Here at WDWNT, we have some of the best readers and followers ever. Especially when they alert us to things pertaining to our favorite park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

We had heard that some of the handprints had been scored outside of the Chinese Theatre. If you follow our photo reports, you’ll know that scoring is usually a sign of concrete that’s about to be removed (and replaced.) That’s why when we went over to check in on the handprints this morning…

…it was as if nothing had happened.

Except something had happened. A number of handprints had been re-cast and replaced, including David “It was magical!” Copperfield, Chevy Chase, and Cyd Charisse.

The shoe marks are a bit much.

For reference, here’s what Cyd Charisse’s handprint looked like before:

John Ritter’s handprint also seems to have gotten a refresh. Yes, Ritter did write 1948 on his. 9-17-1948 was actually his birthday.

Upon further investigation, we also came about this dismaying observation: Curtains have been drawn over the windows of one of the main displays, as well.

This display used to house photographs of the premiere of Mary Poppins, which took place at the original Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 1964. (For a fascinating, remastered video of the premiere in full technicolor splendor, click here!)

How they re-did the handprints is a matter of casts or molds that they keep in storage for the purpose of maintenance. It appears the entire area is getting refreshed for the 30th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but more importantly, this is definitely a sign of work revving up for the opening of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which is still set to open in Fall of 2019.

We’ll keep you updated on any more handprint replacements and further developments at the park.

Jessica Figueroa