Disney World Covers up Historic American Area at EPCOT

The construction presence at the American Adventure World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT grew significantly on Wednesday, with new barriers now wrapping around portions of the building that hadn’t been touched since the repair work began. Unfortunately, the damage being uncovered in the process is worse than what was initially visible.

More Pillars, More Damage

WDWNT reported on July 29 that Walt Disney World Resort had installed construction barriers around at least four additional pillars on the right side of the main American Adventure building, in front of the partially outdoor area housing the Kidcot Fun Stop. The new barriers match the protective materials already in place around the pillars on the building’s front face, expanding the construction footprint across more of the colonial-style structure’s exterior.

The expansion also brought new damage into view. Holes are now visible above the newly covered pillars — the likely remnants of the mounting hardware used to install the 250th anniversary signage during the Independence Day celebrations. What began as a targeted repair of a few damaged columns is expanding to a considerably larger section of the EPCOT World Showcase Pavilion’s facade.

Tracing the Damage Back to July 4

The problem started when Walt Disney World Resort removed the patriotic bunting and signage installed on the American Adventure Pavilion for the Fourth of July weekend. The removal process left visible marks across multiple columns — chipped paint, adhesive residue, and at least one metal support bracket torn entirely from the stone, exposing the building’s inner infrastructure.

Construction barriers appeared around the most affected pillars in the weeks that followed, alongside a general construction permit filed by Walt Disney World Resort listing a roofing and architectural company as the third-party contractor. Wednesday’s expansion to the right side of the building makes clear the project is addressing damage across more of the facade than the first round of barriers suggested.

American Adventure Pavilion Is Still Open

Despite the construction visible on the exterior, the American Adventure World Showcase Pavilion is operating normally inside. The audio-animatronic show, Voices of Liberty performances, the Kidcot Fun Stop, pavilion restrooms, and the Regal Eagle Smokehouse are all accessible to EPCOT guests throughout the ongoing repair work.

Which EPCOT World Showcase Pavilion is your favorite? Share your opinion with Disney Tips in the comments!