Disney World Replaces Italy World Showcase Location in EPCOT

Changes are underway in the Italy World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT, as Walt Disney World Resort completes a quiet update to an iconic part of the area. After a months-long refurbishment, the Pavilion’s iconic red brick tower is finally visible again, and the final touches are nearly complete.

Years of Assassin’s Creed have conditioned me into wanting to climb this tower. #Epcot #Italy

Years of Assassin's Creed have conditioned me into wanting to climb this tower. #Epcot #Italy pic.twitter.com/b2QUK5BA3k

— Matthew Green (@PressTheButtons) October 26, 2016

The tower’s transformation became noticeable to guests in February, when construction walls were built around the structure. Crews covered the tower with scaffolding, which was then wrapped in fake brick scrims designed to resemble the original architecture. The temporary coverings helped crews safely work on the structure while keeping the iconic World Showcase building photo-ready for EPCOT guests.

As of July 15, the refurbishment is nearing completion. During a recent visit, WDWNT observed that much of the scaffolding and the fake brick coverings had been removed, exposing the real brickwork of the tower underneath. While guests can now see the restored building, some construction walls are still in place at the base of the tower. These walls are likely there to facilitate the final phases of the refurbishment.

The Italy World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT features a replica of St. Mark’s Campanile, the bell tower at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. Walt Disney World Resort has made sure to preserve the tower’s original design during the refurbishment, and the iconic brickwork and detailed carvings at the top of the tower remain unchanged. The work likely involved standard maintenance and some repainting to ensure the building looks as good as new.

Walt Disney World Resort has not released any official statements regarding the ongoing refurbishment, which is typical for minor maintenance projects. Disney generally only announces updates when the work significantly impacts the guest experience, such as when an attraction is closed. Interestingly, there is also an ongoing refurbishment project taking place between the Mexico and Norway pavilions at EPCOT, though details about that project are still under wraps.

Which EPCOT World Showcase Pavilion is your favorite? Let Disney Tips know in the comments!