The Gulfstream I Airplane tips its wings at the D23 Expo 2022 from September 9th to 11th with an exhibit with the Walt Disney Archives and Expo Platinum Sponsor Amazon.
Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I is traveling across the USA to attendees of the sold-out D23 Expo 2022. The Gulfstream I has been polished up and restored exterior for a curated exhibit Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane which will show its importance to the Walt Disney Company’s history. The plane has been called ‘The Mouse’ in honor of the beloved character that made Walt Disney the company it is today. The plane bought in 1963 had personal touches from Walt and his wife Lillian to fly in stylish luxury from the galley kitchen, a customized instrument panel originally located near Walt’s favorite seat onboard so that he was able to monitor flight conditions, telephone headset (youngins will be shook at the ‘state of the art tech) to talk to the pilots in the cockpit, two restrooms, blinged out to work while flying with a desk, two couches (might have a meeting), stationary, and matchbooks (back then you could smoke on planes) and more not seen by the public. For those who love luggage, you can see the flight bag with Mickey Mouse on the plane’s tail. Over the 28 years of service, ‘The Mouse’ flew 20,000 hours and transported 83,000 (estimated) passengers before its well-earned permanent vacation!
D23 Expo will kick off Disney100, a celebration of the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company, and in this all-new exhibit, guests will be invited to “take to the skies” and learn about the role this iconic plane has played throughout the company’s history:
- In 1963, Walt, members of his family, and company executives took off on a demonstration Gulfstream aircraft to explore potential locations, including Central Florida, for a proposed development often referred to as “Project X.” After Walt received his own Gulfstream in early 1964, he made several trips to Florida that ultimately laid the foundation to bring the magic of Walt Disney World to life.
- Walt’s plane flew a total of 277,282 miles back and forth between Burbank and New York to oversee preparations before and during the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, an event that brought iconic attractions such as “it’s a small world” to an East Coast audience and, later, to Disneyland.
- The plane also took Disneyland to new heights as Walt found inspiration for the look of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction as he flew over the El Moro fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while conducting research for the now fan favorite.
- “The Mouse” has a star-studded past, having been used for promotional tours for Disneyland as well as for classic movies such as The Jungle Book (1967), as well as making appearances in The Walt Disney Studios films The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969) and Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972), both of which starred Disney Legend Kurt Russell. The aircraft has also transported notable guests including Disney Legends Julie Andrews and Annette Funicello, as well as former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
- Painted blue and white in 1985, Walt’s plane embarked on goodwill tours and character visits to children’s hospitals, adding to the company’s history of giving back to the community.
Disney fans attending D23 Expo are invited to shop, browse and play at Amazon’s immersive space on the showroom floor with in-person peeks at custom merchandise related Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane.
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23Expo [LIVE]. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
About D23 Expo 2022
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, streaming, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2022 news, visit D23Expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 99-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com, with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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