Epcot: Where Did All The Benches Go?

[disneyokw]

My parents went today to Epcot and called me after Illuminations. They mentioned that the majority of the benches around World Showcase is gone. I was surprised that the bench outside of Norway has been removed. The only benches they could really see was at Canada and any other was in front of a place for the handicap that no one can get too. My elderly parents wound up sitting on the floor.

Has any one else noticed and/or heard of what is happening. I had gone to Epcot on three separate trips last year and one this year and noticed that they were slowly dwindling, but now my mother said even more are gone than when we recently went.

 

[bicker]

I remember seeing folks standing on some of the benches last time; I wonder if someone got hurt badly enough ...

 

[SueM in MN]

I remember seeing folks standing on some of the benches last time; I wonder if someone got hurt badly enough ...

A CM also told us people were using the benches to climb over (or help their kids climb over) the fences that separate the sidewalk from the grass area right along the water. WDW was afraid of someone falling into the water because people couldn't see why their child couldn't sit on the grass to watch Illuminations. Last year we personally saw someone being told to bring their kids to the sidewalk side of the fence (the parents were on the correct side of the fence). As soon as the CM was out of sight, they climbed the bench and were over the fence again.

 

[Skylarr29]

When we took our KTTK tour in September our guide told us that during busy times they remove certain benches from the MK so that it does not cause more congestion. I wonder if this could be a reason why??? I did notice the benches outside of Le Cellier were gone last time I was there but the crowds exiting O' Canada use the path so if its busy maybe it would cause a block in the flow of "traffic".

 

[disneyokw]

Thank you for your answers. I must be wet behind the ears or something but I would NEVER, EVER think of climbing over the fence. Let alone allow my kids do that (I have no kids - My mom and I are the kids at Disney). Last year I did see many adults and kids (not in the same family) at MK on the stage in front of the castle. They had moved the gate to stand on the stage, have their picture took, kids climbing up the staircase where Cinderella stands during Celebration. No cast members were around. I went to the reservation at the restaurant at the castle and told them what was happening. I thought it was funny when one of the workers told his co-workers that he will be right back. He has to go play security guard to some rude guests.

 

[BonnieA]

I have noticed this more and more on every trip to Epcot. This time the benches were missing near Mexico and the picnic tables that used to sit on the little area near the water in front of Germany. I complain to WDW each time but apparently it does no good. Even to just walk around the world showcase is hard for older folk without a break or two, not to mention not being able to sit and watch illuminations. I'm starting to carry my own folding stool which is in a carry pouch and when folded is not much bigger than a folded umbrella.
If someone wants to get over the fence, it can be done without a bench.

 

[webmomom]

When we were in April I watched people move the benches up the railings. There is no more 3 feet from the railing before them moved. I also saw an Grandmother lifting the grandchildren over the fence to watch the fireworks. Needleness to say they sit on the grass and they were all the area. I was afraid they go into the lake.

 

[tink1978]

Some people apparently do not care about the rules here. The rules are in place to keep people safe. These people who are putting their children over the railing need to think about this!! It does not take long for a kid to run over to the water and fall in, but it would take an adult a lot longer to get over the fence and get to them OR they may not even be paying attention when their kid falls in!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I remember seeing folks standing on some of the benches last time; I wonder if someone got hurt badly enough ...

Also, when we were there a few weeks ago, I noticed that a new top had been added to the top of the railing at the bridge by France (the bridge over the water). They've added about 6 inches more with all pointed tops. We figured that people were sitting on the railing over the water and maybe someone fell in! Rather than constantly telling people not to sit on the railing to watch Illuminations, they added the new top.

 

[DebbieB]

They took away the benches in Town Square at MK and I think in front of the castle.