An auction of Disneyland memorabilia has shattered records raising over $8.3 million.
Rare memorabilia, props and souvenirs were showcased in an experiential pop-up exhibit before going up for auction at 'That's From Disneyland' in Sherman Oaks, California. (Photo: Brandon Williams/Getty Images)
What started out as a pop-up That’s From Disneyland exhibit in an abandoned building in Sherman Oaks, California for the public to enjoy, with tens of thousands of people turning out during its run, it culminated with a two-day auction of over 900 items at Van Eaton Galleries. The collection was the property of Hollywood agent Richard Kraft.
“For 25 years I collected with absolutely no intention of seeing it as an investment or acquiring things to sell. I did it purely for the joy of connecting so many personal memories of the Happiest Place on Earth,” Kraft explained.
“When I finally decided to let it go it became much more about throwing a grand Bon Voyage party to those magical artifacts than about making projections about their worth. As the flood of astronomical bids came in, it made me think how these treasures were now securing the financial future of my children and allowing me to contribute towards other kids, like my daughter with special needs.”
Among the most notable big ticket highlights of the That’s From Disneyland auction are an original Skyway vehicle which sold for $621,000 - breaking a record for the highest price ever paid for a Disneyland ride vehicle; a Dumbo attraction vehicle which sold for $483,000; an original Haunted Mansion stretching portrait which changed hands for $402,500 and a Haunted Mansion Doom Buggy attraction vehicle which sold for $220,400.
Collector and manager Richard Kraft and actress Nicole Greenwood at 'That's From Disneyland' Pop Up in Sherman Oaks, California. (Photo: Tara Ziemba/Getty Images)
Magician David Copperfield was among the celebrity bidders and purchased the Disneyland Hotel Neon Letter “D” for $86,250. He snapped up the famous letter because it is where his family would often stay and where he was inspired to become a magician.
Other notable items that sold for impressive amounts include the Jose animatronic bird from The Tiki Room which sold for $425,500; a Swiss Family Treehouse organ prop which sold for $63,250; a Peter Pan attraction vehicle that found a new home for $253,000 and the Pirates of the Caribbean entryway sign which changed hands for $264,500 - the highest price ever paid for a Disneyland park sign.
A portion of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Coffin-Siris Syndrome Foundation and the CHIME Institute.