Visiting EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Prices, Tips & Info
Plan Your Visit to The Walt Disney Family Museum
Organizing your visit to The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco helps ensure a rich and engaging experience exploring the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Below is essential information to guide your planning for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
The Walt Disney Family Museum Timings
Regular Hours
Open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Last entry is at 4:30 pm.
Extended Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day, May 26 – September 1, 2025)
Last entry is at 4:30 pm.
Open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Scheduled Closures
Closed on January 1.
Closed on every Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Closed on December 25.
Special Early Closures
December 24 and 31: Closes at 4:00 pm, last entry at 3:00 pm.
Best Times to Visit the Museum
Mornings Right After Opening (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Arriving soon after the museum opens gives you the chance to enjoy the galleries before the bulk of visitors arrive. This is especially helpful if you want to take your time with interactive displays, watch archival film clips without waiting, or move through the exhibits at your own pace.
Thursdays and Fridays
These weekdays often see fewer crowds compared to weekends, making them ideal for visitors looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience. With less foot traffic, you’ll have more time to linger over rare artifacts and personal stories from Walt Disney’s life.
Outside School Breaks and Peak Tourism Months
Visiting in late winter or early fall—outside summer vacation and major holiday periods—tends to offer lighter attendance. This also makes it easier to combine your museum visit with exploring the Presidio’s scenic overlooks and trails.
During Special Programming
The museum frequently hosts film screenings, guest speaker events, and temporary exhibitions. Timing your visit to coincide with one of these programs can add an extra layer to your experience, giving you unique insights into Disney’s creative world.
The Walt Disney Family Museum Location & Address
Location
The Walt Disney Family Museum is located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Presidio, a former U.S. Army post turned national park site. Surrounded by scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and lush parkland, the museum offers visitors a unique blend of art, history, and storytelling in a serene setting. Its location within this vibrant cultural hub makes it an ideal stop for both Disney enthusiasts and travelers exploring the city’s rich heritage.
Address
The Walt Disney Family Museum
104 Montgomery Street, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
How to Get to the Walt Disney Family Museum
By Car
The museum is easily reached from Highway 101 or Interstate 280.
Follow signs for the Presidio of San Francisco and then for Montgomery Street once inside the park.
Paid parking is available in nearby lots and on surrounding streets within the Presidio.
By Public Bus
Several San Francisco Muni bus routes serve the Presidio area:
30 Stockton (connects downtown San Francisco to the Presidio)
43 Masonic (stops inside the Presidio near the museum)
28 19th Avenue (connects to the Golden Gate Bridge area)
By Presidio Go Shuttle
A free shuttle service running within the Presidio and to downtown transit hubs.
The Downtown route connects to the Transbay Terminal and Embarcadero BART Station.
The Crissy Field route serves stops throughout the Presidio, including near the museum.
By Train (BART)
Take BART to Embarcadero Station.
From there, transfer to a Muni bus (such as the 30 Stockton) or the Presidio Go Shuttle to reach the museum.
By Bicycle or On Foot
The Presidio features scenic bike paths with direct access to the museum area.
Bike racks are available near the museum entrance for visitor use.
The Presidio offers walking trails and pedestrian pathways that lead to Montgomery Street.
Wayfinding signs within the park guide you to the museum from popular spots like Crissy Field, the Main Post, and the Golden Gate Bridge overlook.
The Walt Disney Family Museum Store
Featuring an eclectic mix of Disney-themed gifts, apparel, exclusive pins, books, and postcards, the store beautifully reflects the creative spirit of Walt Disney and the museum’s exhibitions.
Specialty Items
i. Rotating selections tied to current exhibitions, like themed apparel, unique catalogues, and collectibles.
ii. Rare and niche treasures such as Golden Books, hard-to-find classic Disney film DVDs, original storybooks, “E-ticket” magazines, collectibles related to Walt Disney’s personal interests (like trains), mood pencils, and limited-edition items.
Store Timings
The Museum Store is open to the public Thursday–Sunday from 10am–5:30pm.
The Museum Store will be open every Monday from Memorial Day, May 26, 2025 to Labor Day, September 1, 2025.
Online Store
The Walt Disney Family Museum store also has an online presence where you can order souvenirs from, directly to your door-step.
The Walt Disney Family Museum Cafe
The café offers a relaxed, casual stop for visitors to enjoy light bites and beverages conveniently inside the museum. Food and drink are permitted only in the café area, and outside food is not allowed in the galleries—though you’re welcome to enjoy outside items on the porch.
The Cafe offers fresh options like sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee beverages, sodas, and juices. It’s the perfect quick stop if you’re exploring the exhibits and need a fast, satisfying refreshment.
The café operates on the museum’s open days, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Special Tips for Visitors
Buy Tickets in Advance
Purchasing tickets online ensures your preferred entry time and helps avoid disappointment, especially during weekends, holidays, and special exhibitions. These can also help you skip the lines.
Arrive Early
Aim to visit in the morning when the museum is less crowded. This allows you to explore the galleries at a relaxed pace without rushing.
Plan for at Least 2–3 Hours
There’s a lot to see, from original artwork and historic photographs to interactive displays and rare artifacts, so set aside enough time to enjoy it all.
Don’t Miss the Disneyland Model
The massive, detailed model of Disneyland—nicknamed “The Disneyland of Walt’s Imagination”, is a highlight worth lingering over.
Check the Calendar for Special Exhibits
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and events that offer deeper insights into Disney’s work and legacy.
Explore the Presidio Before or After
Since the museum is located in the Presidio, you can pair your visit with a scenic walk, picnic, or a stop at nearby viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Visit the Museum Store
The gift shop offers unique Disney-themed merchandise and collectibles that you won’t find elsewhere—great for souvenirs or gifts.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The museum spans multiple galleries across two floors, and you may be standing or walking for extended periods.
Some Upcoming Events at the Walt Disney Family Museum
Mary Blair’s Pigments of Imagination (Sensory-Friendly Film Screening)
Dates: June 1 – September 7, 2025 (Thu–Mon; 11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM; see exceptions)
A 46-minute in-house featurette combining Mary Blair’s whimsical artistry with iconic Disney scenes, narrated by animation historian Mindy Johnson.
Walt Disney’s Trains: A Grand Circle Tour Through His Life and Legacy
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 6 PM
Author Michael Campbell shares how trains shaped Walt Disney’s creative vision, with rare stories and images.
Virtual Replay | Memories of Mary Blair with John Canemaker & Maggie Richardson
Dates: August 22 – August 29, 2025
Description: Online talk featuring animation historian John Canemaker and Mary Blair’s niece, exploring Blair’s artistic influence.
In-Person Class | After School Animation: Beginner Mixed Media
Dates: Every Wednesday, August 27 – October 15, 2025 (4–6 PM)
A hands-on class introducing animation using clay, sand, paper, and mixed media techniques.
In-Person Studio Series | Animate a Magical Castle (Adult Session)
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025 (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Guided animation workshop for adults to create and bring to life a fantasy castle.
Member Morning | Last Weekend of Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 (10–11 AM)
Exclusive members-only morning with coffee, pastries, and an early viewing of the Mary Blair exhibition.
Sip and Sketch | Draw a Loyal Pet
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025 (5–7 PM)
Relaxed evening sketch session with cocktails, focused on drawing your own pet.
Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic (Special Exhibition)
Dates: May 22 – September 7, 2025
Major exhibition with nearly 150 artworks and interactive augmented reality experiences from Mary Blair’s career.
Walt Disney Treasures Objects (Rotating Objects Display)
Dates: October 2024 – September 2025 (new object every two months)
Rare objects from Walt Disney Treasures showcased in rotation, offering something new for repeat visitors.
Things to Know Before Visiting The Walt Disney Family Museum
- Facilities
- Accessibility
- Rules
- Guidelines
Onsite Facilities
Washrooms: The museum offers clean and well-maintained restrooms on multiple floors for visitor convenience.
Restaurant: An on-site café serves a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals, perfect for a quick break during your visit.
Souvenir Shop: The museum store features a wide range of books, collectibles, and exclusive Disney-themed gifts to take home as souvenirs.
Coat Check: A coat check is available for small bags and personal items, subject to space availability.
Seating Area: Comfortable seating areas are placed throughout the galleries, allowing guests to rest between exploring exhibits.
Parking: Paid parking is available in nearby Presidio lots, with easy access to the museum entrance.
Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided within the museum for all visitors.
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair Accessible: The Walt Disney Family Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators providing access to all exhibit levels.
Accessible Washrooms: Accessible restrooms are available on every public floor to ensure comfort for all guests.
Wheelchairs: Complimentary wheelchair loans are available at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Animals: Service animals are welcome inside the museum in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Hearing Aids: Assistive listening devices are available for select programs and tours to enhance the experience for visitors with hearing needs.
Captions: Most video presentations in the galleries are captioned for accessibility.
Accessible Parking Spots: Designated accessible parking spaces are located near the museum entrance for ease of access.
Rules and Regulations
Food Policy: Food and beverages are not permitted inside the galleries to protect the exhibits.
Photography Policy: Photography is allowed for personal, non-commercial use, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Prohibited Items: Large bags and backpacks must be checked at the coat check before entering the galleries.
No Smoking Policy: Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere inside the museum building.
Children’s Entry: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times for safety and supervision.
Touching Exhibits: Visitors are asked not to touch exhibits or display cases unless signage indicates that interaction is allowed.
Visitor Guidelines
Book Online: To secure your preferred time slot, it is recommended that you purchase or reserve tickets in advance.
Early Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your timed entry to allow for check-in and security procedures.
Follow Staff Instructions: Please follow any special instructions provided by museum staff, especially for temporary or special exhibitions.
Quiet Galleries: Be mindful of other guests by keeping conversations quiet in gallery spaces.
Use Designated Seats: Use designated seating areas when taking a break, and refrain from sitting on the gallery floors.
Walt Disney Family Museum: Discover Early Drawings, Music & More
Highlights
Explore Walt Disney’s early drawings and animations.
Experience galleries narrated by Walt Disney’s own voice.
View over 200 video screens showcasing his life and work.
Discover an impressive model of Disneyland.
Learn about Walt Disney’s journey from boyhood to launching Disney World.
Go City San Francisco: Explorer Pass
Highlights
Choose your preferred number of visits from 2 to 5 top San Francisco destinations.
Enjoy flexible access by activating your pass at first use with 30 days validity.
Benefit from convenience through a mobile app that assists with easy navigation and ticket management.
Save money with discounts of up to 50% compared to buying individual entry tickets.
Access a wide range of attractions including museums, zoos, aquariums, and city sightseeing tours.
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