The Designer Behind Walt Disney's Secret Disneyland Apartment

Emile Kuri, a set decorator with two Academy Awards, created Walt Disney's private living space inside the Disneyland Fire Station.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of ornate, gilded Victorian-era picture frames in high-contrast studio lighting, capturing the luxurious and nostalgic decor that defined Walt Disney's private living space at Disneyland.The lavish, turn-of-the-century furnishings of Walt Disney's secret Disneyland apartment reflect the legendary theme park creator's personal design sensibilities and Midwestern roots.Marceline Today

Walt Disney had a secret apartment inside Disneyland's Fire Station on Main Street U.S.A., designed by acclaimed set decorator Emile Kuri. The apartment, which was only used by Disney himself, featured a nostalgic, turn-of-the-century style inspired by the Midwest homes of Disney's youth. While the apartment is not open to the public, Disney fans can still experience similar Victorian-era charm at the 21 Royal restaurant, another exclusive on-site apartment designed for VIP guests.

Why it matters

The existence of Walt Disney's private apartment at Disneyland has long been a source of fascination for Disney fans, as it provides a rare glimpse into the personal life and design preferences of the legendary theme park creator. The apartment's meticulous recreation of a Midwestern home reflects Disney's own upbringing and nostalgia, offering insight into the inspirations behind Disneyland's iconic Main Street U.S.A. area.

The details

Emile Kuri, a Lebanese-Mexican set decorator who won two Academy Awards, was tapped by Disney to design the private apartment located in the Fire Station near the park's entrance. Kuri had previously worked on numerous Disney projects, including 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Mary Poppins. The apartment, spanning just 500 square feet, featured a combined living/bedroom and a small kitchenette, with a nostalgic Victorian-era aesthetic complete with antiques, lamps, curtains, and gilt frames.

  • The apartment was completed by 1952, when Kuri became chief decorator for Walt Disney Studios.
  • Walt Disney and his wife Lillian were photographed in the apartment with their grandchildren in 1962.

The players

Emile Kuri

A Lebanese-Mexican set decorator who won two Academy Awards, first for William Wyler's film The Heiress (1949), and second for Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). Kuri was later nominated again for his work on Mary Poppins and became the chief decorator for Walt Disney Studios, designing the private apartment inside Disneyland's Fire Station.

Walt Disney

The legendary theme park creator and founder of The Walt Disney Company, who used the private apartment in Disneyland's Fire Station as a personal living space when working at the park.

Lillian Disney

Walt Disney's wife, who was photographed in the apartment with her husband and their grandchildren in 1962.

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What they’re saying

“The apartment is a microcosm of the Victorian world in cranberry red.”

— Diane Disney Miller, Walt Disney's elder daughter

What’s next

While the Fire Station apartment is not currently open to the public, Disney fans can still experience a similar level of exclusivity and Victorian-era charm by booking a dinner at the 21 Royal restaurant, another private on-site apartment located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square.

The takeaway

Walt Disney's secret apartment inside Disneyland's Fire Station offers a rare glimpse into the personal design preferences and nostalgic inspirations of the legendary theme park creator, reflecting his Midwestern upbringing and providing insight into the iconic aesthetic of Main Street U.S.A.