Cranium Command was a theater-based attraction located inside the Wonders of Life pavilion, designed to educate guests about the human brain through a mix of animatronics, live-action film, and comedic narration. The theater itself was styled as the interior of a human head, with two small screens at the front representing the character’s eyes.
The show followed Buzzy, a young animatronic recruit tasked with piloting the brain of a 12-year-old boy. Buzzy interacted with various body systems—portrayed by live-action characters on surrounding screens—while navigating the challenges of adolescence. The attraction featured voice talent from Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon, Charles Grodin, and Bobcat Goldthwait, among others.
The show began seasonal operation in 2004 and closed permanently on January 1, 2007, along with the rest of the pavilion. As of late 2014, the theater and Buzzy animatronic remained intact but inactive.
In May 2019, it was confirmed that the Buzzy animatronic had been stolen from the closed Cranium Command theater. The theft followed earlier reports in December 2018 that Buzzy’s gloves and hydraulic components had gone missing, with some items later traced to private collectors.
The case drew attention due to:
- Alleged involvement of a former Disney cast member, who was charged with unrelated thefts but denied involvement in Buzzy’s disappearance
- Evidence of severed hydraulic lines and fluid leakage at the scene
- The theater being unsecured, with access reportedly possible to anyone in the area
Despite investigations and public speculation, Buzzy’s whereabouts remain unknown, and as of 2025, the case is officially listed as inactive by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
