by James Goodman a/k/a swabikedude
The Walt Disney Family Museum (WDFM) is located in San Francisco, CA inside the Presidio. We stayed at a hotel in the Wharf, and although it is easy to navigate San Francisco without a rental car, the Presidio presented some challenges. You first must know how to use the Muni system to get around (city buses). It wasn’t hard, but I found out after the fact that bus #43 makes a stop right inside the Presidio. From that stop it is a good 10 minute walk to the WDFM. You can also drive into the Presidio and park at the DFM for about a 6-hour limit. Parking was around $1-$3 an hour depending on location. It’s a 3-hour max directly in front of the WDFM – or up to 6 hours in the lot (also very close).
The WDFM is amazing and my wife, who isn’t the most interested in Walt Disney’s life was also impressed. But for any Disney “junkie” I think after you experience the WDFM you will have a more profound respect for what Walt has done for us. His story is not only fascinating, but I think everyone can put themselves in his shoes at some point in his life and follow in Walt’s footsteps.
For someone with a disability or in a wheelchair, the WDFM is easy to navigate with ramps and elevators. The building is about 4 levels. You enter on level 2 where you will buy your tickets and receive a bunch of valuable information about the Museum, classes you can attend, and what it means to become a Member.
Here are the rules: you can take photos and video of anything you want in the lobby…but after you walk INTO the actual museum, you must put those away. I was tempted to sneak out my camera several times, but there are camera’s watching you everywhere…so don’t do it. Otherwise, your admission is good for the entire day. You wear a small sticker so you may be admitted in/out throughout the day. I spent about 3 1/2 hours total exploring and I still didn’t read and do everything!
Now before you enter the main museum, an Employee (they are NOT Cast Members, they work for the “Foundation” not “Disney”) will scan your tickets and allow you entrance. You must consume any beverage and food prior to entering. The day we were there, we were allowed to enter at any time…on some of the busier days, you may receive a “timed ticket” which means you can only enter at your designated time (think FastPass).
On the lower level you will find restrooms (men, women, companion) and a coat check area; stairs or elevator to access the lower level. The gift shop is on main level 2 as well, along with a very tiny food stand featuring Wolfgang Puck food and the soup of the day served in a sourdough breadbowl.
Some of the items on display in the Lobby are the Academy Awards Walt has won throughout his career – well most of them – some are owned by the Studio and are not on display here. But the Academy Awards for Snow White are here…along with the tiny ones for each of the dwarfs! Great photo opportunity! You can also see the “Key to San Francisco” and several other awards from all sorts of leagues, guilds, and organizations.
SPOILER ALERT – from this point I will take you on a tour of the WDFM…
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