Walt Disney Marceline Missouri

March 16, 1964

Walt Disney announced plans to open an entertainment complex back in his home state. He wanted to open it on the St. Louis Riverfront. August Anheuser “Gussie” Busch Jr. insisted that he sell beer there, but Disney said no. A short time later, Disney announced plans for a complex in Orlando.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.