A section of EPCOT’s World Showcase has recently reopened with a new look. The pathway between the Mexico and Norway pavilions, closed off by construction walls for several months, now features updated landscaping and a wider walkway for smoother guest flow.
This project began in May, when barriers went up around the Mexico pavilion. Guests noticed shaded seating areas and green space blocked from view, with additional tarps hiding the progress. Early signs of pavement scoring pointed toward possible concrete replacement, but Disney did not provide official details at the time.
One of the most noticeable changes during the work was the temporary absence of Donald Duck from his usual meet-and-greet location. By June, his appearance in Mexico had been removed from the My Disney Experience app, and the space he once occupied was behind walls.
For years, Donald has been closely tied to the pavilion, greeting guests in his sombrero and poncho as a nod to The Three Caballeros (1944). While he was away from Mexico, guests were still able to find him around EPCOT. He met visitors in his classic sailor outfit at the Imagination! Pavilion’s Magic Eye Theater, before later moving to the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival lobby.
Donald has since returned to the World Showcase and now meets fans once again near the Aztec pyramid. Appearance times are listed on the official Walt Disney World website.
Character movement during construction is a familiar practice at Walt Disney World. When DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom received updates, members of the Fab Five were also relocated across the park.
The recent changes around Mexico and Norway add to the list of landscaping projects across Walt Disney World Resort, as reported by WDWNT.
What do you think of EPCOT’s latest updates? Let us know in the comments down below!
