If you live in the Los Angeles area, and aren't able to make the journey to Disneyland this summer, Richard Kraft's pop-up exhibit may be the next best thing.
Adjacent to the Ventura 101 Freeway, "That's From Disneyland" will take you on a journey through each of the five realms of Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom! The exhibit (in conjunction with Van Eaton Galleries), is a pre-auction showing of Richard Kraft's immense "Disneyana" collection - and it's quite extensive as you will see.
Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland are well represented through numerous drawings, animatronics, and other artifacts on display.
MAINSTREET, ADVENTURELAND, FRONTIERLAND, TOMORROWLAND, and FANTASYLAND - these are the realms you'll step into, each time you visit "That's From Disneyland", a pop-up exhibit running now until August 24th, 2018.
Like "a mine where a million diamonds shine", surprises await around each corner of the lattice partitions, reminiscent of barriers originally used around Main Street U.S.A.'s Red Wagon Inn.
Of particular interest, are numerous Bruce Bushman drawings that offer a rarely seen glimpse into the Disneyland that never was. Several of Bruce's Disneyland concept drawings include the animated stars and settings of Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies & Mickey Mouse shorts, and feature films like The Reluctant Dragon and Fun And Fancy Free.
One of the "biggest" stars of the collection, is undoubtedly the towering neon "D" of the Disneyland Hotel.
(No, you haven't been submerged too long), you are definitely looking at The Submarine Voyage's lengthy sea serpent on land. Speaking of submarines, guests can also peruse the exteriors of well-known attraction vehicles (like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a Tomorrowland Rocket Jet, and a Haunted Mansion "Doom Buggy").
"That's From Disneyland" guests may enjoy several photo opportunities (free of charge), with a few select vehicles. Feel free to take a seat inside one of Snow White's Scary Adventures' cars, or one of the Disneyland Skyway Buckets (pictured at the beginning of this article).
Other vehicles are available for exterior shots only.
There are also many rare gems, readily identifiable to guests of Disneyland's first few decades. You can't miss the sky-blue Global Van Lines Truck (third sponsor of Main Street's Locker Area) which was once parked near Walt's apartment. Other hidden treasures from Disneyland's infancy include a "Big Game Shoot" information sign (from Adventureland's former shooting gallery), and the Swiss Family Robinson's organ that once perpetually piped "Swisskapolka" several stories over the jungles of Adventureland!
It's easy to walk right by some of the most underappreciated Disneyland artifacts - silk-screened posters once displayed near Disneyland's entrance. Original posters representing each incarnation of the Disneyland Jets, extinct shows as the Mickey Mouse Club Theatre's 3-D Jamboree, and attractions like Rainbow Caverns can be viewed in glorious eye-popping color.
Like most Disneyland attractions, your experience ends with a gift shop experience. You'll feel like you've stepped into Tomorrowland's once popular Art Corner, as Van Eaton Galleries offers a rich assortment of Walt Disney "originals" - drawings, background paintings, and cels once used in production of your favorite Walt Disney features and shorts. If you can't bid on one of Richard Kraft's lots, you can still take a "one-of-a-kind" piece home with you (for a modest price).
We almost forgot to mention that EVERYDAY is "Anything Can Happen Day" at "That's From Disneyland"! Expect special guests daily, in addition to scheduled, ticketed evening events through Eventbrite.com. Previous stars include Charles Phoenix (and his RETRO DISNEYLAND SLIDESHOW), and Dave Bossert (who treated us with a rare public screening of "The Tunes Behind the Toons").
"That's From Disneyland" Pop-up exhibit is located at :
13730 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, California 91423
Open most days - Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:00 - 8:00
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT : https://www.thatsfromdisneyland.com/