Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand at Epcot .
The 257-foot-tall Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand logo structure at Epcot is coming down. The structure leans on Epcot’s previous and future iconic figure, the Spaceship Earth Pavilion, a180-foot geodesic sphere that can be seen for miles.
Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee announced the removal of the structure, which has served both as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign since 2000, and as a lightning rod for criticism from Epcot purists who contended the image was out of character for Epcot’s architecture. Now, with Epcot’s 25th anniversary this fall, and the temporary closing of Spaceship Earth ride, MacPhee said, “We think the timing of the removal is right.”
Deconstruction of the 50-ton structure begins Monday July 9, 2007, and will be completed shortly before the park’s 25th anniversary, October 1. Also coming down are the 36-foot-high “Epcot” letters and colored stars splashing across the sphere.
Also Monday, the Spaceship Earth ride will close for refurbishment. The work should be done by November,
