Michael Jackson was a fan of Disney. He went to Disneyland and Disney World frequently. I mean, it makes sense: he was like a big kid, and the theme parks cater to that. It's probably why we love them as well. You can feel young and whimsical.
Disney World has some Michael Jackson tributes, and we wanted to be sure we found them.
For starters, you can get Fuzzball from Captain EO at Hollywood Studios. Remember Captain EO? It was a short film that starred Michael Jackson, and it used to be at both theme parks. I believe it shut down in 1998 and returned in 2010 as a tribute to Michael, and then closed for good in 2015. Fuzzball is his sidekick.
In front of Mickey's Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios, you can see Michael's signature, so we brought Fuzzball to say hello. You can purchase Fuzzball in Galaxy's Edge--apparently he's in that world because he was a BRIEF appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. Blink and you'll miss it. I did. The cast member had to explain it to me.
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It was neat to see Michael's signature and handprints. The cast members were touched that we had brought Fuzzball over to say hello.
Even Geppetto was a fan.
The spot where Captain EO used to show is in Epcot. It's now the area where Disney & Pixar Short Films are shown.
Fuzzball was eager to be where his movie once was.
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It still looks basically the same, just different signs.
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Finally, Michael loved the Kali River Rapids ride in Animal Kingdom. So if you look up in the room where you stand before entering the tubes, you'll see a painting of him on the ride. It's the Sherpa Surfer painting:
It was fun checking out all the Michael spots at Disney World. We are hoping that Captain EO returns one day. With the popularity of the Michael movie, there is a chance it might.
And if so, Fuzzball will be there.
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This again shows me what a disney expert you really are! Honestly, you clearly know your way around the theme and what great fun for kids.
ReplyDeleteHe was a true Disney fan indeed! I love that there are still so many special tributes and little reminders of Michael throughout Disney World
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun tribute to Michael Jackson. I love how Disney World keeps these special performances memorable, giving fans a chance to enjoy his music in such a lively setting.
ReplyDeleteHe was such a huge Disney fan, and I"m not surprised. He had a very kind spirit. What a cool experience.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there were so many little Michael Jackson tributes hidden around Disney World. I remember Captain EO, but I never would have known to look for the Sherpa Surfer painting or his signature and handprints. Bringing Fuzzball along to visit each spot made it even more fun!
ReplyDeleteI did not know this was at Disney World. It looks like you had a fun time looking for the different tributes. I don't remember Captain EO!
ReplyDeleteThis is cool info to know about Michael Jackson. I never knew that he was a huge Disney fan.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Michael jackson - so if ever I get to Disney World again, I'll be sure to look out for all the spots you highlight. I've only been once, and I really thought I needed a week there!
ReplyDeleteYou are a true Michael Jackson fan!! Taking Fuzzball to visit the iconic Michael places is such a fun idea. I hope I can visit Disney soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool experience at Disney! I have always liked Michael Jackson's music, and the film is great, too! Thanks for showing us these Michael Jackson tributes at Disney World!
ReplyDeleteI've visited disneyland dozens of times and I never knew there were Michael Jackson tributes there. I'll have to check them out next time I do.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool and I will make sure to look for this when I am there and am so sad that I missed this fun sounding Michael Jackson short film. I love all of the pictures above.....
ReplyDeleteFinding those hidden park details brings back so many childhood memories. Spotting old memorabilia always makes theme park visits feel extra special.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Micheal Jackson frequented the parks. They is cool that he has tributes around and that you were able to locate some of them.
ReplyDeleteThe Fuzzball part genuinely made me laugh, especially the bit about missing his tiny appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu. I love that there are still these small reminders of Michael around Disney World rather than just one obvious tribute. And honestly, I’m with you — bringing Captain EO back would be pretty special.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of fuzzball but this is so cute. I will always remain a Michael fan and so anything that honors him warms my heart. You sure have been living it up at Disney and what a memory builder.. Hurray to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Florida, so we went to Disney quite a few times. I never knew any of this was there! What a great way to pay tribute with Fuzzball.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really fun and nostalgic post! I had no idea there were so many subtle tributes to Michael Jackson hidden around Disney World. Bringing Fuzzball along to visit the signature, the handprints, and the old Captain EO spot is such a great way to explore the parks. The Sherpa Surfer painting on the Kali River Rapids is a detail I would have completely missed – it's amazing that they kept that little nod to his love for the ride. It's heartwarming to see how Disney preserves these small pieces of history for fans to discover. For those who enjoy exploring hidden gems and unique experiences in a different kind of entertainment, you might also appreciate the well-curated and engaging platform at https://nvcasino-french.com/ . Have you ever spotted any other celebrity tributes at Disney World?
ReplyDeleteWe had no idea there were Michael Jackson tributes like these! We'll definitely try to find them during our next visit. The Sherpa Surfer painting looks really cool too. Thanks for sharing these hidden gems!
ReplyDeleteRemembering Michael Jackson's history with Disney World—especially the iconic Captain EO 3D experience at Epcot—brings back such incredible 80s nostalgia! The collaboration between MJ, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola was truly legendary for theme park history. Sifting through vintage Disney attraction archives and music retrospectives takes plenty of focus throughout the day. In the evening, when I step away from reading and want to clear my head, taking a quick mental breather on spinwinera helps me decompress and reset. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful tribute piece!
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