Walt’s An American Restaurant

In its first version, the restaurant was envisioned as a 1920s American diner, with two possible locations on Main Street, U.S.A.: either on the opposite corner, where Main Street Motors stands, or at the spot where you are today.

In both cases, the building silhouettes were based on those at the Magic Kingdom and slightly modified to fit a single level restaurant.

The atmosphere drew inspiration from Edward Hopper’s painting Nighthawks, adapted into the world of American diners.

With the return to a Victorian Main Street, the project evolved. The restaurant found its final location and adopted a more refined atmosphere, closer to a private club but open to everyone.

Eddie Sotto supported the idea that everyone should be able to experience something premium. The building also stands out for its two guest accessible levels, a unique setup on the street.

The interior was designed as an introduction to Walt Disney for a European audience, at a time when the man himself was still largely unknown behind the brand. The narrative unfolds in two parts.

The ground floor focuses on his personal and family life, Marceline, his passion for trains, and his travels in Europe.

The upper floor pays tribute to Disney’s creative spirit through the lands of the park.

In 1999, the ground floor rooms and the terrace were removed, but the original intent can still be read today.