As EPCOT continues to evolve, one beloved character moment has quietly been sidelined. Donald Duck, long a fan-favorite fixture in the World Showcase’s Mexico Pavilion, has been relocated amid ongoing construction in the area—prompting fans to wonder about the future of the festive meet-and-greet.
Typically found in full Three Caballeros-inspired attire—complete with a sombrero and poncho—Donald greeted guests just outside the Mexico Pavilion, nestled between it and Norway’s. But recently, fans searching the My Disney Experience app noticed that his appearance was no longer listed. His usual spot has since been sealed off by construction walls and shaded by tarps, keeping whatever work is happening behind the scenes well hidden.
The Mexico Pavilion, instantly recognizable by its pyramid structure and lively indoor marketplace, has served as a natural home for Donald’s Latin American-inspired presence. The area has offered not only photo ops but also shaded seating and tranquil green spaces—some of which have now been closed off due to the current project. Though Walt Disney World has yet to confirm what exactly is underway, the presence of pavement scoring suggests concrete replacement may be part of the upgrades.
Even with his exit from this location, Donald hasn’t completely disappeared from EPCOT. In fact, guests recently spotted him in a surprise appearance at the Magic Eye Theater inside the Imagination! Pavilion—this time wearing his classic sailor outfit. That pop-up wasn’t listed in the app either, making it unclear whether it’s a test or a temporary stand-in.
However, new reports from Kenny the Pirate suggest that Donald’s meet-and-greet has officially been moved. “Walt Disney World has now relocated Donald Duck to greet guests at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival Lobby,” the report states. “He is dressed in his classic sailor outfit, rather than his sombrero, with this location change.”
On June 13, 2025, the My Disney Experience app reflected this move, listing Donald under World Celebration with appearance windows from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:15 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.
Character encounters are an essential part of the EPCOT experience. Beyond Donald, guests can meet Anna and Elsa in the Norway Pavilion, say hello to Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy, or find Phineas and Ferb at the park entrance. As construction continues to shape EPCOT’s future, many are optimistic that Donald’s Mexican-inspired costume and location will make a return appearance once updates are complete.
Disney has a history of adjusting character placements when refurbishments or redesigns are in progress. Recent changes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, during the transformation of DinoLand, U.S.A., similarly shifted meet-and-greet locations for other classic characters.
Whether Donald’s festive look is gone for good or just taking a short vacation remains to be seen. For now, guests can still enjoy seeing him—just in a different outfit and a different corner of the park.
Are you missing Donald Duck’s colorful presence in the Mexico Pavilion? Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us!
