Marceline To the Magic Kingdom: A Tour Through Walt Disneys History
Marceline, Missouri. For the devotee of all things Disney, the tiny town has a special significance. It was the boyhood home of Walt Disney, a place that loomed large in his memory and inspired much of his life’s work. When discussing it, Walt once said, “more things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have ever happened since, or are likely to in the future.”
It’s this deep connection to time and place that Disney wanted to convey when they created the Walt Disney: Marceline To Magic Kingdom Tour. The official Walt Disney World Parks page describes the tour as a chance to, “Step back in time for a “behind-the-scenes” glimpse into some of the secrets behind the magic. Your knowledgeable guide will share many little-known facts about Walt’s upbringing in Marceline, Missouri as well as provide insider info about the design and operation of several classic attractions, including those inspired by Walt’s participation in the 1964 World’s Fair.”
Here’s what you need to know (Special Note: Spoilers are contained in the What Is It? Section. If you want to be surprised by the tour, feel free to skip ahead to #2).
1. What Is It?
Marceline to the Magic Kingdom is a three hour walking tour that takes place at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Guests meet up at the Town Square Theater and then move through Main Street as the tour guide provides biographical info on Walt Disney. After exploring Main Street, the tour provides an in-depth look at the Haunted Mansion on Liberty Square, through the queue and in the Attraction itself. How does the guide speak to you in the attraction? Well, Guests are given an audio pack at the beginning of the tour which helps them hear everything the guide is saying. After the ride-through, Guests are given a behind-the-scenes look at how Mansion’s classic ballroom scene is created.
After the Haunted Mansion, Guests are given a tour of the “it’s a small world” Attraction, again complete with narration from your guide (including information on the 1964 World’s Fair where the Attraction debuted). The final stop on the tour is the Carousel of Progress (another World’s Fair creation). While in Tomorrowland, Guests are given details on Walt’s visions for the future, in addition to some discussion of his original ideas for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
2. What Does It Cost?
The tour is one of the more affordable Walt Disney World tour offerings. It costs $49 per Guest.
3. How Long Does It Last?
The total length of the tour is three hours. You will be walking for the majority of the tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests are also given bottles of water at check-in.
4. Ages
Guests must be at least 12 years old to take the Marceline to the Magic Kingdom tour. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
5. Making Reservations
Reservations can be made by calling (407) 939-8687. Note that cancellations must be made within two days of your reservation or you will forfeit the entire cost.
For the Disney fanatic, the tour is an incredibly special chance to take a look at the bits and pieces that went into building Walt Disney World, but you don’t need to be a Disney history buff to enjoy the tour. It’s an incredible experience for anyone who wants to truly understand the story behind that special Disney magic.
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