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Credit: Inside The MagicAs the sun sets behind the shimmering dome of Spaceship Earth inside Disney World EPCOT, a soft glow begins to ripple through EPCOT’s newest addition. Music fills the air, trees twinkle with synchronized light, and “When You Wish Upon a Star” whispers like a lullaby across the breeze. Families pause, enchanted, in the new World Celebration Gardens—a space designed to unify the park’s vision of nature, discovery, and imagination.
But beneath the dreamy atmosphere, something’s not quite right. And some guests are starting to notice.
EPCOT World Celebration Already Falling Apart at This Disney World Park
What was supposed to be a flawless grand reveal for Disney’s ambitious redesign is facing its first real test—and it’s not the kind of challenge sprinkled with pixie dust. Could one of EPCOT’s most anticipated upgrades be showing signs of wear and tear far too soon?
World Celebration Gardens, which quietly opened recently at EPCOT, was meant to serve as the heart of the reimagined park—a lush, open-air connection point between World Nature and World Discovery, nestled directly between the iconic Spaceship Earth and the entrance to World Showcase. Designed as both a visual marvel and a practical upgrade, the Gardens feature wide walkways, relaxing seating, shaded alcoves, and even built-in charging stations—essentials for today’s theme park guests.
The highlight? A sleek, modern centerpiece planter etched with the EPCOT logo, surrounded by character meet-and-greet areas and interactive lighting effects that come alive after dark. Fans have already fallen in love with the way Pluto roams the space, and how the Gardens sparkle in sync with nighttime shows.
At first glance, this new hub delivers on all fronts: functionality, beauty, and immersion. But within weeks of opening, concerns have started to crack through the pavement—literally.
The House of Mouse Taking the Cheaper Route?
A recently circulated photo on social media sent a ripple of concern through the Disney Parks community: flooring panels in World Celebration Gardens appearing to buckle and lift, exposing gaps that pose both a tripping hazard and a PR nightmare. These illuminated panels, designed to light up as part of the area’s nightly display, are not only malfunctioning—they’re deteriorating.
The Epcot overhaul is ongoing? – @disneytipsguy on X
The Epcot overhaul is ongoing? pic.twitter.com/XnYtZI9G68
— Disney Clips Guy (@disneytipsguy) April 4, 2025
For guests paying upwards of $150–$200 per day, expectations are understandably high. And when safety concerns start to emerge just weeks after opening, the question becomes impossible to ignore: Is Disney cutting corners on quality in favor of rapid rollout?
It’s not the first time EPCOT’s transformation has drawn skepticism. While Disney promised a “park of the future,” delays, budget cuts, and scaled-back visions during and after the pandemic have forced fans to reevaluate the Mouse’s priorities. From canceled attractions to incomplete projects, the long-promised reinvention has taken years—yet World Celebration Gardens was meant to be the shining proof that the vision was finally coming together.
A Hazard for All Guests
And in many ways, it is. The Gardens offer guests a rare place to relax, recharge, and enjoy Disney’s immersive atmosphere without standing in line. The space is clearly crafted with care—lush greenery, artistic seating, and a peaceful soundtrack that changes with the time of day. At night, it’s arguably one of the most romantic spots in all of Walt Disney World.
But when a beautifully lit floor becomes a tripping hazard? That’s more than a minor flaw—that’s a potential lawsuit waiting to happen.
The deeper concern isn’t just about the flooring; it’s about trust. As Disney continues to raise prices across its theme parks—from admission to Genie+ to food and merchandise—guests are expecting more than just aesthetic upgrades. They’re asking for long-term value, attention to detail, and above all, safety.
Final Thoughts: Disney World EPCOT Needs To Step Things Up
If Disney is hoping to regain confidence and win over hesitant guests, especially as Universal Orlando gains momentum with its Epic Universe expansion, they’ll need to show that quality still comes first.
So what’s next for World Celebration Gardens? While Disney has not publicly commented on the issue, park operations teams have been spotted in the area, suggesting a quiet effort to patch things up before the problem grows. Whether this is an isolated incident or a symptom of rushed construction remains to be seen.
For now, the Gardens remain open and continue to dazzle thousands of visitors every day. But for Disney fans watching closely, the glow of those light panels now carries a shadow of doubt. Will Disney step up and restore faith in EPCOT’s new chapter—or will the cracks keep showing?
One thing is certain: when you promise magic, guests expect nothing less.