Now that the Oaxacan wood carving stand in the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion pyramid at EPCOT is officially closed, all traces of the former merchandise location have disappeared. Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort has roped off the nearby interactive Kidcot stop.
Closure in the Mexico Pavilion Pyramid at EPCOT
In late August, Disney Fanatic reported that cast members had confirmed the permanent closure of the Oaxacan wood carving shop in the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion pyramid at EPCOT. The small store was located near the entrance to the Plaza de los Amigos, a faux “open-air” marketplace.
The stand sold colorful animal figures hand-carved out of wood harvested from the hills around the Oaxacan Valley in Southern Mexico. In the days leading up to the merchandise location's permanent closure on August 31, Disney cast members posted hand-written signs advertising 50% off the carvings.
A Look at the Space Now
On September 1, just one day after the Oaxacan wood-carving stand closed up shop, WDWNT reported that all signs of the shuttered merchandise location had disappeared from the Plaza de los Amigos. Walt Disney World Resort also roped off the nearby Kidcot stop, which is part of an interactive scavenger hunt around the EPCOT World Showcase targeted at kids (and kids-at-heart).
The only things left in the space where the shop once stood are a large barrel and a lamppost. Guests are allowed to stand in that area for now.
Meanwhile, the Kidcot stop has been dismantled, and velvet ropes block guests from entering. As of September 1, Disney has not announced a replacement Kidcot stop for the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion, so EPCOT guests will not be able to get that stamp for their “passports.”
Walt Disney World Resort has not said why it decided to close the Oaxacan wood carving shop and the Kidcot stop in the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. It's unclear when (or if) the Kidcot stop will return.
How do you feel about the closure of the Oaxacan wood carving shop in the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
