Guests exploring EPCOT’s World Showcase over the summer may have noticed a change along the pathway between the Mexico and Norway pavilions. Construction walls were first installed in May, closing off shaded seating areas and green space in the Mexico pavilion. Tarps soon followed, preventing a view of the work behind the barriers.
At the time, Disney had not shared details about the project. However, pavement scoring observed in the early weeks suggested possible concrete replacement. By June, the work had a direct impact on a familiar tradition: Donald Duck’s character meet-and-greet spot between the two pavilions was no longer available.
For many years, Donald has greeted visitors in Mexico in his sombrero and poncho inspired by The Three Caballeros (1944). His appearances are part of World Showcase’s ongoing connection between culture, cuisine, and character storytelling. When the Mexico pavilion’s location closed, Donald shifted to other areas of EPCOT. Guests first found him at the Imagination! Pavilion’s Magic Eye Theater, dressed in his sailor outfit, before he later moved to the lobby of the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival.
Now, months later, EPCOT visitors are seeing the results. The construction walls have come down, revealing new landscaping. The pathway has been widened and softened, creating smoother access between Mexico and Norway. WDWNT reported the change as the most recent landscaping update at Walt Disney World Resort.
Donald has also returned to the World Showcase. He is once again greeting guests in front of the Aztec pyramid, with daily times available on the official Disney World website.
Moving characters during construction is not new at Disney. For example, updates to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also shifted some of the Fab Five to other park locations.
What are your thoughts on the newest changes to EPCOT’s World Showcase? Let us know in the comments down below!
