If you’re entering EPCOT any time soon, you may notice that one of the park’s most recognizable views has opened up! The trees that previously occupied the raised planter in the center of the entrance plaza, directly in front of Spaceship Earth, have been removed. The change creates a clear, uninterrupted view of EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere from the moment guests walk through the park’s front gates.
The trees were originally installed as part of EPCOT’s extensive entrance transformation several years ago, when the front of the park was redesigned during the larger EPCOT overhaul. While the landscaping added greenery and depth to the area, it also meant that Spaceship Earth was sometimes partially hidden depending on the season and how much foliage had filled in.
Here’s how it looked for Flower & Garden earlier this year:
And for the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays:
Now, with the trees gone, the entrance feels much more open. There are also currently no large festival displays occupying the flower beds near the entrance. EPCOT’s next major festival, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, is scheduled to begin on August 27, leaving the area free of oversized seasonal decorations for the time being.
The newly unobstructed view makes Spaceship Earth front and center, offering everyone a picture-perfect welcome as they enter the park.
At this time, Disney has not announced whether the tree removal is a permanent change or part of a larger update to the entrance landscaping. It’s possible that new plantings or other design elements could eventually be added to the planter, but for now, the view remains wide open.
If you’re visiting EPCOT in the coming weeks, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a clear look at one of Walt Disney World’s most recognizable icons. How do you feel about this change?
