Disney recently invited me to Los Angeles as part of the #HanSoloEvent, #ABCTVEvent and #PeterPanBluray press event. Travel, accommodations, and prizes were covered, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Amazon affiliate links are used in this post.
It’s pretty incredible that I’ve been privileged to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences more than once. Not many people have the chance to tour Suite 3H, the private offices of Walt Disney, yet earlier this month I was able to tour them for a second time.
It was just as magical during the second tour as it was the first time.
You can read my first post about Suite 3H here, but today I thought it would be fun to share a few fun facts that I learned during my latest visit.
Fun Facts About Suite 3H: Walt Disney’s Private Offices
- Suite 3H was Walt Disney’s private office space from 1940 until his death in 1966.
- Walt Disney’s office space was broken up three main parts: the Secretary’s Office (everyone entering the other offices had to pass by the secretary), Walt’s Formal Office (where he met with important guests or spent time listening to the Sherman Brothers compose at his piano), and Walt’s Working Office (and office that was “constantly in motion” and where he spent the majority of his time). Suite 3H also housed a private room for Walt which he often used to relax at the end of the day or play with his kids.
- The Disney Studios lot (where Suite 3H is located) was built in 1940 with the proceeds from the animated feature Sleeping Beauty.
- Dave Smith documented Walt’s office space with photos and a meticulous inventory of every item between 1968 and 1969. When recreating the office space, they placed books back on the shelf in the same place and positioning as Walt left them. Even the number of paper clips on his desk was duplicated.
- Walt’s secretary documented every activity and appointment every day – from when he arrived each morning, to who he ate lunch with and where, to when he went home each night. What an incredible log!
- Walt’s favorite song was “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins.
- Walt loved both collecting and making miniatures. You’ll find lots of fascinating collectibles throughout his office. He started collecting miniatures to replace his previous hobby of playing polo (his wife made him stop).
- Actor Ed Wynn was considered by Walt to be his lucky charm, so he kept a picture of him in his working office.
- When Walt travelled, he would carry cans of food in his bags. His personal kitchen in his working office (which was created for him by General Electric) has some of his favorite canned foods (liked canned chili con carne and Spam!)
Walt Disneys Formal Office
Walt Disney’s secretary’s office
Walt Disney’s working office
Another favorite tidbit that I had forgotten about after my first tour was that artist Norman Rockwell drew sketches of Walt Disney’s two daughters as a gift to Walt. Those sketches are hanging to each side of Walt’s desk in his formal office.
Our Peter Pan Scavenger Hunt on Walt Disney Studios Lot
Our skills, knowledge, endurance…and hand-standing ability were tested on the Walt Disney Studios lot as we embarked on a Peter Pan-themed scavenger hunt to celebrate the 65th anniversary of PETER PAN (available on Digital 5/29 and Blu-ray 6/5).
We were split into random teams of five (I was on Team Hook) and sent on a mission to find hidden clues, solve puzzles, recreate photos, find Peter Pan’s shadow, and more.
We started out with a map of the studio lot and a single clue. We had to decipher the clue and figure out our next destination, all while avoiding the other four groups as much as possible – we got points for catching the other teams off guard and jumping on their shadows (let’s just say that the shadow-jumping got pretty intense!).
We worked our way through 11 clues and destinations, collecting photos, Peter Pan-themed props (we chose the hooks, of course!) and pixie dust along the way. We answered trivia, put together a puzzle, played games, and more.
Our group had a blast together. We worked amazingly well with one another and had a wonderfully positive attitude. Our hour together was one of the highlights of my trip!
Yes, thats ME doing the hand stand! Anything in the name of more points for our team!
Of course, no Peter Pan scavenger hunt would be complete without a treasure at the end! And this treasure was pretty incredible. Each member of the winning team won an Apple TV!
It took a while for Disney staff to count up the points earned by each group, and Team Hook was shocked when they announced US AS THE WINNERS!
Deric McCabe from A Wrinkle In Time just happened to be in the room when we were announced as the winners, so he jumped in the photo with us. So. Much. Fun!
Want more? Click HERE to see all of my Han Solo Event/Peter Pan Bluray coverage.
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How cool that you got chance of a 2nd tour. There is probably so much to see it was like almost going for the first time. It looked like a great time.