“More things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since - or are likely to in the future.”
- Walt Disney
Marceline in Disney
Marceline was a magical place for Walt, in a way, it was the only chance he ever had to be a kid. He experienced many firsts in Marceline.
It was in Marceline that Walt saw his first film, theatre production, sold his first drawing, had his first job, put on his first show. It was also in Marceline that Walt developed his love for art, animals, trains and nature.
For Walt, Marceline was an ideal town, and he was nostalgic for it the rest of his life. Many of the works produced by Disney, both under Walt’s supervision and after his passing, have paid tribute to Marceline, because without Marceline, there would be no Disney.
DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS
Main Street, U.S.A.
Disneyland
Every Disneyland experience begins and ends with Main Street, U.S.A., inspired by the town of Marceline. In a way, each guest is mimicking Walt’s journey from his small town beginnings before getting to the other areas of the park. Walt Disney enjoyed his childhood so much that he wanted to give his own version of that to the guests. Walt even placed his own personal apartment in Disneyland on Main Street in the Firehouse. Every Disney park has their own version of Main Street (some go by different names) but they invoke the small town spirit.
Hotel Marceline
Disneyland
Perhaps the most noticeable mention of Marceline on Main Street is Hotel Marceline. In real life inspired by the Allen Hotel in Marceline. Marceline now has their own Disney inspired Hotel Marceline.
Tilly (Main Street Cinema)
Disneyland
Tilly has been one of the longest serving Cast Members at Disneyland, probably because she is a mannequin. Tilly works the box office at the Main Street Cinema and she just so happens to be from Marceline, as stated on her name tag.
EP Ripley (Disneyland Railroad)
Disneyland
It’s well known that Walt had a love for trains, and Marceline was a city built by the Santa Fe Railroad. In fact, when Disneyland first opened in 1955, the attraction was sponsored by Santa Fe and was officially named the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad. EP Ripley, was the president of the Santa Fe Railroad and a park was named in his honor in Marceline, EP Ripley Park, which was a place the Disney family often visited. Walt extended the honor to Disneyland and named a locomotive after EP Ripley. Walt, himself, even rode in on that very train during the opening of Disneyland.
Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner
Disneyland
The Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner was inspired by two different things in Marceline. The building itself is modeled after the Zurcher Building (located on a corner) and the Coke Wall next door, which inspired the theming at Disneyland. This can also by found at Tokyo Disneyland, and be found under the name Casey’s Corner at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris.
Marceline’s Confectionery
Disneyland (Downtown Disney)
As a tribute to the former confectionery in Marceline, Walt added a confectionery to Main Street in Disneyland. Another confectionery opened in Downtown Disney, this time being named in honor of Walt’s hometown.
Walt’s Main Street Story
Disneyland
Walking tour of Main Street USA at Disneyland highlights the connections between Walt Disney’s park and his boyhood hometown of Marceline.
Walt Disney Presents
Walt Disney World (Hollywood Studios)
Walt Disney Presents is a museum type attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are multiple references to Marceline throughout the attraction including a replica of Walt’s Park School desk where he carved his initials. The Walt Disney Hometown Museum has the original desk.
Golden Oak
Walt Disney World
Golden Oak is a residential community located within Walt Disney World’s property. One of their neighborhoods is named after Marceline.
Marceline Market
Disney Cruise Line (Disney Wish)
Marceline Market is a restaurant located on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Wish.
Film & Television
So Dear to My Heart (1948)
So Dear to My Heart was a deeply personal film for Walt. Many of the locations, themes and characters reflected the childhood he had in Marceline. Walt even said, “So Dear was especially close to me. Why, that’s the life my brother and I grew up with as kids out in Missouri.”
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Lady and the Tramp takes place in the heart of America around the turn of the century. Right around the time Walt was growing up in Marceline. The setting for Lady and the Tramp is based on Walt’s nostalgia and memories of Marceline. There is even a fitting restaurant called Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Walt: The Man Behind the Myth (2001)
This documentary was produced by Walt Disney’s family in celebration of his 100th birthday in 2001. It premiered on an episode of The Wonderful World of Disney. The film crew traveled to Marceline for filming, however, one of the museum’s founders, Rush Johnson, was interviewed for the film. The Walt Disney Hometown Museum screens this film regularly.
Mickey: The Story of a Mouse (2022)
A Disney+ documentary that explores the history and impact of Walt Disney’s most popular character, Mickey Mouse. Filmed partly in Marceline, this documentary showcases the Disney Family Farm and event features a the Walt Disney Hometown Museum’s founder and Executive Director Kaye Malins.
American Experience (2015)
"Walt Disney"
The long-running PBS series, American Experience, created an episode about Walt Disney. This episode featured archival footage of Marceline as well as an entire segment regarding Walt’s hometown.
Mickey Mouse (2019)
"Our Homespun Melody"
In this episode of the series, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck is a doctor who received his doctor’s license in Marceline, USA.
Behind the Attraction (2021)
"Trains, Trams and Monorails"
This episode of the Disney+ series discusses the Disneyland Railroad and tells Walt’s story of his Uncle Mike as part of Walt’s life in Marceline. The episode also shows footage of Walt in Marceline fishing at Yellow Creek.