The headline in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that morning read, “Disney reveals ideas of large amusement unit on riverfront.” Disney had long wanted to build an entertainment complex in his home state. But his plans were met with resistance by locals, particularly August “Gussie” Busch Jr., who insisted that if a theme park was built there, Disney would have to sell beer. Disney became increasingly frustrated by opposition to his visionary idea. But what really nixed the deal was Disney’s run on real estate in central Florida. He was busy buying up land near the small town of Orlando. He eventually realized the Florida market offered a better opportunity – and climate – so he scrapped St. Louis as a site and aimed his efforts at the Sunshine State.

Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.

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