As we approach the 70th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, we want to honor our original dreamer who started it all, Walt Disney. His vision, imagination, and unmatched sense of wonder gave life to The Happiest Place on Earth. Join us as we journey through the resort to explore the places connected to Walt Disney and the legacy he has left for generations to come.
Walt Disney’s early years in Marceline, Missouri
Our journey begins on Main Street, U.S.A., which was partially inspired by Walt Disney’s memories of his boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri. While Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1901, it would be his years in Marceline that shaped his imagination and had a defining impact on Walt. When you step onto Main Street, U.S.A., you feel as though you stepped into another era in a small town.
Walt’s family moved to Marceline in 1906, and he would later write that, “To tell the truth, more things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since—or are likely to in the future.”
Did you know?
You can spot at least two nods to Marceline on Main Street, U.S.A. The first is at the entrance to the Main Street Cinema. Look for the ticket seller named Tilly and you’ll see her nametag says she is from Marceline, Missouri. Additionally, near the lockers by the Market House a sign reads “Hotel Marceline” in tribute to Walt’s boyhood hometown.
Another iconic location you can explore on Main Street, U.S.A., to help transport you to Walt Disney’s youth is the Disneyland Railroad. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad ran right through the heart of Marceline and is where Walt developed his passion for trains and is one of the inspirations behind the Disneyland Railroad. At the age of 15, Walt got a job as a news butcher for the Van Noyes Interstate News Company selling newspapers and food on the railroad.
The attraction was originally known as the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad from 1955–1974 and changed to the current name, Disneyland Railroad, on October 1, 1974.
While Walt recalled his time in the Midwest fondly, it was the promise of a bright future that called Walt to the west coast. Walt Disney would travel by train from Missouri to California to follow his dreams.
Check back with us later this week to discover more spots at the Disneyland Resort with a connection to Walt Disney.
