If I were to tell you that there were several streets in America that hosted parades every day, held deeply cherished memories for many and that anyone could call it their home, what would you say? Think you know of a few places like this? Well! Now imagine that at the end of these streets there is a picturesque castle waiting to behold and that adorning the streets lining up to it are boundless opportunities not only for a picture with said castle, but opportunities to start, relive and experience wonderful memories. Sounding like a place you want to go to? Well perfect, because that’s just what it was meant to do!
When Walt Disney had Main Street created, he envisioned it being a place that anyone could feel at home at and that due to this, it would be an anchor for wonderful memories to be built upon. Drawing inspiration from his hometown in Marceline, Missouri and from Fort Collins, Colorado¹, Walt wanted to give his guests a feeling of stepping back in time while also giving them an opportunity to experience something new simultaneously.
Sounds confusing? How about I put it this way…
Main Street, U.S.A. is a place where for many, the second they step onto those magical streets, memories flood back over them. They are reminded of visits with friends and families, and often times that includes people that are no longer here with us. But at the same time, it’s also a place where for the most part, those memories are wonderful and to be cherished. And when you walk back onto those streets, it’s a place where you know only more of those types of memories will grow.
So? What is Main Street? Well, to me, it’s a place devoid of time, where I can stand and relive decades of memories that with one single step will be busy creating many more.
“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” – Walt Disney Company plaque every guests sees right before stepping into Main St.
Take me to Main Street! 