Disney Fan Day with Mickey Visit
Calling all Disney fans!
As part of our 10th Anniversary celebration year, we have partnered with Mickey Visit, the leading independent Disney news and planning resource, to host our first-ever Disney Fan Day for enthusiasts of all ages.
Disney Fan Day will be held at the Hilbert Museum on Thursday, October 15, during our normal operating hours of 10am–5pm, with a couple of ticketed events after hours. This is a full-day celebration of all things Disney. Planned activities include a meet and greet with Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and best-selling author of Disneyland Secrets; Disney-inspired crafts in the courtyard; VIP Museum Tour with museum founder Mark Hilbert and museum director Mary Platt; and an encore lecture with Disney and Pixar animator Jørgen Klubien.
Why is the Hilbert Museum partnering with Mickey Visit?
The leading independent source for news, crowd calendars, and trip-planning advice for Disney theme park visitors, Mickey Visit has helped millions of families and Disney fans stay informed, save money, and experience more on their Disney vacations since 2011.
The Hilbert Museum’s alliance with Mickey Visit gives the 15-year-old media company the opportunity to personally welcome its large following to the October 15 event and in the future.
“For Disney and Disneyland fans who want to learn more about Disney’s history in Southern California, a stop at the Hilbert Museum is the perfect complement to any theme park visit to Orange County,” said Gavin Doyle, Mickey Visit founder and best-selling author of Disneyland Secrets. “Just 10 minutes from Anaheim, it is a wonderful free destination for Disney fans.”
Disney Pieces in The Hilbert Collection
According to Mary Platt, director of the Hilbert Museum, the special event is meant to allow fans the chance to get a taste of the original Disney artworks in The Hilbert Collection – which includes Disney and Pixar animation cells, illustrations, storyboards, movie posters and promotional pieces, Disneyland and other concept art, and memorabilia.
Some of the Disney works currently on view include the Jørgen Klubien at Disney and Pixar exhibition and several newly acquired concept pieces by renowned Disney artist Mary Blair. The extent of Disney works in The Hilbert Collection is vast and allows the museum to showcase them in continually changing exhibitions throughout the year, so that there’s always something new – and always something Disney – on display.
“Regardless of the season, local and visiting Disney fans can always count on there being something special for them at the Hilbert Museum,” said Platt. “The breadth of our Disney holdings allows for a near-infinite number of show possibilities.”
What Can Visitors Expect during Disney Fan Day?
From original artworks and behind-the-scenes stories to hands-on activities and special presentations, the one-day event offers something for every Disney fan. Explore a selection of Disney artworks from the Hilbert Collection, meet Disney expert and Disneyland Secrets author Gavin Doyle, and get creative with Disney-inspired crafts in the courtyard.
Visitors can also enjoy an exclusive VIP Museum Tour led by founder Mark Hilbert and Museum Director Mary Platt, plus an encore presentation featuring Disney and Pixar animator Jørgen Klubien. The tour and lecture have limited capacity and require tickets secured in advance. While the VIP tour is free, the lecture is $10.
Due to event popularity and space limitations, advance reservations for the day are encouraged.
Guests are encouraged to join in the fun and enhance the magic by wearing their favorite Disney-inspired looks, outfits or costumes!
Planned Activities Include:
2PM
Meet & Greet / Q&A with Gavin Doyle
Come meet Gavin Doyle, Disney expert, founder of Mickey Visit, and author of Disneyland Secrets: A Grand Tour of Disneyland’s Hidden Details. He’ll answer all your burning Disney-related questions, share some Disneyland secrets, and talk about his excitement around the future of Disney theme parks. Doyle is one of the top experts called upon by the media to talk about Disney today. This activity is free. Space is limited.
3-5PM
Hands-on Disney-Inspired Crafts
Make your own take-home Disney-inspired keepsake. Hilbert Museum Education Manager Eliot Zbylut will guide participants through a DIY craft-making activity in the museum’s Janet Hilbert Arts Courtyard. Seats and supplies are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
5-5:50PM
VIP Tour in the North Wing
Mark Hilbert and Mary Platt will lead a small-group tour and offer little-known anecdotes about the museum’s collection of Disney and animation movie art currently on view. This tour is free but tickets are required; a limited number of tickets are available. Click the button below to secure yours before they’re gone.
6PM
“My Creative Life at Disney and Pixar”
Encore Presentation by Jørgen Klubien
Acclaimed Disney and Pixar character animator shares engaging tales of his life and creative work on some of the most beloved animated features ever made. Tickets are required; a limited number of tickets are available. Click the button below to secure yours before they’re gone.