Is the Morocco Friendship Dock at EPCOT Really Sinking?

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Recently, visitors to EPCOT have expressed concerns upon noticing an unusual sight at the dock for the Friendship Boats at the Morocco Pavilion. Instead of its normal level position, the dock now appears noticeably tilted. Various sections seem submerged underwater, and the ends of the structure are partially submerged as well.

Morocco FriendShip Dock Appears To Be Sinking at EPCOT

— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) July 11, 2025

Back in July of 2025, I found myself captivated by an unusual sight at the Morocco Friendship Dock – it seemed to be leaning towards the water, and one end was noticeably lower than the other. Snapshots I took, as well as those shared by fellow Disney enthusiasts and news outlets, sparked quite a buzz among us movie buffs.

The alterations at the given dock are quite evident when contrasted with neighboring docks that stay flat and raised. No formal justification for these changes has been given by Disney yet. However, some enthusiasts have voiced worries about the structure’s safety and functionality, especially since boarding activities at this dock appear to be halted.

Operational Changes in the FriendShip Service

At EPCOT, four Friendship Boat docks are positioned around the World Showcase Lagoon, specifically in Canada, Germany, Mexico, and Morocco. Since its reopening following COVID-19, only the Canada dock and one of the others (often Morocco) have been consistently operational. The Germany and Mexico docks seldom provide service unless another dock is undergoing maintenance.

By June 2025, EPCOT subtly altered the boat route: from then on, boats navigate solely between Canada and Germany. The Morocco dock is noticeably absent without any given reason. A new sign now indicates, “Boat trips will be available exclusively between Canada and Germany.

It seems that, unlike previous occurrences where Disney would inform guests about changes like maintenance or renovations, this unexpected reroute was not announced. This lack of formal communication has sparked curiosity and speculation among guests regarding the condition of the Morocco dock.

Possible Explanations and Guest Reactions

Curious spectators and regular attendees are starting to wonder about the reason behind the object seemingly being submerged. One important query that arises is whether it’s because of natural wear and tear over time, insufficient maintenance, or if Disney has chosen to permanently close it off for use.

Some people think that due to its aged condition and the absence of apparent repairs being done, the dock might have structural issues, possibly leading to intentional removal. On the other hand, some believe this could be a cost-cutting strategy: having fewer docks reduces staffing and maintenance costs, even if it limits boarding options.

The question about when the Friendship Boat will dock arises at a time when there have been several maintenance issues occurring in EPCOT, leading to wider worries regarding the upkeep of rides and pavilions.

1. Ceiling Collapse in the Soarin’ Queue

Towards the end of January 2025, a section of the ceiling, measuring around 2-3 feet in width and 15-20 feet in length, came crashing down onto a visitor’s walkway where the queue for the Soarin’ attraction was located.

Thankfully, no one was injured.

2. Sewage Leak in The Land Pavilion

In the same month, a sewage spill from a bathroom on the second level of The Land Pavilion resulted in polluted water flowing through parts of the Soarin’ line and adjacent restrooms. Consequently, both the attraction and the restrooms had to be shut down temporarily while cleanup operations were being carried out.

Last year, there was a significant sewage spill in the Magic Kingdom, causing certain areas of Frontierland to be temporarily shut down.

These incidents are more than isolated flukes, and they have prompted rising guest concern.

How This Affects Park Guests

Currently, visitors touring EPCOT who embark from the Canada Pavilion dock are required to alight in Germany, or conversely, those starting in Germany must disembark at the Canada dock. Those wishing to reach Morocco by boat will have to walk around the lagoon and enter via designated pathways instead.

This detour might not block access to Morocco altogether, but it certainly lengthens the journey and disturbs the relaxing water travel that was once an integral part of the experience.

For those guests who have mobility issues, not having a dock in Morocco creates an additional obstacle. The lagoon tour circle is about 1.2 miles long, so the lack of the dock means visitors must walk considerable distances instead.

What Disney Might Be Considering

Disney hasn’t made any announcements about whether the Morocco dock is being inspected or repaired at this time. Given that there appears to be no ongoing construction work, it remains uncertain whether a short-term renovation is taking place or if the dock might remain closed for an extended period.

In the years 2024 and 2025, EPCOT performed a brief renovation on the Morocco dock. This update included adding crates for reinforcement, but Disney presented it as preventative rather than corrective maintenance. However, the absence of regular upkeep since then has sparked some apprehension.

Final Takeaway

Currently, the Morocco Friendship Pavilion at EPCOT seems slightly askew and partially submerged. No formal announcement or safety warning has been given yet, but signs like quiet detours, noticeable tilting, and blocked-off entrances suggest either ongoing maintenance work or potential structural problems.

At present, guests are advised to understand that the Moroccan dock is currently unavailable for use. They should adapt their plans accordingly. This instance underscores the significant role that small park features play in shaping visitors’ experiences, and how subtle modifications can at times have a more profound impact than overt announcements.

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2025-07-17 15:57