Overnight, Disney World Overhauled the EPCOT Guest Experience

Overnight, Walt Disney World Resort made a game-changing update to the guest experience at EPCOT. The overhaul comes after months of complaints about the new World Celebration neighborhood, which finally debuted in 2024 after years of construction, delays, and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Celebration neighborhood was underwhelming for many Disney Parks fans, who have slammed the area’s event space, CommuniCore Hall, as a bland convention center. The in-ground lighting in the outdoor CommuniCore Plaza has broken multiple times, while other parts of the busy walkway have been repaired with tape.

Even though the new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction was well-received, many Disney Parks fans were disappointed that it took nearly five years to replace Future World and Innoventions with what they saw as an inferior new neighborhood. Many were upset that the most highly anticipated part of the overhaul–a modernization of Spaceship Earth–was shelved.

EPCOT used to be my favoutite park. So much of the magic is gone. The beauty and symmetry of Communicore Plaza is destroyed. Don’t get me started on the uninspiring entrance music.

EPCOT used to be my favoutite park. So much of the magic is gone. The beauty and symmetry of Communicore Plaza is destroyed. Don’t get me started on the uninspiring entrance music. pic.twitter.com/rLU9lD1XA4

— rock (@grockwood) March 12, 2025

It’s unlikely that Walt Disney World Resort will tear down the entire World Celebration area anytime soon, but EPCOT recently made one change to address guest feedback.

According to a report from WDWNT, at least nine new backless benches have appeared along an outdoor walkway between CommuniCore Hall and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. The benches sit under some trees and greenery, so they’re shaded for at least part of the day.

One of the most common complaints among Walt Disney World Resort guests is the lack of outdoor seating, so this addition should make a huge difference for guests in the World Celebration area at EPCOT. It’s unclear whether Disney plans to add more outdoor seating to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Which Disney parks need more seating areas? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!