The “Disney Experiences” Auction Takes Place Online and During the D23 Fan Expo Next Month
Earlier this summer, an indie documentary called Stolen Kingdom followed a ragtag bunch of Disney fans obsessed with theme park attractions. Their fascination with seeing behind the scenes turned them into spelunkers and trespassers, with one ending up facing charges for stealing artifacts to sell on eBay.
Decades ago, well-heeled collectors fueled this black market to acquire authentic show pieces from Disney parks. In recent years, well-publicized auctions have sold millions worth of props and costumes from beloved Disneyland rides.
Heritage Auctions is conducting a sale of original items used in the parks and inside rides timed to coincide with this year’s edition of D23, the giant Disney fan expo held in Anaheim. The “The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds Signature® Auction” takes place at the Expo on August 16, with some items already available for online bidding.
“Medusa” slide from Disneyland’s Haunted MansionCredit: Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions
Walt Disney’s original Disneyland park is represented by a medium-format 4”x5” glass slide of Medusa from the 1970s that once fueled a changing portrait in the Haunted Mansion portrait gallery. This “Phase 4” image is mildly scratched and at press time was fetching $725.
Mummy figure from Disneyland’s Indiana Jones AdventureCredit: Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions
A nearly life-sized mummy figure that once resided in Adventureland’s Indiana Jones Adventure is up for grabs. This one could date to the ride’s opening in 1995 and has been moved around enough to lose his left thumb, suffer some breakage of the left tibia, and you can see the wires inside his neck. Otherwise, he’s perfectly healthy for a decades-old skeleton. Current bid at press time: $1,250.
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Trash can from Disneyland’s TomorrowlandCredit: Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions
Some of the themed waste receptacles in Disney parks are as beloved as whole attractions. These 21st-century Tomorrowland trash cans have been immortalized in a line of vinyl figures, and this original one comes with some authentic oxidation and interior staining. The current bid as of this writing is $2,200.
Washboard decor from Disneyland’s Big Thunder RanchCredit: Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions
In the years before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was built in the back country of the park, some of that land was home to real horses and the countryfied Big Thunder Ranch barbecue restaurant. This washboard was once displayed onstage and bears the cattle brand logo of Big Thunder Ranch and minor scuffing. It is one of the most affordable items in the same category, with a current bid of $135.
60th anniversary banner from DisneylandCredit: Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions
With the 70th anniversary decorations having been coming off the park in recent weeks, we remember this throwback banner from the 60th anniversary celebration. The blue-and-silver decoration measures 4’ wide by 3’ high and once hung on the drawbridge of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at the entrance to Fantasyland. The current auction bid is $1,350.
Heritage Auctions
The Disney Experiences Auction
Through August 16, 2026