One of Main Street's most celebrated residents is the owner of Lilly's Boutique, Miss Lillian Bounds of Iowa. You may know her better as Mrs. Walt Disney. Lilly's Boutique offers "Items for a Home Sweet Home," appropriate for this lady who prided herself on being a home decorator, outfitting not only the Disney's house in Holmby Hills but also the family apartment above the firehouse at Disneyland. Similar to that firehouse apartment, the "residence" above Lilly's Boutique also keeps a lamp burning - two lamps, actually - in honor of Lillian and Walt. (By the way, the 1901 on the building would have to refer to Walt's date of birth. Lillian was born in February 1899. That's right. Walt married an older woman!)
Lillian Disney had a love of antiques, and Lilly's Boutique is furnished with several fine examples (even if the merchandise selection is now made up of toys and traditional souvenirs). Throughout the space, you'll also find photographs of Walt and Lilly over the years, a wonderful peek into a little-documented relationship. After all, Lillian preferred to avoid the Hollywood limelight.
Beyond the antique furnishings, the boutique is also stocked with an extensive collection of antique jewelry and glassware, all a nod to Mrs. Disney's favorite hobby.
Lillian isn't the only family member acknowledged on this block of the street. Next door is the R.O.D. Bldg., for Roy O. Disney, Walt's older brother and business partner. The date on the building, June 24, 1893, was Roy's birthday.
Found at the southeast corner of this same block is the entrance to Walt's - An American Restaurant. Walt's isn't open every day or for every meal (In the photo below, the facade is being refurbished behind a decorative scrim). As a result, one of the main regrets I have from my recent visit to Disneyland Paris is that I didn't get the opportunity to dine here.
The lobby of the restaurant is adorned with photographs and memorabilia, telling the story of Walt Disney's life and career. Guests then ascend the stairs to a series of second-floor dining rooms, each decorated in a style inspired by one of the lands of the park: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoveryland, Frontierland.
From the sound of it, Walt's provides a sort of Club 33 atmosphere, but one that everyone can enjoy. Oh well. Maybe on my next visit. As the French say, "à la prochaine!"
It's a shame Lilly's Boutique is filled with toys nowadays - not long ago (until earlier this year even) you could find household articles there: from tableware to mugs, glasses and various kitchen items. Much better suited souvenirs for the Boutique if you ask me!
ReplyDeleteMy whole family is a Disney geek, got to be the best place created for families to bond. Both children and parents have a thing to enjoy for themselves, I couldn't agree more when people say it's a magical place. A whole week wasn't even enough to enjoy the whole Disney World.
ReplyDeleteIf memory serves, there were still some household items in one of the rooms. The picture I took didn't include that, though, so I had forgotten. Sorry 'bout that.
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