an optical disk reproducing apparatus of a front loading type including an optical disk insertion assembly , which has a disk insertion port into which optical disks such as cds and dvds are inserted , and a disk transfer assembly which transfers the optical disks to the reproduction mechanism where the disks are reproduced . the optical disk insertion assembly and the disk transfer assembly are caused to slide forward so as to project out from the front surface of the reproducing apparatus and then caused to pivot to a position where the disk insertion port is outside the front surface of the reproducing apparatus so as to be directly observed when optical disks are inserted and removed .