Since we needed to be at the Studio by 6:30 at the latest, I needed to find a restaurant that was close by. Of course, it would help if it it was someplace cool or, better yet, historic. I found the perfect choice: The Tam O'Shanter. I would find out later just how right I was.
Built in 1922 and only ten minutes from the Studio, the Tam was Walt's favorite restaurant. They have a piece of artwork that Walt drew just for them, along with another some of the animators did many years later. He even had his own table, Table 31. Naturally, I requested it on our reservation.
While the bar (which serves sandwiches) is open most of the day), the restaurant doesn't open until 5:00 pm. With our screening at 7:00 (and needing to get there early), I was a little concerned about the time, but everything else was just too perfect.
After Imagineering, we didn't really have time for anything, so we opted to just get to the restaurant early and wait. Anything to speed things up. They have valet parking only, which is very unlike New York. I tried to tip the valet, but he thought I was paying up front and almost refused. I tipped him again when we left, and he never did ask me to pay (though I actually did a couple times over).
At first, things weren't looking up. We had to just sit and wait until the restaurant opened (which was expected), and when I checked in, I found out that someone else had beat us to Walt's table. The Hostess said that was unusual, and that they rarely get more than one request for the same night. Could it have anything to do with the screening? You think?
On top of that, I also found out that the Disney artwork had been taken down for care and preservation. Well, drats! Luckily, everything was roses from the point on. We were seated promptly at five, and much like the TARDIS , discovered that the Tam is also much bigger on the inside. John and I both managed to get lost on separate trips to the restroom.
After we were seated, I was struck by how much it reminded me of Epcot. I have to think that the Tam inspired Walt in the creation of themed restaurants in the parks. Even the waitresses wear costumes that would look right at home in Disneyland.
We told our waitress that we were on a tight schedule. After we ordered, she told us not to worry, that both of our dishes were easy to make. I ordered fish n' chips (of course), while John got toad in the hole (on't British dishes have such fun names?). She was right; our meals came out quickly. It was great, too.
Funnily enough, the couple seated next to us told their waitress the exact same thing. Turns out, they were going to the screening, too, and had also requested Table 31. So that was at least three requests for that night. We conferred with them on how to get to the Studio on time and all agreed on the best route.
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't yet seen Saving Mr. Banks, you might want to skip this last part.
Here's where I found out just how perfect my choice of eating at the Tam was. So we were going to see Saving Mr. Banks and then tour the Studio where much of the film takes place. I found out later in an interview with the screenwriter that part of the story (which isn't in the movie) actually took place there, too. Late in the film, when P.L. Travers flew back to London without granting the right to Walt for Mary Poppins, Walt flew to England for one last try. Meanwhile, screenwriters Don DaGradi and Bill Walsh (Walsh is not depicted in the film), and songwriters Richard and Robert Sherman, were so upset that no one would ever get to hear any of the 35 songs they'd written for the film, went over to the Tam, got drunk, and performed every single tune they'd written for the film for the handful of patrons that were there that afternoon. They loved those songs so much, they just wanted someone to hear them.
I don't know if this scene was even shot (if so, I hope it's on the DVD), but now I'm doubly glad we ate there!
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