2023 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, and part of that celebration is a touring exhibit that displays many items from the archives that made its way to Chicago this month. It's housed at the 35,000 square foot Exhibition Hub Art Center that will open to the public on Saturday, November 18th - also a special date as it marks the first appearance of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie, back in 1928.

Disney100 web:

https://disney100exhibit.com

From Disney's site.

"Disney100: The Exhibition invites guests to step into ten magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries, where moving stories, unique interactive installations, and behind-the-scenes glimpses will take them on a journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. There are ten large and imaginatively themed galleries with renowned classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to Encanto (2021), including the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars, MARVEL, and National Geographic. Celebrate the magic of Disney with timeless stories and memories through the visual, audio, and interactive elements of Disney100: The Exhibition."

 

Thursday November 16th was media day and I was lucky enough to tag along with Dan Zehr from Coffee with Kenobi as he toured the exhibit and interviewed folks from Disney, as well as actress and Disney legend Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from The Litte Mermaid.

 

In this episode you will here from Dan and get his impressions of the exhibit, along with Kevin Kern, Disney Regional Archives Manager who was nice enough to answer a few questions from me as well. You'll also hear opening remarks from a few people from Disney and the city who spoke with the press before the ribbon cutting ceremony commenced.

 

I hope you enjoy this special episode of the podcast, and make sure you check out Coffee with Kenobi for more from the Disney100 Chicago Exhibit.

Coffee with Kenobi web

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Dan Zehr articles for Starwars.com

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Dan Z Media page:

https://danzmedia.com