On December 5, 1901, Walt Disney was born in a small neighborhood in Chicago. He would eventually move to Los Angeles and produce motion pictures and shows for a new technology called television. As one of the pioneers of cartoon shorts and animated films, he would also look beyond the entertainment industry and reinvent family entertainment when he opened Disneyland in an unknown city called Anaheim.

To celebrate Walt Disney’s birthday, Van Eaton Galleries auction house will present “Walt Disney: The Man, the Studio, and the Parks,” an online exhibition and auction that will take place on Walt Disney’s birthday, December 5th.

The collection contains over 800 rare artifacts relating to the legacy of Walt Disney. It spans the early years of Walt’s youth, to the success and growth of his studio, and to the beloved Disney theme parks around the world.

Highlights of this collection include hand-drawn original artwork by Walt himself, original letters from Walt to his friends and family, rare Kem Weber designed Walt Disney Studios animation desks and furniture, early original drawings for Walt’s backyard Carolwood Pacific Railroad, and some of the earliest original drawings of what would become Disneyland, as well as Disney Parks signage, props, costumes, and much more!

A Digital Experience

Due to updates to recent public health guidelines and social distancing, in-person bidding will not be available. However, the free exhibition is available for viewing and the online auction will be live-streamed. Online, phone and absentee bidding will also be available for those interested in purchasing items. So, for all of you who have been interested in past Disney auctions, but just didn’t quite feel like sitting in a room for hours waiting to bid on an item, now’s your chance to do so from the comfort of your own home. 

If you are interested in an item and are hoping to examine it in person before bidding, you can schedule a visit to Van Eaton Galleries, or call for more information at (818) 788-2357.

, The Man, the Studio, and the Parks: Rare Walt Disney Items on the Block
An original production cel from the animated film “Dumbo” signed by Walt Disney.
, The Man, the Studio, and the Parks: Rare Walt Disney Items on the Block
Have you ever wondered what a Disneyland guide booklet was like in the 1960s? Look no further!
, The Man, the Studio, and the Parks: Rare Walt Disney Items on the Block
Throwing trash away will be a lot more fun with an original Toy Story trash can from Disney-MGM Studios.

Virtual Catalog

The auction also includes contemporary items from Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Walt Disney Studios. For easy access to information on the items, a digital catalog with an exhaustive listing of all the items and descriptions is available for browsing. 

“We’ve handpicked the items that we think will be of interested to any collector of Disney memorabilia,” said Mike Van Eaten, owner of Van Eaton Galleries. “We hope that everyone will enjoy the items that honor the man who brought so much joy to so many people.”

For more information on this event, visit Van Eaton Gallery’s official website

Disneyland – The First 65 Years

This past July, the Van Eaton Galleries commemorated Disneyland’s birthday with their summer event “Disneyland: The First 65 Years,” an exhibition and auction of over 1,000 artifacts of rare Disney Parks history. Memorabilia from Disneyland and the other Disney theme parks from around the world were on display and up for auction.

To view our story on the occasion, be sure to visit the story through the link below. 

Rare Disneyland Treasures on Exhibit and Auction!


MORE WALT DISNEY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

, The Man, the Studio, and the Parks: Rare Walt Disney Items on the Block

On Saturday, December 5th, you can get a rare peek inside Walt Disney’s storybook-inspired mansion in the Hollywood Hills. The historic home was built by Walt in 1932 to raise a family. This is the home he lived in longest and is designed in a whimsical European fairytale style. 

All you have to do is follow the Facebook page for Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion and you’ll get free access to the live-stream at noon (Pacific Time) on Saturday. 

Just follow this page for more info: The Walt Disney Storybook Mansion (HERE)


Save On Future Theme Park Travel

(NEW Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel Packages)

Get Away TodayOur travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park booking and rescheduling plans. Whether you are ready to travel again or not, there is no better time to LOCK IN LOW RATES on future theme park travel to places like Walt Disney World, Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii, or family destinations like San Diego. Right now is a great time for you to speak with Get Away Today. Give your family something to look forward to and put a vacation on the calendar. Snap up those deals (including NEW SAVINGS of up to 35% off for WDW Hotels) while you can, with your MiceChat partners at Get Away Today- HERE


Let’s Hear From You

Are you a Disney collector or a fan of Walt? Did anything stand out to you from Van Eaton Galleries’ latest Disney-centric auction? Are you considering participating in the online auction? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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