Visiting Walt's Apartment Above the Fire House on Main Street USA, Disneyland
Feel the history and nostalgia of standing in Walt's personal apartment. See the furniture and decorations which brought joy to Walt and his family while he was alive. Look out the window at Town Square and see the Happiest Place on Earth as if through Walt's eyes.
Visiting The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California
Visit the Studio that Walt and Roy built using the profits of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The home to sound stages where some of your favorite movies were filmed and where pencil met the sheet to the classic animated features you grew up with. Behind every corner is a piece of true Disney history, and where the real makers of the magic fine tune their art.
Visiting Walt Disney's Private Office in the Original Animation Building on the Disney Studios Lot
Thanks to the forethought of the original Disney archivist, Dave Smith, the contents of Walt's Office have been restored back to their original space on the top floor of the Animation Building. It almost feels like hallowed ground as you walk in, sharing the same space Walt ran the Disney Brothers Studio from as he met with guests and executed on his dreams. They play piano music in the background, including Walt's favorite song, Feed The Birds from Mary Poppins. This is a must-do experience for any Walt Disney fan.
Exploring the Roundhouse of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
The backstage area where the engines of the Walt Disney World Railroad are serviced and maintained at ground level and the Monorails are maintained above.
Re-Creating A Moment That Brought Walt Joy
Walt loved steam engines, and they played a big part of his life. When designing Disneyland, a train going around the perimeter of the park was always a part of the original plan. When the opportunity presented itself to re-create posing while leaning out the Ernest S. March engine, I wasn't going to miss it!
Having that 1st Time at Disneyland
You never forget your first -- and after being such a seasoned guest at Walt Disney World, it was such a magical experience to wear the "1st Time Visit" pin.
Meeting Richard Sherman - Disney Legend
Meeting Richard Sherman during Disneyland's 60th Diamond Anniversary was an unforgettable experience. Richard along with his brother Robert Sherman, were the world renowned Sherman Brothers -- the composers behind the songs you grew up (the music of Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Parent Trap and Disney Park favorites including the Tiki Room and Small World. They were the composers of the song which is widely regarded as Walt's favorite to listen to after a long day, "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins. Rest in Peace, and thank you for the soundtrack of our dreams.
Being Selected as an Extra on the Backlot Tour at Disney's MGM Studios
An attraction that only exists in our memories now, being selected as an "extra" for the Harbor Attack scene is an experience that can't be recreated anymore.
Meeting Bob Gurr - Disney Legend
Bob Gurr is a national treasure! He is responsible for the design of most of the vehicles at Disneyland (Autotopia Cars, original Monorail, Main Street Vehicles - Fire Engine the Omni Bus, Haunted Mansion Doom Buggy, Matterhorn, etc.). Hearing him talk about Walt, from his first-hand experience, gave me goose bumps. He shared something during the event where I got to meet him, and it stuck with me ever since then. He said (and I'm paraphrasing) that Disneyland is the place where Walt's dream comes true... each of us needs to find where our dreams can be fostered and come true.
Relaxing at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii
For peace and tranquility immersed in the Hawaiian culture, and sprinkled with as little or as much Disney as you want, Aulani is an amazing destination. Whether you are enjoying one of he self-guided tours around the property learning about the Hawaiian people and their history, relaxing at their incredible spa or laying on the beach along side the waves of their private lagoon, this is a dream vacation that I have the great fortune to experience every few years (thanks to Disney's Vacation Club).
Stumbling Across the Lucas Film Headquarters -- in the Presidio of San Francisco
After visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum, we were walking around the beautiful Presidio. Doing as any tourist does (looking for the closest Starbucks) we came across this bronze Yoda Statue. Unbeknown to. us, we found the home of Lucas Film! While they don't offer tours of the location, you can walk in the lobby and see several props from Lucas films.
Win an Oscar
Ok, maybe I didn't win this one but I did get to hold a real Oscar awarded to Walt Disney while visiting the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, California.
Visiting the Silverado Vineyard in Napa, California
Established in 1981 by Walt's daughter, Diane Disney Miller, the Silverado Vineyard was owned by the family until it was sold in 2022. While visiting in 2017 we had the distinct pleasure of meeting one of Walt's Great Great grand daughters (who was interning at the winery). Diane had already passed, but her husband (former CEO of the Walt Disney Company) Ron Miller was at the main building of the vineyard about an hour before we were there -- so we just missed him. One of the stories I'll never forget that was told to us during our tour was when the vineyard first opened, the tour guest used to always comment upon how happy and personable the woman gardening was as the group went by. Waving and saying hello, they thought she just loved her job. Unbeknown to them, that "gardener" was Walt's widow, Lillian Disney, enjoying her golden years with her family. I can't imagine what it must have been like having that experience and being told about it at the end of the tour!
Visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum (San Francisco, California)
A proud member of the museum for many years, we've had the pleasure of visiting on several occasions while in the San Francisco area. A beautiful telling of Walt's extraordinary life, that last room always gives us the feels.
Meet Bob Iger - CEO, The Walt Disney Company
Not yet accomplished
Visit Disneyland Paris
Not yet accomplished
Visit Tokyo Disneyland
Not yet accomplished
Visit Shanghai Disney
Not yet accomplished
Visit Hong Kong Disneyland
Not yet accomplished
Taking an Advenure on the Disney Cruise Line
Not yet accomplished
My first Disney Cruise is scheduled for 2026!!!