“Partners”
This statue, called “Partners,” depicts the late Walt Disney standing hand-in-hand with Mickey Mouse, the original cartoon creation that started Disney’s fame as an animator and storyteller. The statue is made of bronze and was designed by sculptor and animator Blaine Gibson. “Partners” was commissioned for Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and dedicated on November 18, 1993 — 65 years after the premiere of Steamboat Willie, the first movie to introduce the character of Mickey Mouse.
Under the original statue in Disneyland California, there is a quote from Walt Disney: “I think most of all what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place… where parents and children can have fun, together.” In Disneyland California, “Partners” is located in the center of the park’s main plaza at the end of Main Street, in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The statue has been recreated on T-shirts, keychains and other souvenirs and is now a well-known symbol for Disney and the Disney theme parks. There are five renderings of the statue around the world. The other four statues are in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida (1995), Tokyo Disneyland (1998), Walt Disney Studios in Burbank (2001) and Disneyland Paris (2002).
Disneyland Resort — as it is officially known — in Anaheim, California, opened its gates for the first time on July 17, 1955. It has grown and changed since its opening, even adding another theme park next door called Disney California Adventure, which features rides and activities highlighting the best and most unique parts of the state. There are now Disney theme parks in California, Florida, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
