I am so excited that the Walt Disney Archives Exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California has reopened. As of June 2020, the exhibit is scheduled to stay at the museum until 8/30/2020. The exhibit opened up just before everything began shutting down and has been reopened for one week. As a former Disneyland and Walt Disney World cast member and massive Disney fan this exhibit was such a magical treat.
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What to Know About Visiting the Disney Archives Exhibit at the Bowers Museum
The Bowers Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
You are encouraged to purchase your tickets prior to your visit. Tickets have a timed entry, I chose 2 pm and was done by 3 pm. We were told upon arrival that you can not re-enter the exhibit once you exit but that you can stay as long as you would like once inside. It is easy to social distance and everyone was wearing a mask.
You can park in the Bowers parking lot for $6. I was able to find free street parking a half a mile from the museum.
Ticket Prices:
The following prices are for general admission. I mistakenly got the general admission and was still let into the Disney exhibit. According to their website, you will need the special $23-$25 tickets for the Disney exhibit. I didn’t even realize until a day later that I did not have the correct ticket.
General Admission
Adults $13 (weekdays) $15 (weekends)
Students (12+) and Seniors (62+) $10 (weekdays) $12 (weekends)
Children Under 12 are free with an accompanying paying adult
Active Duty Military will receive free admission
Disney Exhibit Prices
Adults $23 (weekdays) $25 (weekends)
Students and Seniors $20 (weekdays) $22 (weekends)
Children $5 (ages 3-11)
Children under 3 are free
Active Military $10
Disney Employees and D23 members will receive $5 off
Disney Archives Exhibit
The exhibit is really fascinating and special for those of us who love Disney! I was delighted to see the replica of Walt Disney’s Office. I have been lucky enough to visit the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank but I have not been able to see his office in person.
The exhibit is filled with items from the Disney Studios, Disneyland and Walt Disney World. There is even displays dedicated to how the archives began.
I was delighted to see Wilson from Cast Away among the movie props.
One of my favorite exhibits that I saw at the 2019 D23 expo was the costumes! There is a small collection of costumes on display as part of the archives exhibit.
I loved seeing Herbie!
The exhibit ends with a replica of the legends courtyard at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The plaques are dedicated to Disney legends. I highly recommend visiting the Walt Disney Archives exhibit at the Bowers Museum. It is well done and makes for a safe and nice activity to do right now.
