Guests walking through EPCOT this summer may spot a new addition to the World Celebration neighborhood—palm trees. According to WDW Magic, Disney has planted foxtail palms near Spaceship Earth, helping to reintroduce greenery to an area that had been sparse in recent years.
“Over time, several trees in front of Spaceship Earth were removed, leaving the area looking sparse. The new additions help bring back a more balanced and inviting look,” the outlet noted. The new trees match others that line the walkway to the World Celebration Gardens, creating a more unified appearance.
This landscaping change is part of ongoing work throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Projects are underway across multiple parks, including the expansion of Magic Kingdom, updates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the development of the Tropical Americas section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
EPCOT itself has seen some of the most extensive transformation in recent years. The former Future World area was replaced with three themed neighborhoods—World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery—each emphasizing a distinct facet of EPCOT’s core identity.
World Celebration was the final piece to open among the trio. Its central locations, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, act as the primary venues for the park’s seasonal festivals, such as the International Food & Wine Festival and the International Flower & Garden Festival. These spaces offer gathering points and experiences that connect guests to EPCOT’s cultural and creative offerings.
World Nature includes Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, while World Discovery is home to major attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Each neighborhood aims to interpret EPCOT’s legacy of innovation and exploration in a fresh way.
While World Celebration’s development took longer than expected, Disney continues to refine its presentation and function. Landscaping is just one of the ways Disney is shaping the space to better reflect the park’s evolving design and guest experience.
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