Walt Disney World Resort completed multiple transformation projects in Magic Kingdom Park’s Tomorrowland this week, finishing a three-year rock repainting saga and installing new misting palm trees. These updates come as the new-and-improved Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin attraction nears its April 8 reopening.
Rock Repainting Finally Complete
WDWNT shared a photo on Wednesday showing completed work on large rocks at Tomorrowland’s main entrance. It appears that Disney cast members finally finished a project that began in 2023, stalled mysteriously, and resumed in February 2026.
The rocks were originally brown. Walt Disney World Resort painted them shimmering blue-gray in 2016. After years of sun damage, Disney started repainting in 2023 but abruptly stopped without explanation. For nearly three years, there was an obvious contrast between freshly painted rocks and faded, weathered ones. The original brown color showed at the bottom of the rocks near the Cinderella Castle moat waterline.
Walt Disney World Resort resumed work in February 2026 with a naturally faded look, likely making future water damage weathering less obvious. The moat remains drained as crews repaint Cinderella Castle with a new gray-and-blue color scheme inspired by its original design.
Misting Palm Trees Installed
Chip and Company reported on March 26 that Disney cast members had installed new misting palm trees throughout Tomorrowland, posting this photo on X (formerly Twitter):
New Misting Palm Trees Arrive in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom
New Misting Palm Trees Arrive in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom https://t.co/g60OwamkaH
— Chip and Company (@4chipandcompany) March 26, 2026
Similar electric palm trees previously stood at Tomorrowland’s entrance but disappeared years ago. At least six now sit in multiple locations: the path to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, near Tomorrowland Speedway, and the walkway between Star Traders, Space Mountain, and TRON Lightcycle / Run.
The silver-and-green structures continuously dispense cool mist for guests walking on asphalt during sunny Central Florida afternoons.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced the completion of the rock repainting project or the misting palm tree installation, nor indicated whether additional work is planned.
Should Disney make any other changes to Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
