Another one of the perks of being a Cast Member for the Disneyland Resort is access to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Of course it is limited access, I can’t just go stepping onto a sound stage during filming, but it is access nonetheless! Recently, the ultimate Disney fan club, D23, announced the recent lobby display for the Disney Archives, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of Walt Disney Studios. The display boasted a wide variety of items from the archives, from models to furniture to props, and I was extremely excited. But before I geek out too much about the archives, how about a peek at my outfit.

Upon arrival at the Studio, I was told to park in the Zorro parking structure, which I was super stoked over, as I am a massive Zorro fan. The structure is named such as it is located where the set for the Zorro television series once stood.

You’ll notice an addition to my ensemble, my Cast lanyard, with ID badge and name tag, a requirement when visiting, and one I am happy and proud to wear.

After parking we began to walk around the property and I couldn’t stop grinning. The entire area just oozes history. Inside these buildings the ideas, illustrations and ultimate animation was done for revolutionary and beloved films that have spanned the decades and found their ways into the hearts of millions across the globe, and of course inspired the attractions at Disneyland.

Inside the lobby of the Frank G. Wells building was just what I was searching for, the display cases highlighted in the D23 article, including the item I was the most excited to see, a hat worn by Guy Williams himself in scenes where he portrayed Don Diego in the Zorro series. And deep inside the archives are many other costume elements from the treasured series that I hope to one day gaze upon.  I didn’t snap too many photos of the items on display, as the glass proved too difficult for me. Display cases are a catch 22 if there ever was one. They keep priceless objects safe for future generations, but also often prove a difficult barrier when attempting to photograph the items.

The lobby is also home to a multi-plane camera, in fact the very one that shot Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Another multi-plane camera can be seen at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Take a peek at one of my visits here.

Just outside the Team Disney – The Michael D. Eisner Building (the one that is held up by the Seven Dwarves) is another Partners statue (just like the one in Disneyland), although much lower to the ground, and makes one of my favorite details more visible, Walt Disney’s tie, which features the brand for Walt’s favorite getaway, Smoke Tree Ranch, located in Palm Springs. Walt and his family enjoyed a great deal of time out there and he was known for wearing ties and kerchiefs embroidered with the STR brand regularly. See if you can spy it next time you visit the park!

After visiting the archives we decided to take lunch at the studio commissary, which was a treat in itself. Here Patrick and I were, eating lunch at the Walt Disney Studio! Seriously? Someone pinch me! It was a delight and I look forward to learning more about my studio accessibility throughout my career to the company.

After our visit to the studio we went to another Case Study house, so look for another entry in Patrick’s latest series on these revolutionary mid-century modern homes. All past entries on the subject are available by clicking the Case Study Houses link under Categories located on the right.

Outfit
Dress: Gift
Belt & Nude Fishnets: Nordstorm
Shoes: Re-Mix
Scarf: Who knows! I have so many!
Purse: Christmas gift from Patrick, but from Disneyland
Disney “D” Brooch: Courtesy of Match Accessories. Thank you so very much!
Snow White Charm Bracelet: Expo I think…