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When most fans think of Mickey Mouse in a chef’s hat, their minds jump to Chef Mickey’s at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. But long before Mickey was greeting families at breakfast buffets, he was already donning his apron and serving as a culinary mascot at Walt Disney’s own studio in Burbank.  The Studio Restaurant — Mickey Flips an Egg In the 1940s and 1950s, the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank had its very own cafeteria, often referred to as the Studio Restaurant or Commissary. It wasn’t just a place for animators and Imagineers to grab a sandwich — it was a hub of conversation, collaboration, and creativity. Menus even featured whimsical illustrations of Mickey Mouse as a chef, joyfully flipping eggs or stirring a bowl, as if he were feeding the very artists who brought him to life. For Walt, food was more than fuel — it was community. The commissary gave animators and writers a chance to take a break, swap ideas, and return to their desks with new inspiration. It’s no surprise that Mickey, the studio’s brightest star, became the face of this culinary corner.       My Visit to the Walt Disney Studios
I never ate at the historic commissary itself, but I did enjoy a meal at the Buena Vista Café on the lot. Sitting there, surrounded by the Animation Building and the water tower, I felt the pulse of history. You can almost imagine Walt walking past the café, ideas in his head, building the dream that became Disneyland. Why It Matters For me, Disney dining history isn’t about Florida vs. California, or comparing parks. It’s about remembering that everything started in Burbank and Anaheim — the studio and the original Disneyland, where Walt’s hand shaped every detail. That’s the story I tell, because that’s the story I lived. Whether it’s Mickey serving animators in the commissary or welcoming families at the Disneyland Hotel, food has always been a way to gather, laugh, and belong. And that spirit — Walt’s spirit — will always live in California first.   A Disney History Dining Experience in Atwater Village Nestled in the storybook neighborhood of Atwater Village stands one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most charming restaurants: The Tam O’Shanter Inn. It is located in Atwater Village at 2980 Los Feliz Boulevard at the corner of Boyce Avenue. Free valet parking. Opened in 1922, this cozy Scottish-inspired pub once served as a favorite haunt of none other than Walt Disney himself. With its Tudor-style exterior, whimsical roofline, and warm wooden interiors, it’s easy to see why Walt was drawn here—especially during the early days of building his studio just down the road. On October 1, 2019, after spending the day at the Walt Disney Studios, I made dinner reservations at The Tam O’Shanter. Despite our reservation, we still waited about 20 minutes to be seated—just enough time to wander the charming exterior, snap a few photos of the vintage phone booth, and soak in the atmosphere that felt like something straight out of Snow White. Inside, we were surrounded by dark wood, tartan fabric, vintage signage, and even a photo of Walt himself, seated at his favorite table alongside Tam founder Lawrence Frank and designer Harry Oliver in 1960. We dined on their famous prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, and it absolutely lived up to the legend. Walt’s Table: Then and Now Back in 2019, it was possible to request Table 31, Walt Disney’s favorite table near the fireplace, simply by asking. It wasn’t always guaranteed, but if the table was open, they’d happily seat you there. Sadly, we weren’t able to sit at it that evening—but we did peek at the golden plaque that reads: “This was Walt Disney’s favorite spot. He and his Imagineers dined here often.” What I didn’t realize at the time was just how deeply etched—literally—Walt’s presence is into that table.   2025 Update: The Table 31 Experience Today, sitting at Table 31 has become a curated experience. You now need to book what’s called the “Table 31 Experience”—a prix-fixe lunch or dinner that offers a walk through Disney history with every course. Lunch: $69 per guest Dinner: $89 per guest Reservations required (but same-day walk-ins may be accepted based on availability) You’ll be treated to: A three-course menu, including Walt’s favorite Tam’s Famous Chili (a recipe unchanged since 1927), prime rib, and decadent desserts like English trifle or a warm chocolate sauce sundae Your choice of appetizers like deviled eggs & pickled vegetables or bacon-wrapped dates A taste of Walt’s signature drink: the Scotch Mist (Glenmorangie, soda, crushed ice, lemon twist) A limited-edition collector's pin A print of the Mickey Mouse painting that hangs above Table 31—a gift from Walt’s Imagineers to the Tam during its 100th anniversary      A Table Etched with Disney History Here’s where it gets magical. The surface of Table 31 is etched with sketches—originally drawn by Walt and his Imagineers on napkins during meals and now permanently engraved into the wood. You can make out names and even small dinosaurs, which were reportedly doodled during early brainstorming sessions for the Grand Circle Tour diorama on the Disneyland Railroad. Seeing the table firsthand is like walking into a sacred creative space—one where chili and character designs went hand in hand. 
     I highly recommend booking a Disney character dining experience at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim! There are many to choose from and you'll need to book your reservation in advance to coincide with your vacation. Are you visiting California and want a memorable Disney Experience for the family? You can still book a Disney dining character experience at the Disneyland Resort Hotel. Goofy's Kitchen buffet located in the Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. Serving American food- $60 adult Breakfast – 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM Dinner – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Mickey's Tales of Adventure buffet located at the Storytellers Cafe, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Located in Downtown Disney. American food $60 adults Breakfast – 7:00 AM to 10:45 AM Brunch – 11:00 AM to 1:15 PM Disney Princess Character Breakfast Napa Rose restaurant at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Located in Downtown Disney. $142 adults/children Breakfast is served Thursday through Monday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Minnie Mouse and Friends character dining experience at the Plaza Inn restaurant inside Disneyland Park located on Main Street. American food $60 adult Breakfast – 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Valid Park admission required.  Celebrating 90 Years! Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant first opened in 1934 with Mrs. Knott and her children serving the first customers in their tea room. The restaurant has grown over the years into one of the largest in California, but the classic fried chicken dinner is still made the same way today using Mrs. Knott's recipes. As this year marks its 90th anniversary, we are celebrating the legacy of this beloved establishment through a wide range of offerings all year long. WATCH THE VIDEO SHORT   |
Welcome to a place where Disney nostalgia meets storytelling magic. I create uplifting, history-rich content celebrating Walt Disney’s original vision and the golden age of Disneyland. From forgotten dining spots to untold stories of Walt’s creative team, this blog is a tribute to imagination, innocence, and timeless joy.
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