Starting November 7–10, Heritage Auctions will once again welcome animation enthusiasts to participate in their next spectacular event, the “Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland – Featuring the Marc and Alice Davis Archive Part II Animation Art Signature Auction.” Spanning four whole days, Heritage is bringing over 1,500 lots to the table in honor of the creative minds that brought Walt Disney’s Disneyland to life.

“This auction truly takes you through every land of Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A., to Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and beyond,” commented Jim Lentz, Heritage’s Vice President of Animation and Anime Art. “It’s a love letter to the park’s past and to the extraordinary artists who brought Walt’s dream to life. There’s something here for every Disney collector, from original concept art to park-used treasures.”

With the theme park’s opening on July 17th, 1955, Disneyland opened the doors for immersive storytelling experiences and set the standard we see today. Heritage celebrates Disneyland’s monumental history in their upcoming auction, with offerings that take fans back to Disneyland’s early days.

Some of the most notable pieces include original artwork of Tomorrowland’s PeopleMover by John Hench, concept drawings of Snow White’s Scary Adventures by Ken Anderson, and a Snow White character costume once used by the park. Not only this, but serigraph Park Entrance posters will also be offered, making for one of the most expansive auctions Heritage has hosted yet.

The Bradley/Bushman architectural prints are also noted as one of the most historically significant offerings in the auction, with renderings that go back to before the park even opened, spanning 1952-1954. Around 50 of the lots include rare prints from Disneyland’s development, such as an aerial view of the park, a brownline of the original Dumbo Flying Elephants Ride, and a blueprint of Fantasyland’s Castle Entrance from 1953.

In most Heritage auctions, props and cars tend to steal the show. This time around, a legitimate Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride vehicle takes the spotlight, accompanied by other special props. These pieces that were once used by the park hold a special place in the auction for their nostalgia and authenticity as Disney park artifacts.

Celebrating Disney beyond just the parks, this auction also features 20 original display figures from The Disney Store that first opened in 1987. Fans can look forward to spotting these offerings from Tinker Bell, Belle and the One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and many other Disney classics.

For celebrating Disney, no auction could be complete without a section dedicated to the famous Main Street Art Corner shop, where many Disney collectors began their search for Disney cels and artistry. Heritage presents the largest collection of production cels all originating from that very shop, featuring the classic character Mickey Mouse along with Tinker Bell and others from Lady and the Tramp, The Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty, and more. 

The nostalgia of that historic shop is carried to this very day, and the Main Street Art Corner sign itself is presented as this section’s treasure, up for grabs. 

“With my love of Disney animation art being what it is, this is simply one of my favorite pieces in the entire sale,” Jim Lentz noted.

The Marc and Alice Davis Archive sits at the center of this auction, honoring the legendary legacies left behind by two Disney creatives that made significant contributions in the fields of animation and Imagineering. As one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, Marc Davis is highly regarded for his influence on the iconic style of Disney’s golden age. His work can be seen in characters such as Tinker Bell, Maleficent, Aurora, and Cruella De Vil. It’s through his career as a creative that he ultimately went from working on animation to working on some of the most classic Disney rides, like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, The Jungle Cruise and America Sings.

The auction not only offers more than 100 WED concept drawings by Marc, but a look into the artist’s history as a whole. These drawings are accompanied by more artworks from Marc’s art career at large, outside of just Disney.

Representing the other half of the Davis archive is Alice Davis, one of Disney’s many great costume designers and collaborators on multiple Disney rides. Her work is appreciated in this auction just as much as Marc’s, with a wide variety of artwork available to represent her legacy. In total, the Davis archive puts together almost 300 lots in animation, art, and Imagineering.

Along with the Davis archive, collectors can also look forward to pieces from Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, artists known for their contributions to modern Disney art. Over 40 lots featured in the auction are from the personal collection of these two, including some rare and original artworks.

And last but not least, stands the Global Theme Park Art section dedicated to Landmark Entertainment Group, showcasing the works of Marc Davis, William Stout, Eddie Martinez, Herb Ryman and more in bringing to life the Disney magic in their many theme parks. Find concepts for The Wonderful World of Oz theme park, Neverland Ranch, as well as the Spider-Man attraction by Universal Studios among others.

To Jim Lentz and the Heritage team, the auction is more than just a massive sale, but a tribute they are proud to celebrate. “This auction is a tribute to every dreamer who ever walked down Main Street or believed in the magic of Disney,” Jim Lentz said. “The Davis Archive, the ride vehicles, the store displays—every item tells a story about creativity, collaboration and joy. It’s been one of the most rewarding auctions we’ve ever assembled.”

To find out more about these artifacts of animation history and bid while it’s still open, head to Heritage Auction’s website.