Epcot Update: Construction & Controversies with Impressions de France & New Music
We’re back at EPCOT for the first Walt Disney World construction update of 2020. Now that the Christmas season is over, work picks up pace here as the park enters its off-season (even with Festival of the Arts beginning very soon). Let’s take a stroll around Future World and World Showcase to see the current state of EPCOT, which is currently short for “Endless Projects: Construction of Tomorrow.”
For this update, we arrived via the Skyliner from Disney’s Hollywood Studios after grabbing our boarding pass (more on that tomorrow) and entered through the International Gateway entrance. Unfortunately, we had a wrapped gondola (line was too long to request an uncovered cabin)…which means no aerial photos of the new Gusteau’s sign added to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or of Future World from the Highway in the Sky.
Before we start with the update, let’s start with something that can’t be photographed: new World Showcase background music. Last week, a few new instrumental tracks were added to the ~60 minute background music loops in France, China, and Mexico. In the France pavilion, tracks can be heard from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ratatouille, and Beauty and the Beast. In the China pavilion, there are now songs from Mulan. Outside of the Mexico pavilion, there are now songs from Coco…
Unsurprisingly, this was met with a lot of angst on social media. Some of this I can understand–but I also think there’s an underlying “if we give them an inch, they’ll take a mile” mentality. Didn’t we all love The Story of Coco with Mariachi Cobre? Isn’t Gran Fiesta Tour generally well-received? It may not be ideal, but a few songs dabbled in background music is also hardly intrusive or going to be the straw that breaks theme. It could even lead more guests to appreciate the under-appreciated music loops that fade into the background.
Beyond that, I think hardcore EPCOT fans need to do a better job of picking their battles. These songs aren’t a matter of the writing being on the wall or Disney eroding the thematic integrity of EPCOT. Characters from animated films have been a stable presence in World Showcase since the mid-1990s, or over half of EPCOT’s existence. Freaking out about every little change because it doesn’t perfectly square with the 1982 version of the park is a recipe for constant frustration and heartache, especially when Disney has made it abundantly clear where this park is heading.
This blog has had posts about the difficulty of “Letting EPCOT Go,” so I get it. I still have a tough time with some of the decisions about the direction of the park, but (as I wrote in our Epcot Forever Review) have mostly come to terms with it. EPCOT has been heading down this path for decades; being the old man shouting at a cloud over every little questionable change isn’t accomplishing anything. I’d prefer to enjoy the new park on its own terms, for what it is and could be, rather than lamenting something that once was but will never be again.
That brings me to the next EPCOT-related social media controversy: Impressions de France showtimes. For years, it has seemed like a foregone conclusion that Impressions de France’s days were numbered. At first, it was feared the theater would be consumed by the expansion of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. When it was granted a reprieve from that, many figured it was only a matter of time before that needed the space, either for a shop or supporting offering to help with crowds.
When the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along was announced, it was a shock that the new offering would alternate showings with Impressions de France. Even when that announcement was made, I assumed it’d be a year or less until a blog post with, “due to its overwhelming popularity and feedback from our guests, the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will now have even more showtimes so more guests can enjoy this beloved attraction…”
I still think that’s the inevitability here. As such, I’m not surprised to find out that Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will be shown daily from 11 am to 7 pm, with Impressions de France from only 7:30 to 9 pm. We see Impressions de France more than we do literally any other attraction in Epcot. We’ve made a concerted effort to visit every one of its filming locations in France (we’re getting close–mostly just spots around the French Alps remain!).
We’re probably the closest thing Impressions de France has to super fans. I maintain that it’s the best film-based attraction in Epcot (better than Soarin’), almost completely timeless (only a couple of 80s outfits), as well as a beautiful and effective ‘sales pitch’ for visiting France. I think a sing-along is a lame replacement and this being Disney’s idea of “alternating” is very disappointing. Nevertheless, Impressions de France has had a good run–longer than anyone could’ve ever expected. When it does inevitably end, I’ll be sad but understanding.
In the meantime, we’ll be seeing it every night to end our evenings at Epcot. Hopefully other fans of the film will also make a point of seeing it as much as possible, as numbers are ultimately the only thing that’ll prolong its run.
Moving along to a more positive note, the food booths around World Showcase appear prepared for the start of Festival of the Arts.
As we’ve stressed countless times, this is the best event of the year at Epcot. Read our 2020 Guide to Epcot’s Festival of the Arts for more info & planning tips.
Speaking of food, work continues on “Regal Eagle’s Distinctly Patriotic Smokehouse: A Salute to All Foods, But Mostly Barbecued Meats ~ A Sam Eagle Craft Drafts & BBQ Joint” (name not official…YET!)
We shared the full menu & prices last week, which presents good news whether you’re on the Disney Dining Plan or paying out of pocket, as there are a range of entrees that will make Regal Eagle a great ‘bang for buck’ restaurant.
This is follows the announcement by Walt Disney World that Sam Eagle of the Muppets will host the restaurant.
It’s difficult to say how much work remains to be done, but we’re still anticipating that this restaurant opens in late February or March 2020. The start of Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival seems like as good of a prediction as any.
Moving to the front of World Showcase, we have the new Refreshment Port restrooms that opened late last month.
These are a huge improvement over their now-demolished, undersized predecessor.
Between the new restrooms and the Refreshment Port is the temporary Starbucks Traveler’s Cafe.
This has a modern modular design style that you might see featured in Dwell. Fitting for EPCOT, but not so much for this particular corner of the park. Either way, it’s temporary.
Continuing along this same path, we can see the remnants of Innoventions.
The argument could be made that this is poor show, but short of erecting gigantic walls and huge scrims for the next 2+ years (which wouldn’t even be practical during storm season), I’m not sure how this is avoidable given the location. I personally enjoyed watching the in plain view transformation of DCA several years ago, and also find this fascinating.
It takes you aback the first time you see this demolition in person, but I say good riddance. Then again, I have no sentimentality towards Innoventions.
At no time in my adult life have either of these buildings offered anything even remotely justifying the prime real estate they consumed in Epcot. My only disappointment is that the other side isn’t being demolished, too.
Back over by the Seas pavilion, the front entrance bypass has opened. We’d expect this pathway to be open for the next couple of years.
On the right side of the frame here is the Innoventions building that will be demolished to make way for the Moana Journey of Water walk-through.
Bouncing over to the other side of Future World, here’s a current look at the Space 220 Restaurant by Mission Space.
Walt Disney World still hasn’t provided an official opening date for this beyond “this winter.” It remains to be seen whether a debut by March is realistic–we’re hopeful it’ll be open by May 2020.
This area is now pretty quiet, as Test Track has closed for its refurbishment, which runs through the end of February.
For more info on this and other closures, see our 2020 Refurbishment Calendar for Walt Disney World.
Nearby, MouseGear has set up temporary shop in the portion of Innoventions behind Electric Umbrella.
Electric Umbrella still has not closed, and we’d now anticipate it won’t until the two new restaurants debut (and perhaps not until Spaceship Earth begins its 2-year overhaul).
Here’s a look inside the temporary MouseGear.
It’s nothing special, but gets the job done. It follows the similar open floor-plan approach used in the World of Disney remodels, right down to the signs on the walls with popcorn lights indicating what’s in each area.
We’ll wrap up this construction update at the front of Epcot, where half of the entrance area has reopened with the Leave a Legacy monoliths removed and new planters and pavement installed. It remains to be seen how faithful this is to the concept art released last year. So far, so good!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of the current state of Epcot and its construction projects? Thoughts on music from animated films in the World Showcase BGMs? What about the limited showtimes for Impressions de France? Looking forward to visiting Endless Projects: Construction of Tomorrow during your next WDW trip, or dreading visits to the park while it’s an active construction site? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
When we go in March we will have to make certain to be at the France pavilion late. Our girls are 7 and 10, and we have no interest in the singalong. The France movie is a favorite. We saw it late the last time we went 5 years ago, and my then 2 year old asked to watch it again, and it was one of her favorite things that trip. My 11 year old niece loved Epcot (her fave park), my kids loved decorating their Duffy bear and having it decorated. Our then 5 year old preferred meeting the different country’s representatives over the princess meal. I was hoping for a little more balance. Guess we are just a big family of nerds!
Tom, do you know if either the outgoing adventures or the new Duck Tales Adventures will be happening during the first week of March? I’m worried that we will be there in between one ending and the other beginning.
“When it does inevitably end, I’ll be sad but understanding.”
Not me, and I’m a bit shocked to read that from you! I credit you & this blog for turning me into a big IdF fan. I love it, I get teary-eyed, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful and moving things that Disney has in any of its parks.
I mean, I know that me not being ‘understanding’ doesn’t mean crap to Disney, and I see the writing on the wall the same as you…3 showings at night is simply a way to kill it quietly.
Still, I’m incredibly upset. And since I’m not local, my ability to see IdF is limited. I’ll basically spend my entire Epcot evening my next trip to watch it, but beyond that I can’t do much.
As the film says – we must go. Please enjoy it MANY times for me!
I’m glad that someone who is a lover of Impressions de France actually acknowledges that its days are numbered. The fact of the matter is that this show was and is poorly attended. It’s just not that popular….it just isn’t. Anyone that tells you that it is, is delusional. While I understand the dismay of the fans of the show, that doesn’t allow them to alter the facts. Disney doesn’t shutter or replace popular attractions, they just don’t. We on the other hand…in 30 years of going to WDW have only watched this show once and we weren’t impressed. It’s just not our thing.
As for the group of people that are lamenting the changes in the Background Music…that it’ too much IP, that boat has sailed…and done so a long time ago. Time to move on or as Elsa sang…LET IT GO!
Disney scheduled too much construction at one time. They want a new look for epcot 50 aniversery, I get that but they should have started little by little a long time ago
Epcot isn’t just about the rides and exhibits in the countries. The food is diverse and delicious! The shopping in the countries unique. I won’t forget going to Japan and having a sales lady dress my granddaughters in kimonos just to see how they looked. The land, the sea are so educational (not the ride but the aquarium). There is a lot for all ages as far as I’m concerned. Change is ok, but hopefully much will remain that I’ve loved! Going last week of April, so I’ll see then! Just adults this time.
You callous basterd (purposefully misspelled)! Haha I think you are mostly correct and Tom nailed it in his blog. We must come to terms with change and actually embrace it. I’m optimistic about most of the proposed changes. I am very guarded about changes to the World Showcase however. I still think this should remain an edu-tainment venue and remain true to its roots (I could care less about the IP music however). Future World by virtue of its name can never be relevant for too long so I get the changes that are to be made. I’m feeling good about it (but I don’t quite see how Guardians of the Galaxy ride fits but at least let’s hope it’s a good one!).
Regarding Innoventions – the first time I took my kids to Disney (2012) there was a piggie bank adventure, that was the highlight of the trip for my kids – I forget the sponsor, but it had the cutest little piggie, that you went through stations with, learning about saving vs spending, investing risk vs reward and inflation. We went through it several times. I will miss things like this in innovations, although I will say I was impressed with nothing the last trip I took about a year ago.
The Great Piggy Bank Adventure by T. Rowe Price!
That was actually a good and important one–personal finance should be on the curriculum in every school!
Could be that I have just missed this info, but is Club Cool still in service in a new location? Going in May and CC is a definite family favorite. The kiddos would be disappointed if we missed out on it.
That was super fun. My kids loved that version of Innoventions! There was also the fire safety house thing. Those were cool but the last few years it’s been nothing, so I’m glad to see those big empty buildings going away.
I wish I’d seen this blog prior to visiting EPCOT yesterday. Part way through our day we headed to my favorite EPCOT attraction and were tickled to get there just before the doors closed for a new showing. I was a bit disgusted that the Disney powers-that-be felt that they needed yet another Disney movie “advertisement” prior to their wonderful French cultural movie. Except it wasn’t an intro… It finished and we were ushered out of the theater. I came very close to tears that this wonderful attraction was “gone,” at least that’s what I thought at the time.
It would not have surprised me for then to reshoot the film in higher resolution after all these years and always feared they’d change it up a bit too much when they did so, but to have it replaced with an animation short that provides no insight into all the beauties of France was unthinkable to me. I am so glad that it’s not gone completely and will again and see it in the next few weeks, thanks to reading your blog, but what a shame they’ve made it unavailable to the daytime visitors. My kids are now adults and loved this beautiful introduction to France as they were growing up (they both took French as their foreign language once they got to high school), as well as the other interesting, educational and imagination stirring presentations and activities.
It’s so frustrating and disappointing to see the continued dumbing down of this park that was once such a unique departure from the other Disney parks.
Pretty bummed about the weirdo hours they’ve given Impressions. But also, and this is silly…We now have three Beauty and the Beast “attractions” at WDW. Disney+ is out to prove there are hundreds and hundreds of Disney films. Disney Parks seem to be out to prove that there are ten.
Yes, but why have one excellent Beauty and the Beast offering when you can have 6 mediocre ones?!?! 😉
NO BUT REALLY.
Like you, I won’t miss Innoventions, always wondered exactly what it was meant to show. Kind of like a display in search of a purpose. I did like the Color and Paint section but nothing there was anything one couldn’t do or experience in a good quality children’s museum. But what’s going on with the East and West, the Land and the Sea areas? Although much quieter and more information delivery than the ‘fun’ rides, they have always been among my family’s favorites. Just gliding through the experimental and hydroponic farming display was peaceful, educational and brought home the importance of responsible farming and the need to feed an increasing population. A lesson my kid would have never gotten in her super test result focused, ‘competitive’ middle school. And although the Sea ride was OK, the surrounding aquarium atmosphere and Turtle Talk with Crush was the one building I knew we would be in for over an hour every visit because my kid refused to leave. Please tell me these aren’t disappearing – they embody the purposed of Epcot for me, that is to introduce us to the world and cultures around us with glimpses of a possible future.
“Please tell me these aren’t disappearing — they embody the purposed of Epcot for me, that is to introduce us to the world and cultures around us with glimpses of a possible future.”
They aren’t disappearing.
Speaking of disappearing is there any word on whether the colored swirling fiber optic light displays in the sidewalks around Innovations will be preserved? During our trip over New Year’s I saw some of the “white on/off starlight” fiber optics effects, but I did not see any of the colored swirling patterned ones.
“We’ve made a concerted effort to visit every one of its filming locations in France (we’re getting close—mostly just spots around the French Alps remain!).”
Maybe this is just me being overly optimistic, but maybe some more of the kid friendly options will draw kids/families to areas of EPCOT they wouldn’t typically go? Maybe that leads to another generation to be inspired to travel the world and expand their horizons.
I’m sure I’ve just done a terrible job raising my kids, and that’s why they are uncultured cretins, but they (aged 6 & 8) just aren’t drawn that strongly to world showcase (or much of EPCOT for that matter). While I hope more adult offerings remain for those that love them, if something more kid friendly is the hook, and they stumble into something else…that’s a win all around to me.
I think this is a fair view, although perhaps overly optimistic.
On a personal note, I loved the original EPCOT Center as a kid, World Showcase was not part of that love. It wasn’t until ~2009 that we even saw Impressions de France, and I think that was because it was a hot day and we were drinking around the world or something. We instantly fell in love and were hooked, but it’d be lying to say I was a particularly cultured child who was enamored with World Showcase early on. The truth is pretty far from that.
World Showcase has been hugely inspirational to us as adults, but a preexisting love of Epcot for other reasons is what got us there. (If that makes sense.)
My granddaughter at seven was so excited to go to world Showcase. She studied Japan that year in school. We would let her pick the next country she wanted to know more about and we would talk about it on the way there, what do you think they ate and why. How did they dress and why. What do you think the weather like. It’s not hard to make it interesting
Drew, have you tried the Disney Passport at Epcot? My Nieces loved that when we went and it made the tour of the world area all that more enjoyable.
Thanks for the tip Hope. We haven’t tried that yet. I will definitely check it out for the next trip.
I personally loved EPCOT as a kid as well (the only souvenir I still have from our family trips is a Figment plush circa early 90’s). For whatever reason, EPCOT today has never resonated with my own kids; I’d really like it if it did. I’m probably just still feeling overly optimistic since its early in 2020.
I’m excited about the Beauty and the Beast Sing-a-long, but after watching the Imagineering show on Disney+ I was also looking forward to watching some of those movies like Impressions de France. However, I wasn’t planning on staying late in the park this next trip so I’m bummed I will probably miss it. My real question: is there any word on when they will be closing Space Ship Earth? I’d like to ride it one last time before they change it.
“My real question: is there any word on when they will be closing Space Ship Earth? I’d like to ride it one last time before they change it.”
If you asked me last summer, I would’ve said it’d probably be closed by now. Yet, there hasn’t even been an announcement yet. My hope is that WDW will give some advance notice here, as I think many would like to get their last rides in on the current version.
Summer is the least busy time of the year at Epcot and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure should be opening then, so June or July would make sense at this point…but that’s a total guess.
I like that guess! haha. Here’s hoping that’ll be open when I go as I’ve never been to Spaceship Earth and I have it scheduled on my May trip. If not, guess I’ll never know the old version.
I’m another fan of Impressions de France. It was such a wonderful place to sit and cool off during the day and watch that endearing movie. Sing-a-long? We won’t be there at all. It’s bad enough sitting in church next to someone who cannot sing on key than to have to sit in a space full of kids screaming the words they think are the song. It’s too bad Disney doesn’t realize that adults often go to the parks during the daytime. Even they say it’s not just for kids. But they are making it all about kids and less about fans older than seven. If you want to sing along with Beauty and the Beast, you have the show in DHS. Or are they taking out all the older Disney movie stuff from that park, too?
“Even they say it’s not just for kids. But they are making it all about kids and less about fans older than seven.”
I don’t think this is entirely fair. Even with this added during the daytime, there’s American Adventure, Canada Far & Wide, and the upcoming China film that are all air-conditioned, no-hassle experiences that appeal to older demographics more than kids.
On the more appealing to kids front, there’s now the Beauty & Beast Sing-Along and Gran Fiesta Tour. (There’s also Frozen Ever After and, soon, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, but if we’re talking “no hassle” I don’t think those can qualify.)
“World Showcase is boring for kids” has been one of the most consistent complaints from families visiting Walt Disney World. I personally think a sing-along is a lame solution to that, but this is the same park that is playing Disney+ content in the Imagination theater.
Seeing the direction of the park, I guess I’m just happy that we’re getting new World Showcase films in Canada and China that are not cartoons (although the jury is still out on their quality) and Impressions de France is sticking around at all.
I’ve seen the Canada and China movies exactly once. I suffer from motion sickness and those are not for me. I can do the movie in France because 1. I’m sitting down (I remember the other theaters having to stand, is that still the case?) and 2. I focus on the center screen . Not at all interested in singalong even though that’s a favorite movie of mine.
I don’t believe people could not foster interest in places around the world. There were parades, movies ,drummers ,origami , concerts, dragons, food from other countries ,stores from other countries, and people from other countries. A beautiful fireworks display what about this could be boring .
That’s right. Epcot isn’t really for kids. Why else would they offer four festivals that are basically adult events year round. Festival of the Arts, followed by Flower and Garden Festival, then a break for summer, but Food & Wine follows shortly later before Summer is even over, followed by Festival of the Holidays. It’s just nice to keep some things more adult and less child oriented from time to time.
There are lots of folks including us who enjoy Epcot early in the day & are incredibly disappointed that impressions de France will only play in evenings. DIsney you can do better by us.
Weird that you don’t get why people would (rightly) make a fuss about adding Disney scores to the countries. The World Showcase offers the chance to travel the world without having to ever leave the country, and while I admire the scores by people like Alan Menken, they are no more than mild flavors of the countries that inspire them. Why bother carefully conducting this illusion of a Parisian block just to play music you’d NEVER hear there? You think the French hold the Hunchback soundtrack up as some culturally important landmark? It’s not immersive, it’s marketing their products, full-stop. Call a spade a spade. Disney+ just launched and this year will roll out to more countries, so filling the World Showcase with more from these films in the service only benefits Disney+, not the World Showcase experience.
When they converted California Adventure into essentially a Pixar/Marvel hybrid, I kind of understood it (minus putting Mickey on the ferris wheel, which fits none of their Pixar theming). They celebrated the wrong things about California culture and the things they came close to doing well were close enough that it was silly to emulate them there. This is not that.
Are you gonna tell me you’ll honestly feel the same sense of being totally geographically lost in the different countries with music from Disney animated films playing? The “it’s just fading into the background” excuse is weak, the music you hear now brings the place to life. It serves to create a sense of authenticity and immersion, one you simply cannot argue is accomplished whatsoever by including well-known music from the cartoons. It’s not a knock on those classic films, it’s just not the place for it. Fantasyland serves this purpose if you want to visit caricatures of real life locations.
World showcase offers the ability to experience Disney’s version of different countries all while strolling around a lake in central Florida. It’s all an idealized (cherry picking the best from each country) pseudo Fantasyland experience and always has been.
I’ve never had any expectation I’d get some true cultural immersion in world showcase. Frankly, I think that’s an unrealistic expectation as you’d have to bring the bad with the good which no theme park will ever do (rightfully so).
“Fantasyland serves this purpose if you want to visit caricatures of real life locations.”
As noted above, World Showcase is also this–a romanticized/time-capsule version of each country. You don’t hear background music at all in these places, and certainly not classical music.
My attitude is less that “this is ideal” and more that “of all the things to be upset about, why choose this?” Again, characters have been in World Showcase for decades. Meet & greets, attractions, and even merchandise are all–to me–more intrusive than 1-3 instrumental songs in a ~60 minute background music loop. We know this is the direction that Disney is taking EPCOT, so why choose this as the hill to die on?
LOL if you really think going to Disney France is remotely the same as going to real France. I don’t think WDW is going to miss anyone who believes Fake France has been ruined.
Did they replace the music loops or just add a few Disney songs into the existing loops?
Add a few songs. Think the Main Street BGM with the “Married Life” song from Up.
I am so upset right now after reading your post about Impressions de France ! I beg to differ as I think my husband, myself and our 36 year old daughter are HUGE fans of this attraction and have been. I also spoke to Conor, an EPCOT CM on media day in December who assured me that our beloved attraction would be shown alternately with this Belle singalong. Nothing was said about only a 2 hour window late in the day! You can bet I’ll be complaining loudly and often about this ridiculous schedule!
Complaining is obviously your prerogative, but I’d also suggest everyone make a concerted effort to see Impressions de France and not see the Beauty and Beast Sing-Along. This will eventually come down to numbers, and so long as Impressions de France is stilling pulling crowds in the evening slot, it’ll be safe.
We rarely stay in the parks after 6pm but will stay longer in order to see our favorite movie
2 typos: Mexica instead of Mexico and angst instead of anger.
Angst is a word and the correct one in Tom’s context above. 🙂
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angst
I hope we make it back to hear the wonderful music and “mah frawnz awakens with the early dawn” one more time. Like you, I love this movie, I loved all the movies and saw them all at least once per trip. I will miss Martin Short and the old guy from the China movie. Yes, I preferred Maelstrom and the way out of date Norway movie to Frozen. I didn’t make it to WDW until 2008 when I was in my 40s and fell in love with the place. I studied the history so I know I missed so much in the nearly 40 years before I went and could deal with that. I fully realise the need and I want WDW to update and grow, but even in the 12 years since I found my happy place, so much of what I fell in love with is gone.
I laughed at your IdF opening translation. I love this film so much.
Me too! Something about the music, the scenes and the narration would give me a totally calm and relaxed feeling. I loved all the World Showcase films, but Impressions de France was special.
It’s just another step towards turning Epcot into fantasy land. I love the movies and the music just not in Epcot. I was there last September and enjoyed the food and wine festival so I didn’t have to go inside a restaurant where the noise level was deafening. I guess it was already lost with the rides.
I agree 100%!!!
I’m surprised to find you that defeatist about IDF. I can’t believe they led us on with an announced “alternating” format just to pull the rug out at the end.
I also hold no sentimentality for Innoventions, but I do have some for Communicore! It is interesting to see the demolition progress, though.
I guess I’m just surprised that they kept it at all to begin with. My guess is that the Bocuse family or one of their other French corporate partners fought for it to stick around. Backloading the schedule is setting it up to fail, giving Disney an easy (future) out.
Just a guess, though.
Hi Tom We were in the French Pavillon this weekend I noticed the trees are gone by the fountain . I miss them as I thought the trees gave it character. Is this to prep for the crowds ? Does anyone know ? Thanks
Crowds are the most plausible explanation. That corridor is going to be a major pinch-point, so expect them to remove as much ‘friction’ as possible.
I’m currently sitting in the quiet UK bandstand area after listening to the British Invasion play and now am listening to a Hockey match
But I did notice the background music earlier while power walking round the world!!