Follow in Walt’s Footsteps Where the Magic Began

Living by Disney Private Group Trip
Southern California & Disneyland Resort

Join me in Southern California for a magical 6-day, 5-night private group trip to the original park and the places where Disney magic is still made. During this adventure, we’ll walk the studio lot where so many of the classic films were created, see Walt’s office where it all began,  step inside Walt Disney Imagineering, visit Walt’s private apartment above the Firehouse on Main Street, get a backstage look at park attractions, and even eat at Tam O’Shanter, the restaurant Walt loved. 

Many of these aren’t experiences you can book on your own. You’ll be traveling with me and a small group of Disney fans who already understand why these places matter. 

The trip kicks off in Hollywood, where we'll celebrate the beginning of our adventure together with a private dinner at our Hollywood Hotel, and enjoy the iconic sights of Hollywood through a guided tour that celebrates its rich cinematic history, seeing the Chinese Theatre, El Capitan, and the Walk of Fame. From there, the real magic begins, seeing the incredible history of the Walt Disney Studios and the archives, visit Walt’s fully restored office, and then, if this day can’t get any better, we’ll be heading to the iconic Flower Street Headquarters of Imagineering in Glendale, California, and see where Disney magic is still made today. 

But we’re just getting started, because from there we head to Disneyland Resort, the original park, and check into our home for the rest of the trip. The Grand Californian Resort. The most deluxe hotel at Disneyland and one that is steps away from the parks. The next few days will be filled with guided tours, incredible meals, backstage access and behind-the-scenes looks at iconic park attractions, as well as private time with just our group inside Cars Land, and a private tour of Walt’s own apartment, over the firehouse on Main Street. We’ll have four days to explore the two parks (with four-day park hoppers included!), have some incredible meals and get behind-the-scenes looks at some iconic attractions and time with just our group in one of the best lands at any Disney park. It will truly be the most magical way to experience Disneyland!

These are the moments that make this trip different from anything you can arrange yourself:

• Walt Disney Imagineering Tour — A rare look inside the place where Disney theme park magic is designed and created. This iconic headquarters is not open to the public.
• Walt’s Private Apartment — Step into the small apartment above the Main Street Firehouse where Walt stayed while Disneyland was being built and in the early years of the park. True Disney history in the place it all started. 
• Walt Disney Studios & Disney Archives — Tour the historic studio lot and see treasures from the Disney Archives Reading Room.
• Lunch at Tam O’Shanter — Walt’s favorite restaurant, just minutes from the Studios, where he ate regularly.
• Privately Guided Backstage Access — A behind-the-scenes look at an attraction and areas of the parks that regular guests don’t see.
• VIP Viewing of World of Color — Special viewing location for the nighttime spectacular.
• Behind-the-Scenes Visit to Cars Land in Disney’s California Adventure Park- one of the best lands Imagineering has ever designed.

Spots are limited to keep the group intimate ( ages 12 and older). A 10% non-refundable deposit secures your place. Booking is open now. Read on for more details!

This trip is only open to the Living by Disney community. You’ll be traveling with me and a group of like-minded Disney fans who already know the stories, the history, and the magic. We will have two expert Disney guides who will stay with us for the entire trip and guide us along the way, plus give suggestions when we have time on our own so there’s no real advance planning needed. Just show up and enjoy!

Expect shared meals, easy conversation, and the kind of group energy that turns a trip into something people talk about for years. Because the group is small and private, we can keep the experience personal. Because of the limited size, I do expect the group to fill up quickly. 

Ages 12 and older only.

Day 1 – Sunday, August 8: Arrival in Hollywood

Private transfer (included) from LAX or LGB to the Loews Hollywood Hotel. Meet me and our  Adventure Guides upon arrival at your stylish hotel in the heart of Hollywood. You are steps away from world-famous Hollywood landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre, El Capitan and the Walk of Fame. Many restaurants are close by, as well as Ovation Hollywood, a shopping and entertainment center. 

Welcome Dinner at the Hotel: Meet your fellow travelers while enjoying a delicious dinner at Loews Hollywood Hotel.

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodations: Loews Hollywood Hotel

Day 2 – Monday, August 9: Hollywood

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a private walking excursion through Hollywood (including iconic spots like the TCL Chinese Theatre) and see the handprints of Hollywood legends. 

Lunch at the historic Tam O’Shanter, Walt’s favorite lunchtime pub. Rich with showbiz history, Tam O'Shanter was established in 1922 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles. See the booth where Walt Disney used to sit and savor the Scottish-themed restaurant's Old World favorites. 

Afternoon free to explore Hollywood; plus the evening on your own. Dinner and touring suggestions available.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Loews Hollywood Hotel

Day 3 – Tuesday, August 10: Studios, Imagineering & Disneyland

Visit the Walt Disney Studios and Disney Archives Reading Room. Learn the story of The Walt Disney Studios during a privately guided visit, which includes The Disney Archives Reading Room. Enjoy a meal at the commissary and shop at the Studio Store. 

Tour of Walt Disney Imagineering. See how the magic of Disney theme parks and Resorts is made. Get a firsthand look at some of the creations conjured up by the architects, designers, engineers, technicians and others who make up the Disney Imagineers.

Transfer to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Head south on our motor coach to your next home base, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This beautiful hotel offers Guests premium accommodations, Craftsman-style elegance and, of course, impeccable Disney service—all within walking distance of both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as well as the Downtown Disney District—a promenade with shops and restaurants. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Welcome dinner at the Disneyland Resort at a favorite eatery within the resort. 

Disneyland private visit to Walt’s apartment. Step back in time and see Walt’s private apartment, built so he could watch the activity as his “land” was being built. Located above the Main Street Firehouse and overlooking Main Street, U.S.A., this is a piece of Disney history that few get to experience.

Evening time in Disneyland Park. Enjoy the evening time on your own, take in attractions, shows or nighttime spectaculars. 

NOTE: All Guests receive a 4-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Day 4 – Wednesday, August 11: Disneyland Park

Disneyland Tour: Breakfast in the park, then discover the secrets of the Disneyland Resort during this privately guided backstage visit that includes an iconic attraction! See areas that are off-limits to other Park Guests and learn the fascinating history of Walt Disney and his dream.

Lunch at Your Leisure. Lunch is on us! So just relax, people-watch and enjoy a great meal inside the park.

Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Experience the thrills of fantastic attractions and spectacular shows and be part of the countless magical moments around you.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Day 5 – Thursday, August 12: Disney California Adventure

Breakfast at Disney California Adventure Park. Meet up with your fellow travelers for a delicious breakfast inside Disney California Adventure Park before starting your fun-filled day amid the magic!

Visit to Disney California Adventure Park. Enjoy a privately guided visit that includes a deep dive into the inner workings of the Park and of one of its iconic attractions. Delight in a behind-the-scenes visit to Cars Land.

Lunch and Afternoon On Your Own at the Disneyland Resort. Spend the rest of your afternoon on your own, enjoying more of the exciting activities at both Parks.

Farewell Dinner: Bask in the memories of your Southern California experience as you enjoy a special farewell dinner at the Disneyland Resort, exclusively for you and your newfound friends!

VIP Viewing of World of Color  : Watch the epic World of Color water spectacular from a very special VIP viewing area. With more than 1,000 multi-colored fountains, this bigger-than-life show is the perfect finale for your adventure!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Day 6 – Friday, August 13: Departure

Breakfast at the resort, then your included transfer to LAX, SNA, or LGB airports

Itinerary details are subject to change.