The Walt Disney Studios tour
HEY STRANGERS!
Our first trip of the year started with a little something special, we were lucky enough to snag a spot on the D23 exclusive Walt Disney Studio Tour! This member-only tour offers behind-the-scenes access to the Walt Disney Studios Lot, including the famous animation building, iconic Legends Plaza, the esteemed Team Disney Building and the sanctified tunnels which safely transported precious cels from animation to ink & paint.
This tour is an absolute must-do for any Disney fan, so we’re gonna tell you a little bit about the tour, the experience as a whole, as well as the cost, convenience and value.
What is the D23 Walt Disney Studio Tour?
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping behind the scenes of Disney’s storied past, now’s your chance! D23 Members have the rare opportunity to embark on a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour through The Walt Disney Studios, the very heart of Disney history and innovation. This exclusive experience offers a glimpse into the creative world where some of the most beloved films of all time were brought to life.
Led by a knowledgeable D23 tour guide, you’ll begin your journey inside the original Animation Building, where Disney’s golden age of animation flourished. This is where classic favourites such as Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, and The Jungle Book were painstakingly crafted, frame by frame, by some of the greatest animators in history.
Next, step onto the legendary soundstages that set the scene for iconic live-action Disney films, from the underwater wonders of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to the magic of Mary Poppins and the swashbuckling adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
The tour continues with a visit to Disney Legends Plaza, a tribute to the visionaries, animators, actors, and Imagineers who have shaped the Disney legacy. You’ll even get a rare look inside Walt Disney’s personal office suite, where his creativity and innovation shaped the future of entertainment.
As you stroll through the lot, you might experience a sense of déjà vu— as many of the exterior spaces have served as backdrops for productions spanning decades, from the classic Mickey Mouse Club to more recent favourites like Saving Mr. Banks, Muppets Most Wanted, and ABC’s black-ish.
Stepping inside the Animation Building
There’s something truly magical about walking through a place steeped in history, where creativity and innovation have shaped some of the most beloved films of all time. One of the highlights of our recent tour of The Walt Disney Studios was stepping inside the Original Animation Building—the very heart of Disney’s golden age of animation.
From the moment we stepped into the building, it felt like we had traveled back in time. The halls were lined with stunning artwork, telling the story of the animation process from early sketches to final frames. It was incredible to see the meticulous artistry that went into creating some of Disney’s most iconic films.
But the magic didn’t stop there! As we explored the ground floor, we made our way downstairs to a hidden gem of Disney history—the underground tunnels. These tunnels were used to transport artwork between the Animation Building and the Ink and Paint Building without exposing it to the elements. And as if that wasn’t cool enough, we learned a fun little secret: back in the day, animators would slide on old animation cels down the ramps for fun. Even Roy Disney’s young son got in on the action, taking thrilling rides down the ramps on discarded cels!
Heading back upstairs, we got an even deeper look at the animation process. One of the most fascinating displays was a detailed diorama illustrating the animation workflow from start to finish. Seeing it laid out so clearly gave us a whole new appreciation for the immense effort that goes into creating even a single frame of animation.
From hand-drawn sketches to fully painted cels, every step in the process is a testament to the dedication and artistry of Disney’s legendary animators. As we stood in the very space where classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and Peter Pan were brought to life, we couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of awe and nostalgia.
Stepping into Suite 3H
As if walking through Disney’s historic Animation Building wasn’t magical enough, our journey took an even more surreal turn as we stepped into Walt Disney’s restored offices. Nestled in Suite 3H, these rooms weren’t just workspaces—they were the creative sanctuaries where Walt dreamed up some of his greatest ideas.
The first room we entered was Walt’s formal office, a space that has been meticulously restored to look exactly as it did on his last day in office, thanks to the dedication of the Disney Archives. Every detail, from his personal belongings to the furniture, felt like stepping into a preserved moment in time.
One of the most touching features was the grand piano—the very one the Sherman Brothers used to play for Walt. It’s said that on Friday afternoons, Walt would invite them to his office to play his favorite songs. One of those was the emotional ballad “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins, a song that reportedly brought tears to his eyes every time he heard it.
Next, we moved into Walt’s second office, known as his closed-door office—a space reserved for his deep focus and big ideas. This was where he rolled up his sleeves and got to work on some of his most ambitious projects, including Disneyland and later, what he called the Florida Project—which we now know as Walt Disney World.
The room was filled with blueprints and sketches, some of which were still on display. One of the most incredible finds? The original blueprint for EPCOT, a concept that Walt envisioned not just as a theme park but as a forward-thinking, utopian city of the future. Seeing those plans firsthand was an overwhelming and bittersweet reminder of Walt’s unparalleled vision of progress that he never got the chance to see.
The third room originally served as Walt’s private retreat, a space where he could relax and unwind. Since there are very few photographs of this room, it has been reimagined as a display area, featuring Disney artefacts and memorabilia that help tell the story of Walt’s life and creative journey.
Walking through these offices felt incredibly personal—as if we were stepping into the mind of Walt Disney himself. Seeing where he worked, hearing the stories behind each item, and knowing that some of the most legendary ideas in entertainment history were born right here was beyond surreal. I won’t lie—I cried through most of it.
Strolling Through Legends Plaza
As we stepped out of Walt Disney’s office, still reeling from the incredible sense of history and creativity that filled those rooms, we made our way to a place that celebrates the visionaries, artists, and storytellers who helped build the Disney legacy—Legends Plaza.
This outdoor space is a breathtaking tribute to the countless individuals who have left their mark on The Walt Disney Company. Handprints and plaques line the plaza, each one honouring a Disney Legend—animators, Imagineers, actors, composers, and creators whose contributions have shaped Disney’s magic for generations.
Standing among these tributes, it was impossible not to feel the weight of Disney history all around us. Every handprint represented someone who had poured their talent, passion, and dreams into bringing Disney stories to life.
Towering over Legends Plaza is one of the most recognisable buildings on the Disney lot—the Team Disney building, iconically supported by the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. These sculpted figures serve as a fitting tribute to the very film that started it all, marking the beginning of Disney’s rise to animation greatness. It’s a reminder that Disney’s legacy was built on bold dreams, groundbreaking storytelling, and an unshakable belief in the impossible.
One of the absolute coolest things about Legends Plaza? It’s the only place in the world where you can get completely up close and personal with a Partners Statue—the iconic sculpture of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, hand in hand, looking toward the future.
We couldn’t resist taking a moment (and, of course, plenty of photos!) with this legendary statue. Seeing it up close, without the usual crowds or barriers, made it feel even more special.
Legends Plaza is more than just a tribute—it’s a place where you can truly feel the impact of Disney’s legacy. Every name, every handprint, and every statue tells a story of creativity, perseverance, and innovation.
After an emotional journey through Walt’s office and the Animation Building, standing in Legends Plaza felt like the perfect way to reflect on how far Disney has come and the people who made it all possible.
A Treasure Trove of Disney History
If there’s one place that truly feels like stepping into a time capsule of Disney magic, it’s the Disney Archives Library. As we entered this remarkable space, we were immediately surrounded by decades of history, with artifacts that told the story of how a small animation studio grew into the entertainment empire we know today.
One of the most surreal moments of our visit was standing in front of Walt Disney’s original desk from the Hyperion Studio. This was the very desk where Walt and his brother Roy laid the foundation for what would eventually become The Walt Disney Company. It was hard to believe that this simple piece of furniture played such a crucial role in Disney’s early days, witnessing the creation of some of the studio’s first animated shorts and feature films.
The sheer amount of Disney treasures packed into this small room was absolutely mind-blowing. Everywhere we looked, there were pieces of Disney history—from Jack Sparrow’s screen-used hat (yes, the actual hat worn by Johnny Depp!) to personal handwritten notes between Walt and Roy. Each item told a unique story, offering an intimate glimpse into the creativity, challenges, and triumphs that shaped Disney’s legacy.
Then came a moment we never expected—a chance to hold one of Walt Disney’s actual Oscars. The award, believed to be the 1958 Oscar for White Wilderness, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And let me tell you—Oscars are really heavy!
As we were leaving the archives, we saw something truly special—one of only three remaining multiplane cameras in the world. This groundbreaking piece of technology revolutionized animation by creating depth and dimension in classic Disney films.
It was this very technique that brought Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Bambi to life in a way that had never been seen before. Seeing the camera up close was a powerful reminder of how Disney constantly pushed the boundaries of storytelling and technology.
As we left the Disney Archives, our tour took us past the original Ink and Paint Department, the very place where many of Disney’s earliest films were given their vibrant colour. Our guide told us some of the paints inside dated back to the 80s and were still being used today, in fact, we even saw two Ink and Painters hard at work during our visit.
It was humbling to stand in the same space where countless talented artists carefully hand-painted every frame of classics like Snow White and Cinderella. In an age where animation is largely digital, it was awe-inspiring to reflect on the painstaking artistry that once brought these stories to life—frame by frame, brushstroke by brushstroke.
Where the Movie Magic Happens
As our incredible tour neared its end, we took one final walk through the legendary Disney Studio Backlot—the very heart of Disney’s filmmaking magic. The backlot was a fascinating mix of history and modern production, a place where classic Disney films were made and where new stories continue to come to life.
We passed the famous Castle Wall and as we passed by it was amazing to think of how many actors, directors, and Imagineers had walked these same paths, bringing stories to life for audiences around the world.
One of the most recognisable landmarks in the backlot is the Disney Water Tower, standing tall as a symbol of the studio’s legacy. While it no longer serves a functional purpose, it remains a beloved emblem of the studio’s rich history—a nod to a time when Hollywood studios each had their own iconic water towers. Our fantastic tour guide shared a fun behind-the-scenes secret about a bit of friendly sibling rivalry between the Disney brothers. When constructing the Disney Studio Water Tower, Roy Disney was determined to make it stand out from every other studio tower.
Unlike the standard four-legged design seen on most Hollywood studio water towers, Roy insisted on six legs, believing it made the tower look more symmetrical and visually appealing. This seemingly small design choice ended up costing the company thousands of extra dollars—a surprising twist, considering Roy was typically the one reining in Walt’s extravagant spending!
Even though our tour was a journey through Disney’s past, the studio is still very much alive today. As we walked past several soundstages, we learned that many of them are still in use for Disney films and TV productions. Knowing that new Disney stories are still being created here made the experience feel even more special—like we were witnessing the past, present, and future of Disney storytelling all in one place.
Of course, no Disney tour would be complete without a visit to the studio gift store! After immersing ourselves in so much history and nostalgia, we couldn’t resist grabbing a few exclusive souvenirs to remember this unforgettable experience.
The End
Walking through the Walt Disney Studios was more than just a tour—it was a journey through the legacy of storytelling, innovation, and imagination that has defined Disney for nearly a century. From stepping inside Walt Disney’s personal office to holding one of his Academy Awards, every moment was a reminder of the passion, creativity, and dedication that built the Disney empire.
Exploring the Animation Building, the legendary Ink & Paint Department, and the historic studio backlot gave us a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind some of our favorite films. And of course, uncovering fun details—like Roy Disney’s unexpected splurge on the Water Tower or animator’s joy rides on priceless cels—made the experience even more special.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or simply love film history, this tour offers a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the magic behind the magic. If you ever get the chance to visit, prepare to be inspired, amazed, and maybe even a little emotional—because standing where Walt once stood is nothing short of pure Disney magic.
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