Disneyland Resort Removes Statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse From Theme Park

An iconic bronze statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse disappeared from Disneyland Resort this week, with no word on when–or if–it will return to the Southern California Disney destination.

Storytellers Statue

Arguably, the most iconic statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse is “Partners,” which can be found at Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park (at Disneyland Paris Resort), and the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Sculpted in 1993 by Blaine Gibson, the copper statue depicts Walt holding hands with his most famous creation, Mickey Mouse.

In 2012, though, Disney California Adventure Park got its own bronze depiction of Walt and Mickey: “Storytellers.” The statue depicts Walt as he arrived in California from Missouri in 1923, with Mickey Mouse standing by his side on a trunk (though the earliest drawings of Mickey Mouse didn’t appear until 1928). It was later recreated for Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland.

One plaque by the sculpture reads, “We are just getting started.” Another sign features this quote from Walt Disney:

“It was July 1923. I packed all of my worldly goods – a pair of trousers, a checkered coat, a lot of drawing materials and the last of the fairy tale reels we had made – in a kind of frayed cardboard suitcase. And with that wonderful audacity of youth, I went to Hollywood, arriving there with just forty dollars. It was a big day the day I got on that Santa Fe California Limited. I was just free and happy!”

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse Disappear From Disney California Adventure Park

This week, Disneyland Resort guests arrived at Disney California Adventure Park to find that the “Storytellers” statue was no longer visible. On February 24, WDWNT reported that beige-colored construction walls now surround the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. The outlet shared this photo on Facebook:

Bronze naturally oxidizes, so more in-depth maintenance than a simple polishing may be required to restore the “Storytellers” statue. However, Disneyland Resort hasn’t shared any details about its plans for the piece or when it will be on display again at Disney California Adventure Park.

Have you ever seen the “Storytellers” statue in person? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!