Walt Disney archives to go on exhibit at Reagan Library

More than 500 items from the Walt Disney Archives will go on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum from July 6 to April of 2013.

This is one of the largest exhibitions to be curated by the archives at 12,000 square feet, according to a news release.

"Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney were longtime friends, two optimists who shared an unwavering belief in the essential goodness of the American way of life," Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company said in the release.

Reagan was one of the co-hosts of ABC TV's live coverage of the opening of Disneyland on July 17, 1955.

The exhibit is being presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library. Among the items to be featured are:

• The original script, written by Walt Disney, for Mickey Mouse's film debut in 1928's "Steamboat Willie."
• A recreation of Walt Disney's formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items.
• Hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Pinocchio," "Fantasia," "Bambi" and "Sleeping Beauty."
• Props from "Mary Poppins," "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," "The Absent-Minded Professor," "The Shaggy Dog," "Babes in Toyland," and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks."
• Props, costumes, and set pieces from the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," "TRON: Legacy," "National Treasure" and "Captain America."
• Sculptured busts of all 44 U.S. Presidents that were created for Audio-Animatronics figures seen in the The Hall of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.
• A salute to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Disney World showcasing theme park artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, memorabilia, and authentic attraction vehicles

For information visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum online at www.reaganlibrary.com, or www.Disney.com/D23. Admission to the exhibition is included with the purchase of admission to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. 

The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum is located in Simi Valley, Calif., about 60 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles and approximately two hours north of Disneyland.