EPCOT has barricaded the World Discovery Playground with caution tape and rolling shrubs, blocking family access while crews perform major renovations to the seven-year-old play area.
The playground near Test Track and Mission: SPACE closed last month, but new photos from BlogMickey reveal the scope of changes underway. The outlet shared this image taken from above the barriers showing extensive construction work.
Major Safety and Expansion Upgrades at EPCOT
Disney cast members are replacing the weatherproof padded flooring throughout the playground to improve safety for young guests. The work also includes significant space expansion and installation of a low wall marking the new boundaries of the enlarged play area.
New shade umbrellas now tower above the construction zone, visible over the temporary barriers. The additions will provide increased protection from Central Florida's intense sun when the playground reopens.
The play area originally opened in 2018 when the section was still called Future World – East before being renamed World Discovery as part of EPCOT's transformation in the early 2020s.
No Reopening Date Announced
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced when the World Discovery Playground will reopen or provided details about additional changes beyond what's visible from outside the barriers.
The renovation comes seven years after the playground's debut and years after Disney shelved multiple EPCOT projects planned for Walt Disney World Resort's 50th anniversary in 2021. Canceled initiatives included the Play! Pavilion, a Spaceship Earth overhaul, and a Mary Poppins (1964) attraction for the United Kingdom pavilion.
While the playground updates don't revive those abandoned projects, the improvements address a practical need for families with young children visiting EPCOT. The expanded footprint and enhanced shade coverage suggest Disney is responding to guest feedback about limited rest areas and sun exposure in the World Discovery neighborhood.
The caution tape and rolling shrub barriers will remain until construction is complete, forcing families to find alternative rest spots elsewhere in EPCOT.
Has your family ever used the playground in the World Discovery neighborhood at EPCOT? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
