail station regular entrance ramp, then it sounds like he bypassed security. Not his fault.



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[jaysmom4285]

EC meant Epcot, at least in my head. I didn't realize the elevator at the Epcot monorail station would put someone on the other side of security. That does seem to be a loophole of sorts, although not the fault of anyone using it.

 

[jec6613]

EC meant Epcot, at least in my head.

The buses used to be labeled EC and MK, for EPCOT Center and Magic Kingdom on the old flag system. Then MGM was added for Disney/MGM Studios, and finally AK, before they moved to the new electronic signs - a good thing since DS vs. DHS would get confusing nowadays.

All in all I think the overhaul is a very good thing, this is the first major entrance upgrade to Epcot at least in my memory (which goes back almost to park opening) - even adding Leave a Legacy didn't change very much, just the entrance plaza. Last time I was there, there were still spots at the west side of the entrance where the old Kodak signs used to be and the paint color shows where they were from the less fading it saw.

I wonder if they're ever going to do anything with The Odyssey.

 

[RaySharpton]

I can't tell much from today's photo.

This was from

bioreconstruct‏ @bioreconstruct 5h5 hours ago
Change has started at the Epcot tram loop.

 

[RaySharpton]

EC meant Epcot, at least in my head. I didn't realize the elevator at the Epcot monorail station would put someone on the other side of security. That does seem to be a loophole of sorts, although not the fault of anyone using it.

Hi, jaysmom4285. I didn't realize that either until someone posted this. Most people don't exit the EPCOT monorail on the elevator side. Most most people enter the EPCOT monorail on the elevator side. I'll be down to WDW next week to see if they changed anything.

The buses used to be labeled EC and MK, for EPCOT Center and the Magic Kingdom on the old flag system. Then MGM was added for Disney/MGM Studios, and finally, AK, before they moved to the new electronic signs - a good thing since DS vs. DHS would get confusing nowadays.

All in all, I think the overhaul is a very good thing, this is the first major entrance upgrade to Epcot at least in my memory (which goes back almost to park opening) - even adding Leave a Legacy didn't change very much, just the entrance plaza. Last time I was there, there were still spots at the west side of the entrance where the old Kodak signs used to be and the paint color shows where they were from the less fading it saw.

I wonder if they're ever going to do anything with The Odyssey.

Thank you, jec6613.

I learn something new every day. Or maybe I forget something old every day.


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[jec6613]

Thank you, jec6613.

I learn something new every day. Or maybe I forget something old every day.

Or just didn't bother to commit it to memory, I only did because I was young. I still find it funny that some of the Nikon signs are in the more orange Kodak yellow and not Nikon yellow, though only at Epcot. I even remember all of the old sponsorships.

 

[MrKnight]

I can't tell much from today's photo.

This was from

This is quite exciting! Looking forward to the TLC and enhancements! If any park deserved this it is Epcot for sure!

 

[RaySharpton]

I just returned from WDW last week and I took some photos of the construction and refurbishment areas of EPCOT.

I started from the EPCOT Pop Century bus stop and rolled through the Disney Bus and Epcot Monorail Security Check Point tables that have been there a long time.

I was told this will disappear with the new refurbishment.

There were green fence barriers along the first bus stops to the monorail exit and further.

I also saw more tents to my right set up with Security tables inside the EPCOT fence not being used today.

I went through Security and rolled over past the EPCOT monrail entrance that guests use when leaving to Magic Kingdom.

To the right of this is a coffee shop and to right of that is the exit and entrance to the Security Check Points that everyone uses that drives their car to EPCOT uses.

I rolled all the way out to the Disney Tram temporary drop off and then I drove back taking photos.

The Disney Pop Century Resort is the very last bus stop at EPCOT. I had already gotten off and saw my first EPCOT direction sign.

I am about to pass the first row of EPCOT bus stops and the fences are covered with a green wrap all the way down to the left and straight ahead.

Just at the corner of the fence looking down the fence. The first row of EPCOT bus stops are on the left.

Same corner of the fence looking down to where I head to the EPCOT Security entrance. Those fences ahead of the exit gates from EPCOT when guest goes through at the end of their EPCOT stay to get back to the Resort buses.

Okay, I have passed the exit gates seen previously and lean to the left and continue walking. You can see the concrete structure of the EPCOT monorail exit ramp to the left ahead.

I made it past the EPCOT monorail exit ramp and I can see the EPCOT Security Check point for bus and monorail guests.

I got through security and rolled in front of the monorail entrance ramp and on the left is the small coffee shop. This is the temporary Security Check Point for all guests arriving by car and Tram.

Those small structures are where the Security are located.

Turning 90-degrees to my right are the Security tents for those arriving without bags through another fence entrance.

To exit EPCOT for the Trams, I walk past and behind the Security Check point to these exit gates and hang a right turn.

I skipped a few photos...sorry. I walked from the exit a ways and made a left turn until I reached this road. Everything was clearly marked. Going straight ahead is the way to the Trams. I didn't turn right, but this where I saw Disney cast members arrive for work.

These signs indicate that the path to the right is also for Preferred Parking. I really don't know where the Handicap Parking is located.

This is the sign that goes to the temporary Tram pick up and drop off. This is the path that I took straight ahead.

 

[RaySharpton]

So I followed the path.

At the end of the path, I saw these signs. To the left were some wheelchairs. And I think to the right was some Handicap Parking spaces. I know all of this is temporary. I don't know what everything will look like when finished. So I continue walking and following the signs.

Okay...it looks like I made it to the temporary tram drop off to the right.

To the left is the green construction fence.

Straight ahead is the regular parking lot.

Turning to my right I see where guest can line up to get on the Disney Trams and exit. It is a temporary structure of poles and cones and concrete movable walls.

Out of sight to the right is the Preferred and Handicap Parking from what I could tell.

I moved ahead behind concrete structures to get a more head on view of the tram exit, turn around and entrance areas in that order.

I moved closer to the temporary Disney Tram pickup queues. The Disney Trams would line up on the other side of the yellow line on the right.

 

[RaySharpton]

Okay, that was walking from the EPCOT exit to the temporary Tram area.

The next group of photos is leaving the Disney Tram to drop off area and back to EPCOT Security entrance.

Can you tell that I turned around? The Spaceship Earth is a giveaway.

The fence to the right is part of the Disney Tram temporary wall. At the far left is where very early car drivers just walk instead of using the tram.

Green construction wall ahead.

To the left is the start of the path to the EPCOT Security entrance tables.

Follow the long green fence and bare right under the trees. I know it is hard to see that far, but it isn't too bad unless you are using a walking cane or walker.

I'm hanging a right and I see some wheelchairs to my right and trees in the distance. Almost there.

Down the sidewalk under the trees.

I am under the trees and there are those direction signs I showed when leaving EPCOT earlier. The signs on the right show where we came from for the Tram.

The signs on the left for the Preferred parking. I don't know why they didn't say Handicap Parking.

So continue walking straight ahead.

After making a right turn at the green construction fence I can see the Security Check Point. Well, maybe you can't. It is that tiny small white area in front of the monorail wall.

A little better to see. To the far left is the Security Gate for guests to enter with no packages.

To the center is where I and everyone else will go.

To the far right is the EPCOT exit. It is next to the green construction fence and remember I took a right turn out and rolled straight to where I am standing now to exit the park.

This is to the left with a better view of the gate to go through if you don't have packages, but to tell you the truth, most guests didn't see this and when through the regular Security Check Point.

The guy ahead of me here made me erase the photos of the regular security entrance. This is me finishing up having my bags checked and entering EPCOT. This is the same entrance that you will use to exit the park if you used the Trams.

That's all.

I wasn't tall enough to look over the fence, but they have torn up the old tram pavement and tore down trees near the bus stops within the green fences.

Once finished, The EPCOT Security officials said that the old bus security check will be aken down and somehow all of the bus, monorail, car and tram guests will enter the same new Security Checkpoint.

I saw at Disney Hollywood studios that they are building a new building next to the new tram track and bus entrance for the Security Check Points.

It was pretty large and looked like an almost L-shaped building.

I sure wish that they would rebuild the EPCOT bus stop area like the DHS bus stop area. It looks nice and large.

I'll be back in December 2019 to see what progress is being made.

 

[Disneypro1]

Great pics and info.

 

[RaySharpton]

Leave a Legacy Monolith Demolition Begins at Epcot 20190520

http://blogmickey.com/2019/05/leave-a-legacy-monolith-demolition-begins-at-epcot/

BlogMickey.com

Phased demolition of the Leave a Legacy monoliths are planned throughout the remainder of the year as Epcot overhauls the guest arrival experience. While the photos will be preserved and placed in a new area set to debut in early 2020, the granite monoliths themselves will be demolished. We made it out to Epcot this morning to find that the walls have gone up overnight and the west side of the entrance plaza is now inaccessible.

Here’s what the west side looked like yesterday.

Disney has stated that guests will be able to find their photos in a new display outside the park entrance in early 2020.

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[RaySharpton]

Epcot Entrance Overhaul Update (New Tram Lanes, Leave a Legacy Latest Look, and More)

from blogmickey

http://blogmickey.com/2019/06/epcot...am-lanes-leave-a-legacy-latest-look-and-more/

If you’re unfamiliar with the project, Disney is in the process of overhauling the arrival experience at Epcot by pushing the tram drop off area a bit further away from the main entrance, removing the Leave a Legacy monoliths, and likely more. Back in mid-April, Disney installed the walls that we’ll take a peek over today.
We’ll start in the parking lot, with the temporary tram drop off area. This area is still quite a bit of a walk away from the main entrance. If you’re trying to save some time, we suggest just walking from the parking lot.

A change since the last time we took a look at the project is that the walkway from the Journey parking lot to the buses is blocked off. We’ll talk about that in a bit, but here is a look at the signage that points you to the only entrance accessible from the parking lot, the east bag check.

As we made our way to the entrance, we noticed that a bit of foliage has been removed, giving us a pretty clean look at the acceleration tunnel for the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. While we use “acceleration tunnel” to describe the enclosed section of the building that runs between the Universe of Energy pavilion and the massive gravity building, a literal tunnel runs under the track, allowing backstage vehicles to navigate the perimeter road that runs around Epcot.

We also have an elevated look at the tunnel from the monorail.

Speaking of the monorail, we get our best view of the new tram loop from the monorail platform. We can see that Disney will be pushing the tram loop drop off further away from the park entrance as part of the sweeping changes to the arrival experience. We can see the u-turn for the new drop off point below.