Now you see it....!
The Epcot sphere at Walt Disney World is due for a major change this week. Disney installed the massive arm and wand for the millennium during 1999 - and say its time for a change.

Guests visiting Orlando and those staying at Florida vacation homes from VillaDirect will recognize the familiar sight of the 257-foot tall Mickey Mouse arm and glove, holding the magic wand with the word "Epcot" surrounded by stars. The arm and wand went up as a part of the Epcot park's year 2000 celebrations. Disney officials have decided that it's time for it to come down in time for the 25th anniversary of Epcot opening.

Since it first went up over 7 years ago, the structure has had many critics and devotees - who have debated if it was "in-keeping" with the futuristic design of the original dome and park entrance.

Disney have not yet announced what (if anything) will replace the landmark arm and wand structure, but we'll be sure to report it for our guests.

Epcot's "Spaceship Earth" ride will also close on Monday 9th July 2007 for refurbishing.