To celebrate 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, the Disney100 Exhibition was hosted at the ExCeL in London and it was every bit as magical as you'd imagine.
The experience began with a heartfelt video introduction from Walt Disney himself, setting the tone with an emotional and nostalgic welcome that gave me goosebumps right from the start.
Inside, the exhibition featured over 250 rare artifacts from the Disney archives, including original artwork, costumes, and props from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars. Everything on display had been carefully selected to create a “never-before-seen” experience for fans of all ages.
One of my personal highlights was definitely the artwork section. It felt like walking through a living sketchbook of Disney history. The walls were lined with original concept art, early character designs, and beautifully detailed backgrounds that showed just how much creativity goes into bringing these stories to life.
I was completely mesmerized by the stunning concept pieces of Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians. Her exaggerated silhouette, wild fur coat, and expressive poses practically jumped off the paper.
And then there was Sleeping Beauty, the concept art for Aurora was stunning. The intricate line work, soft colour palettes, and fairy-tale landscapes had such an elegant, storybook feel. You could tell how much love and craftsmanship went into every frame of that film.
For a Disney art nerd like me, this part of the exhibition was pure heaven. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the artistry behind the magic we see on screen.
I also loved seeing the props up close, like the storybook from Cinderella, Snow White’s corset, Winnie the Pooh’s bear, Cogsworth and Lumière from Beauty and the Beast and even one of the carousel horses from Mary Poppins! Talk about childhood dreams come true!
As I moved through the rooms, I discovered so many things I’d never known before, like the fact that Walt Disney won numerous Oscars for his nature documentaries, and how Disney’s iconic stage shows came to life, complete with original costume displays. They even showcased memorabilia from the Disney Channel, starting with the original Mouseketeers all the way up to High School Musical. I loved reliving my childhood!
There was an entire section dedicated to Marvel which was so cool! The room was filled with epic props, legendary costumes, and jaw-dropping details from some of the biggest blockbusters in the MCU. I got to see Black Widow’s suit up close (yes, the actual suit!), and it was even more impressive in real life. Right next to it was Captain America’s shield which was an absolute highlight. Every single piece had that “wow” factor, and seeing them in person made the Marvel Universe feel even more real. There were also some very cool nods to Star Wars, with lightsabers, props and costumes sprinkled throughout.
But my absolute favourite room, without question, was the Disneyland Parks display. The moment I stepped in, it felt like I’d been transported straight into the heart of the parks, it was pure magic from floor to ceiling!
The room featured an amazing model of the Hong Kong Disneyland castle, complete with fireworks in the background that made it feel like a fairy tale brought to life. Surrounding it were actual ride vehicles from some of the most iconic attractions. There was a teacup from the Mad Tea Party, a car from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and one of the flying ships from Peter Pan’s Flight.
There were even some of the original dolls from it’s a small world! Their little faces brought back so many memories. I could practically hear the music playing in my head.
This room truly felt like a celebration of the parks and all the joy, wonder, and imagination they bring to people around the world. Every detail felt like a love letter to the magic of Disneyland and I cannot believe I got to experience it!
Final thoughts...
The Disney100 Exhibition wasn’t just a trip through history, it was a celebration of everything fans love about Disney. From the films that shaped our childhoods to the parks that keep the magic alive today, this experience was heart-warming, inspiring, and full of surprises.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or just looking to relive some childhood memories, the Disney100 Exhibition was a beautiful tribute to a century of creativity, storytelling, and imagination. I left feeling completely inspired and maybe just a little tempted to book a trip to the parks!
If you ever get the chance to see this exhibition if it exhibits again... go! Trust me, your inner child will thank you.