As our readers probably know, The El Capitan Theatre has been host to many special events in addition to playing the latest Disney films. What you may not know is the nearly 90 year history of theatre and its important role in the birth of Hollywood. Recently the theatre began offering daily guided tours of the famous that gives guests a first hand look at some of the history of the El Capitan.
Opening in 1926 as a live stage theatre, the first film to play at The El Capitan was the world premiere of Citizen Kane. Before becoming a movie theatre the house was a popular place for up-and-coming actors as it was neighbored by the Hollywood Masionic Temple that many directors and producers were members off. With the strong chance to be discovered, The El Capitan’s stage was graced by many legends of the industry. For almost 50 years after becoming a movie house, the theatre changed hands and names before The Walt Disney Company acquired it in 1989.
Not only did Disney restore the original name but also went through painstaking lengths to ensure that the movie palace was as close to how it looked in its heyday as possible. In fact, those in charge of the remodel scrapped the walls as far back as they could to match the paint color of the 1926 theatre. After two years of work, The El Capitan reopened with the premiere of The Rocketeer and has hosted dozens if not hundreds of Disney and Marvel premieres since then.
The tour doesn’t just tell you about the history of the El Capitan Theatre, it also takes you from the in front of the stage, to backstage, and even on stage to see how the whole place runs. From watching the theatre’s legendary curtain show, to getting an up-close look at its famed Wulitzer pipe organ, to seeing where the stars lounge while visiting the theatre, there is far more of the El Cap to see than what you get to with a normal ticket.
There are actually two versions of the tour being offered; the first titled the “Disney Movie Palace & Backstage Tour” runs around 30 minutes, starts at 8:30am and costs $15. It offers plenty of fascinating historical tidbits as well as access to backstage areas including the Richard and Robert Sherman Star Dressing Room.
The other tour dubbed the “Express Tour” is available throughout the day for $5 and runs about 15 minutes long. Its offerings may vary depending on availability but will include the history of the theatre as well as a tour of the lobby area.
To book a tour of the world famous El Capitan Theatre, you can call 1-800-DISNEY-6 or visit the box office. Walk-ups are accepted so be sure to stop in on your next visit to Hollywood.