Walt Disney Family Museum
Brief history
Walt Disney Family Museum features no carousel rides, instead, it gives the chance to take a captivating trip in the past where you can witness the whole life of “Uncle Walt” in detail. The museum was founded in 2009 by Diane Disney Miller, the daughter of the legendary animator, in an old barrack on Montgomery Street. Visitors can enjoy photos and objects that give an insight into Walt Disney’s childhood, youth and rise to fame in the animation industry. Aside from displaying personal objects and sharing photos, the museum provides educational programs in screening arts where aspiring cartoonists can polish their skills and learn Disney’s techniques. 
Permanent galleries
The permanent galleries that are spread all over the museum allow you to take a deep dive into Disney’s life. In the very first lobby, you have in front of you a cute collection of childhood photos depicting the great animator in his early life. As you move on to the next rooms, you get the chance to see how was the youth of “Uncle Walt”, witness his struggles and the first cartoons drawn for commercial agencies. You can see how the first versions of the mouse and other Disney cartoon characters looked liked. You can notice and analyze the changes the great animator made over time to improve the appearance of the cartoon animals.
Visitors are also exposed to a number of iconic objects that marked the life and industry rise of the pioneering animator. The most impressive one is the multi-plane camera which was a technology breakthrough at that time allowing to turn 2D cartoons into 3D animated clips. While exploring the galleries, you can make yourself familiar with other technology improvements and industry changes bearing Walt Disney’s signature. If you happen to visit the museum, don’t hesitate to take a look at the imposing “The Happiest Place on Earth” model featuring the first version of Disneyland.
Besides photos, the visitors can learn the life of Disney through interactive displays that offer a more entertaining and insightful depiction of his rise to success, failures and moments of glory. One of the museum lobbies features a life-size model of the apartment Disney lived in when he was a child. You can also get to know closer Disney’s family, enjoying clothing items and other belongings of his parents as well as personal information.
Film screening and exhibitions
Once you’ve finished your journey through the galleries, you can watch one of Disney’s classics in the museum’s theater. Cartoons change each month and access to them is free. Another stop for visitors is the exhibition hall which is at a stone’s throw from the main museum building. The changing exhibits honor the collaborators of Walt Disney, so it’s a nice chance to see who assisted him at creating this immense animation empire.
Education
The museum promotes the legacy of Walt Disney to young generations by providing educational programs with a hands-on approach. Mentoring classes are supplemented by practical instructions in workshops and open studios where students can implement the newly acquired knowledge. Enthusiasts aspiring to make a career in the animation industry can take a deep dive into Disney’s methodology and techniques and learn from his secrets to making a captivating cartoon. The admission to open studio is free to all ages during the visit time.
Those that enter the studio can make themselves familiar with screening tools and technologies the great animator used to produce films. Moreover, the museum provides summer camps and after-school classes for those aged between 8 and 18. The classes aim at fostering creativity and innovation in kids through engaging activities and hands-on activities where they can try their hand at creating animations and polish their drawing skills.
Is it worth visiting?
While amusement parks captivate visitors with breath-taking rides, Walt Disney Family Museum captivates them with a journey in the past to get an insight into the glorious life of the legendary animator. As long as you are keen on historic facts and biographies of famous people, this museum is a perfect place for you to visit. You will enjoy numerous galleries depicting the early life, youth and first contracts of the cartoonist, as well as his rise to the top of the animation industry.