Whether you grew up watching renowned classics, are a hardcore Pixar fan or even class yourself as a superhero-come-Jedi, there is no doubt that there is a little Disney in everyone.
From Snow White and Olaf to Captain America and Mickey Mouse, the magical world of Disney is something that has encapsulated audiences across the world for decades.
This year, The Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th anniversary in style, as you are invited to delve deep into the imagination that brings your favourite characters to life. Opening its doors on October 13, 2023, Disney100: The Exhibition is the largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created.
A celebration of timeless storytelling and unforgettable characters, Disney100 offers an unmissable opportunity for you to relive your most beloved Disney memories and delight in new heart-warming stories and experiences tied to this momentous milestone.
A dream is a wish your heart makes
Tickets for the unmissable exhibition are already on sale, so don't miss your opportunity to explore a vast array of artefacts from the Walt Disney Archives alongside many of the “Crown Jewels”.
The exhibition will take place at London's ExCel Centre and is 20,000-square-foot of magic, with ten magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries allowing every generation to fully immerse themselves and rediscover some all-time favourites. With moving stories, historical artefacts, original costumes and unique interactive installations, the whole family can take a mesmerising, nostalgic and educational journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company.
The awe-inspiring memorabilia and never-before-seen works of art will take you on a journey as you explore the special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company's most popular characters, films, shows, and attractions—from Disneyland Paris to Walt Disney World® Resort and beyond.
It took four years to plan and assemble the artefacts for Disney100: The Exhibition, many of which will be on display for fans and Disney lovers for the first time. The majority of artefacts presented are from the collection of the Walt Disney Archives, with additional items from Marvel Studios, the Pixar Living Archives, the Walt Disney Animation Research Library and the collections of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Speaking about the unmissable exhibition, Becky Cline, director at the Walt Disney Archives said: "We are incredibly excited to bring this fantastic exhibition to London.
"We can’t wait for guests in the UK to experience their favourite Disney stories, characters, and attractions in new and immersive ways as we celebrate all the wonderful worlds of Disney."
Ohana means family
From young fans who look up to Moana to big kids who remember the release of Bambi, the incredible exhibition really does have something for everyone as you are encouraged to capture cherished moments with a series of extraordinary backdrops and photo opportunities.
Unleash your inner superhero as you take a photo with the life-sized ‘Incredibles Family’ from Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles, or say cheese next to Mickey, Goofy, and Dopey. Little fans can also test their observation skills with a series of “Did you know?” flip-style question-and-answer boards, offering child-friendly fun facts about assets found in each gallery.
In the gallery, Where Do the Stories Come From?, visitors can see the actual prop storybook from the opening scene of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the Mary Poppins carousel horse which Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke rode in his role as the lovable Bert. The stunning crystal glass slipper from Cinderella (2015) will also be on display alongside original artwork from the 1950 animated classic.
In The Illusion of Life gallery, the original artwork for the animation of ‘Cruella’ from One Hundred and One Dalmatians and the renowned red dress from Cruella (2021) will be showcased, conveying the fully developed personality of the ‘erratic and eccentric’ character. You can also discover more about the creation of Disney heroes, villains, and sidekicks that have inspired and entertained audiences across the globe for 100 years—from the first sketch to the finished animation.
The stories of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel invite you on a journey in The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery gallery, where you can look forward to seeing the Iron Man helmet from Avengers: Infinity War, among other treasures.
Of course, Disney100: The Exhibition also includes a look at Disney’s world-renowned theme parks. In the gallery Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks, you will feel as if you are standing on a version of Main Street, U.S.A., where you will see an attraction vehicle from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland® Park and a model of the Castle of Magical Dreams for Hong Kong Disneyland® Park shine in the colourful light of fireworks.
The magnificent exhibition is open until 2024 and throughout the holiday season for you to celebrate your love of Disney's most timeless stories. Not only does the gift shop feature an array of exclusive and unique merchandise that you can purchase to mark the special occasion, but if you're planning a Christmas trip to London then why not add a little Disney magic to your trip too?
Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning
There's no need for a flying carpet or fairy dust to get you to the exhibition, as travelling to and from London's ExCel Centre couldn't be any easier.
Whether you're a local or have come from further afield to get the chance to celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary, the shiny new Elizabeth Line takes only 12 minutes from Central London. The quickest and easiest way to get to and from the exhibition, this journey can be done even with the whole family in tow.
For those wanting to channel Lightning McQueen, there are over 1,800 parking spaces across the Orange car park, located under the venue. Accessibility also isn't an issue, as the wheelchair hire, mobility scooter hire, changing facilities and disabled toilets can all be found on-site, allowing every family member to join in on the fun.
Tickets to the event will include special prices for families, children, students and senior citizens. There will also be a Flexi entry anytime ticket and a VIP ticket which will offer a unique branded laminate and lanyard, an exclusive D100 Disney pin, additional surprises and flexible entry at any time on any given day.
To book your exhibition tickets and learn more about The Walt Disney Company's 100-year celebration, visit Disney100: The Exhibition website here.
