Epcot has entered a new era of transformation at Walt Disney World with the grand opening of the World Celebration Garden and the unveiling of the Walt the Dreamer statue. The event featured an opening-day Imagineering panel that shared the story behind the garden’s thoughtful design and emotional significance.
Beginning December 5, in honor of Walt Disney’s birthday, guests can explore World Celebration Gardens, including Dreamers Point. Here, they’ll encounter Walt the Dreamer, a bronze statue that captures Walt’s spirit later in life as he envisioned the Florida Project. This moment symbolizes the very foundation of Epcot—a dream Walt never lived to see fulfilled, but one that lives on through every detail of the park.
A Garden Designed to Evolve
The World Celebration Garden offers inviting green spaces with shaded seating, seasonal color, and a central planter inspired by the five-ring Epcot logo. Each garden is designed to reflect the evolving themes of Epcot’s many festivals, creating an atmosphere that changes with the seasons.
Behind the Magic: The Imagineering Panel
I was honored to attend the opening-day Imagineering panel, where Disney creatives shared firsthand insights into the garden’s creation. Speakers included Doug Tobin (Landscape Architect), Scott Mallwitz (Executive Creative Director), and Brianna Pfost (Art Director).
Their discussion revealed how the team honored Walt’s legacy while looking ahead. They detailed the statue’s inspiration, the integration of festival spaces, and the design intent behind Dreamers Point—all working together to immerse guests in the optimistic vision that defines Epcot.
