Princess Diana Exhibit coming to former Downtown Disney Virgin Megastore location in July
If you were wondering what would become of the former home of the Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney, wonder no longer.
Beginning in early July, the People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing a new exhibit of royal artifacts called “DIANA–The People’s Princess” to that location. The limited-time experience showcases the life and story of Princess Diana, including a sampling of the royal dresses she chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.
The exhibit will consume the 17,500-square-foot former retail store and will feature:
- The stories of Diana’s own childhood and ancestry and how that lineage was influential in her selection as the future bride of HRH Charles, The Prince of Wales, the future King of England.
- Her magical royal wedding which was viewed by over 750 million people from around the globe; her favorite role as “mum” to princes William and Harry.
- Kensington Palace, the royal residence where Diana lived from the moment she became the Princess of Wales until her death and which today plays an active role in preserving her charitable legacy.
- The historical significance of her role as Princess of Wales and the impact she had through that role on the fashion industry and charitable landscape.
- How at the Christie’s “Sale of The Century,” 79 of Diana’s royal dresses were sold to benefit charities which helped position her as an astute philanthropist.
- Her untimely passing and the massive media and public interest in the tragedy.
- The charitable impact still being recognized through her gowns and personal effects.
Some of the items on display will be:
- Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress – Made in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding, the doll is wearing an exact replica of the famous wedding dress.
- The Black Velvet “V” Neck – Designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985.
- Wedding Breakfast booklet – Contains guest names and two tickets to observe the bride and bridegroom before and following the wedding ceremony in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.
- Three-foot doll of Diana as a young girl – Released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Unlike Virgin MegaStore, you will need to purchase a separate admission to the “DIANA–The People’s Princess” exhibit.
Prices will be $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will be through Nov. 30, 2009. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
This is truly something the entire family can enjoy together. And since this is Disney World, isn’t that what it’s all about?
This does not interest me at all. It sounds like it will be boring in my opinion and having to pay almost $15 to see it does not catch my interest. Its a “skip-it” for me.
Worst. Idea. Ever.
This is an awful idea! what muppet thought of this!
horrible.. really really horrible. We were left out of a job for this nonsense. OKay
Bring back the megastore! I want music!
Don’t forget that all virgin Megastores are closing. It wasn’t an issue of someong thinking a Princess Diana exhibit would be great, let’s kick out Virgin.
I think this is a good move for Disney. They are stepping outside their box here and trying something new! I can’t wait to see it!
Really retarded. It’s gonna be ridiculously boring. Way to dissapoint those of us who visit downtown disney frequently. Good move on their part though, gonna bring in alot of money with the European tourists. I hope to the lord they come up with some better by for the facility after November 30. (Imax theater maybe?)
All you whiners who are not interested in this (lol)… at least it’s not something permanent. Only until November. But what then?
im super duper excited !!
WOW — Glamour and royalty at Walt Disney World! ‘Hope the Diana exhibit comes to ‘Vegas next.
With so much to see at WDW, I think I’ll pass on the Diana exhibit thing. Wife and I can spend the $30 on something else.
I’m glad that Walt Disney World provided for this exhibit. I think that people from all over the world will really come to know the real, “Diana”. Also glad that the old Virgin Megastore can be used for something very unique.
The exhibit is a great idea. I think that William and Harry would be very proud of Disney honoring their mother with an exhibit that depicts her life and the way that she touched the world all over. Afterall, she took them to Disneyworld when they were very young to show them ordinary fun. I hope that people will take the time to see the exhibit and decide from it whether it is worth seeing.
I think that the exhibit is a great idea. I’m sure that William and Harry would be very proud that Disney is honoring their mother with such a wonderful exhibit of her life and the contributions that she made to the world. Afterall, she took them to Disneyworld when they were very young just to let them experience just plain fun. See the exhibit be fore making comments about it. It may surprise you!
This is the best idea since that exhibition of Hard Rock items on I Drive (Vault?)
No wait, it’s the best thing since the exhibition of Titanic items that replaced the Hard Rock museum when it closed within weeks due to lack of interest.
No wait, it’s the best thing since the long running exhibit of a white elephant that replaced the titanic exhibition when it closed down due to a complete lack of custom.
That’s what families come to Orlando for – museums! This idea just can’t go wrong!
Finally a real princess story for Disney – can’t wait to go.