UPDATE: Disney World Abandons In-Ground Lighting at EPCOT

In a rather quick update to our earlier article, we now have visual confirmation that Walt Disney World is abandoning the in-ground lighting effects at EPCOT. In our updated photos below, we take a look at the opposite side of the World Celebration Gardens area and have found that crews have replaced the in-ground lighting with concrete. Here’s a closer look.

EPCOT’s In-Ground Lighting Abandoned, Filled In With Concrete

The curved paver walkways still trace the same EPCOT logo pattern the lighting once followed. Narrow, empty channels sat cut into the pavers recently. Crews have now filled those channels with themed concrete that matches the surrounding pavers. The fill traces the same curves the lighting strips once occupied.

A wheelbarrow, buckets, and trash cans remain staged near the central planter. The same rolling, hedge-covered construction barriers that have blocked off part of the walkway since earlier this month are still in place. Guests can still walk the open side of the plaza while that work continues.

Filling in the channels marks a more permanent step than the removal of the lights alone. Removing the strips could have left room for a future repair or a new lighting system. Closing up the channels points toward Disney skipping a lighting replacement. Disney has not responded to requests for comment about the work.

Here’s a look back at the saga that is the World Celebration Gardens in-ground lighting.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!