Disney100: A Celebration of a KC Legend
For a century, Disney has been captivating imaginations and warming hearts with a magical brand of story-telling... and it all began in Kansas City.
One of the most recognizable Americans of all time, Walt left a legacy of memories for generations. From fond memories at the theme parks, to touching tales captured on film, to characters we have come to love... his legacy lives on. This summer, you're invited to learn about the legend himself and discover stories behind the magic at Disney 100: The Exhibition at Union Station!
Tip: Enter to win FREE tickets to Disney100: The Exhibition!
The Walt Disney Archives has opened its Vault of Treasures, showcasing hundreds of objects – more than 250 Artifacts and Works of Art, Costumes and Props, and Incredible Memorabilia at Disney100: The Exhibition, now at Union Station in Kansas City.
The Exhibit begins with a celebration of Disney's Kansas City connections:
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It is so fitting, that this exhibit is on display in Kansas City, and this connection is not lost on Union Station. The exhibit begins by telling the story of Walt's Kansas City connections.
Walt's first commercial film was created during his time in Kansas City, and it is also here that he met Kansas City-born artist and Disney Legend Ub Iwerks. The story of their teamwork to innovate and create magical stories would lead to Laugh-O-Gram studios in Kansas City, and eventually the Disney company.
Artifacts showcasing Disney's Kansas City roots include his original UMKC Roo mascot artwork, documentation for his original business loans with Bank of America, and much much more.
Disney Through the Decades
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Next, visitors enjoy charming exhibits showcasing key memories of Disney through the decades. From short clips and films to artwork and artifacts - this timeline captures the history of the brand. It is fun to see how Mickey evolved over time, and it is amazing to see how many generations are still enjoying some of the earliest Disney masterpieces.
A Celebration of Storytelling
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Throughout the exhibit, artifacts celebrate Walt's passion for incredible story-telling. The exhibit includes footage of Walt himself explaining the art of animation, the importance of story, and the technology behind the magic. Visitors enjoy many artifacts from the films including interactive elements. My favorite film is Mary Poppins and I was delighted to see the snow globe and carousel horse from the film.
The Magic Behind the Art
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One of our favorite sections of the exhibit allows visitors to learn details behind each character and how they are created, the art of the music and how it is recorded in many languages, and the process for putting it all together. This behind-the-scenes glimpse of the magic was one of my favorite aspects of the exhibit with many wonderful and charming elements. We would have loved to have spent all afternoon exploring the many aspects of this section alone.
Star Wars
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For Star Wars fans, you'll find many fun and delightful pieces from the film!
The Parks
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Some of our family's fondest memories were days spent at The Magic Kingdom. The Parks portion of the exhibit celebrates all of the Disney parks and the innovation behind them
Union Station is known for bringing world-class family-friendly exhibits to Kansas City and this is truly one of the best! A Disney fan can easily spend a half-entire day exploring the many facets of this delightful exhibit. I hope to go back to explore more!
With ten imaginatively themed galleries showcasing renowned classics from Snow White and Seven Dwarfs (1937), to Cinderella (2015), to Encanto (2021), and many more, there truly is something for every Disney fan.
Admission Prices (Excluding taxes and fees):
FIRST ACCESS PASS: $100
- Be the first to experience the exhibition.
- This ticket provides one-time entry during the FIRST weekend of Disney100: The Exhibition.
- Admission is opening weekend only (very limited quantity available) and includes the following collectible items:
- Disney100 Mickey Ears
- Disney100: The Exhibition VIP Pass & Branded Lanyard
- Disney100: The Exhibition Pin
VIP VOUCHER $50
- Includes the flexibility to visit the exhibition at your convenience for one-time entry any day except opening weekend.
- Includes the following collectible items:
- Disney100: The Exhibition VIP Pass & Branded Lanyard
- Disney100: The Exhibition Pin
VISIT ANYTIME VOUCHER: $30
- Includes the flexibility to visit at your convenience for one-time entry any day except opening weekend.
Tip: Enter to win FREE tickets to Disney100: The Exhibition!
dszc Getty Images/iStockphoto
Union Station
30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
BUILDING HOURS MONDAY - SUNDAY 6AM - MIDNIGHT SCIENCE CITY HOURS MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. SUNDAY NOON - 5 P.M.