Disney’s “Dreams Come True” World Tour Unveils Classic Animation Secrets in Taiwan

By Li Xinyi | Compiled and Reported

The Disney Animation World Tour Exhibition has arrived in Taiwan. The National Museum of History will host the special exhibition "Dreams Come True: The Art of Disney Classic Animation" from tomorrow (the 10th) until March 14, 2012. In addition to showcasing a wealth of previously unreleased hand-drawn production materials from classic animations and offering an inside look at the mysterious animation-making process, the exhibition will also screen selected clips from seven beloved animations, taking audiences of all ages on a magical journey through a fairytale time tunnel.

The Walt Disney Animation Research Library houses nearly 60 million pieces of artwork, chronicling the evolution of Disney animation since 1928. The "Dreams Come True" exhibition selects over 600 of its finest pieces to showcase in Taiwan, allowing the public to see firsthand why Disney animations have become classics. Remember the chubby jazz-loving alligator Louie and the firefly named Ray, who falls in love with the stars, from "The Princess and the Frog"? Or the clownfish from "The Little Mermaid"? Supporting characters often play pivotal roles in Disney stories—this is one of the key elements that make Disney animations so captivating. Additionally, transformation often serves as a major turning point in Disney narratives, such as the Beast finally turning back into a prince before the last petal falls in "Beauty and the Beast."

Scene design is also a crucial element. The production team behind "Beauty and the Beast" traveled to the French countryside to study castles, medieval architecture, churches, cobblestone roads, wall textures, and, of course, the local cuisine and wine—none of which were overlooked. Similarly, the kingdom in "Tangled" was modeled after iconic European structures, such as Prague’s Charles Bridge. These rich backgrounds enhance the artistic quality of the animations.

The works brought to Taiwan include sketches, design drawings, scene paintings, character designs, sculptures, precious manuscripts, selected animated shorts, and even the workstations used by early-, mid-, and late-era animators. The extensive collection spans from early animations ("Three Little Pigs," "The Ugly Duckling," "Mickey and the Beanstalk"), classics like "Snow White," "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Princess and the Frog," to more recent hits like "Tangled." Visitors can immerse themselves in a nostalgic journey through the timeless tales of Disney’s classic fairytales.