Before moving to Fort Leavenworth, KS, I had heard of Walt Disney’s connection to nearby Kansas City, MO. So, when I finally arrived at Fort Leavenworth, I wanted very much to see Disney’s first studio for myself. Today happened to be the day I was able to see it!
Located at 1127 E. 31st St in Kansas City, I was able to drive by and see the old building. As I approached the building, it was fun to imagine how young Walt Disney walked the same streets and shopped at the stores along 31st Street. When I past the building, I wanted to leap for joy for finding this treasure that I had been waiting to see. I had to drive around a couple of times to find a place to park, but, when I did, it was an awesome feeling to stand and look at the historic building with my own eyes. The building was once home to Laugh-O-Gram Studios. During his time in this building, Laugh-O-Gram Studios animated ten silent cartoons. It was here that Walt Disney’s found the inspiration to create “Mickey Mouse” while observing mouse inside this building. I was thrilled to be able to see it for myself!
As you can see, the building is in need of renovation and repair. There is an organization called “Thank You Walt Disney” that is raising money to repair the building and bring an interactive museum and digital storytelling center to the area. I was happy to be able to see this piece of history during my little adventure through Kansas City!