Hi Guillermo,
Welcome to planDisney—and welcome back! We are so glad that you continue to trust us with your planning questions. Your Disneyland visit is just around the riverbend, and I love that you’ve added the amazing bonus of an
Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour! I went on my first tour last month and was absolutely blown away. I’m happy to give you some guidance on how to make the most of your experience.
I’m happy to share that you can definitely park your car when you arrive at the Burbank Studio. Upon arrival, you’ll check in with security at the studio gates. They will verify your reservation and ID, and then direct you to a small parking lot at the front entrance. A Studio Cast Member will be available at check-in to give you your badge once you park. Then your tour will begin at the Hyperion Bungalow (one of the original studio bungalows!).
Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes for this two-and-a-half-hour tour of the Walt Disney Studios. I was lucky enough to go on the tour with my fellow panelist JoAnna Lou! We saw so many incredible pieces of Disney history. The highlight was definitely walking through Walt Disney’s office, which has been meticulously preserved and reconstructed by the Walt Disney Archives. We even got a little emotional seeing the
Sherman Brothers’ original piano—just imagining all the times Walt ended his day listening to them play “Feed the Birds.”
Another highlight of the tour is a stop at
Disney Legends Plaza. The plaza is home to one of the five iconic “
Partners” statues of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. You’ll also find the “Sharing the Magic” statue of Roy O. Disney with Minnie Mouse, along with a giant bronze sculpture of the Disney Legends Award. Best of all, you can see the
Seven Dwarfs holding up part of the Team Disney Building. Since time here is limited, I recommend reviewing the
list of Legends in advance so you can plan which plaques you want to visit.
Be sure to leave some room in your suitcase, because your tour ends at the Disney Studio Store! I definitely brought home several exclusive items that can only be found on the Studio lot, including my Walt Disney Studios Spirit Jersey (you can never have too many spirit jerseys!).
I hope this information helps, Guillermo! You and your wife have a magical vacation ahead. If you have any more questions or want additional Disney tips, feel free to reach out to me or any of my fellow planDisney panelists. We’re always happy to add a little extra pixie dust to your planning.
Have a wonderful time!
– Melinda