DisneyExaminer

  • Home
  • About
  • Movies
  • Theme Parks
  • Products
  • Editorials
  • Giveaways

What it’s like to work on The Walt Disney Studios Lot

The Walt Disney Company's corporate headquarters serves as a present reminder of a dream realized

  • in Disney Culture

Growing up, I remember always passing the Walt Disney Studios and fantasizing what went on behind those gates, inside those walls. The studios lot in Burbank are home to many things I loved growing up; from television shows, to live action films, to the classic Disney animated movies. My excitement always anxiously anticipated the magic they were conjuring up next. From the tall building with the large Sorcerer’s Hat on top of it, the Mickey Mouse-shaped fences, to the Seven Dwarfs holding up the roof of another building, my imagination ran wild back then and thus a passion was ignited to work for The Walt Disney Company. Although I unofficially don’t work for the Mouse just yet, I’ve always wanted to know what it was like to work on the Walt Disney Studios Lot and fortunately for me, my question was answered just this past Monday.

The actual lot itself is actually the global headquarters of the Company. Not only does it house the executive offices, but also serves its namesake – a working production lot where a lot of Disney and other’s productions are still dreamt up and turned into reality. The 75 year-old lot is still a bustling workplace and when you realize that you’re where the Disney magic stemmed from, you are humbled immediately. Upon walking those same pathways where Walt himself walked, I was immediately overtaken by this overwhelming sense of fulfilling my childhood sentiment. To be surrounded by history like the soundstage where they filmed “Mary Poppins” or the old animation building where Walt Disney’s office used to be is an experience in itself. You can expect awe and inspiration to come around every corner!

Reinforcing that idea of being a part of that Disney history and located in the Frank G. Wells building are the Walt Disney Archives. The Walt Disney Archives is the massive collection of Disney memorabilia and artifacts that have played a significant part in the Company’s history. As visitors to the lot, you have access to some of these rare gems that include things like the actual Flubber from the film to more personal pieces like Walt Disney’s reading glasses. It all added to the history that you’ll come to appreciate from Disney if you haven’t already.

The Walt Disney Company is proud of its rich storytelling history and the Walt Disney Studios Lot is a physical representation of dreams realized and dreams yet to be realized. You can’t help but feel a part of the legacy when you witness animators working or your occasional celebrity filming the next Disney blockbuster. No matter the importance or significance of one’s job there, there’s a feeling of community, a mutual respect and understanding that each and every individual is contributing to the magic. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the lot, be prepared to feel the weight of all that. It’ll only increase your lifelong love for the most magical company on earth.

Old Animation Building Walt Disney Studios Lot
Mickey Avenue Pluto Drive Street Post Sign Walt Disney Studios Lot
Archives Walt Disney Studios Lot
Main Theater Snow White Walt Disney Studios Lot
Julie Andrews Soundstage Mary Poppins Walt Disney Studios Lot
Archives Sign Frank G Wells Building Walt Disney Studios Lot
Animators Desk Archives Walt Disney Studios Lot
Original Animation Sketches Walt Disney Studios Lot
Robin Williams Legends Plaza Walt Disney Studios Lot
Lion King Animation Concept Art Walt Disney Studios Lot
Team Disney Burbank Michael Eisner Executive Building Seven Dwarfs Walt Disney Studios Lot

– – –

What would you want to see on the lot? The studio store? Eat at the famed commissary? Who would you want to see there, celebrity or executive? Tell us in the comments!

print
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Share
Nieman Gatus

— Nieman Gatus

Videographer and writer at DisneyExaminer. Everyday, I try to live my life according to a quote by Bobby Zimmeruski. He asked, "Do you ever wonder why we're always wearing gloves?" He's got a point. Follow me on Instagram @nieman_

You may also like...

  • Your Guide to the “Rock Your Disney Side” 24 Hour Party at the Disneyland Resort 19 May, 2014
  • Here are the reasons why Mickey Mouse wears gloves 8 Feb, 2017
  • The cast and creatives of “Ralph Breaks The Internet” want to expose the darkness of it 26 Nov, 2018
  • The Evolution of Cinderella’s Slipper 11 Mar, 2015

1 Comment

  1. lindyhopper88 says:
    August 27, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    I would be smiling from ear to ear while trying not to hyperventilate or Disney geek out too much if I was there lol But I think seeing the sound stages or the Legends Plaza would be my two must do’s. I heard that in the Plaza that Ward Kimball gave his plaque an extra finger. He created so many wonderfully silly characters that I wouldn’t put it past him to do something silly on his plaque.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Previous story Attract-ions. [Adventures of Mommy Mouse & Baby Knightly]
  • Next story Disneyland launches new mobile website + ticketing system
  • Today is

  • Happening Now

    My Tweets
  • News Archive

  • Monorail Blue Podcast

  • Home
  • Disney Culture
  • What it’s like to work on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
  • Hiya, Pal

    DisneyExaminer is a premier independent online magazine that takes a closer look at the various segments of The Walt Disney Company.

    Founded in Orange County, California.

  • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel

  • Search

  • Home
  • About
  • Movies
  • Theme Parks
  • Products
  • Editorials
  • Giveaways

© 2008 - 2019 DisneyExaminer. All rights reserved.

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.