In celebration of Walt Disney's 114th birthday on December 5th, 2015, Walt Disney Archives has revealed a treasure trove of magical Disney history with over four million rare photographs.

All of the photographs come from the photo library operated by the Walt Disney Archives, which was established in 1970 to preserve and safeguard the creative legacy of the Walt Disney Company.

They’ve also introduced a new print-on-demand photo service so fans can own these rare images.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at more than 90 years of family entertainment and vast imagination!

Realizing the great potential that Mickey Mouse could have in the character merchandise business, Walt and Roy Disney accepted an offer from imaginative businesswoman Charlotte Clark to produce the very first Mickey Mouse plush dolls — the original set seen here cuddled up with Walt (c. 1932)

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Hyperion Studios Courtyard, where The Walt Disney Studios was located from 1926 to 1940

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Disneyland’s centerpiece, Sleeping Beauty Castle, during the opening day festivities (July 17, 1955)

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Walt aboard his Carolwood Pacific Railroad (1951)

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Actress Helene Stanley on set for Cinderella (1948)

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Walt and the Animation Building (1940)

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Walt with deer used as live-action reference models for Bambi (1942)

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The Mad Tea Party at Disneyland

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Walt posing with a custom-made marionette of Pinocchio (1940)

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Walt Winking for the camera while sitting in Tomorrowland at Disneyland (c. 1965)

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“Nannies” (actually well-costumed stuntmen) blown away on set in Disney Studio’s Stage 4 during the production of Mary Poppins (1964)

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Walt during production of Alice in Wonderland (March 1951)

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Disneyland Matterhorn, Skyway, Monorail & Submarines (May 1963)

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Walt amidst the “tilted rocks” of the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train (1957)

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Walt Disney in his then-newest Disneyland creation, Enchanted Tiki Room (1963)

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Walt Disney poses for a studio publicity photo during the production of the Disneyland television series episode, “The Story of the Silly Symphony” (1955)

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Want to get your hands on some of these photos?

They are available for print here:

www.disneyphotoarchives.com


By - grape Japan editorial staff.