So, this opened the other day. Has anyone been to see it? What are your thoughts? I was thinking of going to check it out.
Also, if you don't want to pay the parking and you are OK with a short walk, you can park along the Midway Plaisance. I would only do this on the weekend, though. Parking is tough to find there on the weekdays.
Yes, the exhibit opened on October 16. Admission to the museum for non-members and the Disney exhibit is currently $27 for adults and $18 for children. Indoor parking is 20.00 for non-members.
Go to msichicago.org and click on the "What's Here" tab, then select "Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives" for a very detailed description and pictures from the exhibit.
Apparently, Mickey was there for the opening and was gone within the first 15 minutes. Even the museum staff was surprised at the quick exit.
In my opinion this is not an exhibit that will enterain young children as it is the history of Walt Disney the artist and business man. It is very similar to the types of artifacts you would see at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.
My adult daughters and I enjoyed the experience very much. We took a lot of pictures. Be forewarned, there is no flash photography allowed at any time nor can you use a tripod.
Being the first day, there were only several Disney related items for sale as we exited the exhibit. That may or may not change as it gets closer to the holidays. As an earlier poster pointed out, last year's exhibit was Charles Schultz & Peanuts and there was an entire Christmas Tree dedicated to Charlie Brown and Friends and a large variety of Peanuts merchadise for sale. So, it's possible the same type of thing will be done for Disney later this year.
Here is the description from the museum website:
Explore nine decades of Disney history and artifacts in
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives. Presented by
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, the exhibition celebrates Disney imagination, innovation and entertainment with nearly 300 artifacts, many which have not been widely seen by the public. From clips of Walt Disney's earliest animated pre-Mickey works, to props, models and costumes from modern favorites like
The Little Mermaid and
Pirates of the Caribbean, the exhibition is full of childhood memories for kids of all ages.
See drawings, props, costumes and artwork from classic and contemporary Disney animation, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films. A special celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the release of
Mary Poppins presents interview clips and rare behind-the-scenes photos. You’ll also visit the world behind the magic through recreations of a working animator’s desk and Walt Disney's own Burbank office. Then you can try your hand at creating movie magic of your own: recording sound effects, exploring Disney's revolutionary multiplane film camera, or learning to draw some of your favorite Disney characters.
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives is full of discoveries about beloved Disney memories—from Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow—and the artists who brought them to life.