Credit: Greg Goebel, FlickrAfter being caught sinking, Disney World is finally fixing an EPCOT dock.
EPCOT Sinking Dock Finally Dealt With by Disney
It was almost eerie: a piece of EPCOT’s iconic World Showcase was slowly disappearing beneath the water—and no one seemed to be talking about it.
Photos showed a once-reliable dock near the Morocco Pavilion tilting, sagging, and dipping beneath the lagoon’s surface. While the area wasn’t in use for guest boarding, the visual of a sinking dock inside a Disney park—known for its pristine perfection—was unsettling, especially for longtime fans who see EPCOT as a symbol of engineering brilliance.
Now, seemingly overnight, Disney has corrected the issue. But the way they did it, and why they didn’t say a word, speaks volumes about the company’s evolving behind-the-scenes strategy—and the future of the World Showcase transportation system. Here’s what actually happened, how to spot changes like this on your next visit, and why it matters more than you might think.
EPCOT’s Sinking Dock Quietly Restored
Last month, we spotted a strange sight near the Morocco Pavilion: the FriendShip boat dock, which once served guests traveling across World Showcase Lagoon, appeared to be partially underwater. It looked like the dock was sinking—something rarely seen in a park that prides itself on immaculate presentation.
Photos from our visit showed the wooden planks slightly tilted, with some of the edge submerged entirely. There was no official word from Disney, and the dock remained closed to guests, with no watercraft docking there at the time.
Fast forward a few weeks: we returned to EPCOT and saw something unexpected. The dock was no longer dipping into the water. It looked freshly repaired, fully above the surface again—albeit a bit grimy and in need of a pressure wash. Still, the difference was undeniable: Disney had quietly restored the sinking dock with no press release, no fanfare, and no mention on official channels.
How to Spot These Hidden Changes at EPCOT
Even though Disney didn’t make a formal announcement, eagle-eyed guests and Disney bloggers have long known how to track these subtle changes. If you’re visiting EPCOT soon, here are a few tips to notice hidden repairs and backstage updates:
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Take the long route: Walk around the entire World Showcase Lagoon. Less popular areas—like the Morocco Pavilion—often house overlooked details or work-in-progress updates.
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Ride FriendShip boats at off-peak times: Cast Members sometimes chat about route changes or give clues about why certain docks are skipped. Ask polite questions.
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Use the My Disney Experience app: Changes to transportation, like FriendShip routes, are often quietly updated in the app before they’re mentioned elsewhere.
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Compare photos: Sites like ours often share before-and-after pictures that reveal subtle changes over time, including fixes like this one.
EPCOT Pro Tips: Transportation Hacks & Scenic Spots
While the Morocco dock remains unused for now, the FriendShip boats are still operating between Canada and Germany. Here’s how to make the most of this classic EPCOT ride:
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Best boarding time: Mid-afternoon, especially after lunch or during Florida rainstorms when walking feels exhausting.
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Secret benefit: These boats offer one of the best views of World Showcase Lagoon—especially during sunset.
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Avoid the crowds: Canada’s dock is usually less crowded than Germany’s. Head there for a shorter wait.
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Snag a photo op: Sit in the rear of the boat for open-air views and ideal photo angles.
Why This Quiet Fix Matters to Disney Fans
To casual visitors, it’s just a dock. But to fans who know EPCOT’s history and design philosophy, it’s symbolic.
EPCOT is more than a theme park—it’s Walt’s vision of the future. Every pavilion, path, and piece of infrastructure is intentionally crafted. So when something starts to literally sink, it can feel jarring. The quiet repair of this dock reflects Disney’s desire to maintain that illusion of perfection without calling attention to cracks in the magic.
It also raises questions: Will the Morocco dock reopen? Is Disney rethinking its internal transportation strategy? Could this be part of a larger plan for EPCOT’s ongoing transformation?
With EPCOT’s updates constantly unfolding—from new nighttime shows to evolving pavilions—this minor repair might be just the beginning.
Source: BlogMickey