Walt Disney Family Museum
Walt Disney Family Museum
4.5
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Pre-purchased, timed tickets are required for entry. Located in the scenic Presidio of San Francisco, The Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the Bay Area’s most inspirational venues, welcoming visitors to an historic building that reveals 40,000 square feet of imagination. Find animation, innovation, inspiration and immerse yourself in the remarkable life story of Walt Disney—the man who raised animation to an art, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a distinctly American legacy, transforming the entertainment world! The museum presents contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits which are narrated in Walt’s own voice, and features early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens, and a spectacular model of Disneyland. Come experience the life story of the man behind the magic.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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from $25.00
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Neighborhood: Presidio
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See what travelers are saying
- WikumjBromley, United Kingdom317 contributionsFascinating museum, must for movie fansOne of the best museums of our California trip. Easy to miss but not to be overlooked - a fantastic place for any fans of Disney or movies in general. Really interesting to learn about Walt from his childhood through to the birth of animation, Disney motion pictures and theme parks. Even has the original drawing of 'Mickey' mouse that Walt drew during a train ride. It's surprisingly large and you could easily spend 2-3 hours here. I would say more for adult movie fans than children although older kids may enjoy it.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 18, 2023
- Don'tWaitForRetirementCalifornia4,974 contributionsThe amount of information is overwhelmingThis is a quality, thorough and interesting museum, however we experienced INFORMATION OVERLOAD! There is a LOT of reading and after a while we were like 'how much more?!!' Despite finding the story about Walt's life and how Disneyland came to be interesting, I started to feel delirious and skipped bits after about three quarters of the way through. A couple of interesting aspects that stood out were a model of Walt's apartment, an early model of Disneyland and samples of paint colors that are used. (Do not however, hover your camera/phone above the Disneyland model as you will be told off by a staff member!) The museum is housed in a lovely brick building with a cafe and a gift shop. Staff are dressed in formal red and black uniforms and are polite, just like you'd expect at any Disney experience. We purchased our timed ticket on-line before our San Francisco trip and arrived at the museum a few minutes early by ride share. Due to the timed ticket, the galleries weren't too busy. I would suggest going early in the day since there's so much to digest. I would not recommend this museum for children younger than 12, due to the sheer amount of detailed reading and information. I can't fault the museum, but I can't really say I overly enjoyed the experience since there was so much to take in. I feel it could be greatly simplified. If you found this review useful, please click the thank/like.Visited August 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten July 3, 2023
- jeffrey kNeedham, Massachusetts587 contributionsreally interestingThe name says 'family', but this is not really a family museum, where you will bring children. Currently, the museum is in two parts, and the one relating to Disney animals could be of interest to some children. They had some activities, such as coloring a prepared drawing that might keep a kid happy. Children might react to the various Disney animal characters they have seen in movies or on the TV. But....this is really an adult museum in two parts. The animals are familiar to almost everyone, and the points of interest are how they portrayed the characters and how they animated them. The main museum is a totally comprehensive analysis of the Disney family, focusing on its origins, on Walt, and on the accomplishments of Walt, his relations, the studio, and others. There are some 15 exhibition rooms, not counting the space devoted to the animals. We allocated around 3 hrs total, and we had to cut our visit short. Likely we could have spent 5 hrs overall, given the huge amount of material. Also, this is a museum that relates what Disney and his studio did to society at large. Some painful issues were developed (the strike in the early 50's, the studio's relationship to the HUAC) more than others (almost nothing abut Song of the South). You come away from this experience realizing that Disney was the right person in the right place at the right time to make and to take advantage of some of the best technology of the 20th century and, in some senses, to shape our society as a whole. One comes away amazed at just how much the Disney 'system' has affected our lives.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 13, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,835 reviews
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Gardengel-IoW
West Sussex, UK810 contributions
Feb 2020
Special exhibition about Mickey mouse on in separate building and for another $15 not sure worth that but lots of Mickey stuff. Main museum is everything you wanted to know about Walt and everything else as well. A lot of words.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte P
Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom122 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited both the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Mickey Mouse exhibition. They advised doing the exhibition first as it was timed entry times (though you can spend as long as you like in there). In total we were there for almost 4 hours! We both much preferred the exhibition (see it if you can!) but the main museum is also worth doing - lots of interesting bits and pieces and information. More for adults than young kids in my opinion, though there were interactive things to do. Also great view of the bay!
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon F
Brooklyn39 contributions
Jul 2021
I grew up as a Disney kid through and through...this Museum took me back to so many memories and brought new appreciation for concepts and processes that I knew could not have been easy but did not know the depths of prior to coming. Well displayed, easy to follow without being overwhelmed and nostalgia inducing. I'd recommend it to anyone who appreciates what the brand has done over the decades.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5senses8here
9 contributions
Dec 2021
We found the museum informative and learned and saw things we hadn't seen before. From original renderings, cameras, and even legal papers that the Disney family worked with. The area around the museum is also very nice - great views of the GGB. We came around opening and were able to find street parking. Staff was friendly, and was limiting number of people at a time so be prepared to wait unless you have prior reservations.
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Brisbane, Australia32 contributions
Dec 2019
I am a museum curator and this is the best museum I've been to. It was interactive, informative and fun - keeping our whole family occupied for hours. Unfortunately we didn't give ourselves enough time to fully enjoy it at a leisurely pace., and we also arrived after the cafe had stopped serving meals (but pre-prepared snacks were still available).
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA188,173 contributions
Feb 2020
We have gone to the Walt Disney Museum several times . We like to see the disney movies they show in their auditorium.
We love exploring the galleries and learning more about the magic of Walt Disney
The museum is in the Presidio Area.
There are also nice views from the Museum such as of the Golden Gate Bridge.
We love exploring the galleries and learning more about the magic of Walt Disney
The museum is in the Presidio Area.
There are also nice views from the Museum such as of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelSouthGA
Georgia184 contributions
Aug 2021
The Disney family established a museum to pay tribute to and explain the life and business career of both Walt (primarily) and Roy Disney.. It is well worth the price and the exhibit is very well done, as you would expect. Note that it would probably not be enjoyable (on the whole) for younger children. While there are things kids would enjoy, it is mostly geared toward adults who want to know about the man (men), the myths, the legends. Many of the awards they won, including the many Oscars and Presidential Medal of Freedom are on display. You also learn about the technology they developed and their successes and failures that they overcame.
Allow several hours, because it is easy to get sucked into watching the fascinating film clips and reading about all of the details . A must-see for fans of Walt and Roy Disney and their creations!
Allow several hours, because it is easy to get sucked into watching the fascinating film clips and reading about all of the details . A must-see for fans of Walt and Roy Disney and their creations!
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry T
10 contributions
Oct 2021
The Walt Disney Family Museum looks like a small museum but it is jam packed with so many artifacts reflecting the early life of Walt Disney family. So much information about Walt's parents and brothers as well as the beginnings in the 1920's. Lots of Disney memorabilia. Good museum for kids but really better for adults.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pq1
689 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This Disney museum teaches you all about Walt Disney... his roots and family. It is the perfect combo of media. Some still pictures, some videos and some live media. Overall very well done! Don't miss the replica of Disneyland complete with the lamp on in Walt's apartment! Also best views of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph S
Springfield, VT43 contributions
Jul 2021
I went into the museum with standard expectations about the Disney Experience, but found I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of history was presented about Walt Disney and his family. Great presentation and great displays. Only unfortunate drawback was the movie theater was closed because of COVID-19 precautions.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dglvtotrvl
San Jose, CA11 contributions
Is this museum good for little kids, ages 5 and 6.
LuckyPierre_11
Laval, Canada156 contributions
I agree with the others . It is best with older children and adults. Not related to Disney Corp.
Eva L
Fontanil-Cornillon, France4 contributions
Bonjour, faut il réserver les billets avant ou nous pouvons les prendre directement sur place ? Merci d'avance
sigagam
Mexico City, Mexico6 contributions
Hola, sabes si hay que reservar las entradas?, nos preocupa comprar el city pass y no poder entrar!
fejoso f
Tlaquepaque, Mexico68 contributions
Sirve el city pass o también comprar las entradas ahà mismo, no es una atracción de multitudes es demasiado tranquilo y agradable
Marta R
Windermere, FL
Can anyone recommend the nearest, safest, cleanest , FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL to the Walt disney family museum ?? PLEASE THANK YOU TRAVELING IN AUGUST 2018!
Stephen D
Newark, Delaware USA678 contributions
Stay at any chain hotel in the Fisherman's Wharf, Embarcadero , Financial district. There is a free express shuttle bus to the Presidio that drops you off at the visitor center, about 100 yards from the museum. See this link>> presidio.gov/transportation/presidigo.
Also note that although it is named the Disney Family Museum it is not a "family" museum per se. Rather, it is a museum on Walt Disney's family. It is all reading exhibits and pictures of how Walt (and Roy) built the Disney brand largely from the viewpoint of his daughter Diane. I loved it, I don't recommend it for children, especially if they can't read.
Mel
Lincolnshire, UK314 contributions
Is there a discount for a disabled Adult ticket ?
MarshaS0321
San Jose, CA17 contributions
I don't recall specifically but they do have elevators to all levels as I also have physical disabilities.
heatneal04
Jacksonville, FL
What is the average time it takes to go through the museum?
MCPOOlympia
OLYMPIA36 contributions
You could easily spend three hours in the museum. It's Walt Disney's life history and what a life is was.
heatneal04
Jacksonville, FL
What is the average time it takes to go through the museum?
cyrinay
Salinas, CA277 contributions
I’ve only been there once, and we took about 2 hours.
kristin b
Erie, CO2 contributions
Is the gift shop separate or do you have to go through the museum?
It's separate from the museum and you don't need a ticket to enter. It's next to the small cafe near the lobby and front entrance. The gift shop is very friendly and fun to browse in. It's worth a look if you love Disney things. There is an excellent variety of items at different price points.
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Claim your listingWalt Disney Family Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Walt Disney Family Museum
- Walt Disney Family Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $25.00, while a popular guided tour starts around $55.00 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Walt Disney Family Museum:
- The Walt Disney Family Museum Admission Ticket in San Francisco (From $25.00)
- Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From $69.00)
- San Francisco CityPASS® (From $87.00)
- Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions (From $89.00)
- Guided Bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge (From $55.00)
- Hotels near Walt Disney Family Museum:
- (0.03 mi) Lodge at the Presidio
- (0.29 mi) Inn at the Presidio
- (1.05 mi) Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
- (1.27 mi) Union Street Inn
- (0.68 mi) Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco
- Restaurants near Walt Disney Family Museum:
- (0.01 mi) The Walt Disney Family Museum Cafe
- (0.06 mi) Presidio Pop Up
- (0.11 mi) Dalida Mediterranean Restaurant.
- (0.26 mi) Colibri Mexican Bistro
- (0.36 mi) Cafe RX
- Attractions near Walt Disney Family Museum:
- (0.10 mi) Presidio of San Francisco
- (0.14 mi) Sports Basement Outdoors
- (0.10 mi) Presidio Tunnel Tops
- (0.08 mi) Main Parade Ground
- (0.08 mi) Share Chairs