walt disney hometown museum

Kent1725

I visited here with 2 girlfriends, and we all enjoyed it. Having visited a number of small town museums, we weren't sure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised by the number of displays and the amount of memorabilia there. The docents were very informative and the displays interesting. None of us realized Main Street USA at Disneyland was based on Marceline's Main Street. Lots of correspondence between family members was displayed as well as a scale model of Disneyland. We also visited the farm with the remainder of the old Dreaming Tree and the new one planted from seeds of the old nearby. The museum charges $5 but we've paid more to see less elsewhere.

seamonkeee

I'm not a big Walt Disney buff at all. We just happened to be staying in a cabin nearby for the weekend and had free tickets to the museum, so we went. The museum is in an old train station, and there are several docents who are very friendly and excited to tell you about the town and the ties to Walt Disney. I have to say that the docent made the trip much more enjoyable, as we probably would have breezed through the museum in about 15 minutes without the talk.For me, the place wasn't amazing, but for a tiny, tiny town, it's a very nice museum and attraction.

djbrm

Advertised as the boyhood home of Walt Disney. Found out after a 5.00 charge per person, Walt only lived there from age of 5 until 10 !! They did have a lot of "paperwork displays to read about Walt's family" Not much to see, was even told that the Dream Tree on the old family farm, had died and was no longer there. Very much a let down

cocopooh16

The visit to Walt Disney's Hometown Museum was the visit of all visits for us. On a whim, we drove into Marceline passing through to Kansas City, MO. We are former Disney cast members and of course Disney fans, thus the visit was a truly unexpected, magical Disney experience and we are are very glad to have visited. The docents were very personable and friendly. The best part was the personalized first floor tour given by Kaye, one of the docents and subsequently found out was the director of the museum?! Provide yourself 1 and 1/2 hours to 2 hours at least to see all of the permanent and temporary exhibits. The train depot the museum is housed in was a marvel in itself and the outside landscaping was lovely. The sheer variety of the exhibits and memorabilia will satisfy the novice to true Disney-o-phile. We were very pleased with our entire visit and culminated the trip to Walt's Dreaming Tree down the road before ice cream malts in town.

OliverS934

Walt Disney grew up in Marceline and kept wonderful memories of his youth on the farm there. Our tour was most interesting: an enthusiastic docent took us around (the museum is in the former RR Depot) and told us all kind of stories, including some real ones (just kidding!). Then you get the run of the place on your own, there is a very interesting movie about Disney, quite long and enjoyable. And to top it all, they hand you a map to go see the Farm. It’s private property, but you can see/photograph the house from outside and visit the old barn and Walt’s “dream tree”. Highly recommended

oswaldj2013

Having worked at Disneyland, and having attended every Disney museum and/or event imaginable, the Marceline Museum is perhaps the best of all. Its small-town feel exuded the warmth of what Walt must have felt in town, and it carried over into his films and Theme Parks.Highly recommended: Go the third weekend in September for the annual Toonfest with a parade, animators, railroad buffs, Disney Nuts and scholars of Walt's life & work.The museum Guides are top-notch and very knowledgeable.Admission to the museum for adults is a mere $5!!!I'm so lucky to be only a four-hour drive away, when I used to fly out from California for Toonfest.

TravelingmanKC

This is a "must see"! It's in Marceline's old railway station and it's charming. If you wish, a volunteer will give you a brief tour of the first room or two, then the remainder is self guided. If you're there at the right time on Wednesday, you can watch as the local jeweler comes by to wind the 100 year old clock. Many fascinating facts about Walt Disney and his creative process. Also, be sure to see Walt's "Dreaming Tree" on the outskirts of town!!

mclaren88

After visiting Gen Pershing boyhood we went to Marceline and the Disney museum at the train station. The tour guide was outstanding. She was a long time resident. Her pride of what Walt had done for his boyhood home town brought great enthusiasm to her presentation, if traveling on Hwy 36 it is a must visit.

DeniseRob51510

What a wonderful tribute to a visionary man! Our tour guide was exceptional. We would recommend everyone see this museum.

fleishans

Having grown up in Southern California you never really think much about Disneyland. It's right in your back yard. I went at least once a year. To learn a little bit more about Walt Disney was very insightful. This is for all ages and a must see!

294beckyg

I'm a big Disney fanatic, and planned a quick trip to Marceline to come to this museum. I admittedly wasn't expecting much, but figured for $5 it would be a nice say-I've-been-there experience. Boy were my expectations blown out of the water. The morning started with a quick tour and explanation by one of the volunteers. If you go, make sure to ask for Inez - she's a real treat, and hosted the Disneys in her home when they came to Marceline in 1956. After that tour, they release you into the museum. You can really spend as little or as much time as you want there. The rest of the folks that had the tour at the same time as us blew through the exhibits, but my husband and I took our time to appreciate and read the letters and original documents.For any true Disney buff, this is a must-do. The ladies who volunteer have first-hand stories that aren't to be missed, and all of the original family documents that Ruth Disney Beecher (Walt's sister) kept and gave to the museum when she passed away are absolutely incredible. What a great way to learn about these formative years in Walt's life!

Buffy24

This hometown museum is a great place to learn more about the man Walt Disney and it is only $5 to get in. It is amazing how the few short years he spent here inspired his dreams for Disneyland. It is interesting to see the letters and pictures of the extended family. Also, newspaper articles and items from the mini Autopia car to the desk Walt scratched his name on as a child. The docents giving the beginning tour are very knowledgeable. There is also a small gift shop, with pretty reasonable prices. They will give you directions to see the house Walt lived in (only can view it from the road, as someone lives there), the barn and Walt's Dreaming Tree. The tree isn't as grand as it once was, but it is still cool to see it. One of Walt's grandson's had a new "Dreaming Tree" planted. Also, take time to hit the ice cream shop on main street. It's all homemade and delicious!

joanmaxine

If you visit Marceline, you will see he inspiration for Main Street USA at the Disney Parks. Walt had a very special affinity for his home town. The staff at the museum are all volunteers. It's so worth the $5 admission charge. Pick up a map and drive to the end of town, to the Walt Disney Park, and see what remains of the Autopia Ride. Find out the rest when you visit..

Herman02

It's worth the trip to Marceline! The museum is full of Disney family things and it's very well done. The people working there have tons of knowledge and fun facts to share about the life of Walt and his family. You can also see his boyhood home, the "dreaming tree", the barn and the downtown that all become a part of what Walt Disney became. Hwy 36 is 4 lane across Missiouri and it's an easy drive. Macon 25 miles to the east has some great places to eat. An easy day trip from KC or St Louis.

317tracym

Don't expect a miniature Disneyland for kids. This is a place for adults to go to be reminded as to the joy of dreaming and creating new experiences. Expect an intimate presentation about the Disney family and stories about how Marceline, Missouri inspired Walt Disney and his brother, Roy. There are so many personal letters and belongings donated by family which could be displayed in so many other locations worldwide. However, the Disney family chose Walt's beloved hometown as it is the place that let him dream...and dream big. I won't be able to watch a Disney classic now without noticing the subtle references to Marceline.