Tucked away in Burbank, California, the Walt Disney Studios is one of those rare places that truly feels like stepping behind the curtain of movie magic. Unlike the theme parks, this is where the stories are actually made and visiting it feels a bit like being let in on a very special secret.
Guide to The Walt Disney Studios Tour Including Walt’s Offices in Burbank, California
Starting with a tour of the animation department (where the Disney company all began with a mouse), you get to see where the Disney magic happens (or happened) including some amazing artwork and old photographs before stepping into Walt’s “recreated” offices. I say “recreated” because his offices were archived (allegedly down to the number of paperclips on his desk) and then packed away in storage for years before they were recreated in their original locations and brought back to life.
In Office 3H, you get to visit both Walt’s formal and private offices as well as a small area that was his bathroom and closet which has now been turned into a mini-museum.
Then, from there, venture outside to Legends Plaza before heading over to the Disney Archives, Ink & Paint, and then stop by the Studio Store to purchase some mementos (I grabbed a coffee mug).
Planning Your Visit to the Walt Disney Studios
The only way to explore the studio lot is through an official guided tour, most commonly the D23 Gold Member Studio Tour (offered through D23, the Official Disney Fan Club). You need to be a member of the D23 Fan Club in order to purchase tour tickets, but fan club membership is free. These tours are limited, sell out quickly, and are typically released a few times a year – so planning ahead is key!
Once you’ve secured a spot, you’ll receive detailed instructions ahead of your visit. Expect airport-style security upon arrival (you can’t drive onto the lot until the time stated – we tried 10 minutes early because they warn not to be late, but we were forced to make a U-turn and return in 10 minutes), and keep in mind that while photography is allowed, there are restrictions in many areas. It adds to the exclusivity of the experience as you’re seeing things most people never get to see!
Walking Through Disney History
From the moment you step onto the lot, there’s a quiet sense of history. This isn’t just any studio, it’s where Walt Disney built his empire and changed entertainment forever!
Your guide will take you through iconic parts of the lot, pointing out soundstages where beloved films and shows have been created. You’ll pass animation buildings, production offices, and maybe even catch glimpses of current projects in the works. It feels alive, not like a museum, but like a working creative hub.
My husband is currently working on a Disney movie and we skipped out on the Ink & Paint portion of the tour to instead meet up with his director and producer. Basically, we had a little mini second tour of a current production. It is truly a working studio!
When you first arrive, you can use the restroom. Take my advice and GO! It’s a two and a half hour tour!
Then you can visit the Studio Store and the Employee Store while you wait for the tour to start. We ended up purchasing a shirt and a coffee mug and then carrying them around the entire time. So my advice is to maybe see when the store closes and stop in at the end of the tour to make your purchases.
The tour then starts with the Mickey Mouse flag, the Mickey Topiary, the Mickey Avenue/Dopey Drive signpost (which is a movie prop and is geographically incorrect and points in the wrong directions) and the fire hydrant with Pluto’s three (3!) footprints in the concrete. You’ll also pass by The Sherman Brother’s Soundstage.
Next, venture into the famous Animation Building which housed Walt’s offices and where the “Nine Old Men” worked on many of the Disney classics!
Through the halls, the tour guide gives you a history of Disney Animation as you pass by enlarged storyboards and artwork, photographs, and more.
On the second floor, the walls are filled with enlarged photos from Walt’s work life.
There’s also this fun little diorama that a worker created for funsies that shows the animation process. I loved it!
I love how Donald is angry in this next one – he’s the animator and Mickey and the execs are “giving notes.” Pretty accurate depiction of the process in my house.
Before going into Walt’s offices, you can see an office set-up like an old animator’s office, and then visit what was likely his secretary’s office where many awards are kept.
Visiting Walt Disney’s Studio Office
One of the most special and surprisingly emotional moments of the tour is stepping inside Walt Disney’s preserved studio office.
Split into two sections (his formal office and his working office), the space has been carefully maintained just as it was. Personal touches like original furniture, awards, and even his simple décor choices give you a glimpse into the man behind the magic. It’s quiet, almost reverent, and you can’t help but think about all the ideas that were born right there.
Key items to see include the automated bird in the cage hanging above his sofa which was the inspiration for the Enchanted Tiki Room, the portraits he had done of his daughters by none other than Norman Rockwell (you know, as one does!), the gorgeous piano (where the Sherman Brothers oftened played on Friday afternoons) and the beautiful piano bench which was designed by Kem Weber to match the rest of Walt’s office furniture, his “Mouscar” and “Duckscar” award statuettes, and all the miniatures and figurines that Walt collected on his travels or was gifted.
In Walt’s “working office” you will see the map of Disneyland, more figurines (including a little mermaid, hippo, king and queen from Alice in Wonderland, and a little Pinocchio), a tiny carved “Bambi” deer (which Disney carved himself), Walt’s kitchen and bar area with his “Wednesday” glasses, his desk, and of course multiple ashtrays and matches …
And then step through Walt’s former closet and into what was his bathroom and private space which has been converted into a mini-museum.
We’ve done the Walking Through Walt’s Footsteps private tour at Disneyland in order to visit Walt’s private apartment atop the Fire Station, but seeing his office was more special.
Exploring the Walt Disney Archives
Another highlight is a visit to the Walt Disney Archives, which feels like a treasure chest of Disney history.
Depending on the exhibit during your tour, you might see:
- Original costumes from classic films
- Props from beloved movies
- Vintage theme park artifacts
- Rare concept art and animation pieces
- Multi-plane camera
We were able to see a Matterhorn exhibit (including Harold), one of Disney’s three Multi-Plane Cameras, hold an Oscar that Walt won for a documentary, and see many vintage theme park artifacts.
I felt a bit rushed in this area and would have liked to have taken more time to explore the cabinets filled with Disney “stuff!”
Every item tells a story, and seeing them up close adds a whole new layer of appreciation for Disney’s attention to detail.
Other Studio Highlights
While the exact itinerary can vary, many tours also include:
- A walk down Legends Plaza, honoring Disney’s most influential contributors
- Views of the Michael Eisner 7 Dwarves Building
- Views of the famous Animation Building
- Views of some original Hyperion Studio buildings (where early classics were created) that were moved to the Burbank lot.
- Visit to the Studio Store and Employee Store
- Hidden details and stories you won’t hear anywhere else
Your guide usually shares insider anecdotes, some funny, some heartfelt, that bring the studio to life in a way no documentary ever could.
The Architecture and Design
Something that the tour barely touches on is the architecture and design of the Burbank studios lot. While there are several photos of the construction process, (at least on MY tour) Kem Weber, the architect who designed the original buildings, wasn’t mentioned. I might purchase this Kem Weber book to learn more about the architect and design process.
And of course, then the later additions to the studio lot including The Frank G. Wells and Micheal Eisner buildings.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Walt Disney Studios isn’t about rides or characters, it’s about storytelling, history, and creativity. It’s quieter, more intimate, and honestly, more meaningful for anyone who loves film, animation, or Disney itself.
If you ever get the chance to go, take it. Standing in the place where so many iconic stories began is something you won’t forget anytime soon.
Want to read more about Walt and Disneyland? Check out my The Best Foods at Disneyland – a Must Eat Guide! to read about Walt’s Chili available at the Carnation Cafe!
Read More: The Best Foods at Disneyland – a Must Eat Guide!
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Read More: All the Mickey-Shaped Foods at Disneyland
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California.
I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate at least $1 to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.