A sudden cold wave hit Orlando a month and a half ago, and it left the park’s green life looking almost skeletal. At EPCOT, the towering palms that frame Spaceship Earth had shed most of their leaves, standing there like bare poles. In the weeks that followed, those palms began to coax new fronds from their trunks. Some plants are already sprouting a handful of leaves, while others are just starting to bud. The recovery is gradual and may take many months before the grove looks full again.

Park staff have put up signs that read “Jack Frost” to tell visitors the grounds crew is giving the plants extra care. This pause in growth shows how sensitive tropical trees can be to unexpected chill.

If you’ve noticed other plants that look a bit wilted after the freeze, share your observations on social media and let people know what’s happening around the park.


# Orlando’s Winter Chill: A Tale of Resilience at EPCOT

A sudden cold wave hit Orlando a month and a half ago, leaving the park’s green life almost skeletal. At **EPCOT**, the towering palms that frame *Spaceship Earth* had shed most of their leaves, standing there like bare poles.  

In the weeks that followed, those palms began to coax new fronds from their trunks. Some plants are already sprouting a handful of leaves, while others are just starting to bud. The recovery is gradual and may take many months before the grove looks full again.

Park staff have put up signs that read **“Jack Frost”** to tell visitors the grounds crew is giving the plants extra care. This pause in growth shows how sensitive tropical trees can be to unexpected chill.

If you’ve noticed other plants that look a bit wilted after the freeze, share your observations on social media and let people know what’s happening around the park.



Palm Trees at EPCOT Slowly Sprout Back After Freezing

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