Tip: Enter to win FREE tickets to Disney100: The Exhibition at Union Station, Science City, and Gottlieb Planetarium.
One of the world’s most celebrated personalities with Kansas City roots is Walt Disney. In 1906, Disney moved as a young boy to Marceline, Missouri, with his family. In 1911, he moved to Kansas City, where he discovered cartooning, and in 1922, he opened Laugh-O-Gram Films, an animation studio at 1127 E. 31st, Kansas City, Missouri.
Did you know that it was at Laugh-O-Gram in KC that Disney started feeding a small mouse he named Mortimer? Before moving to Hollywood, he released the mouse to freedom on a farm. Legend has it that Mortimer inspired the creation of Mickey, and Disney is quoted as saying, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.”
This summer you can celebrate this legacy appropriately where it all began … in Kansas City.
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Disney100
Union Station is known for bringing world-class exhibits for visitors to experience firsthand. This year brings the most magical exhibit yet, one paying homage to Walt Disney.
“Guests will step into “Disney100: The Exhibition” and experience 100 years of Disney history like never before,” says Becky Cline, director of Walt Disney Archives. “We are excited to bring the tour to Kansas City—a place that was instrumental in Walt’s life. It was here where he forged his storytelling skills and his creative passion. Everything Walt did began with storytelling. It is the essence of Disney magic.”
“Disney100” features 250 treasures from the Walt Disney Company, 14 interactive installations in 10 immersive galleries and magical memories for all ages. Disney began his career as a cartoonist and entrepreneur in Kansas City, and this 20,000-square-foot exhibit tells his story. Disney created his first commercial film and met Kansas City native and Disney legend Ub Iwerks while he lived here. Now, his story returns to Kansas City with an incredible exhibition showcasing archival treasures, including art, costumes, movie props and more from both the classics and from some of the most recent additions to the Disney family—Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. Tickets to “Disney100: The Exhibition” are available ahead of the opening on May 24. UnionStation.org
The Kansas City Roos
UMKC is one of only a few schools to claim a kangaroo for a mascot, and the story holds a special connection to both the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium and Walt Disney. In 1936, the University of Kansas City (its previous name) decided it was time for a university mascot. At the time, the zoo’s kangaroo, Jigger, was pregnant, and Kansas City was excitedly anticipating the new baby roo. The letter K and a new baby at the zoo inspired the school to choose the marsupial mascot. A student wrote to Walt Disney in 1938 and asked him to illustrate a roo for the cover of a magazine, and he honored the request. Now, a sign celebrating this Disney connection to both UMKC and the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium can be found at Bluey’s viewing deck in the zoo’s Australia section where visitors have a great outlook at the city’s resident kangaroos. KansasCityZoo.org
Disney’s Signature
One of the most iconic signatures in the world belongs to Walt Disney. You can see his original signature at the National Archives of Kansas City, a free attraction next door to Union Station. Visitors are invited to explore a free exhibit, “We, The People” featuring a replica of the U.S. Constitution (Did you know it took four days to pen the original’s calligraphy?) and many artifacts about how people become citizens and how the archives preserve their stories. This includes hands-on displays showcasing legal documents signed by famous citizens including Disney himself. Archives.gov/Kansas-City
Disney Stories on Stage
This summer, you can enjoy some of your favorite tales on stage. On July 9-14, Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Starlight takes audiences on a dive beneath the waves with the beloved tale of a young mermaid named Ariel who dreams of a world beyond her own. Peter Pan is another beloved story Disney adapted as an animated feature film. Be enchanted by the Broadway musical at Starlight, Sept. 17-22. It’s a perfect show for the child in all of us ... who dreams of soaring high and never growing up. KCStarlight.com
Star Wars
The Disney company purchased the rights to the Star Wars franchise, and you can celebrate the legacy at Star Wars Night at a baseball game. On May 4, the Royals are hosting Star Wars Night at The K. Take home a special Jedi Bobby Witt Jr. bobble with the purchase of a theme ticket for the Kansas City Royals game (MLB.com/royals/tickets/specials/star-wars). On May 25, the KC Monarchs are hosting their Star Wars Night with themed fun throughout the game. Legends Field is an affordable family-friendly spot to enjoy the game. MonarchsBaseball.com
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Walt Disney lived and worked in Kansas City for a time. He created Laugh-O-Gram animation studio, and it was here that he reportedly was visited by a little mouse friend and drew inspiration for one of the most beloved cartoon characters of all-time.
Bonus Tip:
Take a walking tour through Kansas City of sites where Disney worked, played and lived using this map: TheClio.com/tour/544.
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A Day Trip or Weekend Getaway to Marceline, Missouri
Your family can learn more about Walt Disney and his local connections on a visit to Marceline, Missouri. Disney lived in Marceline from 1906 to 1911. According to Marceline’s tourism documents, he once said, “More things of importance happened to me [in Marceline] than at any other time in my life.” The town, about two-and-a-half hours from Kansas City, is home to several fun Disney landmarks. The quaint town left such an impression on Disney that Marceline’s Main Street inspired the now-famous Main Street USA in the heart of Disneyland.
Marceline celebrates its Disney connection with the Walt Disney Hometown Museum (WaltDisneyMuseum.org). Visitors enjoy a self-guided tour through exhibits sharing the life of the Disney family. You will see family photos, letters and records. Watch a Disney documentary, learn about Disney’s love for trains in the Great Locomotive Exhibit, see the artwork of other cartoonists, take your photo with the Railroading Mickey statue and see a model display of Disneyland. The museum is in the historic Santa Fe Depot at 120 E. Santa Fe St., and admission is charged.
One of the most beloved Marceline landmarks is the Disney Barn, which became known as “Walt’s Happy Place,” a spot where he created childhood memories. Visitors are invited to write notes on the walls of the barn (inside only) sharing favorite Disney memories and drawings. You’ll also see the “Dreaming Tree” on the property, where he loved to dream of new ideas.
In addition to these attractions, you’ll see that the entire city pays homage to its most famous citizen with the Walt Disney Elementary School (dedicated by Disney himself in 1960) and the Walt Disney Post Office, where Disney’s official 1968 postage stamp was issued. The post office was renamed for him in 2003. Walt Disney Municipal Park is the city’s favorite green space. EP Ripley Park showcases a train locomotive with Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad painted on the side and is home to the restored Autopia track from Disneyland that you may walk and enjoy. You’ll even find the town’s original Coca-Cola mural that inspired the Coca-Cola refreshment center at Disneyland. Marceline is proud of its Disney heritage—and it shows!
Kristina Light’s family has fond memories of weekend visits to Marceline, family movie nights with Disney classics and vacations to Disney World.