"Massive Epcot Entrance Overhaul Project Begins"

[RaySharpton]

Continuing down the old roadway, we can see some plumbing staging as well as the current, temporary, tram drop off loop.

Other work taking place includes completely demolishing all of the hardscape around the old tram drop off areas, including under the monorail platform as seen below. The following two photos are opposite angles of each other.

On the east side of the platform, Disney has torn out just about as much of the existing pavement as possible without affecting their construction wall.

The west side of the monorail platform is the area getting the most attention. We have a couple different vantage points of the same area, showing not only the land preparation taking place, but also what appears to be square holes for footers for a new structure. This was previously the load and unload area for the Epcot parking lot tram.

Continuing down the exit ramp for the Epcot monorail station shows that a bit of foliage has been removed, but Disney seems intent on keeping some of the larger trees.

Here’s a look at the old tram boarding area, all behind construction walls.

We can also see what appear to be some footer mounts staged nearby. It’s too early in the process to know what exactly these will be used for.

Once exiting the monorail platform, we realized that there was no way back to the parking lot without having to first go through bag check again. Previously, you would have been able to walk back out to the Journey parking lot, but as we soon found out, that is no longer an option.
We weren’t the only ones who were lost, the couple below could be heard complaining about how they were just trying to get back out to the Journey lot, but they would have to go back through security again.

Here’s a look at the pathway you used to be able to walk back to the Journey lot, past the bus drop off area.

 

[RaySharpton]

The pathway is now blocked off for construction.

So the thing to keep in mind here is that if you are parked anywhere in the Epcot parking lot, you must use the east exit when leaving the park. This means walking to the right of the Joffrey’s kiosk (or the monorail ramp) when you are exiting the park. If you walk to the left (towards the buses) you will be forced to go through bag check again.
Unfortunately, we didn’t find a lot of signage for the parking lot. There is a sign warning you that you’re headed the wrong way for ride share/guest drop off from within the security bubble, allowing you to course correct.

The only signage telling you that you are headed in the wrong direction is this sign outside of the security bubble, which means that if you’re reading it, it’s already too late.

We did spot a sign indicating guests should use the east exit for parking, but it was out of the way, and of very little help.

Again, this is just for guests who are already in the park. If you parked your car in the Epcot parking lot and took the monorail to Magic Kingdom, the only way you’ll be able to get back to your car is by going through bag check again.
Finally, let’s take a look at the Leave a Legacy monolith work inside the park. From the ground, you can see that the tops of the monoliths are missing, but nothing else.

From the monorail, we can see that all of the monoliths have been removed and the holes left by them have been smoothed over. This is considered phase one of the project, and will be completed “this summer”. The next phase will move over to the eastern monoliths to remove those. Disney hasn’t indicated when work on those will begin, but work on the western monoliths has moved along at an impressive pace.

 

[Disneypro1]

Great pics. Lots of info

 

[RaySharpton]

Walls Down at Leave a Legacy West Demolition Site in Epcot

by blogmickey

http://blogmickey.com/2019/06/walls-down-at-leave-a-legacy-west-demolition-site-in-epcot/

Walls are down this morning at the former site of the Leave a Legacy west monoliths. The granite monoliths have been removed and paved over, leaving a bit of a scar in their place.

The monoliths to the east are still standing but should be removed soon.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

These photos make me so happy! The graveyard is GONE!

 

[joelkfla]

These photos make me so happy! The graveyard is GONE!

Somewhat ironic that the paved over area is the shape of a coffin.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

Somewhat ironic that the paved over area is the shape of a coffin.

Seems beyond odd they couldn't roll some topiaries over the concrete. It's Disney for gosh-sakes. Call the greenhouse people. How hard could that be....

 

[DisneyFive]

Seems beyond odd they couldn't roll some topiaries over the concrete. It's Disney for gosh-sakes. Call the greenhouse people. How hard could that be....

I'm guessing it's very temporary. I agree, they wouldn't normally have such a "rough" look to an area. Even so it looks 10X better than with the monoliths!

Dan