Ever wanted to know what Walt is pointing to...

[chrome64]

There is also one at Tokyo Disneyland, and at the Walt Disney Studios Paris. Neither of those have the Roy statue either.

Well, if we must over analyze this sweet story, Disneyland California didn't need a Roy and Minnie statue because it was already complete when Walt died. However WDW was just in the planning phase and they all questioned wheither it should go on. Roy stepped up and the park was finished and continued to flourish into the wonder that it is today. For each of the other parks around the world, Walt had no hand in it except to maybe say that he would like to build more parks around the world (they were not "in the works" when he died as far as I know).

My point is that this is a sweet story and I will forever more tell this story to my children. If you don't want to believe this story then just move on, there is no reason for you to stick around here and ruin the magic for the rest of us. JMHO.

 

[WillyDogs]

Well, this is a story according to the actual sculpturer, Blaine Gibson. Without the Roy and Minnie statue, the Walt and Mickey statue is incomplete.

 

[iluvladybugs]

Amen! I, for one, choose to believe the story. It just adds to the Disney Magic that I treasure and love.

 

[cleo]

It's a nice thought, but I'd be interested to know where that story came from (specifically). Not trying to 'ruin anyone's magic', but it's presented as fact and I think more than a few of us prefer to confirm our facts before we just accept them as fact.

Can the OP tell us where the info can be found?

 

[carolfoy]

Its a wonderful story. I, for one, need no 'proof' nor guarantee thats its fact, I just think its a complete 'disney' legend. A very touching one.
Thanks to the OP

 

[Secondgradememories]

Thank you for for the story, I will treasure it as true and share it with my family on our trip. The walk from Walt to Roy will be more special this year because of this little bit of magic! I think that's what stories are for, after all... making the most of every moment.

 

[Stitchfans]

yes, thank you so much for sharing that information. such a sweet story

 

[WEDway2002]

Even I teared up a bit when I heard it. I thought it was very touching.

Yup ... typing through watery eyes here! I'm just a big mush!
But thanks for sharing ... very touching.

Dave

 

[Savsmommy]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. I'm in tears. I'll be in Disney World in 12 days. I can't wait to share the story with my DH and children.

 

[maddhatir]

I won't be going to WDW until Oct...have never been. Can someone post pics of these two statues please.

 

[cleo]

As nice a story as it is, there are some questions about whether or not it's true, given the history of the Partners statue seems to indicate otherwise. Perhaps OP can tell us where the information came from and then none of us will be quoted on a 'silliest things seen in the parks' thread when we tear up over the statue. I'd love to have proof it's true because it IS a lovely story.

However, the original Partners statue was created for Disneyland at the request of Marty Sklar in 1993; a 'Roy' statue was never added. A copy of the statue was added to Walt Disney World in 1995 and Sharing the Magic (the 'Roy' statue) was added in 1999. There seems to have been no connection between the two statues at the time, so I'm very interested to hear how the story presented here came about.

The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom states the following as regards the Partner's Statue and Sharing the Magic:

Walt is rendered as the visionary, in a hero's stance, pointing toward the future and leading the way for his creation, Mickey Mouse. Roy is presented in a more modest posture, sitting on a bench looking rather unassuming and even supporting the hand of Minnie Mouse, who has approached him to make contact. Roy's statue is intended to recognize his willingness to remain somewhat in the background while working so hard to realize Walt's visions.

So again, it's a nice idea but it SEEMS to have no basis in fact. If fact isn't an issue, no problem. It's a pixie-dust kind of story and lots of fun to tell the kiddies. But I think the story presented by the Imagineers is every bit as magical and makes a lot more sense in the process. Still, point to where the story came from and if it's credible I'll very happily be a convert to the 'new' version.

 

[lkohawaii]

Thank you!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!! Now I can see what everybody is talking about without having to wait until Oct.

I can't wait to see it in person.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

The OP stated he was told this on his Keys to the Kingdom tour, so if you want to question it, I would suggest asking them. I think some people on here are being quite negative and demanding of "proof",and I am surprised that one is a moderator. I think you need to question the tour operators and not what the OP was told on his tour. I miss the days these boards were upbeat and everyone's post wasn't questioned to death. It's a great story, whether true or not, there are many stories around many attractions and places in Disney. It's a shame that some people have to question iit to death and be negative about it. Where is the love??????

 

[kimmikayb]

Count me in for one who shed a tear when I read the story. Thank you.

 

[PrincessLindy]

I liked the story and I want to believe it. The rest of you were probably the meanies that told the other kids that Santa isn't real.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

I agree PrincessLindy, I believe in the story and if you doubters want to shred it apart, then go ahead. We need more magical stories and heart felt ones to believe in, whether true or not!

 

[Sylvester McBean]

it's a nice story, but I haven't seen any reference to where to the OP heard it on the KTTK tour. all stories aren't true, so some people want to research them before accepting them as fact. I could have heard the story as Walt is pointing towards the turnstiles at the front of the park and is telling Mickey, "I told you I could get those people to pay $60.00 each per day to walk in here!" not as pretty as a story, but still one that needs addressed. no one is trying to shred your fantasies, but I've got 'the imagineer's field guide' as well. why would Disney tell conflicting stories?

 

[Sammie]

It is a sweet story, but why would asking for verification of where the story was read, or heard be negative. All the OP has to do is simply state where they heard the story or read it.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

It was in his trip report...that he heard it there....it's over on the trip reports board.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

I'll check his trip report out. there are many, many people on this board who have taken the KTTK tour before. I've never heard this story. I'm not discounting it, but I've never heard it before.