The Walt Disney Family Museum

Last March I had the opportunity to tour The Walt Disney Family Museum. 

If you are a fan of Walt Disney, or a Disney fan that would like to learn more about the man who started it all, then a visit to this museum is time well spent. 

I spent about 5 hours there (including a lunch break at the museum cafe - try the chili ;-]), and had a great time.  I feel like I could have easily spent two days exploring the galleries. (Full disclosure: I'm a Disney geek, and also one of "those people" who likes to read the plaques/etc). 

The museum is located in three beautifully restored buildings at The Presidio of San Francisco.   

 

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also has an ongoing calender of special events, which include film screenings in their on-premesis theater.  Check out the event calendar on the museum's official website.  You can also subscribe to their twitter feed (@WDFMuseum).

According to wikipedia, the museum is owned and operated by the Walt Disney Family Foundation - a non-profit organization which is not formally associated with the Walt Disney Company. 

One tip -- plan your visit in advance.  Admission is controlled by timed-entry tickets to avoid over-crowding in the galleries-- you reserve a specific date and time for your visit.  The web site should show current ticket availability. 

The museum strictly forbids photography inside, so I won't be able to share any images with you.  However, you can see select images from the galleries at the official WDFM website. 

Below the fold, I briefly list some of the things which stood out in my memory (with some mild spoliers).

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Sometimes It's Good to Sweat

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at 2719 Hyperion's first Sweatbox Meet. 

It was great to have a chance to meet so many NC-area Disney bloggers, podcasters, artists, and enthusiasts.  Among those in attendance were: 

• 2719 Hyperion 
• Imaginerding 
• Progress City, U.S.A. 
• Big Brian's Disney page 
• Only WDWorld 
• Chip and Co.

After introductions came a wonderful presentation from Team 2719 Hyperion: 

• "Hyperion 101," an introduction to the the history and surrounding geography of the original Walt Disney Studios that was located at 2719 Hyperion Avenue...

In true Sweatbox tradition, we were treated to a live reading that was a mix of preparation and improvisation, with questions and interactive discussions along the way.  You can see the fruits of their labors by reading the web version of the presentation (part one, part two). 

After taking an interlude for refreshments, the team behind Progress City, U.S.A. took the floor and lead a lighthearted discussion with pictures and thoughts from their recent trip to Walt Disney World.  It was like being in the studio for a recording session of the Progress City Radio Hour - paying tribute to things that were As They Ought To Be, and pointing out those things which were not-so-much. 

Both presentations were excellent, and complemented each other nicely.  One was rooted in the past, while the other was grounded the present day.  One was filled with meticulous research, while the other was infused with a light, extemporaneous quality.  Both were fueled by a common passion for Disney that really came through. 

As I predicted, the first Sweatbox meet was an evening of first-class Disney Geek entertainment and a rousing success. 

*Even better* is the fact that the date for The Next 2719 Hyperion Sweatbox Meet has been announced: 

Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment which will keep me away, but I encourage all Disney fans in the NC area to attend if they can.

Thanks again to 2719 Hyperion for organizing the event, to Progress City U.S.A. for presenting, and to everyone who participated.  I had a blast. 
 
 - Chris