Walt Disney was five years old in 1905 when his family moved from Chicago to live with his father's family. It was on the family farm that Walt would day dream under a big oak tree and sketch the farm animals that eventually became Donald Duck, Goofy and Mickey Mouse. Walt and older brother Roy always said the years they lived in Marceline where the best parts of their childhood.
Best and Worst Times to Go To the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
The museum is open from April 1 to October 31 each year, and closed on Mondays. Marceline hosts ToonFest each September, which brings some of the world's best cartoonists to Missouri to talk about their craft.
Must See/Do at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
- Look at the elementary school desk where Walt Disney carved his initials.
- Explore the third floor of the museum and the miniature Disney World.
- Mail a letter or postcard from the Marceline Post Office for a special Mickey Mouse stamp.
Admission to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
Children under six years old are admitted free, but everyone else pays a nominal admission fee to support this museum.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
There is no public transportation in Marceline, so private automobile is required to reach Marceline and explore. There's plenty of parking everywhere and it's all free.
Food at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
There is no food service in the museum itself but wander Main Street Marceline noting the similarity to Main Street Disney where several cafes and coffee shops offer inexpensive sandwiches and snacks.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
Take plenty of time to get to know museum director Kay Malins. She leads Marceline workshops for executives that now work in the Disney empire.
Author's bio: Diana Lambdin Meyer is a travel writer based in Kansas City. Follow her travels @mojotraveler.