Portion of EPCOT Now Sinking Underwater as Disney Scrambles To Avoid Emergency Situation

A mysterious situation seems to be unfolding within EPCOT at Disney World as a location is currently sinking underwater.

Aerial view of the Disney World theme park EPCOT with Bob Iger to the left and Walt Disney to the right in the foreground, both smiling. The park showcases various buildings, winding pathways, and a shimmering lake. — Credit: Inside The Magic

EPCOT Sinking Situation: What’s Going On?

For many Walt Disney World Guests, the soothing hum of the FriendShip boats gliding across World Showcase Lagoon is a welcome break from walking the loop around EPCOT. But last month, sharp-eyed visitors may have noticed something quietly shift in the lagoon’s usual rhythm—something subtle, almost forgettable… unless you were paying close attention.

Disney made a small change to the route of its iconic FriendShip boats, seemingly without fanfare or official announcement. While it might seem like a routine operational tweak, a closer look suggests something a bit more troubling may be lurking just below the surface—literally.

So, why did the route change? And more importantly… what’s going on at the Morocco Pavilion?

View of Spaceship Earth from World Showcase with buildings and trees in the foreground — Credit: Reinhard Link, Flickr

Something’s Off in Morocco

During a recent visit to EPCOT, a few of our reporters noticed that the Morocco dock—once a key stop for the FriendShip boats—wasn’t just closed, it looked… wrong. Upon closer inspection, the dock appeared to be sinking. The structure, which once floated evenly on the water’s surface, now tilted slightly toward the lagoon, with both sides partially submerged.

This is not a cosmetic issue. Compared to the other operational docks—still clean, balanced, and safely above the water line—the Morocco dock is clearly struggling. It raises serious safety concerns for both Cast Members and Guests, especially given that these boats require careful and stable boarding platforms.

Morocco FriendShip Dock Appears To Be Sinking at EPCOT – @Blog_Mickey on X

Morocco FriendShip Dock Appears To Be Sinking at EPCOT https://t.co/oHbkEu5qEl

— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) July 11, 2025

No official word has been given by Walt Disney World regarding the shift in FriendShip operations. Our request for comment has not been returned, leaving fans and reporters to speculate on what might really be going on behind the scenes.

A look at Future World including Spaceship Earth from the entrance to World Showcase — Credit: Jonathan (IceNineJon), Flickr

The New Route—and the Hidden Implications

As of now, the FriendShip boats are operating on a limited route: from the Canada Pavilion to the Germany Pavilion. This is a noticeable cutback from the pre-COVID era, where boats shuttled Guests between Mexico and Germany, and Canada and Morocco, utilizing all four docks. Since the parks reopened, however, only some routes were brought back, and now even fewer remain.

While operational changes are not unusual—especially for seasonal flow, staffing, or refurbishment—a visibly damaged or unstable dock introduces a new layer of concern. Was the Morocco Pavilion dock a casualty of aging infrastructure? Or did Disney notice the issue and quietly pivot operations before addressing it behind closed gates?

A young boy with a big smile is standing between two large, costumed Disney character performers—Mickey Mouse on the left and Pluto on the right. — Credit: Disney

A Deeper Look: Maintenance or Money?

This minor boat route change could actually be a quiet indicator of a much bigger issue—one Disney is trying to manage without drawing too much attention. With ongoing budget shifts and prioritized spending on larger projects like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Epic Universe competition from Universal, and the ever-demanding upkeep of a resort the size of a city, it’s possible smaller infrastructure elements like the Morocco dock are being pushed down the to-do list.

Alternatively, this may be a sign of proactive safety measures. If Disney noticed instability in the dock’s buoyancy or structure, pulling the route before an incident could be a smart, quiet move. But it also hints at the kind of aging and wear Guests don’t always see—a peek behind the magic curtain, so to speak.

Two construction workers shake hands inside of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in preparation for Test Track. — Credit: Inside The Magic

What This Means for EPCOT Guests

For now, the change won’t drastically alter the Guest experience—unless you were counting on a water taxi stop near Morocco. But it’s a reminder that even small shifts at Disney parks can point to much larger stories beneath the surface. If the dock is indeed compromised, repairs could take months, if not longer. And if Disney is choosing not to address it publicly, it could be a while before we get answers.

Until then, EPCOT fans might want to keep an eye on the lagoon. The next quiet change might say more than Disney ever will.