According to Investing.com, around 50,000 people visit the various Disney parks in the world each day, and as of Q1 2023, there are 161.8 million Disney+ subscribers. It's clear that the Disney franchise is something loved by people of not just all cultures, but also all ages.
It's likely that you're also a kid at heart, so you'd like nothing more than to learn all you can about Disney. So if you're in San Francisco, CA, then a trip to The Walt Disney Family Museum can be a real treat!
It's definitely one of the top senior-friendly outings, so read on to find out more about this museum.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is located at 104 Montgomery Street, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129. It was founded by Diane Disney Miller, who was the daughter of Walt and Lilian Disney.
The museum is located in the Presidio, which used to be an active Army base. Today, it showcases Walt Disney's life stories and events to the general public.
The opening hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, with the last entry at 4:30 pm.
If you're driving here, there's metered and paid parking throughout the Presidio. You can also take public transportation, such as the free Presidio Go Shuttle, MUNI bus lines, Golden Gate Transit, and CharterUP.
Tickets are $25 for adults, but seniors who are over 65 pay just $20. If you're bringing your grandchildren, then here are the following prices:
If you this this as one of your favorite museums in San Francisco and want to visit frequently, then consider becoming a member. Seniors pay $75, and you can get in for free for a year, as well as your first guest.
You can also get a CityPASS that gets you into this museum, as well as three other San Francisco attractions. This costs $89 for adults over 12 and $69 for children ages 4-11.
This museum is dedicated to making its venue as accessible as possible. You can request manual wheelchairs for free or you can bring your own wheelchair, walker, or scooter.
In addition, they have an app called WDFM that they encourage visitors to download before visiting. There are 12 languages on it and it gives you gallery-by-gallery tours, as well as an audio-described tour for people who are visually impaired.
For the hearing impaired, there's an American sign language video tour on the app too. You can also request an ASL interpreter for the talks, workshops, and tours. Just make sure to fill out the request form at least two weeks before your visit.
If you have sensory issues, you can request free noise-canceling headphones as long as they have some available.
Do you have a caregiver? Then they get free general admission when accompanying you. You can also bring your service animal if you have one.
Needless to say, The Walt Disney Family Museum is full of wonderful things to do for seniors and children alike. Here's what's in store for you.
The galleries give you an intimate look into the life and times of Walt Disney. These are the different sections:
As you go through these galleries, you'll feel as if you knew Walt personally, as the displays are fantastically done. You'll view original sketches, early animations, and finally, a stunning model of Disneyland.
The museum always has exhibitions, so keep an eye out to see if there's anything of particular interest. For example, a past exhibition was "Directing at Disney," which featured legendary directors who worked at Disney.
At the time of writing (mid-March 2025), the current exhibition is "Walt Disney Treasures Objects." It runs from October 2024 to September 2025, and there's a new object every two months, so there are lots of surprises in store for you!
The museum also offers traveling exhibitions. This means that you won't have to worry about missing out, as you might find their exhibitions in other parts of the country.
The museum is excellent in terms of education and cultural activities for older adults and younger audiences. For instance, if you've had an interest in art and animation, then you can participate in classes that are available for students of all ages. Or if you'd like a more hands-off approach, there are workshops that focus on Walt's legacy too.
Plus, there are often talks given by animators and Imagineers. They'll give you a personal view of Walt's life, career, and legacy.
Lastly, there are special events that happen at the museum. From book signings to community day celebrations, there are plenty of exciting things occurring here.
The museum strives to make its venue as accessible as possible, but you should still prepare for your visit so it's a comfortable one.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as San Francisco weather can be unpredictable. There may be cool breezes, even on sunny days.
If you don't like throngs of people, then arrive early, as the mornings tend to be less crowded. You'll have more space and time to marvel at the displays you're interested in.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is an amazing place to go if you're near San Francisco and are a Disney lover. You can explore the magic behind Disney in a relaxed and educational setting.
Considering that the museum's extremely accessible and that it's located in the Presidio, you're sure to have a memorable visit without tiring yourself out. It's perfect for a solo outing or trip with the family!
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