DIANA–The People’s Princess Exhibit

[DizneyFreak2002]

Princess Di was very respected and loved... However, I have no interest in seeing her gowns... I'll be skipping this in October.. However, it is temporary, and any fee collected for entering does get donated to a charity by the organizer... I hear another Landry's owned restaurant may take up residence at the empty buolding formerly known as Virgin Megastore..

[Celestria]

First, Di's dresses (which i'm sure are all lovely), then, the first lady's wardrobe that no one i know really seems to care about.

[grumpyguy]

great gal,sad about her early passing,but i'll skip the opportunity to view her gowns.
thanks anyway.

[Figment!]

Press Release:

“DIANA–The People’s Princess” Is One-of-a-Kind Experience Coming to Downtown Disney

Hundreds of royal artifacts on view in largest Princess Diana exhibit

Walt Disney World Resort Press Release
June 17, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- 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 Resort. Opening in early July 2009, this limited-time experience showcases 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 Diana chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.

“DIANA–The People’s Princess” exhibit will be held in a 17,500-square-foot setting at Downtown Disney West Side adjacent to DisneyQuest. This unique 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 come to understand:

• 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.

A hint at some of the items on display:

• 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.

“The late Princess used her globally renowned platform brilliantly,” commented Maureen Rorech Dunkel, founder of PPCF. “She understood that the many different experiences she had in her life, both positive and negative, made her more relatable to the public. She used this quality to connect to the common masses and in doing so became known as ‘The People’s Princess.’ She used her compassion to bring support to all those in need and is still to this date, almost 12 years after her tragic passing, regarded as one of the most influential humanitarians of all time."

“We look forward to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation bringing this unique experience to our Downtown Disney guests,” said Kevin Lansberry, vice president of Downtown Disney. “We remain committed to offering guests new and exciting experiences they can only have at the Walt Disney World Resort.”

Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit – $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.

[GothMickey]

And so it is officially official. It is only temporary so no worries here. Better the building be used for something, even though this is nothing more than an I-4 roadside attraction.

[BMan62]

Just another reason to not bother with DTD anymore.

[King Triton]

I personally have no interest in this, and I'm sure we won't bother with it.

But, I am glad that the Virgin site will be in use. Its a lot better than it sitting empty.

[DNS]

This is not something I personally will be interested in, but please - we are talking about the belongings of a nice person, not a ride idea. I would think we could all be respectful with our opinions.

[The Joker]

Respecfully: lame.

[Daisy'sMom]

A few years ago, Lord Spencer brought some of the collection to a musuem in St Petersburg. Some of us went to see the gorgeous gowns and were surprised to actually see Lord Spencer. He shook everyone's hands and thanked them for coming.
The dresses were so beautiful. For me, there are not to many opportunites to see such work. We were speechless. I just called my girlfriends and we have decided to head over one day during the exhibit.

I am really surprised at the disrespectful comments. It's sad that some have to be hateful. If you don't want to go, don't. I don't think anyone will miss you being there.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I wish we could see this...hopefully it will come closer!

For those who do go, I hope you enjoy it!

[EeyoresBestFriend]

I am really surprised at the disrespectful comments. It's sad that some have to be hateful. If you don't want to go, don't. I don't think anyone will miss you being there.

Wow . . . I'm shocked . . . and I couldn't agree more.

The Royals are not everyones cup of tea but I like them. I would go to see the amazing pieces of art that they probably are ~ no different than any other celebrities designer wardrobe. These, I imagine would be like some film costume creations that grace Film Studios on our continent.

And just for all the crabby guys, I would no more set foot in a sports hall to look at sports jerseys than you would grace this exhibit!

To each their own, but no need to be disrespectful . . .

Or as Flower would say " If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all"

[Scar]

I'm a little confused here. Have there been some posts deleted? Because I don't see anyone being disrepectful to the Princess. Certainly there are negative posts about the exhibit, but how is that being desrepectful to her?

And I too will respectfully never see this.

[MNNHFLTX]

I'm a little confused here. Have there been some posts deleted? Because I don't see anyone being disrepectful to the Princess. Certainly there are negative posts about the exhibit, but how is that being desrepectful to her?

My previous post was in response to the "who's that?" (in reference to Diana) and that the exhibit was "scraping the bottom of the barrel" remarks. Would someone say that to one of her sons? Of course not, because it would be insensitive and disrespectful. I lost my own mother (just five days after Princess Diana died, as a matter of fact) and it makes me sad to think that someone would make such remarks about someone else's mother/daughter/sister/friend.

I have no problem with someone not wanting to see the exhibit for themself, but I don't think they should dismiss the person that inspired it.

[DizneyRox]

My previous post was in response to the "who's that?" (in reference to Diana) and that the exhibit was "scraping the bottom of the barrel" remarks.

That would be me! And actually what I said is Disney is scraping the bottom of the monkey barrel. Which I do believe is true, and here's why... DTD is a poorly executed, floundering nighttime district. It's failing miserably and instead of working on it's strengths, DIsney is letting things go, shuttering beloved places, etc. So, they let probably one of the biggest draws in the West Side go and replace it with a dress museum (additional admission required) is sad. It is, it turns DTD into a tacky, seedy International Boulevard red headed step child.

Would someone say that to one of her sons?

I wouldn't know it if they standing next to me, so I would treat them no differently than anyone else. No additional respect or disrepect. That's just how I roll, I don't care who you are, you put on your pants one leg at a time.

And finally, I think Princess Di is pretty much out of fashion. She's been dead a while now, I really don't get wanting to see things someone wore (maybe), paying admission to boot. I really just don't get it.

I don't get Halls of Fame, Awards Shows, American Idol, etc. There's a lot of important stuff happening in the world, dare I say, a million times more important than any of that. To parade around charging admission to these things I feel is distasteful. Check out the salaries for many of the heads of these charitable organizations and it'll make you sick. That's going WAY off topic though. It's enough to say, I won't be party to it, and yes, that means the good ones suffer.

[irish1967]

Interesting comments here.

It isn't for everybody but it certainly provides an opportunity for many people who wouldn't otherwise have the chance to see the exhibit.

I think it is a good location - easily accessible via Disney Transportation if you are so inclined but also easily avoided as well.

I saw the exhibit in London but might take the opportunity to sneak over during my next visit if one arises.

[Granny Jill A]

If it were the Crown Jewels, then sign me up for a tour. Dresses? Not so much.

[NotaGeek]

That would be me! And actually what I said is Disney is scraping the bottom of the monkey barrel. Which I do believe is true, and here's why... DTD is a poorly executed, floundering nighttime district. It's failing miserably and instead of working on it's strengths, DIsney is letting things go, shuttering beloved places, etc. So, they let probably one of the biggest draws in the West Side go and replace it with a dress museum (additional admission required) is sad. It is, it turns DTD into a tacky, seedy International Boulevard red headed step child.

I wouldn't know it if they standing next to me, so I would treat them no differently than anyone else. No additional respect or disrepect. That's just how I roll, I don't care who you are, you put on your pants one leg at a time.

And finally, I think Princess Di is pretty much out of fashion. She's been dead a while now, I really don't get wanting to see things someone wore (maybe), paying admission to boot. I really just don't get it.

I don't get Halls of Fame, Awards Shows, American Idol, etc. There's a lot of important stuff happening in the world, dare I say, a million times more important than any of that. To parade around charging admission to these things I feel is distasteful. Check out the salaries for many of the heads of these charitable organizations and it'll make you sick. That's going WAY off topic though. It's enough to say, I won't be party to it, and yes, that means the good ones suffer.

So basically what you're saying is you won't be going? I think that's enough said, and although the rhetoric that you claim here is no different than many of your posts, it still seems unnecessary. Just because you don't value and exhibit, show, theme, building etc. doesn't mean it should hold no meaning for anyone else.

I think all Beth was asking for is common courtesy for those that might actually WANT to see this exhibit -- your opinion that Diana is out of fashion is in the minority ... her life and charitable work has touched, and continues to impact millions upon millions of lives, and if you do some research about her foundation most of the people associated with it are not on salary -- charitable foundations in the UK are very different than those in the US.

[Magic Smiles]

I think all Beth was asking for is common courtesy for those that might actually WANT to see this exhibit -- your opinion that Diana is out of fashion is in the minority ... her life and charitable work has touched, and continues to impact millions upon millions of lives, and if you do some research about her foundation most of the people associated with it are not on salary -- charitable foundations in the UK are very different than those in the US.

Thank you

And for Granny Jill A - I have seen the crown jewels and would much still love to see Diana's dresses. Wonder if I could somehow wing a trip during the exhibit?

[NotaGeek]

Wow ... this thread sure has a lot of negative Nellie's running though it.

I saw an exhibit of the gowns in London and it was very moving and so incredibly well done. The proceeds of the exhibit help to fun The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. This is one of the foremost charitable funds in the world, and strives to continue the legacy build by Princess Diana. The fund provides funding of very worthwhile causes in parts of the world that would not get assistance otherwise.

I can appreciate that this type of event is not of interest to some of you, but it's not a throw away -- and will impact thousands of people while at WDW -- both those paying the entrance fee and some of the our greater global community in need.

I found this quote about their past grant activity:

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund was established in September 1997 and between its inception and December 2007 has awarded more than £75 million to 367 organisations in the UK and overseas.


The Fund has continued the humanitarian work of Diana, Princess of Wales by focusing on disadvantaged and marginalised people, providing them with support, a voice and an opportunity to realise their full potential.



Groups of people supported by the Fund have included young people, those who are dying or bereaved, survivors of conflict and people with learning disabilities. Other funding themes have included landmines, mental health and HIV/AIDS. In all of the areas that the Fund has invested in the aim has been to leave a lasting legacy of social change that impacts directly on people's lives.


Learning from these and other areas fed into the process of strategic planning, consultation and dialogue with the voluntary sector that led to the Fund's Strategic Plan 2007 to 2012. Under this new strategy the Fund continues to be committed to maximising the impact of its work and sharing learning about past grants with a wide range of stakeholders.

I think it's a great opportunity for a HUGE group of WDW and Florida tourists to experience the event -- Diana was a MEGA celebrity on a world stage and it's great that her spirit of giving continues.