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Overnight, Disney World Overhauled the EPCOT Guest Experience

A large geodesic sphere, reminiscent of Remo Saraceni's imaginative designs, is illuminated with a gradient of colors from purple to orange, creating a vibrant display against the dark night sky. The surface is composed of triangular panels with twinkling lights. Flags and trees are partially visible nearby.
Credit: Disney

Overnight, Walt Disney World Resort made a game-changing update to the guest experience at EPCOT. The overhaul comes after months of complaints about the new World Celebration neighborhood, which finally debuted in 2024 after years of construction, delays, and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Celebration neighborhood was underwhelming for many Disney Parks fans, who have slammed the area’s event space, CommuniCore Hall, as a bland convention center. The in-ground lighting in the outdoor CommuniCore Plaza has broken multiple times, while other parts of the busy walkway have been repaired with tape.

Three people walk side by side, holding hands, in front of CommuniCore Hall. Two are wearing Disney-themed clothing with mouse ears, while one has a colorful shirt. The building has modern architecture with geometric patterns. Trees are visible in the background.
Credit: Disney

Even though the new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction was well-received, many Disney Parks fans were disappointed that it took nearly five years to replace Future World and Innoventions with what they saw as an inferior new neighborhood. Many were upset that the most highly anticipated part of the overhaul–a modernization of Spaceship Earth–was shelved.

EPCOT used to be my favoutite park. So much of the magic is gone. The beauty and symmetry of Communicore Plaza is destroyed. Don’t get me started on the uninspiring entrance music.

It’s unlikely that Walt Disney World Resort will tear down the entire World Celebration area anytime soon, but EPCOT recently made one change to address guest feedback. According to a report from WDWNT, at least nine new backless benches have appeared along an outdoor walkway between CommuniCore Hall and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. The benches sit under some trees and greenery, so they’re shaded for at least part of the day.

Te Fiti in Journey of Water inspired by Moana at EPCOT.
Credit: Inside the Magic

One of the most common complaints among Walt Disney World Resort guests is the lack of outdoor seating, so this addition should make a huge difference for guests in the World Celebration area at EPCOT. It’s unclear whether Disney plans to add more outdoor seating to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Which Disney parks need more seating areas? Share your opinion with us in the comments! 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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