First look at the Disney 100 Exhibition marking a hundred years of magic
A huge exhibition celebrating a century of magic has launched in London to mark the Disney 100 anniversary, making British fans the first in the world to see hundreds of stunning behind-the-scenes secrets.
The event at London's Excel includes ten stunning galleries of artefacts, artwork and memorabilia encompassing everything from the iconic animated characters loved by millions through to more obscure films like Pete's Dragon and The Black Cauldron and onto the newly-acquired Marvel and Star Wars franchises. One hall also celebrates the theme parks visitors flock to every year.
A host of dignitaries from the company joined Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and the gang to launch the show, with hundreds of people taking the chance to get the first look at the show. It will run until 2024 and has already sold more 84,000 tickets costing from £14.50 each to fans of all things Mouse.
The exhibition, which was four years in the planning and put together by teams in America, England and Germany, was introduced by Deborah Armstrong, UK Country Manager for Disney who told the crowd: "This is a celebration for all the fans who have let Disney into their hearts over the years."
Having had a chance to look round the huge exhibition before it opened to the public, I can safely say it's a must-see for fans of all things Disney.
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My highlights included getting the chance to work the motion-capture technology that gives Rocket Raccoon his expressive glare; seeing the decidedly low-tech leather wallet that animators bent back and forth to make the sound of shuffling as the Seven Dwarves met Snow White for the first time; and listening to Walt Disney explain his vision for Epcot. But the joy of the 20,000 square feet of magic is that, no matter how old you are or your favourite Disney character or moment, there will be something that resonates.
There are plenty of immersive elements, including touch screen technology to help animate some familiar faces and plenty of audio exhibits where you pick up a small telephone receiver and listen to a snippet of music or interview. The exhibition starts by explaining the origin of Walt and Roy Disney's vision for an animation studio and even includes a copy of the telegram Walt sent his brother which marked the moment they started out on their own.
It then moves on to show the development of iconic characters, including of course Mickey himself, as well as then looking at Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar as well as the classic animations that have thrilled generations.
The ten halls that make up the exhibition are:
Gallery 1: Where it all began
Gallery 2 - Where do the stories come from?
Gallery 3 - The illusion of life
Gallery 4 - The spirit of adventure and discovery
Gallery 5 - Magic of sound and music
Gallery 6 - The world around us
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Gallery 7 - Innoventions
Gallery 8 - Your Disney World
Gallery 9 - The wonder of Disney
Gallery 10 - The next 100 years
What's now known as the Walt Disney Company - although back then it was the Disney Brothers Studio - was officially founded October 16, 1923, when Walt and his brother Roy went into partnership together. Initially a low-key operation, it flourished thanks to the creativity and innovation of the pair as well as their key collaborators including legendary animator Ub Iwerks.
Trailblazers both in terms of storytelling and also the mechanics of innovation, the pair eventually tired of the politics of producing animations for some of Hollywood's biggest players like Universal Pictures and began producing their own - with a certain mouse called Mickey's arrival in 1928 cementing their place in the hearts of generations and leading to Oscar-winning movies, iconic songs, 12 theme parks and more.
The official celebrations for Disney 100 began on January 1 and since then the company has teamed up with dozens of well-loved brands to add some pixie dust to their products to mark the occasion, including Oodie, Adidas, Charlotte Tilbury, Fossil, Loungefly, Crocs, Pandora and many more.
Charlotte Tilbury and Disney have teamed up in one of the highest profile Disney 100 collaborations. (Charlotte Tilbury)Seven great Disney 100 products from £5.99 to £499
Charlotte's Magic Cream - £79 from Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury's hero moisturiser gets some bona fide pixie dust with limited edition reusable Tinkerbell packaging. The range also includes facelifts for the Beauty Light Wand as well as make up bags and brushes perfect for adding some magic to beauty routine.
Disney 100 Music and Wonder mug - £5.99 from CardFactory
This cheery design encapsulates the diversity of characters and songs from over the decades, including Aladdin's Genie alongside characters from Coco, Rapunzel, Dumbo, Lilo and Stitch and many others alongside Mickey himself.
The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder book - £43.60 from Amazon
Literally the book of a century, this stunning retrospective has some of the things you'll see in the London exhibition alongside much, much more. A 304-page, full colour coffee table book it's an ideal gift and perfect for dipping in and out of.
Mickey Mouse Oodie - £59.49 from Oodie
If you've had your eye on an Oodie for Christmas now is the time to snap one up, with currently running a 40% off promotion site-wide. There's also Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars options and if you're someone who prefers something lighter to relax in their bamboo sleep tees are a lighter option, this Stitch one is reduced to £44.40.
Disney 100 Surprise Capsule - £9.99 from Amazon
Another budget-friendly option, these blind bag style capsules currently have more than a third off and ideal for Christmas stockings of younger fans. There are 14 different iconic and beautifully detailed characters to collect and the packaging transforms into a stand for the figure meaning there's minimal waste and they can be proudly displayed.
100 Years of Disney egg chair - £499 from Dunelm
If you want to make a statement with your love of all things Disney, then this chair is going to do it in grand style. Hundreds of individual shots of iconic moments from animated movies (we spotted Bambi, Jungle Book, Zootopia, the oft-forgotten Aristrocrats at first glance) form a dynamic looking print perfect for perking up a home office or corner of a living room. It's one of the bigger items in Dunelm's Disney range which also includes bedlinen, plates and other homewares perfect for adding a bit of pixie dust to any room.
Lego Walt Disney Tribute Camera - £89.99 from Amazon
This 811-piece set makes a vintage movie camera with a film strip showing stills from 20 classic Disney films, as well as a smaller set of Walt, Mickey, Dumbo and more. Aimed at adult Lego fans, the instruction booklet not only guides you through the build but is packed with details about Disney, the camera and even how this set itself was designed.
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