D23's 'Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives' Exhibition Opens Today, 7/6

D23 PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE Walt Disney ARCHIVES, which encompasses more than 500 historic artifacts from nearly nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum today, July 6, continuing through April 2013.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, D23 PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE Walt Disney ARCHIVES is the largest exhibition ever curated by the Walt Disney Archives, at 12,000 square feet. From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain America, the exhibition features more than 500 artifacts, at least half of which have never been seen by the public -- including models, props, costumes, set pieces, and artwork from throughout Disney history.

"Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney were longtime friends, two optimists who shared an unwavering belief in the essential goodness of the American way of life," said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "We're proud to partner with the Reagan Library and the National Archives to showcase Disney's rich entertainment legacy. This extraordinary exhibit will offer visitors an unprecedented look into Disney's history and celebrate the connection between these two American originals."

Among the extraordinary items featured are:

The original script, written by Walt Disney, for Mickey Mouse's film debut in 1928's Steamboat Willie;

A faithful recreation of Walt's formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items;
Hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of some of the most beloved Disney animated film classics ever created, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi, and Sleeping Beauty;

Props from classic Disney live-action productions, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and more;

Breathtaking props, costumes, and set pieces from recent Disney classics, including the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, TRON: Legacy, National Treasure and Captain America;

Intricately sculptured busts of all 44 U.S. Presidents that were created for Audio-Animatronics® figures seen in the The Hall of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort;

A salute to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, showcasing theme park artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, memorabilia, and authentic attraction vehicles
The exhibition also pays tribute to the long personal friendship and professional collaboration between Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan, which began many years before President Reagan's political career.

On July 17, 1955, Ronald Reagan was one of the co-hosts of ABC Network's live coverage of the opening of Disneyland, and as governor of California, he frequently visited Disney's first theme park. After leaving the Oval Office, one of his first public events was a return to Disneyland, where he officiated at the park's January 1990 35th-anniversary celebration, proclaiming it "one of America's National Treasures."