Disney World Just Opened a New Area, and Guests Are Already Destroying It
The Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been open for less than two weeks, and the damage guests have already managed to inflict on it is not a great sign for what’s ahead.
What’s Already Been Damaged
WDWNT reported on May 27 that signs of guest-caused wear and tear had appeared across the new Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard, specifically on several character statues at ground level throughout the area. The low placement of the sculptures, designed to put guests up close and personal with beloved Disney characters, has also made them easy targets for climbing kids and heavy-handed adults.
The damage is already visible on multiple figures. The statue of Lucifer from Cinderella (1950) has developed gray smudges across his cheeks and mouth — the telltale signs of repeated touching by countless passing hands.
Pua from Moana (2016) and Thumper from Bambi (1942), who sit side by side in a grassy area of the courtyard, have both accumulated scuff marks. Most noticeably, paint is already chipping from Pua’s pink nose, exposing the sculpture’s gray material beneath.
Some of what’s been observed, such as dirt smudges and light scuffs, falls within the scope of what Walt Disney World Resort’s custodial team can address during overnight cleaning cycles. The paint loss on Pua’s nose is a different matter. That kind of repair is more labor-intensive and suggests the sculptures may need to be made more durable, or potentially repositioned to limit guest contact, if the damage continues at this rate.
A Popular Area With a Bright Future Ahead
Despite the wear and tear already showing, the overall reception to the Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard has been positive. The area soft-opened on May 20 — six days ahead of its scheduled May 26 debut — and families have responded warmly to the random character encounters and the new “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” show performing in the space.
The courtyard isn’t finished yet. The Magic of Disney Animation, the centerpiece attraction of the Walt Disney Studios Lot, is still on its way. Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced a specific opening date, but has confirmed the experience will include a gallery, animation classes led by an audio-animatronic Olaf from Frozen (2013), multiple character meet-and-greets, and a playground themed to Alice in Wonderland (1951).
Have you noticed wear and tear anywhere else at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
