If you’re visiting Old Town Fort Collins for the first time and its architecture and charm seem familiar, you may think of Disneyland attractions. That’s no coincidence.
Fort Collins is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, craft breweries, and outdoor adventure opportunities. But a little-known fact about Fort Collins is that the city helped inspire Disneyland’s Main Street USA area.
According to Visit Fort Collins, Fort Collins natives Harper Goff and Walt Disney were responsible for the creation of Main Street USA. Goff was born in 1911 and was raised by his father, owner of the Fort Collins Express Courier newspaper. Raised in Fort Collins.
While working on the design for Disneyland’s Main Street USA, Goff reflected on his memories of buildings in Old Town Fort Collins. He drew inspiration from the old Fire Station Bookstore, his Old Linden Hotel, the bank building, the City Hall building, and more. Goff visited Fort Collins in the 1950s and took photographs of the buildings that would become models for his drawings.
Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, also influenced Main Street’s design. According to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, walking down Main Street, U.S.A. “gives visitors the same feeling that Walt experienced as a boy.”
Old Town Square is considered one of the best “town squares” in the country, ranking #4 on USA Today’s 2024 list of America’s 10 Best Public Squares. The Old Town Square is home to more than 20 of his restored historic buildings. According to Downtown Fort Collins, Old Town Square was renovated in 2015. The area now features a state-of-the-art performance stage, child- and dog-friendly splash pad, fireplace, children’s play area, and other amenities. A rotating public art installation.
A look at Disney’s Main Street USA clearly shows the influence of Fort Collins’ historic buildings and beautiful design
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