An iconic Walt Disney World location is gone. Pin Central, which had stood in its location behind Spaceship Earth, was demolished officially today. Pin Central was one of the many classic icons of EPCOT past and its closing is a sign of a new chapter in EPCOT’s history.

As we approached the work site today, we noticed there was nothing on the horizon above the construction walls. While the first canopy structures were demolished yesterday, not even the larger structures were in sight.

When we were able to get a higher vantage point, we saw sweeping changes. The majority of the area has been cleared and dirt has been filled in. We also got a nice glimpse of the future Guardians of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster that is off in the distance.

Where Pin Central sat for so many years is now where various construction vehicles dwell, with nothing but a central blue and purple post at the center. The iconic fiber optic pathway that lined the concrete around Pin Central also has been officially removed.

As guests are directed around the large construction area taking up most of Future World, we can see the remains of Pin Central’s kiosk being loaded into containers and removed.

All that is left from the vibrant blue and purple open-air kiosk appears to be one lonely pillar that is still in place.

Along with the removal of Pin Central, we have also covered the closing of the quick service restaurant, Electric Umbrella, which is seen under the white awnings. Work on Electric Umbrella does not appear to have begun just yet, although it is slated for more of a remodel as opposed to a full demolition. We can still see the sign in place, and tables and chairs still outside. On the other hand, we have been following the current renovation of MouseGear which you can see, is quite the opposite. We can see all the way though MouseGear now. From this vantage point, we can tell that the once-thriving merchandise location has been stripped down to the slab.

Get a good look, that pile of rubble is your last opportunity to relive some of your fondest Pin Trading memories. I remember purchasing my first pin trading backpack from here when I was around 11 years old. That backpack has been to Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and countless trips to Walt Disney World. With it, my love for all things Disney pins started right here. It’s sad to see of course, but everything that changes is sad to see. It doesn’t mean that what is coming won’t be even better.

Walt Disney once said “I wanted something live, something that could grow, something I could keep plussing with ideas, you see? The park is that. Not only can I add things but even the trees will keep growing; the thing will get more beautiful every year.” We’ll just have to see how the future fares for the new EPCOT.

Bryant