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Disney is digging into its archives and offering its most ardent fans a chance to own a part of its magical theme park history — if they’re willing to pay the price.
The company is sponsoring an auction (1) during this year’s D23, an annual fan event where it often unveils new attractions, park updates and other announcements.
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Among the 50 lots up for bid are a customized, park-used cart from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that has been repurposed into a bench, theater decor from the now-shuttered Muppet*Vision 3D — including a 5.5-foot-tall Miss Piggy figure and the Kermit statue that once sat above the theater’s entrance — and a Tomorrowland trash can from Disneyland.
It’s a rare chance for collectors to own a piece of Disney parks history, but if past auctions are any indication, that nostalgia comes with a big price tag.
The price of memories
For many fans, Disney parks are tied to core memories, especially attractions and experiences that no longer exist. A park-used Skyway gondola from Walt Disney World, dating to 1965, sold for $162,000 in 2022. That same year, one of the original Autopia cars from the late 1960s fetched $180,000.
Collectors have also paid top dollar for pieces from beloved rides. Original paintings from the Disneyland Haunted Mansion stretching room sold for $90,000 in 2021 and $108,000 in 2024.
There are plenty more iconic rides represented in the auction. Beyond Big Thunder and Muppet*Vision, there are more props from the Haunted Mansion, including a Medusa glass slide, It’s a Small World flower set decorations, an Indiana Jones Adventure mummy prop and King Triton’s Carousel, which closed in 2018. Event-used signs from Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration and 1977’s DisneyFest will also be available.
How to place bids
Bidding opens online July 20 at comics.ha.com (2) and runs through August 16, the final day of this year’s event in Anaheim, California. The auction will combine online and live bidding, with the live portion hosted (3) at D23 by Bret Iwan, the voice of Mickey Mouse. The auction house is not offering expected bid ranges for the items at present.
The auction is just part of this year’s D23 festivities. Disney will also host its signature Parks Panel, where fans will get a preview of upcoming additions to the parks, including the villains-themed land planned for Walt Disney World, along with updates on other Disney Experiences such as its cruise line.
The company will also induct its 2026 Disney Legends class, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bob Iger. Attendees can also see a one-man concert from Alan Menken, whose credits include “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind” and “Go the Distance.”
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Heritage Auctions (1), (2); D23 (3)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
