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After Less Than Two Years, EPCOT Removes Walt Disney Tribute From Park

EPCOT has made a surprising change just 18 months after unveiling a new tribute to Walt Disney. The area known as Dreamers Point, which debuted in the World Celebration neighborhood in December 2023, has seen part of its landscaping altered to accommodate an upcoming adults-only lounge.

Dreamers Point was created as part of EPCOT’s Future World transformation and features a statue of Walt Disney affectionately called “Walt the Dreamer.” The serene space offers guests a quiet spot near Spaceship Earth, acting as a tribute to Disney’s visionary founder. The statue’s 2023 unveiling symbolized the culmination of years of construction efforts, including new park additions like Connections Cafe, Creations Shop, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Journey to Water, Inspired by Moana.

EPCOT Dreamers Point
Credit: Disney

However, change is inevitable at EPCOT, even after less than two years. The park is preparing to open GEO-82, an adults-only lounge inspired by the iconic Spaceship Earth, located on the second floor of the attraction’s post-show area. Set to open on June 4, 2025, GEO-82 promises upscale cocktails such as the Brown Butter Old Fashioned, alongside internationally-inspired small bites like Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau. The lounge has already proven difficult to book due to high demand.

As the finishing touches are applied to GEO-82, EPCOT removed two large pine trees that previously framed the Walt Disney statue at Dreamers Point. According to BlogMickey, the trees were missing as of June 2, just days before GEO-82’s grand opening.

the interior of GEO-82 adults only lounge in EPCOT
Credit: Disney

The trees had been blocking some of the lounge’s windows, obstructing what is expected to be a premium fireworks viewing experience. GEO-82 will offer a “Fireworks Experience” featuring unforgettable sights of EPCOT’s Luminous The Symphony of Us fireworks over the World Showcase Lagoon, paired with hand-selected champagne, exclusive cocktails, desserts, and small bites. The removal of the trees makes room for clear views of this nighttime spectacular.

While Walt Disney World Resort has not released an official statement about the removal of the trees at Dreamers Point, the decision appears to be driven by the desire to enhance the guest experience at the new adults-only lounge.

Do you agree with Disney’s decision to remove these trees from Dreamers Point? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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