How to Sell Your Original Disney Renaissance Memorabilia

The Disney Renaissance was an artistic revitalization period of animated Disney films that began with the huge success of The Little Mermaid in the late 1980s and includes several other favorites from the 1990s such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King and Pocahontas. The period was triggered with a change in leadership at Disney, including the addition of Michael Eisner, as well as bringing in artists like Howard Ashman, Alan Menken and Tim Rice. We’ve sold an abundance of Disney memorabilia at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Please feel free to email us if you’d like a free appraisal or would like to sell your original Disney Renaissance memorabilia.

Here are some of the main films of the Disney Renaissance:

The Little Mermaid

Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989) was based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale from 1837, but with a happy and uplifting ending. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song thanks to the magical songwriting duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Memorabilia related to the pair is very collectible. Original Alan Menken hand-written sheet music recently sold for over $8,000.

Beauty and the Beast

The iconic Disney film Beauty and the Beast (1991) was the first animated movie to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. The classic fairytale was adapted to have a feminist narrative which appealed to modern viewers. The film inspired a Broadway musical as well as a live action film. Memorabilia from Beauty and the Beast is very popular with collectors. Recently Beauty and the Beast prototype art produced from gouache paint sold for over $5,000 and a John Alvin painting for the film’s theatrical poster sold for over $17,000.

Aladdin

Disney’s Aladdin was inspired by “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” from One Thousand and One Nights. Much like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song credited to Alan Menkel’s brilliant music composition. An Alan Menken signed “Friend Like Me” musical phrase from the film recently sold for nearly $2,500.

The Lion King

The Lion King, released in 1994, was the highest grossing animated film of its time. The hand-drawn animation and character designs were revolutionary for its time. The film’s music, written by Elton John and Tim Rice, won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Recently Lion King concept art by Thom Enriquez sold for over $17,500 and a hand-painted presentation cel from the film realized over $11,000.

The demand for Disney Renaissance memorabilia is perennially high. Disney collectors love original handwritten and hand-drawn items including cels, concept art, maquettes, storyboard art and sheet music. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Learn to sell your original Disney cel at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Our current auction can be viewed at natedsanders.com.

FAQ

How do I consign or sell my Disney Renaissance memorabilia?
It’s never been easier to sell your Disney Renaissance memorabilia at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a free appraisal.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What factors determine the value of Disney Renaissance memorabilia?
The value of your item can vary based on condition, subject matter and rarity.