Inside the Vault: My Journey to Disney100 in Philadelphia

By the time I launched this blog, the Disney100 Exhibition in Philadelphia had already closed its doors. But some experiences leave such a mark, you have to write about them, even if it’s after the fact. And for me, this one was non-negotiable.

As a lifelong Disnerd, visiting Disney100 while it was at the Franklin Institute wasn’t just a fun day out, it was emotional, inspiring, and honestly, kind of surreal. It felt like walking straight into the vault of my childhood... and realizing the magic was real all along.

One Step In and the Disney Magic Hit Me

I made the drive from New Jersey to Philly, and while the ride itself wasn’t bad, finding the actual entrance to the exhibit was a little confusing. But the second we stepped into the gallery space, all of that melted away.

The moment I crossed that threshold, the energy shifted. There was an instant spark, the kind of giddy feeling you get when the castle lights up during fireworks or when you hear the first few notes of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” It was pure Disney magic, and I felt it in my chest.

10 Immersive Worlds, One Unforgettable Experience

The exhibit was broken into 10 themed galleries, each one more magical than the last. From early animation and Walt’s vision to Marvel, Star Wars, and the latest Disney masterpieces, every gallery had its own personality, aesthetic, and emotional weight.

Every room invited you into a different part of the Disney legacy. There was original artwork, historic footage, voiceover stations, and even interactive displays that encouraged you to touch, play, and create. Much like watching your favorite Disney film over and over again, there was always something new to discover.

The true stars of the show? The more than 250 artifacts straight from the legendary Walt Disney Archives, many of which had never been seen by the public before. Seeing these up close felt surreal.

One of the first moments that stopped me in my tracks was the original sketches of Mickey Mouse from Steamboat Willie (1928). Actual pages from the film that started it all — the moment Disney truly came to life.

Then there was the Hocus Pocus spellbook... yes, the spellbook with the creepy blinking eye! It was tucked behind glass like the magical relic it is, and I honestly just stood there grinning like a kid on Halloween.

But the moment that really hit me hard was seeing the actual Jack Sparrow costume worn by Johnny Depp. If you know me, you already know how much I love Johnny Depp and how obsessed I am with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. To see that iconic look, the belts, the coat, the beads, up close? It was wild. A full-on fangirl moment I’ll never forget.

They also had the Winnie the Pooh live-action stand-in from Christopher Robin, and it was one of the sweetest, most nostalgic surprises in the entire exhibit.

Where Disney Magic Meets Hands-On Fun

What I loved most, aside from the jaw-dropping props, was how interactive everything was. It wasn’t just an exhibit you walked through; it was one you experienced. There were touchscreens, projection walls, and immersive animations that let you explore how Disney movies are made, from concept to character design to final cut. You could zoom in on original concept art, hear voice actors talk about their characters, and even tinker with sound and lighting the way Disney animators do.

As someone who’s loved Disney for as long as I can remember, this exhibit felt deeply personal. It wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about honoring the creative spirit that built a global legacy, and getting to witness the art, history, and storytelling that shaped so many of our lives. More than that, it reminded me why I connected with Disney in the first place.

Even though Disney100 has officially closed in Philadelphia, I had to write about it, because for anyone who ever dreamed of working at Disney, drawing characters in the margins of their notebook, or getting swept up in a story that made them believe in something bigger, this exhibition was everything.