An opening day feature of EPCOT Center, the Fountain of Nations debuted on October 1, 1982, as a centerpiece of CommuniCore Plaza. Holding 149,000 gallons of water, the fountain was ceremonially filled with water from 29 countries and 25 bodies of water, symbolizing global unity and cooperation. Over the years, it was referred to by several names, including Fountain of Nations, Fountain of World Friendship, CommuniCore Fountain, and later Innoventions Fountain, reflecting the evolving identity of the surrounding pavilion areas.
In 1993, the fountain received a major upgrade: over 250 synchronized jets were installed, capable of launching water up to 150 feet in the air, choreographed to a 15-minute musical show that ran throughout the day. These performances became a beloved ritual for EPCOT guests, especially at night when lighting effects enhanced the spectacle.
At the 2019 D23 Expo, Disney announced sweeping changes to EPCOT, including the transformation of Future World into new neighborhoods like World Celebration. Sadly, this meant the end of the Fountain of Nations. The fountain was turned off on September 8, 2019, and demolished later that year as part of the park’s central hub redesign.
In a symbolic gesture, it was reported that water from the original fountain was preserved for inclusion in the new design, maintaining a thread of continuity between EPCOT’s past and future. Today, the site is part of the World Celebration Gardens, where new lighting and landscaping pay tribute to the spirit of innovation and connection the fountain once embodied.
Can’t believe they took this down.
Well, the plumbing, pumps and all were in bad condition, so it became impractical to refurbish the fountain. They should have built a replacement !