Disney Fest 2024

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DISNEY FEST 2024

Friday, March 22, 2024 - Sunday, March 24, 2024

This March, the Peoria Riverfront Museum becomes the Happiest Place on Earth! Join us, for Disney Fest!

Disney Fest 2024  brings to life decades of Disney, with special activities that are fun for the whole family! Experience classic Disney films, shorts, and documentaries on the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Giant Screen Theater, the largest Film Society screen in America. 2024's Disney Fest brings more to the movies: join us for a Disney Trivia Night, a Dinner and a Movie experience, and so much more! 

Renowned Disney author and historian J.B. Kaufman will join us for fascinating pre-film talks and post-film Q&As as well as book signings after select films. Mr. Kaufman is a film historian and author who specializes in Disney animation history and silent films. His books include The Fairest One of All, Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic, and Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse

Documentarian Theodore Thomas will also be in attendance, for a screening of his 1995 documentary Frank and Ollie. Mr. Thomas is the son of Disney animator Frank Thomas, and will be giving insight into growing up as a 'Disney kid,' the making of Frank and Ollie, which focuses on his father's career, as well as that of Ollie Johnston, another chief animator for Disney.

For the full schedule of Disney Films, click HERE.


Programming Schedule:

Friday, March 22, 2024

  • Disney 100 Trivia and Cocktail Night
    6 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
    Disney is celebrating 100 years of movies, parks, and more! Test your knowledge on all things Disney at this 21+ event. One ticket includes a walking taco bar by Barracks catering, one free drink, and dessert. Costumes encouraged! Bring your best to our costume contest and if you win, take home a Disney-themed prize! Winning trivia team will also receive a prize, including tickets to Disney Fest events.
  • *Teams up to 8 members

    Members: $25
    Non- Members: $30

    Get tickets HERE

Saturday, March 23, 2024

  • Screening of 101 Dalmatians
    10 a.m. 
    With a brief introduction by author J.B. Kaufman, see this Disney classic as you've never seen it before, on the Giant Screen!
    Get tickets HERE
              
  • Super Dogs | Service Dog Meet and Greet in Partnership with Paws Giving Independence
    11:30 a.m. in the Gilmore Auditorium
    Meet local service dogs through Bradley University's student-led organization Wags for Mags, as well as Illinois State University's Indy-Pendence Service Dogs!
              
  • Laser Movie Magic 
    12 p.m. in the Dome Planetarium
    Join us for a laser light show featuring all your favorite Disney movies, including songs and visuals from classic Disney films like The Lion King to newer additions to the Disney family like Star Wars!
    Get tickets HERE
        
  • Screening of Frank and Ollie (1995)
    2:30 p.m. 
    With an introduction by documentarian Theodore Thomas on the incredible story of his father, Frank Thomas, and his tenure as one of Disney's chief animators, along with Ollie Johnston. Thomas will discuss his father's legacy, growing up as a 'Disney kid' and the enduring power of Disney as it moves audiences today. There will be a brief Q&A portion after the documentary. 
    Get tickets HERE
         
  • Saturday Night Feature: Lady and the Tramp (1955) 
    Dinner at 5:30 p.m. | Film at 6:30 p.m. 
    Join us for a Dinner and a Movie experience based on the classic Disney film Lady and the Tramp (1955.) Enjoy a spaghetti dinner catered by Barracks Catering, one free glass of wine, a themed photo opportunity, and an exclusive talk from J.B. Kaufman and Theodore Thomas. There will be a book signing after the film with Mr. Kaufman. 
    Get tickets for the full Dinner and a Movie experience HERE
    Get tickets for only the film HERE

Sunday, March 24, 2024 

  • Draw It! A workshop with Joe the Art Guy
    1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in the Gilmore Auditorium
    The Peoria Riverfront Museum invites you to a drawing workshop with Joe the Art Guy who will show you how to draw realistic and cartoon depictions of all your favorite animals; everything from dogs, horses, kitty cats, birds, and more. Joe will guide you through a step-by-step process, using basic shapes to help you create the animal of your choice! All materials are provided, including sketch paper, pencils, colored pencils and ink. 
    Get tickets HERE
          
  • Screening of Silly Symphonies Shorts 
    2:30 p.m. 
    Enjoy some of Disney's earliest shorts, the Silly Symphonies! Prepare to laugh and learn, with an introduction by J.B. Kaufman, who will be signing his book Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies- A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series after the screening. 
    Get tickets HERE
       
  • Laser Movie Magic 
    4:45 p.m. in the Dome Planetarium
    Join us for a laser light show featuring all your favorite Disney movies, including songs and visuals from classic Disney films like The Lion King to newer additions to the Disney family like Star Wars!
    Get tickets HERE

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Disney Fest 2024 is sponsored by Steve and Jeanine Spain and Visionary Society