Credit: Scott Calleja, FlickrThe latest updates in an ongoing replacement project around Walt Disney World Resort arrived on Tuesday. Here’s what to know before your next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Changes Around Walt Disney World Resort
Since June, Walt Disney World Resort has been replacing trash and recycling bins around its theme parks and other on-property locations. Unthemed solar-powered trash cans were the first to appear, but eventually the new waste receptacles were themed to their locations. They feature interior compactors, so custodial cast members won’t have to change them as often.
Like most changes at the Disney parks, these new trash cans are controversial. For one, the rounded top is harder to place items on, removing a popular dining hack for guests around the EPCOT World Showcase during busy seasonal festivals.
Secondly, the bins are touchless, with a foot pedal that allows guests to open them more hygienically. This confused so many Disney Park guests that Walt Disney World Resort released a video instructing visitors on how to open the trash cans.
Nevertheless, Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that the new bins, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to fit their respective locations, will continue to spread across Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney Springs, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Before this report, solar-powered trash and recycling bins most recently appeared around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
More Replacements Arrive at EPCOT
On August 18, WDWNT reported that more of the themed trash cans had arrived around EPCOT–mostly at indoor locations. The indoor models have the same shape and general design as the solar-powered outdoor waste receptacles, but they lack solar panels on top.
First, new dark blue and black trash and recycling cans have replaced the old waste receptacles in The Seas Pavilion, both on the first floor and upstairs. They feature the starfish-shaped logo from The Seas with Nemo & Friends on the side.
Nearby, beige trash and recycling bins have arrived around The Land Pavilion. WDWNT found just one solar-powered waste receptacle outside, and the rest of the new cans without solar panels are inside on multiple floors. They feature The Land’s green-and-red logo on the side.
Also in The Land Pavilion, silver, round-topped trash cans now live near Soarin’. They feature the minimalist yellow-and-red Soarin’ logo. The only old waste receptacles in the building are in the Sunshine Seasons Quick-Service dining location, and they are fixed to the wall. It’s unclear whether Walt Disney World Resort will replace these.
New World Celebration-themed trash and recycling cans have also arrived in and around CommuniCore Hall. The blue, gray, and white bins feature the EPCOT globe logo on the front.
Walt Disney World Resort has not provided an exact timeline for the ongoing trash can overhaul, but guests can expect it to continue over the coming weeks and months.
Have you noticed any other changes at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Inside the Magic in the comments!
