One the best parts of my role at the Disneyland Resort is being able to review images in our extensive publicity photo archive whenever I need to. Naturally, over time, many photos become familiar, and certain pictures begin to take hold as “special.” As one of my colleagues recently pointed out, I call many of them my “favorite,” so, here’s one of those favorite photos I like so much that it hangs on the wall in my office, directly above where I usually enjoy my morning coffee.
This picture was taken at the Plaza Inn, in 1966, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share a cup of coffee with.
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Funny, it makes me nostalgic for the days I spent working at The Plaza Inn.
This image is the epitome of Uncle Walt’s persona as a real person. As I opened the picture I have never seen, part of all that I had experienced with Disney over that last 40 years rolled up into one picture: this one. Part of the charm is that you are sitting with him sharing a simple part of life, starting a new day. Walt began each day with a sense of commitment and vision. Those moments we spend alone, however brief, are the building blocks to the next milestone in our lives. Now each morning I pass by the Plaza Inn, I will always see Walt grinning pensively, waving me over to share another dream. Thanks, Walt.
Here he looks like a regular guy, and I love that. We all know otherwise though. Keeps these gems coming, I love knowing more of the man behind all that magic and bless you Walt Disney you have given the world so many gifts with your genius, certainly glad you got to enjoy your park….
What a great photo. It is great when these old photos are shared with us the fans. Thank You for sharing them.
What a wonderful image! I have always imagined him as the kind of man whom would sit & have a cup of coffee with anyone despite all of the fame & fortune. What a legacy of wonder, fun & imagination he has left for all of us….and the most important lesson…never grow up!
what a wonderful photo! Pour me another cup:)
Kevin mentioned purching the Walt under the castle photo. Are reprints of photographs, such as this one, available for purchase? I cant think of a better photo to hang in my office.
I love this picture. I wish I could enlarge it and hang it in my kitchen! (any suggestions on where I can get that??)
Thanks for sharing!
I still miss Uncle Walt!
I am an ardent admirer of Walt Disney and his accomplishments. I have several pictures in my office that I feel the same way about George. Is there any way to procure a copy of the “coffee” picture? Also; I have a print of the iconic photo of Walt walking into Fantasyland through the castle. I have seen several individual photos in various publications that appear to be taken on the same morning. Walt is attired in a light -weight, dark colored jacket and has a broad, horizontal striped shirt on. Is there a source for a set of the pictures that were taken on that day?
Mike
Thank you for sharing this amazing photo! I agree with the comment: I also can’t think of anyone who I would rather share a cup of coffee with.
Wonderful wonderful picture of a true genius!
Thank you so much for posting this!!
what a great photo. Wish I could get a copy of it!
What a great picture, that I don’t think any of us have ever seen before. It seems the pictures of Walt in Disneyland have been condensed over the years to just three or four that keep being used over and over. But there must be thousands of pictures of Walt in Disneyland.
Since Disneyland is the only Disney theme park Walt ever saw or walked in, much less own and operate himself, it would be great to see more of these types of pictures! Thank you for sharing this one with us!
The best person ever to have a coffee with…
Walt looks so sick. Did you know that 1966 was the year Walt died.
I adore this pic of Walt. I recently purchased a photo of him from DLR and it’s in a place of honor in my office. Please share more pics of Walt!!! thank you
GREAT PICTURE! I WISH I COULD HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE WITH HIM, TOO!! THANKS FOR SHARING
Mr Disney was and will always be an inspiration to me. I would have loved to have coffee with him. Who was he having coffe with? Is that table still at the Plaza Inn?
Hi Sylvia – All indications are he was alone, and while I can’t verify if the table is still there, the Plaza Inn maintains the same lush décor to this day.
I love it, I love him and everything he created!!!!
A great photo of a great man and to think that later that year we would lose this genius.
This is amazing! I’ll remember the spot next time my family visits =]
LOVE!!! thank you for sharing 🙂
Wonderful picture!
If you find anymore rare photos of Walt in Disneyland, please post them! 🙂
Thanks Fred. I’ll be sharing more, so check back!
I’m just curious. Does anyone know if he always pays for his coffee? Does he always leave a tip? Is he even real? Or is he something Mr. Mickey Mouse dreamed up? Personally, I love the man!!!
I would have loved to just meet Walt Disney – not to mention have a cup of coffee with him! I love these old pictures 🙂
@ Kevin…I was sure that I saw the photo you’re mentioning on sale in the parks (I could be mistaken…). If you’re not going to be in the parks any time soon…I’m pretty sure you can contact the shop to purchase and have one sent to you 🙂
Thank you for sharing this photo! I love its simplicity. The expression on Walt’s face is making me wonder what he is dreaming up. Wonderful!
I would have loved to share a cup of coffee with Mr. Disney. Just a few minutes to pick his brain, and get the chance to learn how to unleash the imagination. Great picture! Nothing else needs to be said!
I agree with Cathy. Can you imagine, sitting down for coffee and chat with Walt? It would be great to be able to purchase copies of some of these old photos. I have a tapestry of Steamboat Willie on the wall behind my desk at work. Love it!
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful photo of such a wonderful man!
OMG!!! Thank you soo much for sharing this wonderful picture. No crowds or photographers, just ‘the man who started it all’ relaxing with a cup of coffee. My God, to go back in time, sit at the table and chat. I’d pay—even at today’s prices. The coffee could be cold, who’d care?!
I love you Walt Disney!!! Thank you for being such a imaginative and creative man.
That’s wonderful.
The Plaza Inn fried chicken is too! LOL
A man with a marvelous vision … thanks Walt and thanks for sharing this picture.
wow……. can i believe my eyes………
Also: He love a good bowl of bowl of chili and Jello! “Not together”LOL”!”
I Admire This Man, Very Good Image To Initiate The Day…
Wonderful photo. More photos of Walt, please!
I really love those photos of Walt walking around the park, the most famous in the series was the one of him walking through the back of the castle. I’d love to see that photo available for purchase through the Disney Gallery or something like that.
(the series shows Walt in a horizontally striped shirt)
This is a great picture. Thank you. 🙂
Wow, this is a great picture!
he was a man who was not afraid of short sleeves.
Wonderful Picture, thanks for sharing!
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