Alright, Disney Fans, store this in the back of your mind for that Disney Trivial Pursuit question. Back in 1962, Walt Disney himself was in the process of negotiating a Disney Theme Park in St. Louis, MO. Wow, a Disney Midwest?
Mr. Disney was approached by some organizers of the St. Louis Bicentennial. Their request was that he produce a film about the city. So impressed was Walt with the newly expanding downtown area and the almost complete Arch, he had other ideas.
With a little inspiration from his Missouri roots, Walt began plans for Riverfront Square. The location was planned about two blocks from Busch stadium. The five-story, all indoor attraction would be topped off with an atrium ceiling. Complete with simulated weather and time of day way before Harry Potter and Hogwarts. The project was on the table from 1963-1965 and Disney Imagineers got pretty far in the planning process.
The park was to be divided into two portions, Old St. Louis and Old New Orleans. The building would have overlooked the Mississippi with concessions, lounges and dining. The planned attractions included a Lewis and Clark Adventure ride, theaters, a Davey Crockett ride, an opera house and a pirate ship.
So where is Disney St. Louis? Many blame a public feud between Walt Disney and Augustus Busch Jr., who mocked Disney for thinking he could attract guests without serving alcohol. More than likely the cost of acquiring the land was the major deterrent for Mr. Disney. Especially considering the vast tract of land available cheaply in Orlando, Florida. I think you all know what he ended up doing there!
However, Disney fans can thank the St. Louis project for many of it's most popular rides and attractions. Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Haunted Mansion were all derived from early plans for Riverfront Park. An all indoor park was later realized in Orlando's DisneyQuest.
For an interview with Walt Disney and computer animations from the St. Louis News (KSDK), click here.
If you are ever in St. Louis, visit the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. That was the location originally planned for Disney St. Louis. Then take time to enjoy St. Louis; many treasures, namely that pretty famous arch.
Maria is a friend to many Missourians who shared this piece of Disney history. She loves to plan travel, including St. Louis. Email maria@snapshotgetaways.com or visit her on Maria Huff-Agent with Snapshot Getaways Facebook Page!
