A newly surfaced image has reignited speculation about one of Disney’s strangest mysteries. A once-beloved animatronic from EPCOT’s Cranium Command attraction was abandoned for years before being stolen. Now, a never-before-seen photo reveals the extent of the damage.
Cranium Command: A Forgotten Disney Attraction Left in Ruin
When Cranium Command debuted in 1989 inside EPCOT’s Wonders of Life Pavilion, it combined cutting-edge audio-animatronics with humor and education to explain how the human brain functions. The show ran for nearly two decades, closing permanently on January 1, 2007, alongside the rest of the pavilion.
Though Wonders of Life was left dormant, remnants of Cranium Command—including its animatronic star, Buzzy—remained inside the closed attraction for over a decade. However, in 2018, things took a shocking turn.
Theft at EPCOT: What Happened to Buzzy?
As demolition plans for the Wonders of Life Pavilion progressed, crews allegedly marked Buzzy with a “do not destroy” tag, signaling that the animatronic was meant to be preserved. But in December 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Buzzy’s jacket, hat, and hands had been stolen.
The case led authorities to Patrick Spikes, a former Disney cast member who gained online notoriety for sneaking backstage and leaking Disney World secrets through his “BackDoorDisney” social media accounts. Spikes was later arrested and convicted after being linked to over $7,000 worth of stolen Disney Park memorabilia, including props from The Haunted Mansion.
Authorities later revealed that Spikes and his accomplice had sold stolen Disney items online, with one of the most notable buyers being NBA player Robin Lopez. Lopez, a longtime Disney fan, unknowingly purchased Buzzy’s stolen clothing and later returned the items after learning of their origins.
Newly Revealed Photo Shows Cranium Command After Theft
Years after the incident, a never-before-seen image of Buzzy post-theft has emerged. According to Reddit user u/TheFatYoshiMemer, the upcoming documentary Stolen Kingdom (2025) features a brand-new look at the animatronic in its abandoned, stripped state.
New photo released of buzzy after clothes were stolen
New photo released of buzzy after clothes were stolen
byu/TheFatYoshiMemer inWaltDisneyWorld
The documentary, which recently premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Montana, dives deep into Disney crime, black market memorabilia sales, and unauthorized theme park heists. The next screening is scheduled for April 11, 2025, at the Florida Film Festival, with more showings expected soon.
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