Disney Experts CANNOT Miss Seeing This Iconic Piece of Walt’s History

The D23 Expo, one of the biggest events for Disney news, sneak peeks, and more, is just around the corner!

©D23

This year’s Expo is taking place in Anaheim, California from September 9th through 11th and we’ve already gotten SO much information about what guests can expect from this year’s offerings. We’ve gotten details about the new immersive experiences coming to the expo, as well as an exclusive concert at the event, and more. Now, D23 has shared details about a special exhibit that will be available featuring an iconic item from Walt Disney’s history.

Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I plane is crossing the country to be displayed at the D23 Expo. The exterior of the plane has been restored by D23, the Walt Disney Archives, and Amazon (one of the sponsors of the D23 Expo). The “specially-curated” exhibit, called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon, will be located in the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center.

©D23

The plane will be on display with never-before-exhibited items like “a customized instrument panel originally located near Walt’s favorite onboard seat that allowed him to monitor flight conditions; a telephone handset that gave Walt a direct line of communication to the pilot in the cockpit; a flight bag featuring an image of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the iconic plane; and more.”

Flight bag with Mickey Mouse ©D23

This is the first time the plane will be on the west coast since 1992. Since then, it’s been located at what is now Disney’s Hollywood Studios and was a part of the no-longer-offered Studio Backlot Tour. During its time servicing The Walt Disney Company, this iconic plane, referred to as “The Mouse” flew 20,000 hours and transported 83,000 people over 28 years before it was grounded. This plane is the one that Walt Disney would use to fly back and forth between California and Florida as he developed the idea for what would become Walt Disney World.