If youāve been reading along with me for a while, youāll know that as much as I love a seasonal snack or a new merchandise drop, I have a soft spot for Disney history. There is something incredibly special about looking behind the scenes at how our favorite stories came to life. Seeing the sketches, the notes, the in-progress ideas, it feels like seeing the Disney puzzle pieces before they slowly clicked into place.
Over the years, Iāve shared quite a few behind-the-scenes moments with you, from archival displays to Imagineering insights, and every time I walk away with a deeper appreciation for the creative minds who built this legacy. The finished films and attractions are magical, of course, but understanding how they were crafted adds a whole new layer of wonder.
Right now, there is a beautiful opportunity for that kind of experience over at Disney California Adventure Park. On display through August at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, the Walt Disney Archives has curated a collection of production treasures from the 1961 animated classic, 101 Dalmatians.
Guests visiting the location can view a model of Cruella De Vilās unforgettable car, which somehow manages to be just as dramatic in miniature form as it is on screen. There is also a spotted animation cel from the filmās opening titles, a charming reminder of the hand-drawn artistry that defined this era of animation. Perhaps most exciting of all is an original story treatment by Disney Legend Bill Peet, offering a glimpse into the early narrative development that shaped the film so many of us grew up loving.
Experiences like this feel especially fitting at Carthay Circle. The restaurant itself is steeped in Disney history, inspired by the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, where Walt Disney premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. That premiere was a turning point, not just for Disney, but for the entire animation industry. Sitting inside this lovingly recreated space, surrounded by nods to the Golden Age of Hollywood and Disneyās earliest triumphs, makes viewing these archival pieces even more meaningful.
For fans of 101 Dalmatians, lovers of Cruellaās flair, or anyone fascinated by the animation process that brings our favorite characters to life, this limited-time display is such a treat. It is a chance to slow down, look a little closer, and appreciate the artistry and storytelling that continue to define Disney magic, both on screen and beyond.
