What a Joyride! Van Eaton Galleries’ “The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection” Auction Results

Van Eaton Galleries of Studio City, CA held The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection auction from July 17 to 19, 2023. This nearly 1,500-lot sale featured the largest privately owned collection of Disney Parks memorabilia in the world. The event included a full spectrum of theme park materials, including vintage to contemporary posters, ephemera, signage, souvenirs, displays, and cast-worn uniforms. However, the superstars of the event were unquestionably amazing park ride vehicles and related materials. So take a seat, buckle up, and take a look at some of these eye-popping results.

Three’s a crowd when it came to the top lot in this breathtaking sale. Lot #744, a Hitchhiking Ghost Animatronic Display from around 1971, was estimated at USD 100,000 to $200,000 and delivered $320,000. This display featured three ghosts which would appear like magic in the Haunted Mansion attraction passenger vehicles as the ride concluded. When activated, they would move their heads and arms in rhythm with the Haunted Mansion musical soundtrack. According to Van Eaton Galleries, this trio of ghosts from the Haunted Mansion ride are the only ones known to have been sold by Disney.

The Haunted Mansion attraction opened in 1969; this illusion was used through 2010, when it was replaced with high-tech visual imagery.

This next auction winner is simply ele-fantastic. Lot #902, a Dumbo Attraction Elephant Vehicle, was estimated at $100,000 to $200,000 and traded hands at $220,000. This example, from the 1960s, measured about five feet long, 12 feet wide, and 5.75 feet tall. The vehicle was repainted to bring it back to its original appearance but was otherwise all original. It featured the beloved flying elephant in a pink hat, matching blanket, and decorative neck ruffle.

Disney has featured this signature aerial carousel ride in its parks since 1955.  It appears in six Disneyland locations worldwide. This attraction is based on Disney’s animated movie of the same name.

It’s smooth sailing with this next Disney vehicle highlight. Lot #853, a Peter Pan’s Flight Original Attraction Vehicle, was estimated at $75,000 to $100,000 and soared to $210,000. This example, from 1955, was from the earliest days of this signature and iconic ride. This flying pirate ship measured 90 inches tall, 84 inches long, and 59 inches wide. This vehicle was only the second of its type Van Eaton has ever offered at auction. Its unique construction and absolute rarity probably helps explain its remarkable success at auction.

Like the Dumbo ride, Peter Pan’s Ride has been operational since 1955, but it was completely reengineered and updated in 1983. This attraction was also based on Disney’s cartoon film of the same name.

Now let’s take a look at a remarkable sale highlight that could be best described as a scare-chair! Lot #735, A Haunted Mansion “Doom Buggy” Attraction Vehicle, was estimated at $30,000 to $50,000 and conjured up $170,000. This original all-black example from 1968 measured 60 inches tall, 50 inches wide, and 45 inches deep and was part of the venue’s omnimover ride system.

The Haunted Mansion attraction has always been one of Disney’s most popular attractions and remains so to this day. It is no surprise that other lots in this sale related to that venue– including a number of original hand painted stretching portraits on canvas– also generated over six figures each.

And last but not least, check out lot #875– an all original, park-used Snow White’s Scary Attraction Vehicle. Estimated at $15,000 to $25,000, it more than doubled its high estimate to realize $65,000.  This cart from the 1980s measured 36 inches tall, 78 inches long, and 50 inches wide and was made from fiberglass over a metal frame. It was finished to look like it was made from carved and painted wood with a forest theme to it. It bore the nameplate “Bashful” in a nod to one of the beloved Seven Dwarves featured in the ride.

Snow White’s Scary Attraction debuted in the Magic Kingdom in 1971. In 2012, the attraction was retired and replaced by The Princess Fairytale Hall. This venue opened in 2013 and is now a destination where visitors can meet Disney classic-to-modern princesses, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Princess Tiana, among others.

For more information on The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection sale and to view the complete results, visit Van Eaton Galleries. 

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