📌 Editor’s Note: This blog was originally written in 2011. Museum policies, pricing, and photography rules may have changed since then. Be sure to check the latest information before your visit!
Welcome to Sam’s Disney Diary!
Sam’s Disney Diary is my way of sharing experiences from various Disney-related locations as a family of five. My passion for Disney Parks started years ago, and we all agree it is truly magical. I hope you enjoy this first episode, highlighting our trip to The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.
A Journey Through the Walt Disney Family Museum
📅 November 2011 – Just finished my tour of The Walt Disney Family Museum and my reaction?
I needed more time!
Walt Disney’s life story has been told in books, documentaries, and films, but this museum adds something special. Located in The Presidio of San Francisco, the museum occupies one of the original U.S. Army barracks built in the 1890s. It even includes a café and gift shop—because, of course!
📌 Editor’s Note: This visit took place in 2011. Since then, museum policies and pricing have changed, including updates to photography rules. Be sure to check the latest information before your visit!
Upon entering, you’ll see the ticket desk right away. If you’re planning a visit, check for discounts! In 2011, we found a $3 off pamphlet at local hotels and an additional $5 AAA discount, bringing adult admission to $15 and children’s tickets to $7 (ages 6–12). Kids under 6 enter free.
However, at the time, the house rules were strict:
🚫 No cell phones
🚫 No photography
🚫 No strollers
🚫 No backpacks
🚫 No food or beverages
For a family with young kids, no strollers was a big challenge—but we pressed on!
Inside the Museum: Walt’s Life in Detail
The museum tour begins in the Trophy Room, the only place where photography is allowed. It features Walt’s Special Academy Award for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, presented by Shirley Temple. Seeing this award in person was surreal!
Other highlights in this room include furniture from Walt’s Disneyland apartment, offering an intimate glimpse into his life.
After checking in and getting hand stamps for re-entry (a lifesaver with a toddler), the story begins in 1901, covering Walt’s journey from Chicago to Marceline, Missouri, then to Kansas City and back to Chicago. The museum uses original animation and Walt’s own voice recordings to narrate these pivotal moments.
One fascinating exhibit features a replica Red Cross ambulance, just like the one Walt drove in World War I. His 1917 passport is also on display—interestingly, he altered his birth year to 1900 so he could enlist early!
The next stop covers Laugh-O-Gram Studios in Kansas City and Walt’s move to Hollywood after it failed. The transition to Hollywood is themed beautifully—you ride an elevator designed as a vintage train car, symbolizing Walt’s journey to California.
Disney’s Early Creations: Oswald, Mickey & Silly Symphonies
In Hollywood, the museum highlights:
🎥 The Alice Comedies – A wall of vintage Alice films and personal letters from Walt to Roy.
🎨 Oswald the Lucky Rabbit – The original character Walt lost to Universal.
🐭 Mickey Mouse’s Birth – The famous story:
“Mortimer? No, Walt. Mortimer won’t do. How about Mickey?”
One exhibit showcases Steamboat Willie, featuring 346 hand-drawn sketches—just 15 seconds of animation! But the most exciting piece? A replica of the oldest known Mickey Mouse drawing—creases and all.
After Mickey came the Silly Symphonies, a major leap in animation technology. The Three Little Pigs (Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?) and The Ugly Duckling paved the way for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—Disney’s first full-length animated film.
My 10-year-old daughter enjoyed the interactive animation exhibits, including a hand-cranked machine that brought Snow White to life frame by frame.
One standout piece? An original Snow White book, signed:
“To Diane, with love from Daddy – Walt Disney.”
What an incredible piece of history!
The Parks, Disneyland Model & Walt’s Legacy
After Snow White, the museum explores:
🎥 Live-action films & WWII projects
🏰 Disneyland’s development
🌎 The 1964 World’s Fair & EPCOT’s origins
The highlight? A stunning Disneyland model, built to reflect Walt’s vision of the park in 1966. It’s incredibly detailed—right down to the Jungle Cruise animals wearing trunks!
Then, the mood shifts.
The next exhibit features a small 1960s TV playing a news bulletin:
🖤 “The world has lost an icon.”
Opposite the TV, editorial cartoons from around the world express the global impact of Walt’s passing. It’s simple yet deeply emotional. I had to step back to the Disneyland model—I wanted to leave with that magical image, not sorrow.
The final video wall beautifully captures Walt’s life and legacy—a perfect ending to the experience.
Final Thoughts: Would I Go Again?
Absolutely! But next time…
1️⃣ I need more time.
2️⃣ I need a stroller.
This museum is a must-visit for Disney fans, offering a one-of-a-kind look into Walt Disney’s life, dreams, and creations.
Looking Back: How It All Started
When I look back at this first-ever blog post from January 2012, it’s crazy to see where this journey began. What started as a simple way to document family trips has grown into Sam’s Disney Diary, a decade-long passion project filled with amazing experiences, videos, and stories.
I never imagined how much this would evolve. From that first museum visit to covering major Disney events, it’s been an unbelievable ride.
💙 Thank you for supporting the blog, watching the videos, and sharing in this journey. Here’s to many more Disney adventures ahead! 🚀
Communication externe Skikda
Fantastic write-up. I would like it if additional nowadays had very simple and to the point things comparable to yours.