July 2003 (Newstream) -- As Disneyland celebrates its 48th anniversary, Disney Auctions (www.disneyauctions.com), The Walt Disney Company's official auction destination for Disney merchandise and one-of-a-kind collectibles and experiences, is commemorating the anniversary by auctioning the famous Disneyland sign that greeted park guests at the park's Harbor Boulevard entrance from 1989 -1999. The sign has been dismantled into its main components and will be auctioned in three lots: the Disneyland marquee letters, approximately 13 1/2 foot white letters comprising the Disneyland logo; "The Happiest Place on Earth" sign that served as the sign's subtitle; and the approximately 18 foot tall gold castle detail that topped the marquee.

Bidding was on Disney Auctions on eBay and ends July 24, 2003.
"This is a truly unique opportunity to bid on a very rare piece of Disney history," stated George Grobar, vice president of Auctions at the Walt Disney Internet Group. "People want to take home more than just their memories of the most magical place on earth. Through auctions, we're able to make that happen."

In the 48-year history of the Disneyland Resort, three different signs have stood at the Harbor Boulevard entrance. The sign up for auction was the most recent sign and was taken down due to the construction of Disney's California Adventure in 1999. Actor John Stamos purchased the reverse side of the marquee letters with a closing bid of $30,700 when they went up for auction in 2000.

Also available for auction as part of Disneyland's anniversary celebration are six vehicles from the renowned Disneyland Parade, as well as vehicles from the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, the Snow White's Scary Adventures ride and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

Disney Auctions
Disney Auctions (www.disneyauctions.com) presented by eBay is an online marketplace from WDIG and eBay. Launched in Fall 2000, it has become the premier online auction destination for one-of-a-kind Disney merchandise and collectibles. Disney Auctions offers consumers access to every branch of the Disney entertainment family, including memorabilia from film, amusement parks, television and more.