Disneyland’s Nostalgia Jackpot Hits a Staggering $8.3 M
Think you’ve seen the biggest auction in history? Think again. A weekend sale of Disneyland’s most iconic gear and props just handed out a cash prize that would make Jeff Bezos feel a bit jealous.
What’s on the sale list?
- “Dumbo” flying elephant car – pulled out for a jaw‑dropping $483,000, more than four times the original estimate.
- David Copperfield’s neon “D” from the Disneyland hotel lobby
- Animatronic bird Jose from the Tiki Room – sold for $425,000.
- 1950s Skyway gondola – made $621,000, setting a new record in the Disneyland ride department.
- Hundreds of other artifacts – from “That’s From Disneyland” signs to antique trash cans.
The 900‑Item Collection
With a pile of 900 pieces, the auction turned into something of a community treasure hunt. The organizers, along with collector Richard Kraft, brought a “That’s From Disneyland” public display to a former sporting goods store in suburban Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of fans walked through the displays, and once — and once! — a couple even popped the big question and got hitched amidst the souvenir chaos.
Why Richard Kraft? Why the frenzy?
Kraft, a Hollywood agent with 25 years of collecting, says the drive started with a simple nostalgia trip to Disneyland with his late brother. He kept those memories tucked away, even in his living room.
“When I finally decided to let it go, it became less about the money and more about throwing a grand ‘Bon‑Voyage’ party for those magical artifacts,” Kraft told the press after the sale.
“I’m still in a state of shock that a Dumbo car, a talking parrot, and even a Disney trash can could feel like hitting the lottery.”
Despite the buzz, Kraft remains focused on heart. A portion of the proceeds will go to two nonprofits dedicated to helping kids who share his little 4‑year‑old daughter, Daisy, battling Coffin‑Siris Syndrome and other special needs.
