Orlando Theme Park News and Events Blog

“Diana-The People's Princess” Exhibit to Hit Downtown Disney

  

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July 2009

The closing of the Virgin Mega Store at Downtown Disney was a sad bit of news for us here in the industry, but when one door closes, another invariably opens. In this particular case, the event couldn't be more fitting. The People's Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing "DIANA-The People's Princess" - a major new exhibit of royal artifacts - to Walt Disney World Th. eme Park. Opening in early July 2009, this limited-time experience will showcase the life and story of Princess Diana, one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history, including a sampling of the royal dresses that the Princess herself chose to auction for charity, as well as hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.

The exhibit will be held at the 17,500-square-foot building formerly occupied by Virgin at Downtown Disney West Side adjacent to Disney Quest. Needless to say, the exhibition is one of the largest collections of royal dresses and rare artifacts ever assembled for an American audience, which provides an in-depth historical perspective of her life. The exhibit includes five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.

As part of this unique experience, guests will be treated to:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit for $14.50 (ages 10 and above), and $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will be through Nov. 30, 2009. Hours are 11 am.-11 pm. Daily.

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Photo: Brisan