Disney 100 The Exhibition ExCel Centre London: Review

As an avid Disney fan, I was very excited to get the chance to visit the popular Disney 100 Exhibition for a chance to find out more about the iconic studios that have brought so many fairy tales and stories to life and created some of the most iconic children’s characters of all time.

The iconic studios have brought so many fairy tales and stories to life. (Image: Emily Davison)

Currently on at the ExCel Centre in East London, this exhibition delves into the 100 years since Disney first began in the 1920s up until the present day, featuring 250 rarely seen artefacts.

The exhibition features 11 rooms which explore several different elements of the production of Disney films, and the evolution from early animations into 3D films, along with the era of live action remakes Disney is currently exploring.

The exhibition features 11 rooms which explore several different elements of the production of Disney films. (Image: Emily Davison)

Here’s a full list of the exhibitions:

• Where it All Began
• Where Do the Stories Come From?
• The Illusion of Life
• The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery
• The Magic of Sound and Music
• The World Around Us
• Innoventions
• Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks
• The Wonder of Disney
• We Are Just Getting Started

When you first enter the exhibition, you are offered a chance to have your photo taken at a green screen, and will be given a QR code to purchase pictures amidst a number of different Disney scenes to choose from at the end of the exhibit.

The exhibition first began with a look into the early origins of Walt Disney’s life and the earlier creations of the Walt Disney studios before Mickey and his gang had even been created.

Winnie the Pooh is one of the many recognisable characters on display (Image: Emily Davison)

The exhibition then explored the creation of some of the earlier films throughout the 30s, 40s and 50s with a variety of drawings, concept art and props on display, including the books that were used in the openings of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty and a wooden horse from the racing scene in Mary Poppins.

Although one of my personal favourite props was the bedknob from Bedknobs and Broomsticks and the book on The Island of Naboombu.

There is an exhibition on the opening of the Disney Parks, including some of the props from earlier rides. (Image: Emily Davison)

There was even an exhibition on the opening of the Disney Parks, with the first being in California in July 1955, including some of the props from earlier rides, along with artwork, photos and even a massive teacup to sit in and have your photo taken.

The exhibition has many photo opportunities along the way, including a display depicting the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella where you can take the iconic Cinderella transformation pose.

The exhibition has many photo opportunities, including a display depicting the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. (Image: Emily Davison)

Star Wars and Marvel fans will also find an exhibition completely dedicated to them both, featuring a collection of Marvel helmets along with some of the costumes used in Star Wars.

The exhibition was also very interactive with things to watch, listen to and interact with from sound recordings, games, displays and videos, as well as a song booth to listen to some of Disney’s best-known tracks.

Cinderella's glass slipper is among the iconic props to look out for (Image: Emily Davison)

Be sure to try out the interactive nautilus window which makes you feel like you’re looking out from a submarine window at Disney’s marine settings, from the coral reef in Finding Nemo to Triton’s Underwater Kingdom.

There was so much to explore at the exhibition, and you could easily spend several hours here absorbing all the information on offer about how some of Disney’s most beloved films were created.

You can also explore costumes like the Cruella dress. (Image: Emily Davison)

Whether you’re a hardcore Disney fan or not, this exhibition has something for everyone and left me reminiscing at all the nostalgia and memories this exhibition evoked.

@itsfashioneyesta Come with me to the Disney100 Exhibition (PR Invite) . . I was recently invited to visit the exhibition for a review. I’m writing for on the exhibition. This exhibition is currently being held at the Excel Centre in East London up until June 21 and explores the history of Walt Disney Studios spanning over 100 years. As a Disney adult, this exhibition was so nostalgic, and it was so interesting to find out about how some of the iconic films, songs and characters were created. It’s definitely an exhibition that I would recommend for some nostalgic family fun. . . . #Disney #Disney100 #Disney100Exhibit #DisneyAdult #London #LondonLife #LondonDiaries #LondonCity #LondonGirl #ThingsToDoInLondon #EastLondon #TravelBlogger #TravelJournalist ♬ Old Disney Swing Jazz - Nico

Disney 100 The Exhibition will be on at the Excel Centre until June 23, with ticket prices starting at £16 for an adult and £13 for children, and concessions with disabled companions admitted free.

Disney fans of all ages can dive in and spend many hours here. (Image: Emily Davison)

How to get there

Visitors can find the ExCel Centre via the DLR, with the closest station being Custom House accessible via DLR services from Tower Gateway, Canning Town and Beckton, or on the Elizabeth Line between Whitechapel and Abbey Wood.