This part deserves it's own post.
Of course they save the very best for last on the tour. They'd have to. I bet half the tour participants would split if they did the best stop first. It *is* a lot of walking. The tour would end with 2 people out of 15 left. LOL! Anywhoo, the last destination of the tour is a visit inside of Walt & Lillian's apartment. They bring only 7 or 8 people in at a time because it's really very small.
We were escorted backstage just next to the firehouse on Main Street. Right inside that little doorway is a staircase on the left. It's nothing fancy or pretty. Very utilitarian. Up the stairs we entered a small door into the building and you are inside Walt's apartment. We were asked to leave bags and cameras on a table near the door upon entry. Then you step forward into the actual apartment. Again, it's really very small. Definitely felt smaller than the hotel room we were staying in. Above there are exposed sprinkler pipes and things that are all painted to the ceiling color but it's indicative of how utilitarian this space was in spite of the ornate style of furnishings around you.
During the initial construction of Disneyland this small apartment was put in as one of the first things built so Walt could be out at the park overseeing construction. Of course, he always wanted to create ways for Lillian to be near that would make her comfortable so she worked with a designer to decorate to her taste. During construction of the park this was a place for Walt to spend a night or catch a quick rest or for Lillian to come have a comfortable place while Walt was finishing up a few things. It's a single room with 2 pull-out daybeds that faced each other.
Behind 2 small folding doors within the single room apartment is a tiny kitchenette of sorts that is still finished the way it would've been when it was built. The dishes, toaster, etc. are all totally retro. The cabinet doors were left open to see the vintage pieces inside. There were a few glass ashtrays washed and stored on the top shelf.
We were able to peek around the corner into the apartment's bathroom. It was also very small and finished as it would've been originally. The shower had multiple body jets in it which was really forward tech for that time.
There were 2 guides with us who were positioned at either ends of the room. We were in between them. I imagine this is a way to keep eyes on the guests at all times.
It was really a somber time in the apartment. It was fascinating but then being there while the rich little stories were being told of Walt, Lillian, and their family being there really gave you a sense for the family that existed within these walls, the life and soul of this place. Listening and looking out the window to Main Street, imagining what it was like when Walt looked out at guests...it all meant something. Yes, the light is kept on in the window above the firestation. During Walt's life that was the sign to the CMs that Walt was there. Since Walt's passing the light has been kept on as a sign to everyone that Walt will always be there in his park. He really is everywhere when you know what to look for.
So, at the end of the apartment time the guides will use your camera to take a few pics of you with the lamp in the window behind. I brightened this one up.
This one is untouched.
And if Walt's apartment really fascinates you beyond what I've yammered on about, here's a
link to an unofficial site that has some neat picture comparisons and bits of history.
The last last thing is the food that's included. They have you order from a small menu when you check-in for the tour. I believe the items come from the Jolly Holiday Bakery. I had a salad. See? It's MINE! My name's on it!
. Personally I'd happily go back every year forever! He would like to go to San Francisco next year(we're already booked in WDW in August for this year. Yay!). I've agreed to this as long as we can also go to Disneyland also! So at the moment we're thinking of five days in San Francisco & five days in Disneyland
In this picture we just left the monorail station and the big hat is the DLH. 
The CM doing the pre-show spiel did the whole thing in a fantastic tiki God voice. It was so funny. "Please be sure to carry all the paper and plastic objects you carried into the theater outside and place it in the garbage receptacle where it will be magically transported to the land of fill." Magically transported to the land of fill. Land fill! Get it?!?! 
