One of the highlights of the Disneyana convention is the annual auction. "ConventionEars" (Disney- speak for attendees) who have no intention of bidding on anything still make a point of attending the auction, just to watch their fellows drop astronomical amounts of money on rare collectibles and one-of- a- kind treasures. Each year brings a new set of surprises, and this year was certainly full of them.

Auctioneer Vivica Pollen

Celebration Mickey, also known as the "Million Dollar Mickey", was no cause for celebration. The solid gold sculpture failed to receive even one bid. Mickey's fate was announced at the start of the live auction, and led to an evening's worth of jokes among the guests about blowtorches and golden Mickey nuggets. I hope a home is found for Mickey. Having heard a bit about the complexity of the casting process, it would be a shame for such a piece of craftsmanship to be melted down.

While some items were sold for less than their low estimate, or even went unsold because the reserve price was not met, other items were sold for prices that far exceeded the most optimistic bids. The most dramatic of these items was the auction for lot #38 - The Matterhorn Experience.

Attendees bid on the chance to climb through the Matterhorn, complete with photo shoot and back stage tour. The experience, which was previously offered as an $1100 add-on to the 1995 convention package, was estimated to go between $500 and $1000. There were two very determined bidders competing for the opportunity, which meant all bets were off.

Fellow MousePlaneteer Sue Kruse and I had a front- row seat of the bidding contest, which ended when Julie Trayna, a 34 year- old attorney (and MousePlanet reader) placed the winning bid of $13,000. I had the opportunity to speak with Julie after the auction, to get the answer to the question of the night - WHY?

Julie Trayna, with the paddle she used to place her winning bids

We caught up with Julie in the "Bidder's Lounge", after she paid for her winning bids. When I asked Julie what she thought of the auction, she said, "What do you think? - I'm insane enough to bid that much money!" She says "it wasn't impulse-I knew when I came down there that I wanted it. I didn't think it would go this far"

Julie received the Disneyana Convention postcard in the mail, but decided not to come to the convention because "it was too much money". The Northern California resident was in town for a Bar Association Convention, and decided to attend the auction. She had two items in minds when she came-the Matterhorn experience, and lot 27 - the actual acrylic painting used as cover art for an 1964 album. She didn't have a limit in mind for either piece, and just told herself, "I'm going, I'm going, I don't care, I'm going until I max my Visa."

Julie says this is not normal behavior for her. In fact, she says she's usually quite frugal. For example, she moved her car from the hotel parking lot because it was more expensive to park there than another lot. When asked about the other bidder, she said "Both of us are complete morons". But she had no regrets about the auction results, "I'm all happy, and I can't believe I spent that much money, and I'm not upset at all."

I asked Julie how she was going to tell her husband, and she said she wasn't going to. "I have a separate checking account, he will never know". She explained that her husband isn't a Disney fan, in fact, he "hates Disney". She's also not telling anyone at the Bar Association conference. "They're lawyers - they won't care" Julie said she'll be ditching classes when she climbs the Matterhorn, but she doesn't care. We are looking forward to a trip report from Julie when she returns home next week!

Will Cross and his Dream list

Will Cross, the unsuccessful bidder in this tale, learned about the auction from Disneyana web site. The retired cop knew that he had to attend the auction when he saw lot 38 - the Matterhorn Experience. Will's dream has been to see Disneyland from atop the Matterhorn. "You know how Tinkerbell comes down from the Matterhorn? I've told my friends, I would dress up in tights just to do that"

Accompanied by his sister-in-law Sagrario, and armed with his computer print out, he was determined to win this auction. Alas, this fairy tale did not have a happy ending. "My limit was $5,000, and I stopped under $13,000. The way she was bidding, though, I don't think she had a limit. I was just crushed". He said he even offered to split the auction. "I told her, if you can bring two people, I'll pay you half and we can both go."

Sagrario said "I'm glad I am with him, because otherwise he would have gotten up to $20,000." She said she could just imagine the phone call she would have received after that: "I got the Matterhorn for $20,000" ; "You mean you bought it?" ; "No I just get to climb it."

Fortunately for Will, he has another dream which might be more achievable. He really wants to own a Skyway bucket, as the attraction holds a great deal of sentimental value for him. "I actually proposed to my girlfriend on that - it was killer- it was a red bucket." When I mentioned to him that one of the dealers in the Antiques and Collectibles show was advertising a Skyway bucket for sale at the Public Day, he said. "I don't care if I'm eating peanut butter and jelly forever, I'm getting that."

K.C. With a glass of confetti for the winner

As for Julie, I have a feeling that her experience will be everything she is hoping for. As I left the auction, I told one of the coordinators that Julie had mentioned that she liked the confetti that was released when her winning bid, the highest of the night, was placed. Within seconds, a clean glass was grabbed from a table, and the remaining contents of the confetti cannon were being poured into the glass. Even after spending $13,000, it's the thought that counts.

If you're curious to see how the other items in the auction did, scroll down past the next item for a list of auction lots and their closing prices. We'll have photos of some of the items on Monday, when we present the first part of our series on the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention.

Just a reminder, the general public is invited to attend the Convention Public Day, September 8, from 1 to 9 p.m. Attendees will have access to the Limited Edition / Logo Sale, Walt Disney Company Showcase, Artists' Showcase (personal appearances by creators of Disney merchandise) and Disney Antiques and Collectibles Show. Public Day admission is $10 per person, parking not included. Call (407) 827-7600 to purchase tickets. Merchandise specially created for the public day include a Lithograph, a pin and a Mini Bean Bag Plush Mickey Mouse.

As of this publication, the public will be allowed to line up for the event starting at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. No overnight "camping out" will be allowed, and the public will not be admitted until 1:00 p.m. sharp.

Below are the items that were up for sale, with the winning bids:

* - denotes reserved lots

1. Moon Spinners - Pre-production Painting
"The Moon Spinners" pre-production painting is from the 1964 movie starring Hayley Mills. This is a great concept piece illustrating an outdoor location in Greece. Most of this film was shot on location in Crete.

2. Pinkie & Blue Boy
Created for Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, exclusive for Disneyland Park by Walt Disney Art Classics. This is artist's proof No. 1 - - a must for collectors.

3. Picture Me at Disneyland - Seven Cels
Celebrate your official Disneyana Convention with these original cels from the "Picture Me at Disneyland" toddle book. Published in 1996 to take allow Guests to take their memories of Disneyland home with them.

4. Disney Villains Hourglass Snowglobe
Celebrating some of Disney's most memorable villains, this hourglass globe holds Maleficent stirring up the elements and includes clouds, lightning, and fire that fill the globe with light. The pillars around the base highlight such other favorite villains as Snow White's wicked stepmother, Jafar from "Aladdin," Cruella De Vil, and Captain Hook. Ursula is curled along the back and Maleficent as the dragon is coiled around the turrets at the top.

5. Cruella De Vil
The deliciously dire Cruella De Vil personally posed for this rendition of her ceramic art tile. Here she is presenting White Horse Studio with four terrific background color choices.

6. Princess Plates
Find all your favorite princesses on this set of four collector plates. Created for the Disney Store, this set is a first prototype, pre-production sample, and so certain details may differ from those of the final edition.

7. Texas John Slaughter - Pre-Production Painting
This "Texas John Slaughter" pre-production painting is from one of the 16 episodes of the multi-year TV mini-series (originally broadcast 1958-1961). The painting probably dates between 1958 and 1960 and is signed CHAS OHMANN. Charles Ohmann was a well-known production illustrator on Hollywood films from the 1930s onward.

8. 2000 Official Disneyana Convention Banners
What better way to commemorate the 2000 Official Disneyana Convention's "it's a small world after all" theme than with this set of five original banners from the event? They feature original artwork created by the Disney Design Group for the 2000 Official Disneyana trading card set and star such characters as Mickey and Minnie Mouse; Donald Duck; Huey, Dewey, and Louie; and an array of Disney princesses.

9. Pixie
Mischievous Pixie is as you might find her under the forest canopy near the Lost Boys' hideout. This is artist's proof No. 1 in this popular edition. White Horse Studio produced this for animator and Imagineer Marc Davis at his 1998 birthday celebration. Bruce Lau sculpted it. Marc Davis did the art and color selection.

10. Sweet Hearts Forever - Mickey Mouse and Annette Funicello
Charles Boyer created this delightful image of Mickey Mouse and Annette Funicello to celebrate Annette's Disney career. This renowned Disney artist - - whose work is especially well known to Disneyana attendees - - spent over 30 years as an artist for Disneyland Resort. Don't pass up this excellent opportunity to own his original artwork.

* 11. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Lenox
This lovely custom piece, which has hand-applied gold leaf on the trellis arch over Snow White and the Prince, is suitable for a table display. All the figurines are #7's and are signed by Lenox's Director of Design, Siobhan Pendergast.

12. Welcome Home
To commemorate the theme of the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention, artist Susan Nardine Pratt has captured "A Disney Family Reunion" in this one-of-a-kind oil-and-acrylic painting on canvas.

13. Dopey Tile Tray
Ollie Johnston drew this animated sequence of Dopey in the 1930s. They were rediscovered at the Disney Studio. Ollie selected the drawing for this tray and chose the colors used. The tile is titled "And You Must Be Dopey." This fine one-of-a-kind tray was hand crafted for White Horse Studio by Tilley Wood Creations.

14. Disney Story Book Art Cel from 1937
This hand-painted cel depicts Donald Duck, Mickey, and Minnie Mouse outside a window. It was produced by the Walt Disney Studio in 1937 when the animators were creating Disney films and storybook art.

15. Walt Disney Autographed Check
Walt Disney Dated April 9,1941

* 16. Sorcerer "Fantasia" Window
You can own a complete window set from the South Coast Plaza Disney Store. Mickey Mouse and the animated brooms from "Fantasia" create magic.

17. Fab Five Castle-Original
Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy celebrate a day at Disneyland, by Randy Souders. This painting was created exclusive for the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention.

18. Pirates of the Caribbean - Jail Scene
In a playful version of one of the favorite scenes from a Disneyland Park original, Mickey Mouse and the gang portray the pirates from the jail scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Sculpture by David Kracov

19. Donald Duck Family Picnic - Original
Don "Ducky" Williams depicts the joy of a Disney Family Reunion in front of the Disneyland train station. This piece is airbrushed and was created exclusively for the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention.

20. Mickey Medallion
This stunning Mickey Mouse medallion was created to be placed on the front of the Disney Store in Florence, Italy but never made it to its destination. This piece is one of a kind - - look for its counterpart, Donald Duck lot #46.

21. Euro Disneyland Opening Day Tickets - Invitations April 12, 1992

Bonjour from Disneyland Paris! Straight from the Park's archives: An Opening Day invitation and ticket commemorating the opening of what was then known as EuroDisney on April 12, 1992. MATERIAL: paper - CONDITION: Some wear to binding edge of cover. Some writing on cover. - ARTIST / CREATOR: published by Publications Jean Prouvost, Paris - DATE OF CREATION: December 24, 1966

Promotional art © Disney
Million dollar Mickey

* 22. Celebration Mickey
In honor and celebration of Walt Disney's 100th Birthday a "Celebration Mickey" will be cast from an original sculpture of Mickey Mouse. This one-of-a-kind sculpture will stand nearly 24 inches tall and have a weight of approximately 1,500 troy ounces of 24kt gold. Disney in association with The Great Western Mint is producing this precious metal "Celebration Mickey" sculpture to be part of many festivities planned for Walt Disney's Centennial Celebration. At the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention's special auction event in September, the "Celebration Mickey" will be auctioned to the highest bidder. A portion of the proceeds for the "Celebration Mickey" will be donated to a non-profit charity

* 23. Disneyland Poster Display
This unique piece of Disneyland history was used at the entrance of Disneyland Park to advertise new park attractions and shows.

24. Jiminy Cricket
Jiminy Cricket dangles in midair amid bright colors of green and gold. One of a kind. This original painting was created exclusively for the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention Auction.

25. Disneyland Animation Event Pieces 1996
Three framed autographed pictures of Tinker Bell, Jiminy Cricket, and Mickey Mouse, by world-renowned Disney artists Ward Kimball, John Hench, and Marc Davis.

* 26. "A Disney Family Reunion" Large Glass Sculpture
This large glass sculpture is a one-of-a-kind original created by Robert Gunther especially for the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention, celebrating "A Disney Family Reunion."

27. Haunted Mansion - Pre-Production Painting / Original 1964 Disneyland Record
The "Haunted Mansion" is the actual acrylic painting used as cover art for an LP titled "Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House," released on Disneyland Records (number DQ-1257) in May 1964. The artist, Paul Wenzel, is well known among Disney fans.

28. Dopey Tile Jewelry Box
Ollie Johnston drew this animated sequence of Dopey in the 1930s. They were rediscovered at the Disney Studio. Ollie selected the drawing and chose the colors used in the creation of this box. The tile is titled "And You Must Be Dopey." This fine one-of-a-kind jewelry box was handcrafted for White Horse Studio by Tilley Wood Creations.

29. Disney Storybook Art Cel from 1937
This hand-painted art cel depicts Mickey Mouse with a ladder and was produced by the Walt Disney Studio in 1937, when the animators were creating Disney films as well as storybook art.

30. Goofy, Mickey Mouse, and Peg Leg Pete as Pirates
Three of our favorite characters play pirates in this set of three one-of-a-kind figures from David Kravcov. Each has been hand-sculpted from more than 60 distinct pieces of colored polymer clay.

31. Picture Me at Disneyland - Six Cels
Celebrate your official Disneyana Convention with these original cels from the "Picture Me at Disneyland" toddle book. Published in 1996 to take allow Guests to take their memories of Disneyland home with them.

32. Sorcerer Mickey
A limited-edition 2000 Official Disneyana Convention piece by veteran Disney artist Don Williams captures Mickey sleeping on the job in the role of the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

33. Lilliput Lane 2000 Official Disneyana Convention Sculpture
Just looking at this fantastic "it's a small world" 2000 Convention progression piece may bring to mind the unforgettable musical theme known the world over by the young and the young at heart.

34. Walt Disney's Autopia Tires
Have a chance to win Walt Disney's Autopia car tires. One of the first 40 cars built for the Autopia attraction was especially designed as a "show car" and was affectionately referred to as "Walt's Car" because it was built at the request of Walt Disney himself. This vehicle was designed by Imagineer Bob Gurr, who has held the title of Director of Vehicle Design at WDI for the last 40 years.

35. Jungle Book Art -Chris Schnabel
Baloo and Mowgli swim together in the classic scene from Disney's "The Jungle Book." This water color painting was used in a Disney Catalog.

36."A Tribute to Walt Disney" - Elisabete Gomes Vase
"From a little mouse an era of unforgettable movies was born. From the imagination of one man fairy tale stories were transformed into exquisite works of art that will live on in the hearts of generations to come. That man was Walt Disney." - - Elisabete Gomes. This piece is a one-of- a- kind handmade and hand-painted ceramic vase created exclusively for the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention.

37. Disney Storybook Art Cel from 1937
This original art cel featuring Donald Duck and Pluto was produced by the Walt Disney Studio in 1937, when the animators were creating Disney films as well as storybook art.

38. Matterhorn Experience
Ascend the icy slopes of Matterhorn Mountain for a breathtaking view of Disneyland(R) Park Fantasy Land! You will have a chance to go on an photo adventure with the Disneyland Resort's head photographer from inside the mountain. Also you will have a chance to go backstage and learn all the secrets of the Matterhorn. Oh, did we mention that the Abominable Snowman has been particularly hungry lately? Please note: For safety and comfort, you should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not climb. Winning bidders must be 18 years of age. Winning bidder must be able to climb stairs to the top of the mountain. The lucky winner will climb on the morning of Saturday, September 8, 2001.

39. Frontierland Window Display
Used during the 40 Years of Adventure celebration in Frontierland at Disneyland Park. This piece can be used as a window display to showcase all your favorite Disneyland items.

40. Mickey Through the Years
This piece inspired the first five Official Disneyana Conventions themes. By Mark Seppala

41. March Hare Figure
Fresh from the 42nd Street Disney Store in New York City - the March Hare is standing up and ready to take his place of honor in your home. You'll have a permanent photo opportunity for friends and family.

42. Lady & the Tramp Art Tile
Frank Thomas animated this well-known scene from "Lady and the Tramp." White Horse Studio placed the romantic moment of "Bella Notte" on a double art tile. Frank Thomas redrew the artwork to adapt it to the art tile media and selected the colors. This is artist's proof No. 1.

* 43. Mickey's Toon Town - Jolly Trolley
The city of Toon Town is participating in this year's Official Disneyana Convention by donating one of its spare trolleys for auction. Jolly Trolley is a fun, roundabout way to get from one end of Toon Town to the other. This trolley doesn't glide-- it rolls, jiggles, and weaves along a track that circles two fountains.

44. Flubber - Pre-Production Painting
This is a set decoration concept painting for "The Absent-Minded Professor." The artist, Dick Hubbert, was a senior illustrator in the Art Department at the Disney Studio from 1961 to 1964. Medium Water Color

45. Disneyland Letters - Dave Avanzino
Disneyland - Tomorrowland - Fantasyland - Adventureland - Main Street USA - Frontierland. A chance to own the complete set of Disneyland lands created by Dave Avanzino.

46. Donald Medallion
This stunning Mickey Mouse medallion was created for the front of the Disney Store in Florence, Italy but never made it to its destination. This piece is one of a kind - - look for its counterpart, Mickey Mouse lot #20.

47. Walt's Restaurant New Year's Eve Menu Plate-Disneyland Paris Resort / Mickey Mouse "Paris Match" - Walt's Death
The 1996 New Year's Eve menu at Walt's, An American Restaurant, on Main Street USA at Disneyland Paris, is inscribed on a typical plate made for Walt's by the celebrated Luxembourg firm Villeroy & Boch. Only 350 of these inscribed plates were produced. / A 1966 edition of the French tabloid "Paris Match," featuring a tearful Mickey Mouse on the cover, mourning the passing of Walt Disney. Inside, Disney is paid tribute with a 14-page photo essay.

48. Beauty & the Beast Original Painting
Walt Disney World Cast Members had an opportunity to receive lithograph copies of this delightful piece to celebrate winter at Walt Disney World Resort. This is your opportunity to own the original painting, created by gifted Disney artist Don Williams.

49. Cinderella Castle
This unique piece is a prototype created for the Disney Gallery. It was designed as a cake topper. Created November 4, 1999.

50. Donald's Nightmare-Jack Hannah
Donald Duck has a nightmare. Not knowing that he is asleep, he finds himself floating in space and beginning to disintegrate. As an animator and director of Disney shorts for many decades, Jack Hannah lent a distinctive style to the irascible duck. Hannah also framed this original oil painting.

51. Disney Storybook Art Cel from 1937
This original art cel featuring Donald Duck was produced by the Walt Disney Studio in 1937, when the animators were creating Disney films as well as storybook art.

52. Alice Figure
Fresh from the 42nd Street Disney Store in New York City - Alice is ready to take her place of honor in your home. You'll have a permanent photo opportunity for friends and family.

53. Disneyland Resort Framed Pin Set
This set includes 180 pins from Disneyland Resort, ranging from sold-out pins to those only available at the Resort, plus 20 one-of- a- kind to very rare pins surrounding the border of this pin trader's dream. The frame is a piece of artwork in its own right, with a design by artist Dave Avanzino.

* 54. Character Workshop Window
This original widow display from the South Coast Plaza Disney Store will have all the neighbors talking. Bring home all your favorite classic characters - - Donald, Goofy, Mickey, and Pluto.

55. Up a Tree with Pooh & Friends
Walt Disney World Cast Members had the opportunity to receive lithographs of this delightful piece. This is your opportunity to own the original painting, created by gifted Disney artist Don Williams.

56. Jelly Bean Sign
This bean-bedecked sign was used for a promotion at Walt Disney World Resort's Downtown Disney MarketPlace. Can you count how many beans are on the sign?

57. Disney Storybook Art Cel from 1937
This original art cel featuring the Three Little Pigs, Mickey, and Minnie was produced by the Walt Disney Studio in 1937, when the animators were creating Disney films as well as storybook art.

58. Tokyo Disneyland Props
Tokyo Disneyland's "Party Express" parade ran to celebrate Walt Disney's 100th birthday. Here is a collection of props from the Tokyo Disneyland Resort, from lamp-post signs to metal markers.

59. Cruella De Vil
This one-of-a-kind paper sculpture by Tim West is the second in his ongoing Disney Villains series. Meticulously constructed from museum-grade archival paper, the sculpture depicts Cruella's first scene in Disney's 1961 masterpiece,"101 Dalmatians," in which she proclaims her love for furs seconds after inquiring about the arrival of the Dalmatian puppies.

60. Walt Disney and Mickey Doll "... It Was All Started by a Mouse"
In honor of Walt Disney's 100th birthday, we proudly present this special- edition sculpture saluting both the man and the Mouse who started it all. This 2001 Walt Disney Classics members-only piece is based on a classic 1950s photo in which Walt fondly posed with a famous Mickey doll, one of the earliest and most popular pieces of Disney memorabilia. This lovingly crafted sculpture captures the essence of the man whose imagination enchanted the world.

61.Tarzan & Jane
Walt Disney World Cast Members exclusive art. This original painting by gifted Disney artist Don Williams celebrates the magic and adventure of Disney's "Tarzan. TARZAN¬ owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., and used by permission. TARZAN¬ 1999 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., and Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

* 62.Mickey Mouse
This nearly 5-foot-tall life-size Mickey by Steif will be happy to walk right home with you.

63.Walt's Office Photo Shot
The lucky winner and two guests will be able to enter Walt Disney's office in the lobby of The Walt Disney Story Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Kept as it was when he used it, everything from the wood paneling to the furniture are from the original Burbank, California, office. The lucky winner and two guests will have their photo shoot in the formal office on the morning of Saturday, September 8, 2001, and they will also receive a personal tour of the office by Dave Smith, Director of the Walt Disney Archives.

* 64. Autopia - Blue
Disneyland's Autopia attraction, whose sleek vehicles carry guests along a congestion-free freeway of the future, opened at July 17, 1955, and was redesigned in 1959, 1964, and 1968. Here is your chance to own a piece of that history.

65. Mickey Corner Glass Doors
These particular doors where originally located at the Disneyland Hotel Shopping complex in a store call Mickey's Corner. Make your house a Disney House with these fully operational doors.

Today's update has a second page-detailing Disneyland's actions on an early pin release. If you're a collector, take a moment to read this

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