I proudly present a stunning recreation of the iconic Vintage Disneyland sign in all its nostalgic glory. Countless hours of dedication and care went into crafting this enchanting design, and now you can create one yourself!
Details
😀 No supports are required for any of the 3d printed parts, rejoice! 😀. If you like this model and tutorial, buy me a coffee ☕.
As a long-time Disneyland fan, I always loved the vintage Disneyland park sign, and have wanted to create a model for quite some time. Well, the time has come and thanks to the help of Fusion360 here I present all the details you need to make your very own, truly special, vintage Disneyland sign.
This model when constructed measures over 28″ in length. It is designed in pieces so that you do not need a massive printer to make it. You will need a printer with at least 220mm x 210mm. There are about 50+ pieces in this build. Not to scare anyone off, but this build requires patience, soldering skills (if you want a lit version), and some Disneyland music in the background!
With great patience comes great results. This is one of the most astounding pieces when done. and you will be very proud to have this hanging in your house, game room, or playroom. Guaranteed to bring a smile and ignite a discussion with anyone who looks upon it.
Printed Parts
🖨️ All the files are free on Printables
- Frames: Printed .2-.3mm layer height 15% infill, Chrome Silk PLA.
These are the main containers for the text, and what holds the LEDs. Channels are implemented for running wires, and two of the frames (S and E) have holes to insert a screw to run a hanging wire on the backside. - Inserts: Printed .2mm height. White PLA
These are the white pieces. Highly recommend painting the backside with black spray paint to ensure no unwanted light transmission. - Lenses: Printed .2mm height Transparent Filament
These are the magic, they act like a neon light of sorts. The inserts slide onto these then the text letters sit atop. For some of the letters that have a “counter” (negative space) like a D you will need to do it in 2 steps. See steps below - Blocks: Printed .2mm layer height in various colors (Red, Green, Blue, Pink, Black)
These are the colored blocks that go in between each letter frame. There is an order so reference the photos often. They also have a channel for the LEDS to pass through. - Letters: Printed 🚨Face down🚨 .2mm layer height Black PLA. I also used a textured PEO plate to get a really cool texture to the letters
Non Printed Parts needed
- Super Glue, highly recommend and accelerant as well.
- If you plan on lighting it:
- LEDS: either WS2812 for color changing or solid color LEDs.
- LED Controller ONLY NEEDED for WS2812 – These are AMAZING with tons of built-in patterns.
- Picture frame hanging wire
- 2x Screws for the wire to hang. I used a standard Hex head wood screw.
Assembly Instructions
Print all parts
- Frames: .2–.3mm 15% infill
- Inserts: .2mm
- Lenses: .2mm
- Blocks: .2–.3mm 15% infill
- Faces: .2mm Facedown
Assembly
1. Assemble the Letters
The first step is to Spray paint the backsides of the inserts, this prevents light bleed.
Note: You might be able to avoid painting by doing a color swap; printing black and then white on the last few layers.
Here is how the letters go together from the bottom up. Glue the letters, lenses, and inserts first. Glue the Lens to the Insert, then glue the text to the insert. 👉 Pay attention to the order, as it is important if you glue the text to the lens before gluing the inserts to the lens you will not be able to get the insert on.
Take note of how the pieces fit together
You should have something like this
Optional
Hot glue styrofoam to the back to diffuse the light.
2. Glue the blocks to the frames
paying attention to the orientation of both the frames and the blocks.
It helps to glue groups together and then glue the groups to each other.
3. Run the LEDs if you are lighting it
Install the led strips in the frames. It helps to use hot glue and tack them down with hot glue to ensure they do not come loose. NOTICE the led controller is hot glued to the bottom right corner of the large D frame (leftmost frame)
4. Glue the completed faces to the frames.
You only need a dab of CA glue in the four corners, don’t go overboard with glue because if you ever need to remove a letter, you will be stuck.
5. Run the wire to hang
Inserts 2 screws into the holes in the back and run the hanging wire between them.
NOTICE the stack of rubber feet on the right, that is to help even clearance from the wall when it’s hung.
Enjoy!! 😀 🙌
