As we approach the 70th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, we want to honor Walt Disney, the original dreamer who started it all. 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, his years in Marceline shaped his imagination and had a defining impact on Walt. When guests step onto Main Street, U.S.A., they feel as though they have stepped into another era in a small town.
Walt’s family moved to Marceline in 1906, and he would later write, “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? Guests 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. They can look for the ticket seller named Tilly, and see that 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 guests can explore on Main Street, U.S.A., to help transport them to Walt Disney’s youth is the Disneyland Railroad. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad ran right through the heart of Marceline, 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.
From 1955 to 1974, the attraction was known as the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad. It changed its name to Disneyland Railroad on October 1, 1974.
While Walt recalled his time in the Midwest fondly, the promise of a bright future called him 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.
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