Disney 100: The Exhibition premieres at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The world premiere of a major exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company opened in Philadelphia on Saturday, drawing fans from across the country.

Disney100: The Exhibition opened for the first time at the Franklin Institute. It features 250 rarely seen objects, including 23 ‘Crown Jewels’ from the archives, such as the carousel horse from ‘Mary Poppins’ and the First Order Stormtrooper armor from ‘Star Wars’.

“I didn’t actually know I was coming here, my mom just surprised me with it,” said Shannon Flaherty, 8, from Connecticut.

She and her mother drove to Philadelphia on Saturday and spent the day admiring the artifacts.

“Because it’s so amazing and maybe it’ll look like your favorite character,” said 6-year-old Violet Stanger, who came dressed as a Disney princess.

“This exhibit covers everything from animation to live-action films,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of the Franklin Institute. “The amazing thing is that this exhibit will bring people from all over the country and around the world to Philadelphia, not just to the Franklin Institute but to other attractions, restaurants and hotels here in the area.”

This opening day attracted young and old fans from all over the country.

“I’ve been obsessed with Mickey Mouse for more than 80 years, I think,” said Walter Romanek, 87, of Washington DC

The attraction brought together families who love all things Disney.

“The magic of it is just so much fun. We pretend to be Sisu. I’m the dragon and she has to hunt me and stuff like that. We make the games out of it and everything,” said Tonya Ditucci of Kentucky.

The exhibition is already so popular that it sold out on its opening weekend. But fear not Disney fans, it will be at the Franklin Institute for the next six months.