D23 Disney Archives Exhibit at the Reagan Library

Opening today at the Ronald Reagan Library is the largest display ever of rarely or never-before-seen items from the Walt Disney Archives. If you’ve ever attended the D23 Expo, you’ve seen just how amazing the collection of archives items are. Now through next Spring is an immense display of even more items. We were invited up for a preview last week and were blown away by some of the things the archive has kept.

The Absent Minded Professor’s Model T

The storybooks seen in the opening to Snow White and Cinderella

The original Maleficent dragon head from Fantasmic

Ironman with class Tron costumes in the background

There are so many more items to be seen. You can easily spend about two hours viewing and examining all the things on display, from original artwork, important documents, costumes and even Disneyland ride vehicles. This is in addition, of course, to the rest of the Reagan Presidential Library, the most popular of all the presidential libraries. The exhibit is included with the library admission ticket, however, due to the popularity of the exhibit and these busy weeks of summer ahead, it is strongly recommended that you by library tickets in advance and obtain a designated time to visit. This will guarantee easy access and allow you to avoid waiting in what will likely be long lines. The museum is open daily, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

From the Reagan Library website: A limited number of timed-tickets for same-day purchase, subject to availability, will be sold each day in the Library Admissions Lobby for those who do not purchase in advance online. As stated earlier, purchasing tickets at the Library (instead of in advance online) is not recommended, as we cannot guarantee tickets will be available for the time you request. Because they are timed-tickets, gallery entry times will be subject to availability. It is anticipated that exhibition tickets will be very popular and there is a possibility that entry times will sell out.

Tickets are $21 for adults, $15 for ages 11-17 and $6 for children 3-10. Under age 2 are free. My kiddos enjoy museums and the Reagan library is full of things to look and and interact with. The Disney archives display will captivate children of all ages.

Taking your kids to Disney’s D23 Expo- Our first day

Yesterday I packed a bag, stroller and costumes and headed to Disney’s D23 expo with the kids. The kids were super excited to head out. I don’t really know what they were expecting but they knew it had to do with Disney and they were beyond excited.

e spent three hours but could have easily spent more. I’m not exaggerating here- The kiddos did not want to leave the main exhibition hall floor. We spent hours walking through the Disney Consumer Product Pavilion and the kids couldn’t get enough!

My daughter fell in love with the Disney Beauty Booth and begged for a makeover. We didn’t have to wait for very long and my princess received the royal treatment. My son, a Toy Story fanatic, could not get enough of the Crayola Animation Booth which featured Andy’s Bedroom from Toy Story. An animator will lead you and your kiddos through a 45 minute lesson on drawing your favorite Disney Characters. We had a blast.

The kiddos loved dancing at Radio Disney’s booth. They were in their own kiddo dance heaven! Fun music played while Radio Disney stuff handed out Disney “swag” to those on the dance floor.

There is also two rooms that every parent of young children should be aware when heading to the expo. First is the Expo’s baby care center located on the second floor and the Baby Einstein Room which is a perfect place to decompress and let the kiddos play and relax. It’s the perfect place to hang out with he kids in between events.

There are plenty of restrooms, bathrooms and even a place to rent strollers, if you don’t feel like bringing yours.Parking is plentiful and $12. I would bring cash for parking and snacks. Better yet, pack some snacks and save some $.

We had an incredible time and I hope you do too! I will be heading back with the kiddos tomorrow afternoon. If you see me, please stop and say hello. Have an incredible time!

D23 Expo is here! The ultimate Disney Fan Experience

The Disney D23 expo is finally here. I had the opportunity to head there this morning and walk around the convention hall and I can’t tell you all how fun this event will be for the entire family! I came home to grab some lunch and pick up the kiddos. We will be heading back in a few.

Your kiddos will love walking around the convention floor and checking out everything that Disney has to offer. One of the areas in the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion that will sure to be a hit is Disney’s Creativity Center Hosted by Crayola. Kids will be able to sit in Andy’s recreated bedroom from Toy Story and learn to draw Disney characters from Disney artists. Classes will be held everyday.

I know my daughter is going to go nutty over the Disney Princess Storytime and Royal Manners, where your prince or princess will be treated as a cherished member of a royal kingdom. A different princess visits each day.

There is also plenty for grown ups to do. Your favorite ABC shows will be represented including a special performance by Donnie Osmond and his dance partner from Dancing with The Stars. I can’t wait! One of the booths I happened to stop by was the Lost University. If you are a Lostie, you will have to stop by and take it in. You are going to love it!

There are so many things to see and do. I could spend hours telling you all about the many presentations and panels about everything Disney. It is truly a family event.

D23 Expo
September 10-September 13
Anaheim Convention Center
Tickets are still available.
You can purchase tickets by heading here.
For a schedule of events head here.

I will be summing up each day with a post along with things to do this weekend in Southern California. Check back often!