Famous Disneyland costumes. Note the other cool historical pieces on the wall

February 28 and March 1, Van Eaton Galleries in Van Nuys, California, is holding one the largest Disneyland memorabilia auctions ever seen, and let me tell you, as big, big Disneyland fan who has seen it in person, it’s AMAZING. Kendra and I attended a media preview and we didn’t know where to look first. From brown-line drawings to famous Cast Member costumes to artifacts and souvenirs that you truly won’t believe, this auction has a little bit of everything. Check out some of the most notable pieces in the photos below. There are even more things you don’t want to miss in the video, so be sure to watch it!

Real human skeleton that was once inside Pirates of the Caribbean!

From pieces of the monorail to attraction posters to original art (not copies!), this auction has it all!

Yes. Those are real “it’s a small world” dolls

Hand carved… from the Tiki Room

Interesting artifacts from Adventureland and Frontierland

Miniature painted by Walt Disney

Cigar store indian from Frontierland.

Tiki Room bird that has been refurbished.

Bird taken from the Tiki Room still outfitted with its mechanics.

The entire collection was from one anonymous collector who collected over the last 30 years. From sources ranging from yard sales to some clear “inside jobs.” (Or so it would seem. I can’t think of a time when Cast Members have been given a Mickey head…) At any rate, the auction literally has something for everyone and while there is a 300-page auction catalog listing hundreds of pieces there are even more items not listed! If you have some time, I really encourage you to take the drive to Van Nuys and check out this exhibit, as it is unlikely you will ever see this type of collection again anywhere beside the Disney Archives or Walt Disney Family Museum. Click here to learn more about the gallery hosting the auction, their viewing hours and to view the catalog. 

As part of the media preview, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Bob Gurr, one of Disneyland’s original Imagineers who worked directly with Walt Disney. It is a long video (about 8 minutes), but I am telling you that it is 100% worth the watch. PLUS, there is a story about Disneyland’s fire engine toward the end that will give you goose bumps! If you are a Disneyland nut like me, you will LOVE it!!!

For the record: I did not include photos of the character heads up for auction in my video or this blog post because I didn’t want to traumatize any of my readers’ kids if they happen to see this post or video on their parents’ computers or phones. Also for the record, if anyone wants to know what I would like for Christmas, here’s a hint. There are two of them up for auction, but I would be happy with just one.