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D23 members to preview Walt Disney Archives exhibit with pieces from Pirates of the Caribbean, Country Bears

in Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Theme Parks

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 1 Comment
Mickey Mouse, dressed in a vibrant red uniform adorned with medals, glasses, and white gloves—channeling the classic look celebrated by the Walt Disney Archives—excitedly shouts while holding a black baton.

The latest installment of D23’s Disney Geek web series offered more details about the upcoming Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit scheduled to open at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California with D23 members allowed inside during a preview weekend.

Though the exhibit featuring more than 500 pieces of Disney history from theme parks, movies, and beyond will officially open July 6, 2012, head of D23 Steven Clark has revealed that D23 members will be given a chance to see it all the weekend prior. Details of that preview are still forthcoming.

In addition, this week’s Disney Geek episode featured several of the instantly-recognizable props and characters that will be featured in the exhibit.

Among the historic items are Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter hat from “Alice in Wonderland” and compass from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Julie Andrews’ “Mary Poppins” hat and scarf, and an animatronic bear from the former Country Bears attraction at Disneyland.

The Mad Hatter’s iconic hat, featuring a pink ribbon, playful arrows, and the famous "10/6" card, stands out against a dramatic backdrop—an enchanting piece that would thrill fans strolling through the Walt Disney Archives or exploring Alice in Wonderland displays at a Disney park.

Gloved hands display a vintage navigational instrument—either a sundial or compass—nestled in an ornate case, echoing the adventurous spirit of Pirates of the Caribbean. This treasured artifact is showcased from the Walt Disney Archives, offered exclusively for D23 members to experience up close.

A black woven hat adorned with whimsical faux flowers and red berries, styled like magical accessories found in the Walt Disney Archives, set against a dramatic background reminiscent of a Disney Parks display.

A Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired reddish-brown curly fake beard rests on a black surface, with the Disney Geek logo in the corner—a collectible accessory sure to catch the eye of D23 members and Walt Disney Archives enthusiasts.

A friendly bear character poses with a plush bear in hand, both sporting neutral expressions, capturing the playful spirit of classic Disney park exhibits.

But the show stopper of this episode is the Colonel puppet from the Adventurers Club at Walt Disney World, who carries on a conversation with Clark in the Disney Geek episode, complete with a hearty “Kungaloosh!” and rousing rendition of “Drop Your Drawers.”

UPDATE (5/10/12): Former Disney Geek Jeffrey Epstein sent me an e-mail this morning clarifying that when the Colonel said he isn’t part of the Treasures of The Walt Disney Archives exhibit in the episode, it wasn’t just part of a comedy routine. The puppet really won’t be on display. When asked if other Adventurers Club pieces will be included in the exhibit, Epstein simply stated he “can’t confirm any additional items (Adventurers Club or otherwise)” beyond what’s listed above and in the initial announcement. It seems the Colonel was making an appearance on the show simply for entertainment value.

A dazzling animatronic toy soldier from Disney Parks, decked out in a vibrant red uniform and crisp white hat, stands at attention with a black baton in hand and mouth open as if mid-drum call. Set against a dramatic black background, this figure brings the iconic parade magic of Disneyland to life.

A guest interacts with a smiling animatronic uniformed guard, dressed in classic red and holding a baton, set against a dramatic black backdrop evoking the vintage charm of figures found in the Walt Disney Archives.

The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit and its many iconic pieces of Disney history will soon be on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, through April 2013.

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