Though he resided in the small north central Missouri town of 2,500 for only four years, from 1906 t0 1910, it was the quaint charm of the place he called home during those formative years that Walt called the most important time of his life.
So embedded were those fond memories, in fact, that Marceline's own Kansas Avenue, with it's small shops, served as a model for Main Street U.S.A. at Disney's theme parks.
Commemorating what this year would have been the 100th birthday of the man behind the magic, a variety of celebrations were recently held to honor Marceline's favorite son including the dedication of a new Walt Disney museum in the town's old train depot - a fitting location because of the impression it made on Walt as a young lad. "If it hadn't been for the Santa Fe railroad," he once stated "there might not have been a Disneyland." making note of the old-fashioned train station that symbolizes an important focal point to the park's entrance.
Taking the centennial observance a step further, of course, is Walt Disney World in Orlando, which kicks off a 15-month marathon bash begining in October.
Running through December 31, 2002, The 100 Years of Magic Celebration will incorporate elements unique to each of the four theme parks, although the main events surrounding the festivities will be centered around the show biz and entertainment oriented Disney-MGM Studios.
Greeting visitors at the park entrance will be an all new, perminent icon: a 12-story, size 605 7/8 sorcerer hat reminicent of the one worn by Mickey Mouse in the 1940 animated feature Fantasia.
Underneath the hat will be a pin trading station selling a unique, high-tech Magical Moments pin that will illuminate in a miniature light show at surprise moments and blink in tandem with pins worn by other guests during live nightime entertainment events like parades, fireworks shows, and the many interactive kiosks scattered throughout the parks.
The biggest highlight on tap for The 100 Years of Magic Celebration will be Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, a memorable tribute featuring a walk-through timeline of props, models, and never-before-seen artifacts along with video and audio clips of Walt that trace his achievements in motion pictures, animation, and the ever-evolving dimensions of family entertainment.
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
