
Guests at Walt Disney World Resort recently noticed something unusual at one of the Central Florida destination’s Value Resorts, sparking questions and speculation. The source of the curiosity? A beloved Disney character statue missing parts of its exterior. Let’s dive into what’s happening.
A Pop Century Mystery
Disney’s Pop Century Resort, located on the Walt Disney World Resort property, is known for its oversized depictions of iconic Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse to Tramp. These towering figures are part of the resort’s charm, offering great photo opportunities for guests. However, one character recently appeared far from picture-perfect.
The character in question is Baloo, the lovable bear from The Jungle Book (1967). Positioned in the 1960s section of Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Baloo stands alongside his friend Mowgli, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the decades-themed hotel. While Mowgli seemed untouched, guests noticed that Baloo was looking worse for wear, with visible “holes” and chunks missing from his surface.
Guests Respond to Disney Character Mystery
The situation came to light when Redditor u/sandy_shark903 shared photos of Baloo’s condition online. The post quickly drew attention, with Disney Parks fans expressing concern over the bear’s unusual appearance. While some saw it as neglect, others speculated it could be part of a repair process.
Baloo At Pop Century REALLY needs a new coat of paint
byu/sandy_shark903 inWaltDisneyWorld
“Baloo At Pop Century REALLY needs a new coat of paint,” the Redditor captioned their photos, showing areas where chunks of paint were missing or replaced with visible spackle.
Disney’s Solution to the Problem
According to resort guests, Baloo’s unusual appearance isn’t a case of neglect but evidence of ongoing repairs. Crews are actively working to restore Baloo, smoothing out his surface and preparing him for a fresh coat of paint. While the repairs are in progress, Baloo’s “incomplete” state has left some visitors wondering about the process.
One Disney Parks fan, u/ScarHand69, questioned how the work is being done: “Where is all the scaffolding? Are they really putting it up and taking it down every night? Or maybe they use a cherry-picker and just park it out-of-sight during the day?”
Other guests confirmed that Disney cast members use portable lifts, commonly called cherry-pickers, to work on the statues without disrupting the Disney Park guest experience.
“I stayed in that building over New Year’s and they were working on him,” Redditor u/MetalAlbatross explained.
“They were repairing them the week of Christmas, haven’t painted yet,” another guest, u/caracs, added.
While Baloo is currently under repair, fans can rest assured that he will soon return to his fully restored glory.
Have you noticed any changes at your favorite Disney Resort hotel? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments.