EPCOT guests are watching another change unfold, and this time Disney is removing something that isn't particularly old.
Just three years after colorful mosaic designs appeared around Mission: SPACE, portions of that decorative pavement are being torn out. Disney has already replaced one section with plain concrete, while signs point toward more work happening soon.
It's a surprisingly short lifespan for an addition that debuted in 2023.
Planetary Plaza Is Changing Again
The work is taking place in Planetary Plaza outside Mission: SPACE.
Disney introduced mosaic planets and stars to portions of the pavement in 2023, giving the area additional visual details that matched the attraction's space theme.
Those designs didn't age particularly well.
Heavy foot traffic caused the mosaics to chip, forcing Disney to make repairs. As damaged portions were replaced with concrete patches, some sections gradually lost the colorful appearance they originally had.
The situation became even more noticeable in late September.
On September 26, a section containing mosaic stars had been scored, typically signaling upcoming pavement work. By September 29, Disney had torn out that area and poured plain concrete in its place.
And crews appear ready to continue.
Another section of the formerly mosaic-covered pavement has already been scored, suggesting more of the design could soon disappear.
Some Original Details Remain
Not everything has vanished yet.
Red gems remain visible in another portion of the plaza, although some nearby planets have changed dramatically. Instead of displaying their original colors, they now appear largely brown and gray.
The black hole design outside Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay also shows how much the pavement has changed.
In 2023, the feature included bright blue, red, and orange mosaic pieces surrounding the black hole. Disney repaired the design in 2025, but by September 2026, it had become a much darker swirl.
That progression helps explain why Disney may now be choosing replacement over additional repairs in some areas.
What This Means for Mission: SPACE
The changes don't mean Mission: SPACE itself is disappearing.
Based on the provided report, Disney is removing decorative pavement surrounding the attraction, not the ride. Guests can still expect Mission: SPACE to remain the centerpiece of this section of World Discovery.
However, Planetary Plaza's appearance is clearly changing.
Disney introduced these pavement details only three years ago, yet some are already being replaced by standard concrete. More sections could follow as crews continue addressing the deteriorating mosaics.
It may be a relatively small EPCOT change, but anyone who remembers the colorful 2023 version of the plaza could notice the difference on their next walk past Mission: SPACE.
