Disney Is Auctioning These Rare Theme Park Props. It’s Divisive Among Fans.
When Disney announced the full schedule for the upcoming 2026 D23 Expo, one event that caught the attention of many fans is the Disney Experiences Auction – Rare & Remarkable Finds. The result has been a roller coaster of reactions, from outrage to excitement to indifference. Here’s the listing of items, most of which are park props from Walt Disney World and Disneyland (including lots from MuppetVision 3D and Tower of Terror), along with our reaction to the news.
As basic background, the Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds will be conducted by Heritage Auctions on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The auction will feature 50 lots consigned directly by Disney, and presented live during D23 while also welcoming online participation through Heritage Live.
The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare & Remarkable Finds spans decades of Walt Disney World and Disneyland history, bringing together original park-used and displayed, event-used ephemera, and artifacts from inside extinct attractions. From props and ride vehicles to anniversary banners, signs and displays, the sale reflects the creativity and craftsmanship that have helped shape memorable guest experiences across Disney parks & resorts.
“This auction truly has something for every Disney fan,” says Jim Lentz, Heritage’s Vice President of Animation Art. “Whether your favorite memories come from walking down Main Street, U.S.A., exploring Adventureland or visiting a favorite resort or seasonal celebration, these pieces represent the artistry and storytelling that have made Disney parks and resorts so meaningful to generations of guests. It’s exciting to see them begin their next chapter with the fans who treasure them most.”
Among the highlights is an original event-used Mickey Mouse sign from DisneyFest in Singapore, one of Disney’s earliest projects in the country, alongside an original Disneyland park-used drawbridge banner from its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration that welcomed guests approaching the drawbridge of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Also featured is an original Disneyland 50th Anniversary “The Happiest Homecoming on Earth” oval plaque commemorating the resort’s 18-month jubilee celebration.
Fans of Disney attractions will find memorable pieces from across the parks, including a Disneyland park-used mummy prop from Indiana Jones Adventure, an original Disneyland park-used Medusa glass slide from the changing portrait sequence inside the iconic Haunted Mansion, and an original sea lion ride vehicle from Disney California Adventure Park’s King Triton’s Carousel.
Additional highlights include a Rococo-style armchair and footstool from Disney California Adventure’s fan-favorite Mad T Party, a giant new-in-box Magic Key created for Disney Store opening ceremonies, a Walt Disney World display featuring Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and a Walt Disney World merchandise display celebrating the 45th anniversary of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
The auction offers rare and unique lots from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it’s a small world, Polynesian Village and MuppetVision 3D at Walt Disney World, as well as from EPCOT, Tomorrowland, shops like D Street in Disney Springs, and so much more.
Together these treasures reflect the many ways Disney storytelling comes to life through the immersive environments of its parks and resorts, offering fans an opportunity to own original pieces connected to those experiences.
The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds will take place Sunday, August 16, during the 2026 D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets are required for entry, but access to the auction room is not guaranteed.
Fans will be able to access The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed.
The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted, alongside merchandise mobile checkout. Due to the exclusivity of the product, this location will not offer refunds or exchanges.
If you don’t make it inside the auction, bidding is also available online through HA.com and Heritage Live. All lots open at $1 and are offered without reserve. Details for fans who want to bid will be communicated closer to the event.
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Fans attending the D23 Expo can preview items up for auction throughout the event weekend by visiting The Disney Experiences Auction Showroom. Unlike the virtual queue used for the auction itself, this space is accessible via standby line as opposed to virtual queue.
In addition to the auction, the Disney Experiences Auction Showroom will include a shopping experience that will allow fans a unique opportunity to shop rare and remarkable limited quantity props, artwork, and themed items found within Disney’s Parks, Resorts, and ships.
Unlike the auction, the products sold in the Disney Experiences Auction Showroom are not one-of-a-kind. They’re much more accessible and affordable, and include items from defunct attractions or resort rooms that were replaced during recent refurbishments.
For example, there’s art from the old Fort Wilderness Cabins (pre-DVC), as well as from the Grand Californian Hotel, and Royal Rooms at Riverside (RIP). I’m pretty sure some of the Fort Wilderness Cabins art was sold at Property Control, so it’s hard to say how many of these are available, but it could nevertheless be over 100.
There are also “Bug-Eye” 3D glasses from It’s Tough To Be a Bug, table centerpieces from Animator’s Palate, a bunch of Disney100 stuff, and more. A preview of items available during the event in the showroom can be found here.
The auctioning doesn’t end when the 2026 D23 Expo is over. From October 23-25, 2026, additional Walt Disney World and Disneyland props will be sold in “a separate and sweeping” Heritage auction.
Editorializing a bit, it’s our expectation that subsequent auctions will be bigger than this one. That the D23 one is mostly about awareness and advertising the relationship between Disney and Heritage, and subsequent sales will offer larger lots. I guess we shall see what late October holds.
Images and information about all lots in The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds, which is now open for online bidding, can be found here on the Heritage website.
Our Commentary
There’s been a range of reactions to this news, from outrage to excitement. Some fans are upset that Disney would auction off its own history to private collectors, adopting an Indiana Jones-esque “that belongs in a museum” argument. Others are enthusiastic about the possibility of owning something that was once in the parks, daydreaming about displaying the ultimate form of collectible.
I get the controversy. I understand both the anger and the excitement. But I don’t have a particularly strong opinion, either way. As someone who won’t participate in the auction since the costs for everything I’d want would undoubtedly and exponentially exceed what I’d be willing to pay, I don’t really see the point in daydreaming. Not as long as John Stamos has far deeper pockets than me.
Conversely, I’ll admit that my heart sank just a little when seeing the MuppetVision 3D props. That felt like a mix of salt in a wound that’s still fresh, and further realizing that, in all likelihood, MuppetVision 3D is never coming back to Walt Disney World. (All hope is not lost: Why MuppetVision 3D Can Still Return to Walt Disney World.)
That’s likely the genesis of the controversy for many fans. Not so much that Disney is auctioning off priceless theme park props from iconic attractions, but that some of these things were retired in the first place. The lots are a reminder of decisions with which we disagreed. That’s more or less my reaction, but then I remind myself of the distinction. It’s not as if Walt Disney World killed off MuppetVision in order to auction off a few props.
I also consider the realistic alternative. That’s not simply storing everything in the Walt Disney Archives.
With a corporation of this size and age, that would require renting out all of the warehouse space in Southern California, and would put the famous scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark to shame.
Tough decisions have to be made about what goes into the Archives, and sad as this fact might be, that means most props that fans would consider priceless cannot make the cut.
Realistically, this means either a Disney-sanctioned auction or a free-for-all on extinct attractions.
Walt Disney World tried the latter approach. There are a lot of stories from “back in the day” about guests and Cast Members looting attractions as or after they closed. Items mysteriously vanished, and then ended up in the hands of private collectors. (And I’m not even talking about things like Buzzy from Cranium Command.)
Historically, it’s been the wild west with attractions that have closed. Imagineering and the Archives tagged the items they definitely wanted to preserve, and then who knows what happened to the rest.
Sometimes it ended up at Property Control. Sometimes it ended up in dumpsters. Sometimes it ended up in the trunk of someone’s 1998 Toyota Corolla. The chains of custody have long been, ahem, questionable.
Even before Buzzy, there were horror stories (or perhaps tall tales) of things being sold that shouldn’t have been. It’s been a while so I’m fuzzy on the specifics, but I remember hearing that Disney had to reacquire some of what it sold to private collectors from the original Journey Into Imagination when attempting to partially fix the attraction a few years later.
Now if ever there was an attraction that belonged in a museum, perfectly-preserved, it was everything from the original Journey Into Imagination. It still boggles my mind that private collectors own the original Audio Animatronics, and it’s probably a good thing that I didn’t have a credit card back then!
Worse yet, there are a lot of examples of “priceless” props simply ending up in dumpsters. I’ve heard several stories about this, usually framed around unauthorized dumpster dives to salvage (and sell) discarded artifacts.
That’s never what has stuck in my mind about those stories. Rather, it’s the highly likely scenario that, if a lot was saved through dumpster dives, even more was likely lost. To each their own, but I’d rather stuff like this end up in the hands of private collectors than in landfills.
Both outcomes are essentially the same for me, personally, in that I’ll never see the items again. But having them preserved by someone who will love them is far superior, and opens the door for them to sell at auction again in the future, wind up in a museum, etc. This Heritage partnership could increase the financial incentive for Disney to be even more deliberate and careful about its approach to saving such artifacts from the dreaded dumpster.
In the last several years, we’ve already noticed Disney taking a more deliberate and careful approach to all of this. If you’ve attended a closing day recently, you might’ve noticed a larger security presence than in the past. Part of this is to manage the crowds, chaos and craziness as diehard fans jockey to be the very last.
They’re also there to ensure that nothing is stolen. I would hazard a guess that it’s a similar story after the attraction closes to the public, and we’ve seen instances of Cast Member teams working quickly to tag and remove props for preservation and, presumably, auction. This has long been the approach to some extent, but there have also been a lot of situations where a lot is left behind, and then slowly disappears over the years.
Beyond the auctions, there are likely several motivations for the more methodical approach. One is undoubtedly the high-profile nature of the Buzzy theft (which is an example of something left behind for decades for no apparent reason). Another is social media and the rising visibility of everything, including collector markets.
If the profitability of partnering with an auction house is what it took Disney to streamline its approach to closures and removing props, I’m all for it. Even if it is arguably a “bad look” for Disney to be selling off its own history at D23, I would contend that it’s a worse look for stuff to just go missing and end up on the black market.
The new process involving Heritage Auctions probably is still far from perfect (I’ve only had a few glimpses into this high-end collector world, but even from the outside know that it’s riddled with controversy and corruption), but it strikes me as one of the ‘least-bad’ options.
In the end, I don’t really have all that strong of an opinion on this, either way. I can completely understand the excitement about the prospect of purchasing this stuff, even if everything I’d want is way out of my price range. I can also relate to those who are upset, but at the same time, this isn’t a hill I’m going to die on.
Personally, what I’d actually like is something in-house that makes this more accessible to average fans. An example of this would be what Tokyo Disneyland did in ‘upcycling’ old Cast Member costumes from Space Mountain into fanny packs for guests to purchase in the park. Those were pricey at 23,000 yen (nearly $150), but they were more mass market and offered a way for more guests to own a piece of the magic. If there were MuppetVision merch like this, I’d buy it.
At the absolute minimum, this would be a lot cooler than any of the tryhard-trendy “.YNSD” merchandise that’ll be in the Mickey of Glendale’s booth. Now there’s something that I actually do have strong opinions about, but I should probably just bite my tongue on that one. Why Disney puts the energy and effort into this foolishness but not attraction farewell merchandise is beyond me. That’s the foolishness I’d like to see!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of the Disney Experiences Auction – Rare & Remarkable Finds at the 2026 D23 Expo? Are you excited, outraged, or indifferent? Think some of this stuff belongs in a museum…or a dumpster? Would you like to see more mass market merchandise made of items from extinct attractions? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your thoughts in the comments!
John Stamos and I believe an NBA basketball player (I forget his name), are huge Disney collectors with deep pockets.
I’m envious of both.
We are Poly DVC owners and I was so excited to get 2 of the elongated bedside wall lamps when it was renovated.
I like them so much they have now been hung in a second house we moved to.
I will be watching this auction but with little hope of being able to afford anything.
You touched on part of the outrage regarding space, particularly given WDW’s blessing of size (and a certain pun-intended halcyon building).
How many fans would attend a walkthrough museum of past attractions? Perhaps more appropriately in today’s upcharging, could a Disney-owned museum(s) somewhere, maybe even in/near flyover country, actually turn a profit (or be a successful non-profit subsidiary)?
I’m also generally neutral and think it’s good these items will go to diehard collectors whom will respect/care for them and definitely favor that over trashing outright, but it’s rough to see this happen when Disney itself markets their history in so many different events.
Disney is not a museum. These are at best Hollywood movie props. Without the context of their original staging, they are meaningless for Disney to save in a warehouse unless to unbox decades into the future and sell them at inflated prices, which at that point, bidders will appreciate for their historic value. However, storing them longer incurs more costs and could result in inadvertent damage or deterioration.
As for some saying Disney should donate proceeds to charity, that’s a separate accounting line item. Disney should sell items to regain the cost of the props. My hope is Disney can simply sell more props and not trash them like what they did with Splash Mountain. Fallen out of favor means they are placed in the dumpster.
Hey, I had a 1989 Toyota Tercel when I was a cast member and it had a hatchback, not a trunk! 😀
I have a set of the old Yacht Club curtains constellation that I bought off some dude on eBay who sells all kind of random stuff from the resorts. this is such a nothingburger lol
That’s basically Property Control, but via an (authorized) third party. All of that is stuff that they have hundreds or thousands of items to sell.
This is more attention-grabbing (at least in some circles) because Heritage is selling one-of-a-kind items, although this initial auction isn’t the best example of that.
I’m saddened about this “salt in the wound” when it comes to MV3D. But I’m heartened by these facts:
1. There were two full versions of the attraction at one point — and all the props
2. Pretty much anything in MV3D can be rebuilt/reconstructed when needed, and would eventually need that treatment anyway. For example, Jim Henson and team built dozens of Kermit puppets (and others) over the years, partly because the materials just don’t last forever. (Most of the cells in our body are also regenerated and different than the ones we had a few years ago… we’re not made of all the exact same “cloth and wires” we once were)
3. If MV3D comes back, it’ll be in a new theater with new dimensions and many of the props will need to be adjusted/redone or recalibrated given different layouts, sightlines, etc. There will likely also be “plussing” to some elements. “New/refreshed” can be a bonus. And of all the props across all of the Disney parks, Muppet stuff is not the most expensive or luxe (they originally started as glorified socks, drapes, rugs, etc.)
But ultimately the decision on MV3D is going to be about whether Disney wants this attraction in their parks (vs. how much stuff is salvageable). The only “priceless” elements are the characters’ voices and the creative design decisions, both of which are well preserved and documented. I would rather have a MV3D that feels continually fresh and new than a museum piece that is always on borrowed time.
Pete. I agree with you. I know many of us are sad it’s gone…incl. Tom. But I don’t take them putting some items up for bid as a definitive sign we will never see MV3D again. After all, some of the props are in the RnR coaster attraction, too. I was thinking along the lines of what you said in your response.
Then again, maybe I am too much of an optimist. LOL
Does Disney get the money, or is it going to charity. The former seems a bit greedy, the latter would be good PR. Maybe spread round some of their existing charity partners like make a wish and the Gold star children event each december.
I wish they’d donate the items to non-profits so they could auction them off and make some serious cash, as well as some great press.
If its going to charity, Disney should organize the auction and donate the proceeds – its much better from an audit perspective of what happened to the items, visibility to customers, provenance and PR.
What is tryhard trendy YNSD merchandise???
It’s Imagineering’s attempt to be fashionable and cool.
Something being divisive among disney fans? Is that even a noteworthy addition to the headline? Water is wet.
Heritage does regularly auctions for Disney, with original drawings, cellulos and other final or preparatory works.
Some are out of reach, some are bargains. I do own one sketch from Dumbo I adore picturing Dumbo in his bath – bought from them. It is a very special piece to me despite the fact it is only a pencil sketch
Unless I’m mistaken, the past Heritage auctions (of which there have been many) are private collections and haven’t been officially sanctioned by Disney, let alone had contributions from the company itself. There have been some former Imagineer’s estates, in particular, that Heritage has handled.
When they closed Shea Stadium, season ticket holders were allowed to buy their seats. I loved my seats. when they arrived I had several ideas of where to put them.
Carolyn only had one, but they wouldn’t fit there, thank God. When she found out the price she was more than willing to try anyway.
Truth is, I came to realize that without all the other seats around them, a diamond and a luxurious field of green with a warning track in front of them they lost something so I returned them. Of course shortly after they tripled in price on ebay where some of this Disney stuff will eventually wind up.
I did purchase some original Wilderness Lodge pillows with Bambi on them which Carolyn took ownership of. I understand the desire to own a piece of a dream but sometimes afterwards you find yourself scratching your head wondering, “What was I thinking?” like that huge Nautilus cup from Sam’s Grotto.
I know you won’t be bidding Tom so to ease your pain I will send you a Wilderness Lodge bath towel.
Very well said. Really curious where Carolyn thought to put the Shea Stadium seats, and why she didn’t have a similar idea for the Nautilus!
Joking aside, I think the best Disney salvage items are less sentimental and more practical. Last time they refurbished Animal Kingdom Lodge, they sold the balcony chairs at Property Control for less than you’d pay for regular outdoor chairs. Perfect way to add a (tasteful) dash of Disney to a front porch at a reasonable price.
Well the Nautilus is smaller and a tiny nano fraction of the cost of those seats. Luckily for me because it just might fit.
I was excited for the auction (this will be our first D23) but after reviewing the initial list (or is this the final list?) my main reaction is relief that there’s nothing there I want very badly or need to spend $10k+ to acquire…I think the BTMRR ride vehicles are cool, but not comfortable enough to make part of my home furniture collection.
I had been mentally preparing myself to go crazy on a little piece of Dinosaur (the ride, not the movie) but looks like I won’t have the opportunity to be irresponsible.
It’s kind of unclear. There are 50 items at the main auction (I think?), but then other items for sale throughout the weekend. Those are available in multiples and include ITTBAB 3D glasses, old art from the Fort Wilderness Cabins, etc.
My assumption is that there’s going to be a lot more sold in October and beyond. I know there’s stuff from Dinoland and Tom Sawyer Island, plus more from Muppets Courtyard, DCA, etc.
Thank you, Tom. Am I understanding you correctly that the Dinoland stuff won’t be auctioned until later in the fall? I guess if they have a booth (?) at D23, I can go by and inquire. My youngest is still mourning Dinosaur…I personally have never quite gotten over the loss of Primeval Whirl (this is perhaps the only attraction I seriously disagree with you on!).
It’s an assumption on my part. There have been rumors of this deal for a while now, and I know items were removed from Dinoland with the intention of selling them off.
I’m surmising that they will be auctioned, and probably at the October event. But that’s not coming directly from any sources–just the connecting of dots, which could be wrong.
The big point that I see here is that if this auction goes well, it will incentivize the Disney parks to more carefully pull out theming aspects of rides/locations before the actual bulldozers roll through. Whatever means less stuff that might be “precious” to me (mentally, emotionally, tangibly) ending up in a landfill, the better. If the cost of carefully removing more “stuff” before demo is exceeded by the proceeds generated by the selective sale of some of it, I want the parks to do it. I’ve got a lot of furniture around the house that has incorporated architectural salvage (some centuries old) that would have otherwise been destroyed.
The plain reality is that carefully removing items from a permanent setting requires extra time, skill and expense. Disney also has limited space and funds dedicated to storing legacy items. If these auctions make the Disney Parks spent extra money, time and effort on more comprehensive preservation (whatever the internal motivation), DO IT.
Well said–totally agree.