Walking in Walt's Footsteps: My Dream Tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank
- Danielle
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Disney has profoundly shaped my life. From childhood through adulthood, both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation films have felt like old friends—a familial embrace that wrapped around my imagination and whispered that it was okay to dream, to envision my own Neverland adventure, and yes, even to believe I might marry a prince someday.
As Disney expanded their storytelling universe over the years, creating characters who looked more like me and embodied personalities I recognized in myself and my loved ones, my connection only deepened. Today, as an adult, I remain utterly captivated by the Parks, Cruises, and movies. So when the opportunity arose to visit the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and literally walk in Walt Disney's footsteps, I didn't hesitate.
How a Childhood Hobby Made Dreams Come True
My journey to the studios began years ago with what was then called Disney Movie Rewards (now Disney Movies Insider). This beloved program allowed fans to earn points by purchasing Disney DVDs, Blu-rays, movie tickets, Digital Movie Copies, and CDs.
As a kid, I became the family's designated ticket collector, carefully saving every movie stub like precious Disney currency. What started as a small act of enthusiasm grew into a dedicated hobby. Over the years, I accumulated enough points to redeem something extraordinary: a Walt Disney Studios Gold Private Tour in Burbank for eight people!
I still remember the moment I clicked "redeem" on those hard-earned 12,500+ points. The dream was finally becoming reality.
Planning the Perfect Disney Family Adventure
If you've read my blog before, you know I absolutely love planning. The opportunity to organize a California trip for my family to see where Walt Disney himself worked felt like a golden gift.
Our magical crew included:
My husband and me
My parents
My sister and her husband
My sister-in-law and her husband
We strategically planned to arrive in Anaheim, visit the studios the next morning, then spend two glorious days at Disneyland Park. (I'll spare you all the planning details here, but check out this price breakdown video for the full cost analysis of our trip!)
Behind the Magic: Inside the Walt Disney Studios Burbank Tour
The Walt Disney Studios is an intensely private complex—and for good reason. This is a working studio housing Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm operations, plus the Walt Disney Archives, executive offices, and so much more.
Security was understandably tight, but I felt like absolute VIP knowing our party was on the expected visitors list. Our tour guide was phenomenal, and after establishing some ground rules (no fangirling over celebrities, no videos), I felt completely at home.
Mickey Avenue: Where Past Meets Present
The tour began on Mickey Avenue, where we encountered:
One of the only flags bearing the Walt Disney Studios company logo with the iconic Mickey symbol
The Hyperion Health Club
An employee cafeteria
Original buildings from the historic Hyperion Avenue studios
Standing on that avenue, I experienced the most incredible sensation—like being transported back in time while remaining firmly planted in the present. Timeless. That perfectly captures what I love about The Walt Disney Company: everything they create honors the past while gracefully embracing the present and future.
The newer studio buildings were deliberately designed to harmonize with the originals—a beautiful sign of respect for the talent and team who built these studios alongsiSde Walt.
Iconic Moments and Hidden Treasures
We captured some incredible photos at the Walt Disney Studios street sign next to the Animation Building. Fun fact: this very sign appeared in the 1941 film The Reluctant Dragon during its studio tour segment!
Every turn revealed another iconic location:
Sherman Brothers Stage A - Where the musical magic of Mary Poppins, Sleeping Beauty, and countless other projects came to life
The Animation Building - The creative heart of Disney storytelling
Underground Tunnels - Ingeniously designed to protect precious animator artwork during transport between buildings and inclement weather
Walt's 100th Birthday Statue - A touching tribute to the man who started it all
Disney Legends Plaza - Honoring the individuals who create Disney magic (with a hidden Gus the mouse from Cinderella on the back of the award statue!)
Team Disney Building - Supported by the Seven Dwarfs, all standing 19 feet tall except Dopey at 12 feet
Walt Disney Archives - Where I had the surreal experience of actually holding an Academy Award (while trying to contain my squeals of excitement over the incredible artifacts)
Lucasfilm Studios - Though only the memory of the entrance remains with me, I loved spotting some of my favorite droids
One of my absolute favorite moments was peeking inside the Lucasfilm facilities and catching glimpses of beloved robots from the Star Wars universe.
The Perfect Conclusion
Our magical day concluded in the gift shop—because naturally, every great Disney experience ends with a little retail therapy!
Insider Secrets and Fun Discoveries
Here are some fascinating takeaways from our behind-the-scenes adventure:
🎬 Secret Projects Everywhere - Many offices in the Animation Building bear names that seem meaningless to visitors but actually reference top-secret ongoing and upcoming productions
🎨 Weather Protection - Those underground tunnels weren't just for show—they were specifically constructed to safeguard precious animator artwork during building-to-building transport and bad weather
🐭 Hidden Mickey (Mouse) - Look carefully at the Disney Legends Award statue to spot Gus from Cinderella cleverly hidden on the back
⚡ Marvel Easter Egg - Glance upstairs at the Marvel studios and you might catch sight of Mjolnir—yes, Thor's actual movie prop hammer!
🏰 Architectural Respect - The height difference between the Seven Dwarfs supporting the Team Disney building isn't random—it's a thoughtful nod to their individual personalities from the classic film
This tour wasn't just a behind-the-scenes look at a working studio—it was a pilgrimage to the place where childhood dreams are born and magic is meticulously crafted. For anyone who's ever felt that special Disney connection, walking these historic grounds where Walt Disney himself once worked is nothing short of extraordinary.
Have you ever dreamed of touring the Walt Disney Studios? What Disney experience has been most magical for you? Share your stories in the comments below!
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