 May 20, 1963, Walt Disney explored the Gateway Arch area in St. Louis, where construction had been ongoing since February. During his visit, he was in discussions about the potential Riverfront Square project with James P. Hickok, the president of the Civic Center Redevelopment Corporation. Disney had been invited to contribute to the development of this Missouri tourist attraction and was contemplating St. Louis as the site for his next Disneyland venture.
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀: 1. Riverfront Square Concept: The project intended for St. Louis was known as “Riverfront Square.” Disney envisioned an indoor theme park that would take advantage of the city’s history and its connection to the Mississippi River. The park was to be built on the historic riverfront area near the Gateway Arch, which was under construction at the time. 2. Plans & Attractions: Riverfront Square was planned to feature a variety of attractions, including a Lewis and Clark adventure ride, a haunted house, and several other rides and shows reminiscent of those found in Disneyland. The park was designed to be an all-weather facility, capitalizing on the indoor concept to protect visitors from St. Louis's varied climate. 3. Challenges & Abandonment: Several challenges arose during the planning stages that ultimately led to the project's abandonment. One significant issue was financing and the demand from the local business community for Disney to sell alcohol at the park, which Walt Disney strongly opposed. Additionally, logistical and practical concerns related to the park's location and the feasibility of the indoor concept contributed to the project's demise.  Fantastic powerful image of Walt on the bridge as Sleeping Beauty castle is under construction.
   A story no one will believe, but it's true....! I had just finished as single rider on the Matterhorn and was making my way through Fantasyland to meet up with my family, and was heading towards King Arthur's Carousel. Suddenly there she was! I spotted Alice. She was alone walking right towards me along the same path, between the Mad Hatter Teacups and the Mad Hatter Shop. She couldn't have been over 4'10" tall. I said, "hello Alice! May I have your autograph for my book?" She was more than willing and in her English accent began asking me questions about my mouse ears. I told her that I had made them with both her and her story in mind. She said "I do have a wonderful story don't I? That bow looks just like the floor I landed on when I fell down the rabbit hole." Handing my autograph book back to me she asked "have you been talking to the oysters?" "No, not today." I said. There was no one else around and I was anticipating a small crowd to form at any minute. She asked if I wanted to take a photo together? I said yes, please. But who to take our photo? I looked up and lo and behold, a man standing nearby, watching us as we chatted on the path. I asked if he would take our picture. Alice chatted with me for a little while longer and told me to enjoy my day. I thanked her and we parted ways. What a magical, intimate moment with one of my favorite Disney characters!! I will always cherish my chance meeting with Alice one early Disney morning, when she "happened" along my path. (Or visa versa)   Royal Hall in Fantasy Faire is home to Disney Princesses from some of your favorite fairytales. Each Princess receives Guests in her own special nook amidst magnificent surroundings and resplendent décor. You can pose for photos, collect autographs and "hold court" with up to 3 of the world's best-loved Disney Princesses at any given time. It's a fairytale come true!  I had a great time meeting Cinderella. We chatted about sewing, and she explained how all of the mice are always busy crafting at the castle. I complimented her gown and she was proud to show the different glistening features from the fairy Godmother. This gown is a true sky blue, but the original 1950 Cinderella gown was silver and white.  I was so excited to meet Pocahontas in Frontierland and seeing her was very unexpected.
 Walt and his imagineers testing the canoe quality on the Rivers of America.
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