The Heart of Disneyland’s Hub
Right in the center of Disneyland, where all the lands branch out like storybook chapters, there’s one landmark that quietly steals the show: the Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse “Partners” statue. If Sleeping Beauty Castle is the icon you see on postcards, the Partners statue is the emotion you feel when you’re standing there in person.
A Quick History of “Partners”
The statue is officially called Partners, created by legendary Disney sculptor Blaine Gibson. It was first installed in Disneyland’s central hub on November 18, 1993, to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 65th birthday.
Gibson came out of retirement to sculpt it, spending about a year on the project. The piece is made of copper/bronze and stands roughly six feet tall—just a bit taller than Walt was in real life.
The Disneyland statue was so beloved that replicas were later installed at:
- Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (1995)
- Tokyo Disneyland (1998)
- Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris (2002)
- Disney Studios in Burbank, California (2001–2003 timeframe)
But the original lives right here in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
What the Statue Represents
Walt stands with his arm gently outstretched, hand in Mickey’s, as if he’s saying, “Look what we made together.” The idea is that Walt and Mickey were true partners—Walt’s imagination and storytelling, Mickey’s charm and personality—working together to create Disneyland and the whole Disney legacy.
The plaque at the base of the statue in Disneyland includes a version of Walt’s famous sentiment about the park being a place where parents and children can have fun together—a reminder that everything around you started with a simple, family-centered dream.
Why It Feels So Emotional
Most people don’t cry over statues. Yet somehow, this one gets us right in the feelings:
- It’s the spot where dreams feel real. You’re standing between the man who imagined it and the castle that symbolizes it.
- It’s a tradition magnet. Families take a photo here on their first visit, then again years later to see how everyone has grown.
- It’s a “thank you” moment. When you’ve had a perfect park day (or even an imperfect but still magical one), looking up at Walt and Mickey kind of makes you want to say, “We get it. Thank you for this place.”
If you visit often, you’ll notice how the statue is always changing around it—from holiday décor to seasonal flowers to new castle overlays—yet Walt and Mickey themselves stay constant. Even during refurbishments, the statue has been carefully cleaned and restored to keep its original shine.
Best Times & Tips for Photos
If you’re planning content or just want that perfect family shot, here’s when the Partners statue really shines:
- Early morning (rope drop-ish): Softer light, fewer crowds, and a clean shot of the statue and castle.
- Golden hour: Warm, dreamy glow on the bronze and pastel castle—perfect for family photos.
- At night: The statue lit against the glowing castle is stunning, especially with seasonal projections or fireworks in the sky.
Tips:
- Stand slightly off-center so you get both the statue and the castle in frame.
- If the hub is packed, walk around the back side of the statue; sometimes there’s more breathing room and a unique angle.
- For kids, have them look up at Walt and Mickey like they’re listening to a story—that candid angle is adorable.
A Must-Do “Pause” in Your Disneyland Day
With Genie+, Lightning Lane, mobile ordering, and a bazillion “must do” rides, it’s easy to rush right past the hub. But the Partners statue is absolutely worth a planned pause in your day:
- Use it as a meet-up point when your group splits up.
- Take a minute to read the plaque and explain to kids who Walt Disney actually was.
- Snap your photo tradition—first visit, birthday trip, multi-generational family moment, or even solo “I did it!” shot.
Because at the end of the day, Disneyland isn’t just about attractions and snacks (though, yes please to both). It’s about a person with a wild idea, a little cartoon mouse, and the courage to build something totally new.
And the Walt & Mickey Partners statue is the beautiful, bronze reminder of that partnership—standing right in the middle of the magic, waiting for you every time you come “home.”
