Another Disney-related auction is underway, including pieces of Walt Disney World theme park icons.
Van Eaton Gallery has prepared approximately 900 items for its “Pop Culture and Disney Parks Featuring Disneyland Art” auction scheduled for December 6th. The auction will feature the usual assortment of park oddities, including autographs, posters, press kits, paintings, and costumes for both cast members and animatronics.
Epcotters may be drawn to the constant flow of Figment-related items. Dragon-based options include dolls, props, costumes, and souvenir prototypes used on the Journey to Imagination ride, as well as celebratory pin signs and Imagination Institute signs.
The 3-foot-long sculpture, inspired by Journey’s Dreammobile airship and featuring Figment and Dreamfinder, is expected to sell for between $4,000 and $6,000 at auction, making it the most expensive of WDW’s options, Van Eaton estimates. This sculpture, created by Bill Thoma, is one of 15 created in 1982.
Here are five notable Disney World-related parcels found at auction. Three of them have a history of being at the forefront of Florida parks.
icing on the cake
Do you want a birthday cake? A little decoration is available for Magic Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary Pink Castle Makeover.
Van Eaton, unsurprisingly, calls this item a “Drup.” An article in the gallery says the project was “one of the most radical renovations ever undertaken at a Disney Park.”
It is described as turquoise in color, 1 foot tall and 23 inches in diameter. It was placed directly above the entrance to Cinderella Castle. Estimated bid: $500-$800.
Epcot appearance
While you’re on the Wayback Machine, think back to the treatment Epcot’s Spaceship Earth received at the end of the century. Remember that Disney installed a giant Mickey arm and cane on the side of the geodesic dome, and that it originally had a “2000” sign, but after the year 2000 passed, they changed it to read “Epcot” in text.
Its design features floating illuminated red stars, one of which is up for auction. It measures approximately 44 inches tall and is in good “park used” condition. Several reflectors are missing. Van Eaton’s estimate is around $1,000 to $2,000.
it may grow for you
You may be wondering how the 14.5-inch leaf from Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life came to be auctioned. Although the description primarily describes the “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” attraction inside, the “leaf props” are generally in good condition, albeit with “dirt, scuffs, and scratches.” Van Eaton estimates the winning bid at $300 to $500, although it’s not particularly unique among park artifacts.
Disney Auction: How Van Eaton Gallery Sells Memories
a little shopping
There is an original scale model of the shopping area once known as the Disney Village Marketplace. The mixed media model measures 56 inches long and is in good condition, but “has some fallen wood, peeling adhesive, dirt, and wear from use.” It was created by D’Agostino Izzo & Quirk Architects Inc. for presentation purposes as part of an enhancement study. Some of the structures still exist at Disney Springs. Estimated auction price: $2,000 to $4,000.
Think about it, Tomorrowland.
Finally, another “very rare” poster promoting the Magic Kingdom’s 1995 Tomorrowland concept. Designed by George Stokes and Ann Tryba, the image includes Space Mountain, the People Mover, Astro Orbiter, and a representation of the plaza as seen from the park’s hub. Additionally, spaceships line the night sky with the slogan, “The future that never existed is finally here!”
Van Eaton wrote, “This is the only example of this poster we have ever been provided with.” Pre-auction estimate: $4,000 to $6,000.
Online bidding is also accepted. For auction details and to view the complete catalog of items, please visit vegallery.com.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com
