Construction walls now hide the “Storytellers” statue at Disney California Adventure Park, removing the bronze tribute to Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse from public view with no explanation from Disneyland Resort.
WDWNT posted a photo on February 24 showing beige barriers completely surrounding the sculpture. Disneyland Resort hasn’t announced why the statue was enclosed or when it will be visible again.
13-Year-Old Tribute Hidden
“Storytellers” was installed in 2012, depicting Walt Disney’s 1923 arrival in California with Mickey Mouse standing on a trunk beside him. The statue shows Walt as a young man beginning his Hollywood journey, though Mickey wouldn’t be created until 1928.
One plaque states, “We are just getting started.” Another displays a quote from Walt about his arrival in California:
“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!”
Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland later received their own versions of “Storytellers.”
No Timeline Provided
Bronze oxidizes naturally over time and may need extensive restoration beyond routine polishing. The construction walls suggest significant work, though Disneyland Resort hasn’t confirmed maintenance plans or whether the statue will return to its current spot at Disney California Adventure Park.
Distinct From “Partners”
“Storytellers” differs from “Partners,” the iconic 1993 Blaine Gibson sculpture showing Walt holding Mickey’s hand. “Partners” stands at Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.
“Storytellers” captures Walt at the beginning of his career, while “Partners” shows him at the height of success.
How would you feel if Disneyland Resort permanently removed the “Storytellers” statue? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
Very sad how they are changing Disney and that they are taking away Walt and Mikey this isn’t right