Visiting the Disney 100 Exhibition: Exploring the Magic and Legacy of Disney

Disney has this way of always pulling me into the story.
Just think back with me for a moment to all the time you, too, have spent wrapped in a fantasy storyline that the animation department has created for you over the years. Even more so is the time spent walking the miles and miles immersed in the loveable characters surrounding you in the Disney Parks. All this is to be eclipsed by any piece of Disney, Hulu, ABC, National Geographic, or ESPN gear you have purchased over the years; yes, my friends, it's all Disney. Even now, as an adult, I find myself watching cartoons as background noise to the things I do around the house with or without a child by my side, not so much in childlike admiration but more as a reminder that there is genuine goodness and creativity in the world. Also, I love Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and I'm convinced Bluey was made for adults, not just kids. Naturally, I needed to see the history of the man, the legend, and the legacy he created in person.
As soon as I stepped into the Disney 100 Exhibition in Chicago, I knew I was in for a treat. From the moment I laid eyes on the first display of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, I was utterly immersed in the magic of Disney and all that it represents. Walt, the man, created an icon that was lost to him for years, long before he ever thought of the characters we still love today. He fought to get it back, creating Mickey Mouse amid all the pain from that initial journey. One cannot help but be in awe as you are reminded that perseverance is necessary in the relentless pursuit of your dreams.
It brought me back. I returned to being a kid and watching the Disney Channel with my giant stuffed bunny. I laughed and felt a strange attachment to the story behind my toy. All this emotion came from just the first room, the beginning of the exhibition. You know it it's going to be a good one.

The Exhibition

The Disney 100 travelling exhibition showcases a century of Disney history, from its earliest days to the present, and it is an unforgettable experience. Original props from many creations are displayed to get up close and personal with.

For instance, I did not realize the storybooks at the beginning of the princess movies (Snow White, Cinderella) were ACTUAL prop storybooks?! Like What? They are massive creations in wood and stone, bringing a new bit of whimsy to the whole concept of the films, seeing them in person. One of the carousel horses and the Feed the Birds snowglobe were also on display from the original Mary Poppins. Its heartfelt ode was not lost on me; I know that was a song that Walt held dear to his heart. It was his favorite song, as he would often call the Sherman brothers into his office to play the ballad for him with a scotch and a chat after a long day, he would later call ""the most beautiful song written for me." Think about the significance there. The Disney company, in some way, shape, or form, has been feeding us for years.

The animatronics section was also cool to see up close. To think the man who came up with animations and people interacting also created a model of such. It was ahead of its time then, and honestly, it has completely altered how we enjoy things now. Disney just had his finger on the pulse of so many things.

It even showcased the process of creating Disneyland and the Disney brand, and it was fascinating to see how everything came together. From the early sketches to the final products, it was clear that a lot of hard work and dedication went into making the Disney experience what it is today. My doting husband completely geeked out at the sketches and colour overhead planning sheet display for Cars Land. My time in the area was overshadowed by, "But I haven't ridden Luigi's dancing cars in MONTH's.” Yes, I created a monster.
Fun fact: I also learned the magnitude of how much Disney was a world traveller AND the whole George Lucas, Steve Jobs, Pixar ordeal. Did you know George Lucas owned Pixar before Steve Jobs, and Disney now owns all of it? WILD! Also, Walt Disney is the reason we have nature documentaries today. Again, I say, WILD!
The Power of Dreams
Sit on this for a moment with me. Walt Disney dreamed. He had a dream of a place for families to play together. He saw it in his mind and executed that vision repeatedly through animation, feature-length cartoons, theme parks, and his work in nature; it's all just a dream transformed into a tangible reality. As adults, we get stuck living out someone else's dream. Is it what you see for yourself? Is it a representation of who you are? Of the legacy you want to leave behind for generations to come?
Disney had a dream of captivating audiences of all ages for generations. With the acquisitions of the company now alongside the original dreams prevalent in Walt's vision, it is interesting to see how the brand has evolved over time. The role of storytelling, imagination, and innovation in creating the Disney experience was evident in every display in the exhibition, making it abundantly clear that these elements are still at the heart of everything Disney does.

The Magic of Building Something Bigger Than Yourself

Businesses come around and go out of business so quickly in my area; the cost of things is always on the rise, and success stories that begin with imaginative thought have a shelf life of 15 years at best. For a long time, I've wanted to be a travel blogger and advisor, helping people get out there and explore the world, creating mountains of magical memories along the way. Memories that will turn into stories, stories that have a way of being passed on from generation to generation. I want to; I get to be a part of that. Although there have been so many setbacks, times where I vowed to quit, and moments where I have doubted myself along this journey... it feels different. I'm pushing forward because, just as Walt said, "All our dreams can come true if we have the power to pursue them."