The “Storytellers” statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse vanished behind construction walls at Disney California Adventure Park this week with no explanation or timeline for its return.
WDWNT reported on February 24 that beige barriers now surround the bronze sculpture depicting Walt's 1923 arrival in California. The outlet posted an image on Facebook showing the completely enclosed statue.
Disneyland Resort has not announced plans for the piece or when it will be visible again.
2012 Tribute to Walt's California Arrival
“Storytellers” debuted at Disney California Adventure in 2012, showing Walt as he arrived in California from Missouri in 1923 with Mickey Mouse standing beside him on a trunk. Though Mickey wasn't created until 1928, the statue represents Walt's journey and future success.
A plaque nearby reads “We are just getting started.” Another features this quote from Walt:
“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!”
The statue was later recreated for Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland.
Possible Maintenance
Bronze naturally oxidizes and may require more extensive maintenance than simple polishing. The construction walls suggest work beyond routine cleaning, though Disneyland Resort hasn't confirmed what's happening to the 13-year-old statue or whether it will return to its current location.
Different From “Partners” Statue
Storytellers” differs from the more famous “Partners” statue found at Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, and the Burbank studios. Sculptor Blaine Gibson created “Partners” in 1993, depicting Walt holding hands with Mickey Mouse.
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There was a video circulating recently of a giant roach climbing out of Walt’s mouth and trying to get into his nose. I’m guessing the entire thing is full of them, hence the removal. When I worked at Disneyland in 2014, we would occasionally see them in the Esplanade at night. They would climb out of the drains late in the evening. Now we’re seeing them everywhere, even in full daylight. Disney has a serious issue since we’re seeing them in full daylight when the park is busy. Maybe they need more cats. Something needs to be done. It’s disgusting.