Main Street USA

July 1955 – present

BACKGROUND

Modeled after Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street USA is park guests’ first glimpse of Disneyland. Imagineers wanted guests to be immediately taken away from their normal lives and into a completely different place and time, thus the old-timey feel of the land. Main Street USA is set in early 1900’s Midwestern America, and the authentic gas lamps and candy stores bring back fond memories for many park guests.

THE EXPERIENCE

Immediately after walking beneath the bridge, guests go back to a simpler time with charm, nostalgia, and cheer. The near end of Main Street USA has a lovely garden centered on a giant flagpole, celebrating patriotism and the spirit of America. As guests make their way down the street, they are inundated with the smell of popcorn, fresh baked goods, chocolate, and during the holidays, peppermint. The shops on either side offer every type of snack or merchandise you can dream of, showcased in old-fashioned windows and storefronts. Main Street USA also has many tucked away amenities, including lockers, a working pharmacy, and an information center in City Hall.

At the far end of Main Street USA is the central hub, the home of the Partners Statue. From the central hub, guests can proceed directly to the castle, or make their way to the entrances to Frontierland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. As a whole, Main Street USA captures the spirit of the “good old days” and excites guests for their magical day in the park!

CHARACTERS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER

• Mary Poppins
• Bert
• Alice
• Mad Hatter
• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Goofy
• Pluto
• Donald Duck

ATTRACTIONS

• Dapper Dans
• Disneyland Railroad
• Main Street Vehicles
• Main Street Cinema
• The Disney Gallery
• Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln

DINING

• Carnation Café
• Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
• Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
• Little Red Wagon
• Market House
• Plaza Inn
• Refreshment Corner

SHOPS

• 20th Century Music Co.
• Carriage Place Clothing Co.
• China Closet
• Crystal Arcade
• Crystal Arts
• Disney Clothiers Ltd.
• Disney Showcase
• Disneyana
• Disneyland Emporium
• Fortuosity Shop
• Mad Hatter of Main Street
• Main Street Magic Shop
• Penny Arcade
• Plaza Point Holiday Shoppe
• Silhouette Studio

TRIVIA

City Hall offers free buttons for all kinds of different occasions – birthdays, engagements, first time visitors…stop by and pick up a pin on your next visit.

The lamps adorning Main Street USA are authentic 19^th century gas lamps from Baltimore, Maryland.

At the far end of Main Street (right-hand side) is a baby care center for mothers and their little ones to rest, nurse, or get away from the hustle and bustle of the park.

The asphalt along Main Street USA is actually mixed with rubber, to make the walk from the gate to the castle a little easier on your feet.

The Main Street Opera House is the oldest building in the park, and served as the Lumber Mill from Opening Day until 1961.

TOURING TIPS

Main Street USA is most crowded at park opening, during the fireworks, and at park closing. During these times, it can be so packed that it’s impossible to walk. But during the day, Main Street USA is generally empty, as park guests rush past it to get to the bigger lands or hop over to California Adventure. I like to stop in Main Street for an ice cream in the evening, or grab lunch on less-crowded park days. So long as you steer clear during the first and last hour the park is open, and avoid the fireworks crowds, you should be fine whenever you stop and look around Main Street USA.