The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour – Presented by D23 is truly a dream come true for any Disney fan. Available exclusively to D23 members, this two-and-a-half-hour walking tour was, without a doubt, the most incredible thing I’ve ever done. From the moment it began to the very last step, the entire experience felt like pure Disney magic. I honestly never imagined I’d get the chance to do something so special.
You can book the tour through the Disney Studios website, and it’s $149 per person. Each D23 member can bring one guest (sorry, no kids under 10!), and every attendee must have their name on the ticket to get in. So don’t forget to double-check that detail before you go and bring proof of membership and ID!
While video recording isn’t allowed, photos are totally fine, and trust me, you’ll want to take a lot. The tour takes you through some truly iconic and unforgettable places, including the legendary 3H building where Walt Disney’s personal office suite is preserved, the Disney Archives, Legends Plaza, soundstages, and original art studios. Every corner of the studio lot felt like stepping into Disney history, and I didn’t want it to end.
The adventure begins at the Hyperion Bungalow, where we met our tour guide and checked in for the day. I could hardly contain my excitement when they handed me an official pass with my name on it, I felt like I was being granted VIP access to the magic! While we waited, we had time to explore the Disney-themed gift shop and even the toilets were full of Disney details!
Our guide was the amazing Jon Donahue, an actor who moonlights as a studio tour guide and he was incredible! Super energetic, super knowledgeable, and totally hilarious. He kept us laughing the whole time and threw in little quizzes and fun facts as we walked around. It felt more like hanging out with a Disney-obsessed friend than a formal tour, and we loved every second of it.
The first part of the tour was all about exploring the historic grounds of the Walt Disney Studios and it was absolutely surreal. We started with Pluto’s Corner, the cutest little detail where Pluto famously “does his business”. The fire hydrant even has paw prints leading up to it! Just steps away, we saw the iconic Mickey Mouse topiary, perfectly trimmed and proudly standing guard like a leafy little mascot.
As we wandered through the lot, we passed some truly legendary buildings, including the Frank G. Wells Building, which houses part of the Disney Archives, and the Julie Andrews Soundstage, where they filmed Mary Poppins! Fun fact: several scenes from Saving Mr. Banks were also filmed right on this very lot—it felt like walking through movie history.
Next, we slipped into the legendary Disney Archives, it was basically a treasure trove filled with pieces of Disney history! Everywhere you looked were rare artifacts and jaw‑dropping, never‑before‑seen treasures: original concept paintings, backstage props, even Walt’s personal memorabilia. And the best part? We each got to hold a real‑life Oscar in our hands, it was once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment that perfectly capped off the magic of the tour.
Next up was an absolute highlight, the giant multiplane camera, a ground-breaking invention created by William Garity for the Walt Disney Studios and first used in the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Seeing it in person was incredible. This towering piece of animation history revolutionized the way animated films were made, and standing before it felt like being face-to-face with the very beginnings of Disney’s legacy.
Just upstairs from the camera is Marvel Studios. While it’s off-limits to the public (no sneaking in to meet the Avengers even though I was very tempted!), we were still treated to some amazing sights right outside the offices, including the original Iron Man suit from the very first movie.
We also strolled past Lucasfilm’s studio offices. Like Marvel, you can’t go inside or snap any photos of the entrance, but just walking by was enough to make you realise how crazy it was that we were here. It’s wild to think of all the iconic cinematic worlds that have been built within those walls.
Now it was the moment we’d all been waiting for, we were finally stepping into Walt Disney’s office. Honestly, walking through that door was surreal. I actually got a bit emotional knowing the history that had happened within those very walls, and realizing that I was now standing right where Walt himself once stood. It was like stepping into a time capsule of pure Disney magic.
The space has been beautifully preserved, and every detail felt so personal. On his desk sat a bell gifted by the Coast Guard, which Walt’s secretary would ring to let him know it was lunchtime. There was also an old logbook open on the desk, listing meetings with some of the biggest names of the era. Surrounding us were books perfectly arranged on the shelves, photos of his daughters, and little figurines Walt had collected from his travels, all giving such a touching glimpse into who he was beyond the legend.
There was also a model airplane, a replica of a real aircraft Walt had ordered before he passed away. Sadly, he never got the chance to fly in it and Roy O. Disney cancelled the order.
We also got to peek into Walt’s private kitchen, tucked just around the corner. It was surprisingly cosy, with charming light-up cupboards that still work today and still kitted out with an oven, stove and dishwasher. The guide shared how Walt had very simple tastes when it came to food, he loved Spam and chilli, and he’d often have it heated up right there in the office. It was such a quirky, human detail that made him feel even more real.
One of the most striking pieces in the office was a full-scale blueprint of Disneyland mounted on the wall. You could see handwritten notes and ideas scribbled across it, Walt’s vision coming to life, literally right before your eyes. It was incredible to stand in front of it and imagine him planning what would become “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
But perhaps the most magical of all was the piano tucked in the corner, the very one the Sherman Brothers would use to play “Feed the Birds” for Walt every Friday. Hearing that story while standing there made the whole room feel alive with memory. It was truly one of the most unforgettable emotional experiences of my life.
We finished the tour at the Legends Plaza, a spot I’ve dreamed of visiting ever since I learned it existed. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Standing there, surrounded by the names of the most iconic figures in Disney history, was genuinely awe-inspiring. One of the absolute highlights was placing our hands where Roy O. Disney’s had once been!
You get about 15 minutes to wander around and snap some photos with the giant Disney Legends statue and the Seven Dwarfs, who hold up the pillars of the Team Disney building. Every name etched into the walls tells a story, and I honestly could have stayed there forever, soaking up the legacy of all the dreamers and doers who made Disney what it is today.
While you can’t go inside the building, just being there, knowing that some of the most brilliant Imagineers and creatives work behind those walls, makes you feel like you’re standing right in the heart of the magic. It was the perfect ending to a day I’ll never forget.
Before we wrapped up, we made a beeline for the gift shop... Disney magic doesn’t end until you’ve bought some souvenirs. I ended up with some amazing treasures: an Avengers bracelet decked out with all the Infinity Gems, a quirky post-it note typewriter, a cute Mickey-shaped sponge, a Disney Studio hoodie and some studio-exclusive pins.
Plus, as a special thank-you for taking part in the tour, we each received a small VIP tour pin along with Mickey and Donald pins inspired by the awards Walt used to give his employees to celebrate their hard work.
Final thoughts...
Honestly, the Walt Disney Studio Tour is 100% worth it. If you’re a Disney fan visiting Los Angeles, this should be at the very top of your itinerary. If you love the “how it’s made” side of things, you’re going to love it here! It’s a bucket-list experience that truly brings the magic to life, don’t miss out!
Top Tips:
- 🎟️Book in advance, the tour isn’t open to the general public daily so watch for tour availability and book early as they fill up fast.
- 🕘 Arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking, security, and check-in. It’s a working studio, so expect airport-style security.
- 🎥 Know what you’re walking into, this isn’t a theme park, it’s a real, working studio lot so, don’t expect rides or characters walking around. Instead, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic really happens. It’s all about the storytelling, history, and creative processes that bring your favourite Disney moments to life.
- 🛍️ Make sure you bring your purse! The on-site Studio Store often has exclusive merchandise you can’t find anywhere else. Pins, apparel, and rare collectibles... Disney fan heaven!
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👟 Make sure you wear comfy shoes and clothing, the tour involves a lot of walking, including outdoor areas with uneven terrain. Dress for comfort and bring water with you, especially in warm weather.