Listen "Walt Disney’s Riverfront Square"
Episode Synopsis
What if St. Louis had its very own Disneyland? In this episode of Show Me History, we uncover the incredible, nearly-forgotten story of Walt Disney’s Riverfront Square — a bold and imaginative plan to build a Disney theme park in the heart of downtown St. Louis.From the rediscovery of lost blueprints in 2015 to the city's ambitious redevelopment dreams of the 1950s and 60s, we explore the political, cultural, and financial drama that brought Disney to Missouri — and ultimately led him to walk away. Learn how a clash over beer, control, and creative vision turned a promising partnership into a missed opportunity.You’ll hear about the attractions that never were, the park that could have been, and how these unrealized dreams influenced the creation of Walt Disney World. It’s a whirlwind tour through urban planning, corporate ambition, and hometown pride — with a dash of Missouri mystery.Website: showmehistorystl.comTwitter: @ShowMe_HistoryFacebook: ShowMeHistoryStLBlueSky: @ShowMeHistory.bsky.appAll research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.Please take a moment to drop us a comment and rate us on whatever platform you're listening on. Every interaction helps! Thank you for listening!Tune in and discover the Disney park St. Louis almost had — and why it never came to be.
More episodes of the podcast Show-Me History Podcast
Homer G. Phillips Hospital
24/11/2025
Benton Barracks
12/09/2025
The St. Louis Hawks
29/08/2025
1930's Sleeping Sickness
15/08/2025
Bloody Island
01/08/2025
The Gasconade Bridge Disaster
02/05/2025
Episode 24 - Big Mound
25/04/2025
Episode 23 - Lewis Place
11/04/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.