LOS ANGELES, CA.- Van Eaton Galleries, one of the world’s premier animation artwork and collectible galleries located in Sherman Oaks, California has announced The Story of Disneyland Collection exhibit and auction to take place February 28th and March 1st at Van Eaton Galleries, 13613 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA. The Story of Disneyland Collection is the most comprehensive and complete collection to ever come to market and provides an unprecedented narrative into the story of Walt Disney’s beloved Disneyland theme park. With memorabilia dating from the very beginning of Walt’s planning to his expansions in Florida and beyond, this one-of-a-kind rare collection has been amassed over thirty years and includes an extraordinary glimpse into the life of Walt Disney, his close group of original Imagineers, the initial plans for Disneyland and the amazing legacy he left behind.

A visionary and master showman, Walt Disney was inspired to build his theme park after spending time with his daughters at a local Los Angeles park and carousel. At that time, the unclean boardwalks and shady game booths of “Amusement Piers” were not places considered family friendly. Disney’s extensive travels had taken him to some of Europe’s more popular parks, and he wanted to build something in America that both adults and children could enjoy together. By the time Disney broke ground in 1954 on a 75 acre plot in Anaheim he had put almost everything he owned and more into the project. Considered “Walt’s Folly” by many who felt his idea would never work, the park welcomed its millionth visitor in less than one year, and has since become a worldwide cultural icon, influencing popular culture and generations of loyal followers across the globe.

From the moment you enter the turn-of the century Main Street, a portal between the real world and the adventures yet to come, you enter into the creative mind of Walt Disney and his Imagineers. This exhibit and sale allows people the opportunity to not only experience, but also to own a piece of that magic.

Van Eaton Galleries will conduct an exclusive online and live auction paired with a limited time exhibit of the collection that includes over 1000 pieces of memorabilia. Among the collection’s highlights are several original artworks including a rare early concept for Tomorrowland by Bruce Bushman. Bushman was one of the major designers working by Walt’s side during the park development and construction. The artwork is a very early concept and was actually featured in the 1954 series premiere of Walt Disney’s “Disneyland” television show (Estimate: $50,000-$70,000). An original Slue Foot Sue costume dress from the Golden Horseshoe (Estimate: $5,000-$7,000) used from 1956 to 1986 and worn by one of the most well-known performers in the park, Betty Taylor; an original “Pinocchio” character head from a 1968 walk-around character (Estimate: $7,000-$9,000); an etched glass E-ticket sign that hung at The Pirates of the Caribbean entrance which is one of only two made (Estimate: $15,000-$20,000); an original Disneyland Tiki Bird from the enchanted Tiki Room (Estimate: $20,000-$25,000), and a house from the Storybookland Village from the Disneyland attraction are only a few of the hundreds of items offered in the collection.

Everyone knows Walt Disney was a man of big dreams but he also took great delight in the world of miniatures. Disney constructed and collected a huge variety of miniatures during his lifetime which ultimately inspired some of his much bigger ideas including attractions at the Disney theme parks. A rare miniature pot belly stove hand-crafted and hand painted by Walt Disney himself will be offered in the online auction (Estimate: $15,000-$20,000)

Other highlights include the original Cigar Store Indian that stood at the front of Frontierland in the 1960s (Estimate: $15,000-$20,000), an actual skeleton prop from the original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction (Estimate:$ 60,000-$90,000), a large panel from the first monorail in the park (Estimate: $12,000-$15,000) and a doll from one of the most famous attractions of all time, “It’s a Small World.”

“This collection is beyond extraordinary,” said Mike Van Eaton, Founder & President of Van Eaton Galleries. “The breadth of this vintage collection and the rarity of the memorabilia are a true testament to the genius of Walt Disney. It tells the story of Disneyland from the beginning like we have never seen before and I am sure we won’t ever see again.” (photo right: Original “It’s a Small World Doll 1964)

Other highlights include several cast member costumes, badges, clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories, as well as original attraction posters, brochures, tickets, blueprints and programs from the earliest of days at the Disneyland theme park. Early concept work never before offered to or seen by the general public is only a portion of the vast array of items being featured and includes artwork from Primeval World, Pirates of the Caribbean, The House of Tomorrow, The Monorail, Main Street buildings, Adventureland, and many more.

The massive collection also includes a Michael Jackson original artwork for the Captain EO attraction (Estimate: $40,000-$60,000), rare unused examples of the first Disneyland ticket book (Estimate: $1,500-$2,500), a Walt Disney signed opening day Disneyland guidebook (Estimate: $7,000-$9,000), a 1956 Main Street Station Flag (Estimate: $2,000-$4,000), an original costume design painting for The Haunted Mansion (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000), an original Main Street Horse Drawn Carriage side panel (Estimate $15,000-$20,000), and several first year cast member ID badges, in-house ride manuals and procedures, pre-opening employee packets as well as original shopping bags, popcorn boxes, menus, souvenirs and much more.