Drivers turning onto Hotel Plaza Boulevard from State Road 535 are getting a much more polished first impression these days. The Walt Disney World Resort entrance sign at that intersection — one of several character-topped welcome signs positioned around the property — has come through a noticeable refurbishment, and the results are hard to miss.
The sign's long blue backdrop has been cleaned and repainted, making the white "Welcome to Walt Disney World Resort" lettering crisp and legible again. A gold banner above the resort name declares the park "The Most Magical Place on Earth," and the gold curved trim and column caps look freshly done as well. Mickey Mouse greets guests on the north side of the sign, flanked by a pair of gray columns topped with gold spherical ornaments, while Minnie Mouse anchors the opposite end. Both characters have been refreshed with vivid red, yellow, white, and black detailing, and subtle embossed Mickey icons appear in the backdrop behind each figure.
Worth noting: at the time of the most recent visit documented by WDW News Today, some finishing touches on Minnie's side — specifically the gold spheres and center trim — still appeared to be awaiting their final coat of paint, so the sign may look even sharper once that work wraps up. Nearby roadwork was also still ongoing, though the sign itself was fully visible with no construction walls blocking the view.
The color scheme on display today traces its roots to the resort's 50th anniversary makeover, which introduced the current gold, blue, and gray palette. Before that update, these signs featured browns, greens, and purples — a combination that can still be spotted on older infrastructure around the property. Similar character welcome signs stand at other Walt Disney World entry points, including Western Way and World Drive, both of which also feature larger arch structures spanning their inbound lanes. Landscaping at the base of the Hotel Plaza Boulevard sign, including trimmed shrubs and agave plants, remains intact.
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This report originally appeared on WDW News Today.
