Every other year, Disney holds the "D23 Expo: The Ultimate Fan
Experience" in Anaheim California. The Treasures of the Disney Archives
pavilion is always among the best of what the D23 Expo has to offer.
Each time, the Treasures pavilion is different, so repeat attendees can
continue to see new and interesting things out of the archives. You can
count on the exhibit including great costumes from movies or TV shows as
well as items like props, posters, artwork, and promotional materials
related to anything Disney.
This year's Archives exhibit definitely did not disappoint. Although
it seemed to be somewhat smaller in terms of the number of items on
display than in years past, the items were really special. Perhaps
Disney made a choice to display quality over quantity this time around,
and if so, it definitely worked!
In the room designated for the queue, the first set of items was on
display. This set included ten absolutely stunning designer dresses
inspired by Disney princesses. The gowns were originally part of the
Christmas window displays at Harrods in London, and were designed by the
likes of Versace, responsible for the breathtaking Cinderella gown, and
Oscar de la Renta, whose Snow White gown was absolutely stunning. The
eight other Disney princesses represented were Belle, Aurora, Tiana,
Ariel, Rapunzel, Mulan, Pocahantas, and Jasmine. All ten gowns were
simply amazing. I'm sure I was not the only one who was totally enamored
by these beautiful dresses!
In the main pavilion area, there were many more amazing items to view.
The first section boasted costumes from ABC's TV show "Once Upon a
Time." Some of the most memorable costumes from the show were featured,
including Snow White's feathery wedding gown. Another display paid
homage to Oz the Great and Powerful. Guests were able to see costumes
for all three of the main characters.
The larger second section was devoted to all things "Mary Poppins" in honor of the movie's 50th
anniversary this year. Among the movie props on display were the
carousel horses ridden by Mary Poppins and Bert in the fantastical park
scene, Bert's chimney sweep, and the blocks from the nursery. The
exhibit also included items related to the movie premiere as well as a
short video about the premiere event at Grauman's Chinese Theater in
Hollywood. The costumes on display were fantastic. Two costumes worn by
Julie Andrews in the movie were offered - the gorgeous white dress,
complete with matching hat, gloves and shoes, and the coat and hat
ensemble worn in the beginning of the movie. Other costumes on display
included Jane and Michael's outfits from their outing, and - my personal
favorite - Mrs. Banks's "Votes for Women" outfit. These were so fun to
see in person!
The exhibit also included plenty of photographs and posters related to
Mary Poppins. My favorite of these was a large black and white
photograph of Julie Andrews, Dick van Dyke, and the Sherman Brothers,
who wrote the music for Mary Poppins. It was truly wonderful to see a
moment with four amazing Disney legends captured!
Before leaving the pavilion, attendees could also see the top entries
from this year's D23 Fan Art Contest, which was also themed to Mary
Poppins in celebration of the 50th anniversary. There were
many fun pieces included in the collection of fan art, which included
everything from paintings to elaborate 3-dimensional pieces. Inspiring!
All in all, I'd say that once again, the Treasures of the Disney
Archives pavilion offered fans something truly unique and special as
part of their D23 Expo experience. Disney fans love Disney history, and
it is always appreciated when we can see something (or in this case many
somethings) that can't be seen anywhere else! I'm already looking
forward to what Disney will have in store for the Archives exhibit in
2015!
For other posts on this blog with pictures of the archives exhibit, please click here and here.
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