A popular Disney character meet-and-greet has officially been removed from the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. Construction walls now cover the area, and the experience has disappeared from the My Disney Experience app.
Changes started becoming apparent last month when guests visiting EPCOT noticed construction walls surrounding a previously open area near the Mexico Pavilion. The walls blocked off an outdoor section with tables and benches, extending all the way toward the Norway Pavilion. Tarps on either side prevented guests from peeking at the mystery project. Walt Disney World Resort, however, did not provide any details about the work being done or the cause of the disruption.
Earlier this week, the project became more apparent to guests as the popular Donald Duck meet-and-greet in the Mexico Pavilion was removed from the Disney park’s official character lineup. Donald, usually dressed in a sombrero and poncho, had greeted guests for years in this area near a carved stone wall between the Mexico and Norway World Showcase Pavilions. However, the location has now been covered by construction walls, and the experience has been removed from the My Disney Experience app.
According to WDWNT, Disney cast members extended the existing construction walls to cover the area where Donald Duck had been greeting guests. Before the walls went up, guests noticed markings on the ground, suggesting that the concrete in the area was being prepared for replacement.
While it’s unclear when Donald Duck will return to this popular spot, it’s unlikely that the meet-and-greet is gone permanently. After all, Donald has been a staple of the EPCOT experience in this area for many years, and if he were truly gone for good, Walt Disney World Resort would likely issue an official statement.
In the meantime, Donald Duck was spotted greeting guests in his classic sailor outfit in the Imagination! Pavilion. This encounter wasn’t listed on the My Disney Experience app, so it’s unclear whether this will become a regular appearance in the park.
Have you noticed any mysterious construction around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!
I have reached the point that I can read the title of an article and know its your work. The Mexico pavilion has not been “removed from EPCOT” it is being updated like many other attractions go through at times.
Maybe Donald wasn’t woke enough and has gone in for a repainting? Maybe the Karen’s complained!