The Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios has barely had time to find its footing, and guests are already leaving their mark on it in ways no one at Walt Disney World Resort had hoped for.
The Damage Report
WDWNT flagged the issue on May 27, just days after the new courtyard welcomed its first guests. The main issue, at least in part, appears to be the character statues positioned at ground level throughout the Walt Disney Studios Lot. The design choice puts guests surprisingly close to their favorite Disney characters, but also makes the sculptures an irresistible target for climbing children and enthusiastic adults who can't resist a touch.
The evidence is already visible across multiple figures. Lucifer from Cinderella (1950) has accumulated gray smudges across his cheeks and mouth — the kind of discoloration that comes from being repeatedly touched by hundreds of hands over a few days.
Pua from Moana (2016) and Thumper from Bambi (1942), positioned together in a grassy section of the courtyard, have both picked up scuff marks. Unfortunately, paint has already been chipped away from the pig's pink nose in several spots, revealing the gray sculpture material underneath.
Some of what's showing up around the courtyard falls squarely within the scope of Walt Disney World Resort's custodial team's regular overnight cleaning. The missing paint is a different category of problem that raises real questions about whether the sculptures are durable enough for the level of contact they're already receiving, and whether Disney will need to rethink how accessible they are to guests before the situation gets worse.
The Bigger Picture
The Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard isn't complete yet. The Magic of Disney Animation — the centerpiece attraction that will anchor the entire Walt Disney Studios Lot — is still on its way later this summer. Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed the experience will feature a gallery, animation classes led by an audio-animatronic Olaf from Frozen (2013), character meet-and-greet spaces, and an indoor playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland (1951), though a specific grand opening date hasn't been announced.
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