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Old Epcot Reflection Pool
- Thread starter Acolli18
- Start date
Rob562
Well-Known Member
Those were the ponds in the plaza, to either side between Earth Station and the fountain. They were eliminated when the plaza went through its big renovation in the early 90's, I think. They were approximately where the outdoor seating area of Electric Umbrella is now, and the space where the light-up fiber-optic sidewalks are outside Innoventions West.
Their removal was actually a good thing in terms of traffic flow, because they created a bottleneck getting through there. If you walk along the railing of the fountain now, you can look down at the edge of the pool and see where it used to run under the sidewalk to connect to the two side pools.
I think Martin's Communicore video has diagrams of the pools and the changes to the plaza. I'll look for it.
EDIT: You can see them just after the 3-minute mark:
https://vimeo.com/5799809
-Rob
Their removal was actually a good thing in terms of traffic flow, because they created a bottleneck getting through there. If you walk along the railing of the fountain now, you can look down at the edge of the pool and see where it used to run under the sidewalk to connect to the two side pools.
I think Martin's Communicore video has diagrams of the pools and the changes to the plaza. I'll look for it.
EDIT: You can see them just after the 3-minute mark:
https://vimeo.com/5799809
-Rob
MissM
Well-Known Member
You can see the pic the OP is talking about here: http://yesterland.com/fwthennow1.html
I don't even remember those. Weird.
I don't even remember those. Weird.
mikeymouse
Well-Known Member
I was just thinking about that the other day. It sure does look different now. I remember there wasn't a stage and then they built it for Splashtacular.
Communicore
Well-Known Member
I had a dream that they restored these reflecting pools. I wonder if that is even possible?
xdan0920
Think for yourselfer
It's *possible*, I mean, they built an 18 story geodesic sphere, and put one of the most amazing attractions ever conceived inside of it. However, is it *probable*? Decidedly not so.
willtravel
Well-Known Member
I am thinking about what you said and then think how it is now. How time does make changes to WDW.
xdan0920
Think for yourselfer
Not since Animal Kingdom has Disney done something that literally stops you in your tracks. And that's 15 years ago now. We can only hope that the company gets back to their visionary ways.
I remember them.
NiarrNDisney
Well-Known Member
Kind of on topic:
Maybe I'm wrong but didn't the reflection pools in FW west used to have fish swimming in them?
Maybe I'm wrong but didn't the reflection pools in FW west used to have fish swimming in them?
Big C 73
Well-Known Member
Some more pictures of the reflection pools:
I really wish they would of kept these, although I know it is difficult due to crowd bottlenecks. It was one of the beautiful strategically planned features that made EPCOT Center a little better, and more pleasing to the eye.
I really wish they would of kept these, although I know it is difficult due to crowd bottlenecks. It was one of the beautiful strategically planned features that made EPCOT Center a little better, and more pleasing to the eye.
Omnispace
Well-Known Member
The ponds really added a nice quality to the space. With regards to the "bottleneck" they probably considered that guests would also be using the corridors through Commmunicore which have since been incorporated into Innoventions and Mouse Gear.
THEMEPARKPIONEER
Well-Known Member
With or Without the ponds that area still bottlenecks just the same. The old pathways were more direct with no kiosks, trees or flower beds in the way causing clots in the crowd. And if bottlenecking was an issue that stage would have never been built and those 2 retaining walls against the Club Cool and Mouse Gear with the big speakers would have been long gone.
Rob562
Well-Known Member
Crowds were one reason why shows on that stage went away and never came back. They didn't realize what a traffic problem would ensue when they built the stage.
-Rob
lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
It is amazing how much bigger and grander the plaza looks with the pools and lawns.
disney4life2008
Well-Known Member
Another related but off topic question - when are they getting rid of the Leave A Legacy beams? They were cute in 2000 but now they are just tacky.
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disney4life2008
Well-Known Member
LOL I fully expected to be in awe at the new fantasyland - but it was no different than what already existed. I was not wowed (though I enjoy) Ariel; the Beasts castle is very nice but not awe inspiring; everything else - well is just regular.