
There is one thing that many huge Disney fans know — Main Street, U.S.A. is based on the town of Marceline, Missouri, an all-American town where Walt Disney spent many of his childhood years. Walt first came to Marceline by train, and his love of trains never ceased, which is why the first thing you see before you enter Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park is the massive train station, greeting you. Marceline was a huge part of Walt’s life, and now D23 — the Ultimate (and official) Disney Fan Club is giving members the chance to experience its magic.
D23 will be hosting a day trip to Marceline and tickets can only be purchased by those who have a Gold D23 Membership. The event will take place on Saturday, May 14, but tickets will be going on sale on February 8. Here are more details on the exciting experience:
During the approximately 100-mile trip, several pieces of curated content will be shared to fully prepare you for the story that will unfold when in Marceline.
Upon arriving in Marceline, Guests will receive a warm welcome from the residents of the city before being ushered into the local community center for a special presentation from those who know Walt’s Marceline best.
The day will feature a specially created scavenger hunt so you can fully be fully immersed in Walt’s Main Street, U.S.A. Location highlights include the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in the town’s train station, Marceline Post Office, a visit to the children’s auto ride originally donated by Walt and Roy from Disneyland in the mid-1960s, the Walt Disney Elementary School, which features Disney character murals designed by Disney Legend Bob Moore, and many other special locations. Lunch will be provided.
As evening approaches, Guests will be transported to Walt Disney’s family farm for a very special reception near his iconic childhood home. We’ll begin with our own Pollyanna-inspired “Bazaar” filled with games and refreshments, followed by hometown dinner with all the fixins as you enjoy live music while mingling with fellow D23 Members and Disney Guests.
“Everything connected with Marceline was a thrill to us,” Walt once said, and we know that the same will be true for our D23 Members. Whether this is your first visit or a homecoming, it will be a special occasion of summer magic that will inspire all, just as it did for Walt so many years ago.
While the only D23 Gold Members will be able to purchase tickets to the event, they are able to buy not only a ticket for themselves but also tickets for up to three Guests — who do not have to be members. Tickets will cost $350 per person, and it is important to note that hotel accommodations are not included in the pricing. However, D23 is working with The Elms Resort & Spa to give attendees special pricing — but you must book by April 30 to receive the deal.
If you would like to attend Walt Disney’s Marceline, but you are not a D23 Gold Member, you can still sign up for the membership before tickets go on sale! Simply visit the D23 site and click “Join” to be directed to different membership options. The D23 Gold Membership costs $99 per year and has a number of perks, including access to special events and discounted tickets to the D23 Expo, which will be happening this September in Anaheim.