EPCOT Cast Members dedicate the new 'Walt the Dreamer' statue

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'Walt the Dreamer' Statue Dedication

Posted: Monday December 4, 2023 5:46pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

On December 4, 2023, Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient Cast Members were among the first to see the all-new "Walt the Dreamer" statue that debuted as a focal point of EPCOT's new World Celebration Gardens.

'Walt the Dreamer' Statue Dedication

In a dedication moment, EPCOT Vice President Kartika Rodriguez was joined by the Walt Disney World Ambassadors, Imagineer Scott Mallwitz, and the Voices of Liberty to celebrate the original dreamer, Walt Disney.

'Walt the Dreamer' Statue Dedication

Guests can explore the gardens beginning December 5, 2023, at EPCOT at Walt Disney World.

Watch the video below to see the dedication moment from EPCOT earlier today. (YouTube)

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Andrew C8 hours ago

I think it’s weird to put a temporary stage as part of a festival, in the area they just redesigned for festivals. I would have figured their designs would be a bit more seamless and account for these types situations better. If it was their intent to always do a temp stage, I think that’s bad show and bad design for an area that was purpose built.

MisterPenguin8 hours ago

They do have a permanent stage. But also, two temporary acts. I don't understand this criticism at all. I thought more entertainment was what people here wanted.

Andrew C8 hours ago

I thought the whole point of the Epcot overhaul to include a new permanent stage and festival center would change all that. I mean, is it really a stretch to think that was going to be the case?

MisterPenguin9 hours ago

They've been setting up a secondary stage for Joyful for years now. Norway gets a stage for its Christmas storyteller. Extra stages for a festival isn't new. It's not like they should build out a dozen permanent stages all over the place in case they need them.

trainplane310 hours ago

Maybe they're learning how much of a bad idea it was having a stage right against the hub? I know it's temporary but it says something that they're spending the time and money to install a temp stage like 150ft away from the permanent stage.

tparris12 hours ago

For comparison, these are the similarly reflective new panels outside of Communicore Hall

tparris12 hours ago

Looks like @DreamfinderGuy was right- they’re now replacing the opaque panels with new translucent ones, similar to the new ones recently added to the ground lighting outside Communicore Hall. So far, all of the cross sections have the new translucent panels.

Andrew C13 hours ago

Wait, wait wait...so after all that, they did not build enough infrastructure to cover all festivals?

Nunu13 hours ago

Brian13 hours ago

Maybe they can do both Celebracion Encanto and Joyful at the same time. Throw in a Spaceship Earth light show at the same time and 🤌🏻 https://blogmickey.com/2024/11/second-stage-communicore-plaza-epcot/

Cmdr_Crimson19 hours ago

Bocabear20 hours ago

Dolores!!!!!

HauntedPirate1 day ago

… Mulva? 😝

Jayspency1 day ago

Regarding my actual thoughts on this, I'm glad Soarin got some TLC, but I don't like the new Eiffel tower scene where you just kinda look at it from a distance. There was just a unique feeling you had scaling the tower from the bottom. At least the bendy tower is no more lol.