A New Tribute to the Original Dreamer
As the sun set on December 4, 2023, a heartfelt dedication unfolded at Epcot. The event marked unveiling the all-new Walt the Dreamer statue, nestled within the beautifully reimagined World Celebration Gardens. This moving tribute to Walt Disney honors the visionary behind the Florida Project and the spirit of optimism that continues to shape Walt Disney World.
The timing was symbolic, coinciding with Walt Disney’s 122nd birthday. Selected Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient Cast Members were among the first to witness the reveal, sitting at the heart of a space dedicated to inspiration and imagination—Dreamers Point.
Honoring a Legacy with Ceremony and Song
Epcot Vice President Kartika Rodriguez led a memorable dedication, joined by the Walt Disney World Ambassadors, Imagineer Scott Mallwitz, and a performance by the Voices of Liberty. Their presence elevated the moment, paying homage to the man whose dreams gave rise to Disney Parks around the globe.
The bronze Walt the Dreamer statue depicts Walt Disney in the later years of his life, during the period when he envisioned what would become the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow—Epcot. Now, guests can sit beside him, surrounded by lush gardens and sweeping views of the park’s centerpiece, Spaceship Earth.
A Garden of Inspiration
Beginning December 5, guests visiting Epcot can explore the World Celebration Gardens and enjoy quiet moments of reflection near the statue. The gardens are designed to evoke the feeling of possibility, where Walt’s spirit of innovation still lives on.
The new statue isn’t just a photo op but a living tribute to Walt Disney’s imagination. Just like the benches in Disneyland where he once watched his daughters play—sparking the idea for Disneyland—this bench invites guests to pause and dream.
Carrying the Dream Forward
As Disney fans, we find it moving to witness new elements like Walt the Dreamer integrated into the park’s transformation. This statue is more than a milestone—it’s a reminder that Epcot and Disney as a whole are constantly growing while staying rooted in the ideals Walt held dear.
The gardens at Dreamers Point are now open, blooming with inspiration, and ready to welcome dreamers of all ages.
The unveiling of “Walt the Dreamer” marks a significant milestone in Walt Disney’s ongoing legacy. As we celebrate his birthday and pay homage to the man behind the magic, let us carry forward the spirit of innovation and imagination he so graciously shared with the world. May the gardens of World Celebration forever bloom with the seeds of inspiration sown by the one and only Walt Disney.
