Orange County Register

“Did you know” is a feature where you can read and share your pieces of little known advice, tips or hidden treasures with fellow Around Disney readers. If you have a ‘Did you know?’ to share, leave a comment below or send us an email here with the words ‘Did you know’ in the subject line.

The new Disney Gallery opened last weekend at the former Bank of Main Street building in Disneyland. This week’s ‘Did you know?’ is all about the history of the Disney Gallery.

• The original Disney Gallery opened on July 11, 1987 in the location above Pirates of the Caribbean.
• The space was intended to be another private apartment for Walt Disney; his other private apartment is located above the Main Street Fire Station.
• The Disney Gallery closed on August 7, 2007 to allow for Walt’s concept of a private apartment to take shape in the form of the Disney Dream Suite.
• The initials W.D. (Walter Disney) and R.D. (Roy Disney) can be found in the design of the wrought iron railing of the old Disney Gallery balcony.
• The first show in the Disney Gallery was called, “The Art of Disneyland,” and featured pieces like Herb Ryman’s iconic paintings of the proposed Sleeping Beauty Castle and a bird’s-eye view of the lands of Disneyland, Mary Blair’s concept art for “it’s a small world,” Sam McKim’s ghostly Haunted Mansion exterior and Eyvind Earle’s paintings of scenes for the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough.
• Other exhibits featured in the gallery included “The Disneyland That Never Was,” “100 Mickeys” in honor of Walt’s 100th birthday and “A Pirate’s Life for Me,” showcasing concept art from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Photo of Disney Gallery by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland.

Related posts:

• Disney Gallery set to re-open in new location
• First proposal made during a Disney Dream Suite stay
• Ask Us Anything: What will happen to Disney Dream Suite?
• Oregon family wins first stay at Dream Suite
• Did you know? New Orleans

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