One of Disney’s most fascinating hidden artifacts has been brought back to life. Walt Disney’s historic company aircraft, affectionately known as “Mickey Mouse One,” has officially been restored. The iconic plane spent years deteriorating in the Florida heat before being carefully brought back to its original 1960s appearance.
The historic Grumman Gulfstream I, purchased in 1963, served as Walt Disney’s personal aircraft during one of the company’s most transformative eras.
It transported Disney, executives, and Imagineers across the country as they worked on major projects, including preparations for the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair and the early development of Walt Disney World.
A flying office for Walt Disney
Designed to carry up to 15 passengers, the aircraft was a fully functioning office in the sky. Walt and his wife, Lillian, also helped design the cabin, including a private section reserved for Disney himself.
Inside, the plane featured:
- a galley kitchen
- two restrooms
- lounge-style seating
- a dedicated workspace
- custom stationery and matchbooks with subtle Mickey Mouse details
Even the aircraft’s FAA registration, N234MM, honored Mickey Mouse. Pilots reportedly embraced the nickname, with air traffic controllers eventually referring to the plane simply as “Mickey Mouse.”
From forgotten relic to museum piece
After retiring in 1992, the aircraft spent years on display at Walt Disney World before being left exposed to the elements following the closure of the park’s backlot tour. Time and weather took their toll and left the plane badly deteriorated.
Beginning in 2019, Disney Archives, Walt Disney Imagineering, Phoenix Air Group, and the Palm Springs Air Museum teamed up to restore the aircraft.
The exterior was restored to its original 1960s orange-and-black paint scheme. Inside, the cabin was carefully recreated with its distinctive mid-century color palette and original design details.
How to see it for yourself
Disney fans can now see the fully restored “Mickey Mouse One” at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs, California on permanent display.
Visitors can step inside a beautifully preserved piece of Disney history and experience the plane that helped shape some of the company’s most iconic projects.
📍Location: Palm Springs Air Museum (745 North Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, California 92262)
