A special exhibition is opening in London in October to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.
Disney100: The Exhibition features historical artefacts, original costumes and interactive installations, across 10 themed galleries, and is the largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created, taking four years to put together. It spans the company's entire history, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), to the most recent releases such as Encanto, and incorporates the Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel strands too.
Among the original works of art, reprographics, artefacts, costumes, props, and other memorabilia on display — many of which have never been seen by the public before — are the actual prop storybook from the opening scene of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and the carousel horse which Dick Van Dyke rode in Mary Poppins (1964), a well as the crystal glass slipper from Cinderella (2015). They can all be found in the Where Do The Stories Come From? gallery.
The creation of Disney heroes, villains and sidekicks is the focus of The Illusion of Life gallery, which features the red dress from Cruella (2021), while the Iron Man helmet from Avengers: Infinity War (2018) is on display in The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery gallery.
It's not just the films under the microscope though. Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks focuses on the success of the brand's theme parks worldwide, with a chance to feel as though you're standing on a version of Main Street, USA. A vehicle from Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disneyland Park and a model of the Castle of Magical Dreams for Hong Kong Disneyland Park illuminated by colourful fireworks are also featured in the exhibits.
For an extra splash of Disney magic, visit on 16 October 2023 — the 100th anniversary of the creation of The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio — when all tickets will be VIP, and opening will be extended until 9pm.
Naturally, there's a gift shop where we're promised 'exclusive merchandise', as well as photo opportunities with Goofy, Mickey and Mr Incredible, against special backdrops.
Disney100 has previously been at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia USA and Munich’s Small Olympic Hall. It follows on from the Disney: Wonder of Friendship Experience here in London in May which, if we're being honest, was a little underwhelming, so we're hopeful the Sorcerer's Apprentice can wave a little extra magic this time around. That was predominantly for an adult audience, whereas this new exhibition is more inclusive of kiddies, with a children's memorabilia treasure hunt and interactive flip boards in each gallery.
Disney100: The Exhibition is at ExCeL London from 13 October 2023, until 2024. You can sign up for the waitlist for tickets from 11 July, with tickets on sale from 18 July at 10am, starting at £16.50 off-peak for children. There are special prices for families, students and senior citizens, and special tickets such as Flexi Entry and VIP tickets.
