Something new opens in Downtown Disney Anaheim tomorrow, April 26: a colorful exhibit of Mickey and Minnie Mouse has taken over the former ESPN Zone. “Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration” is a photo-opportunity experience featuring Disney’s mascot from his humble Steamboat Willie beginnings to the megastar known all over the world today. 

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Guests visit the exhibit in timed groups. After checking in, you are given a color-code card and are asked to wait in a reception room until your color is called. While in the room, you can download the exclusive playlist of music you’ll also hear during the duration of your tour.

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Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Just before entering the galleries, there’s a fun Mickey-Map Wall that gives a lay of the land.

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

From start to finish, the exhibit was bursting with eye-catching splashes of color and art inspired by Mickey and Minnie. Even the details, like the stairs leading up to rooms, were themed.

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Mickey! Photo Opportunities

The art installations double as photo opportunities, which has become a worldwide trend. Many of the installations also feature Mickey’s love for Minnie. You can hop aboard a steamboat, kick up your heels on Minnie’s couch, take a journey to Fantasmic, and even a quick tour around the world.

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Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Although built primarily as photo ops, these artistic displays are much more interactive than the walls found in the parks. And with the wide variety of styles and eras of Mickey, there’s something for everyone here.

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Look for hidden Minnie’s in every room! 

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled! Minnie Mouse joins you on this adventure, hidden somewhere in each room.

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration
We found another one!

There’s quite a range of different art styles featured throughout the exhibit. Black and white, Fantasia and Fantasmic art, and even the modern interpretation of Mickey. 

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

While the exhibit is clearly centered around Mickey, there are a few non-Mickey subjects around the building.

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration
We loved the usage of the modern Mickey throughout the exhibit. He fits in perfectly with this sort of thing; he’s very millennial-friendly while able to retain his original charm.

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey CelebrationPop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Here’s a little video teaser that Dusty put together from our visit on Wednesday: 

Pop-Up Mickey! Merchandise

At the end of the exhibit, there are a variety of different merchandise items available for purchase: hats, shirts, ears, mugs – pretty much anything you can think of. An exclusive new Spirit Jersey was created just for the event. And the theming continues outside the exhibit, at Marceline’s Confectionary, with treats available to event attendees (event ticket is required for purchase).

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Look for the wall of classic Mickey ears from Disney Parks around the world.  

Pop-Up Disney, Snap to it at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Tickets start at $30 for ages 3 and up (weekdays, more expensive on weekends). There is 5-hour complimentary parking at the Downtown Disney District parking lot included with validation from the Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration event. Validation from the Pop-Up Disney retail store is good for 3-hour complimentary parking.

What do you think of the repurposing of the old ESPN Zone building? Do you think that you’ll come for the highly Instagrammable photo ops? Let us know in the comments.

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