Last Friday, D23, the official Disney fan club, hosted a handful of bloggers for a special look at the Disney Archives. D23 is committed to providing its members with access to the artifact, people, stories and adventures that embrace the Walt Disney Company’s unique and deep history.
As I mentioned in part 1 of this series, the archives are filled with memorabilia on display. What guests to the archives may not realize that there are many, many precious artifacts that the public (and special guests) never see. Below are some such treasure.
Steamboat WillieSteamboat Willie is the first cartoon to coordinate sound with its movements and Mickey Mouse’s third on-screen appearance. Steamboat Willie changed animation forever and we were lucky enough to see two amazing artifacts from this movie.
Below is a cell from Steamboat Willie. One might think that there would likely be many cells left over after a cartoon is completed, but this is certainly not the case, as most cells were washed cleaned and reused.
We were also treated to the storyboards for Steamboat Willie, presumably typed and illustrated by Walt Disney, himself. 
We were treated to concept art for scenes for the movie Dumbo that ended up being pulled from the film. The art is beautiful!
By far, my favorite artifacts were those from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, my absolute favorite Disney movie. I broke into tears when the sketches below were put in front of us. To see the beautiful beginnings of my favorite film and character right in front of me was a really powerful experience. I feel so incredibly blessed to share these images with you.
It’s crazy; even as I post these pictures into this piece, I really still can’t believe that I was this close to them.
And that’s the great thing about D23. For Disney fans (and fanatics), D23 is able to bring together the very best of Disney history for its members. To learn more about joining D23, click here.
In part 3 of this series, I will be showcasing the rarely seen second floor of the Disney Archives and an exclusive performance by the amazing Richard Sherman!
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Wow. What an awesome experience! I would have to pinch myself if I was ever that close to Snow White. 🙂
What a great experience! Also, if anyone is interested, Disneyana on Main Street has cels available for purchase. Though they aren’t originals, they’re made with the same ink and paint technique as the originals!
What a great post! Love the detailed pictures. Thanks so much for sharing this rare look into history.