Now at Downtown Disney: A peek into Princess Diana's world
"Diana -- The People's Princess" is now open to the public at Downtown Disney,
in the giant space where Virgin Megastore previously operated. On view are
hundreds of artifacts -- it's not just dresses, guys.
The items are arranged chronologically through Diana's life, from childhood to
engagement to princess at Kensington Palace to mother to philanthopist to icon.
"I'm trying to hone into her multiple identities," says Dunkel, founder of the
People's Princess Charitable Foundation Inc.
The upper floor of the
building is not used by the Diana exhibit, but they've used the high ceiling to
great advantage with large banners and photos up in the rafters. Walls divide
the areas, museum style. Each area has a two-minute video briefing to set the
scene.
Organizers don't expect folks to spend a whole day in there, more
like 35 to 45 minute. There are so many
little tidbits to absorb, such a handwritten letter by Diana as a child, a
blanket 
she used to keep warm in the castle (with sewn-in tag that reads HRH
PRINCESS OF WALES), royal artifacts that pre-date Di, a plate with images of
Diana and Mother Teresa and a ceremonial jacket worn by one of the princess'
pallbearers.
On the lighter side, there's merchandise related to her
wedding (Charles and Di bedroom slippers!) and her handwritten hair appointment
schedule -- with notations for which days called for tiara-centric
'dos.
Among the dresses are four dresses not seen here before, a deep
green velvet one, a Scottish dance dress, a burgandy velvet one and a black
velvet that was used in her official portrait. (What you can't see in the
portrait is the back, which has a keyhole back with a ornamental rose at the
top.)
Also notable: A Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding
dress. Even scaled down to doll size, the train is remarkable.
Tickets
are available at the exhibit. Admission is $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 for
ages 3-9. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. The exhibit will be at Downtown
Disney through Nov. 30, 2009.
Lucy Clark
Marketing Director and Photographer for Realtors, Jane and Alan LaFrance
'Mickey Homes - Central Florida Real Estate Agents - Your source for Homes for sale near Disney World'
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