Well, it looks like Disney may have finally called it quits on one problematic EPCOT feature.
Walt Disney World has removed the troublesome in-ground lighting from EPCOT’s World Celebration Gardens, bringing what appears to be an end to a lighting effect that has experienced problems almost since the newly redesigned area debuted.
The light strips previously ran through the curved paver walkways surrounding the central planter behind Spaceship Earth, creating illuminated lines that were intended to complement the other nighttime lighting throughout World Celebration Gardens.
But keeping those lights working has apparently been easier said than done.
During a recent visit to EPCOT, I spotted hedges around where Disney is actively removing the lighting strips from the pavement around the central planter.
Initially, empty channels were left behind where the strips had previously been installed, with no replacement lighting or other materials staged nearby.
At that point, it wasn’t clear whether Disney planned to install a new lighting system or abandon the effect altogether. We didn’t have to wait long for an answer.
Shortly after the lights were removed, Disney crews began filling the empty channels with concrete. That’s a much more permanent change.
Simply removing the strips could have allowed Disney to repair or replace the system later. Filling the channels indicates Disney has instead abandoned the in-ground lighting effect, at least in its previous form.
And as of August 23rd, crews were continuing to fill additional sections around World Celebration Gardens, with the new concrete following the same curved pattern previously occupied by the lights.
Unfortunately, issues with this particular effect aren’t exactly new.
World Celebration Gardens officially opened in December 2023 following EPCOT’s lengthy transformation, but problems with the in-ground lighting started appearing relatively quickly.
By summer 2024, large portions weren’t functioning properly, and by November 2024, the entire in-ground lighting system surrounding the central planter was broken. Disney managed to reactivate the lighting later that month, but the problems continued.
By January 2025, sections of the lighting strips were once again separating from the pavement. The mortar underneath continued deteriorating, and raised portions of the strips eventually became a potential tripping hazard.
Disney attempted another fix in June 2025, literally screwing loosened sections of the strips back into the ground as a temporary solution.
Then, on August 11th, 2026, rolling construction barriers appeared around roughly half of the central planter.
One week later, on August 18th, the lighting strips were removed and Disney began filling their former channels with concrete.
It’s certainly not the biggest change happening at EPCOT right now, but it is an interesting one considering how recently World Celebration Gardens opened.
The in-ground lighting was designed to work alongside the area’s illuminated columns and Spaceship Earth’s nighttime lighting, adding another layer of color and movement throughout the gardens after dark.
Unfortunately, after years of repairs and recurring problems, Disney appears to have decided that keeping the effect operational simply wasn’t worth the trouble.
For now, the curved lines are still visible throughout the pavement — they’re just being filled with concrete instead of light.
Keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for the latest EPCOT construction updates, refurbishments, Disney World changes, and everything happening around the parks.
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