Walt Disney’s Kansas City – What’s Left Today

0:02 Well, hello there and welcome to Kansas

0:02 Well, hello there and welcome to Kansas City, Missouri. Once the home of Walt

0:05 City, Missouri. Once the home of Walt

0:05 City, Missouri. Once the home of Walt Disney. In fact, yesterday we visited

0:07 Disney. In fact, yesterday we visited

0:08 Disney. In fact, yesterday we visited the Disney home in Kansas City, Missouri

0:10 the Disney home in Kansas City, Missouri

0:10 the Disney home in Kansas City, Missouri on Bella Fontaine Avenue. Spent a little

0:12 on Bella Fontaine Avenue. Spent a little

0:12 on Bella Fontaine Avenue. Spent a little bit of time there. Went to Planet

0:14 bit of time there. Went to Planet

0:14 bit of time there. Went to Planet ComicCon. And now today, I'm standing

0:16 ComicCon. And now today, I'm standing

0:16 ComicCon. And now today, I'm standing here in front of City Hall in Kansas

0:19 here in front of City Hall in Kansas

0:19 here in front of City Hall in Kansas City. Just cruising around downtown a

0:22 City. Just cruising around downtown a

0:22 City. Just cruising around downtown a little bit on a quest for some other

0:24 little bit on a quest for some other

0:24 little bit on a quest for some other very important Walt Disney related

0:26 very important Walt Disney related

0:26 very important Walt Disney related sites. Now, it'll come as no shock to

0:28 sites. Now, it'll come as no shock to

0:28 sites. Now, it'll come as no shock to you that in the last h 100red years

0:30 you that in the last h 100red years

0:30 you that in the last h 100red years since Walt Disney was knocking around

0:32 since Walt Disney was knocking around

0:32 since Walt Disney was knocking around Kansas City, many of the places he knew

0:34 Kansas City, many of the places he knew

0:34 Kansas City, many of the places he knew and lived at have been demolished. And

0:36 and lived at have been demolished. And

0:36 and lived at have been demolished. And this first location is no exception. And

0:39 this first location is no exception. And

0:39 this first location is no exception. And normally, I wouldn't just show you the

0:40 normally, I wouldn't just show you the

0:40 normally, I wouldn't just show you the site of a former building. But this

0:42 site of a former building. But this

0:42 site of a former building. But this location is so important in Disney

0:45 location is so important in Disney

0:45 location is so important in Disney history that I've got to make an

0:47 history that I've got to make an

0:47 history that I've got to make an exception because just down the street

0:49 exception because just down the street

0:49 exception because just down the street here behind City Hall, just a short walk

0:51 here behind City Hall, just a short walk

0:52 here behind City Hall, just a short walk away at 1331 Oak Street, basically right

0:55 away at 1331 Oak Street, basically right

0:55 away at 1331 Oak Street, basically right across the street from the T-Mobile

0:57 across the street from the T-Mobile

0:57 across the street from the T-Mobile Center downtown here in Kansas City, one

0:59 Center downtown here in Kansas City, one

0:59 Center downtown here in Kansas City, one of these parking lots right here, was

1:01 of these parking lots right here, was

1:01 of these parking lots right here, was the site of one of the big bangs of

1:03 the site of one of the big bangs of

1:03 the site of one of the big bangs of Disney history, the LB Price Merkantile

1:07 Disney history, the LB Price Merkantile

1:07 Disney history, the LB Price Merkantile Building. And amongst the occupants of

1:09 Building. And amongst the occupants of

1:09 Building. And amongst the occupants of that building, among the people doing

1:10 that building, among the people doing

1:10 that building, among the people doing business there was a company called the

1:12 business there was a company called the

1:12 business there was a company called the Pezman Rubin Commercial Art Studio. And

1:16 Pezman Rubin Commercial Art Studio. And

1:16 Pezman Rubin Commercial Art Studio. And it was here in this building that stood

1:18 it was here in this building that stood

1:18 it was here in this building that stood right on the site of this parking lot

1:20 right on the site of this parking lot

1:20 right on the site of this parking lot that in

1:21 that in

1:21 that in 1919, Walt Disney was hired for his

1:25 1919, Walt Disney was hired for his

1:25 1919, Walt Disney was hired for his first job as a commercial artist. He'd

1:28 first job as a commercial artist. He'd

1:28 first job as a commercial artist. He'd been doodling basically his whole life

1:30 been doodling basically his whole life

1:30 been doodling basically his whole life all the way back in Marceline, Missouri

1:32 all the way back in Marceline, Missouri

1:32 all the way back in Marceline, Missouri and worked a series of odd jobs,

1:34 and worked a series of odd jobs,

1:34 and worked a series of odd jobs, newspaper boy, all kinds of things in

1:36 newspaper boy, all kinds of things in

1:36 newspaper boy, all kinds of things in Kansas City before going off to be an

1:38 Kansas City before going off to be an

1:38 Kansas City before going off to be an ambulance driver in France just at the

1:40 ambulance driver in France just at the

1:40 ambulance driver in France just at the tail end of World War I. And when he

1:43 tail end of World War I. And when he

1:43 tail end of World War I. And when he returned to Kansas City, Walt Disney was

1:46 returned to Kansas City, Walt Disney was

1:46 returned to Kansas City, Walt Disney was determined to make a name for himself as

1:48 determined to make a name for himself as

1:48 determined to make a name for himself as an artist. And this was the first place

1:50 an artist. And this was the first place

1:50 an artist. And this was the first place he was hired. Now, that alone would make

1:52 he was hired. Now, that alone would make

1:52 he was hired. Now, that alone would make this an insane Disney related location.

1:55 this an insane Disney related location.

1:55 this an insane Disney related location. But what makes this location ground zero

1:57 But what makes this location ground zero

1:57 But what makes this location ground zero for the Walt Disney Company is not only

1:59 for the Walt Disney Company is not only

2:00 for the Walt Disney Company is not only that Walt Disney got his first job as a

2:01 that Walt Disney got his first job as a

2:01 that Walt Disney got his first job as a commercial artist here, but this is

2:03 commercial artist here, but this is

2:03 commercial artist here, but this is where Walt Disney met another young

2:05 where Walt Disney met another young

2:05 where Walt Disney met another young employee of the firm, a man by the name

2:08 employee of the firm, a man by the name

2:08 employee of the firm, a man by the name of Eyeworks. Now, Eyeworks was well

2:11 of Eyeworks. Now, Eyeworks was well

2:11 of Eyeworks. Now, Eyeworks was well known to the most hardcore of Disney

2:13 known to the most hardcore of Disney

2:13 known to the most hardcore of Disney fans, but he is often overlooked. He was

2:16 fans, but he is often overlooked. He was

2:16 fans, but he is often overlooked. He was really the secret of Walt Disney's

2:18 really the secret of Walt Disney's

2:18 really the secret of Walt Disney's success in some ways. They were both the

2:20 success in some ways. They were both the

2:20 success in some ways. They were both the same age, both young artists on the

2:23 same age, both young artists on the

2:23 same age, both young artists on the make. And this meeting would prove

2:24 make. And this meeting would prove

2:24 make. And this meeting would prove absolutely fateful because of Eyeworks

2:26 absolutely fateful because of Eyeworks

2:26 absolutely fateful because of Eyeworks became Walt Disney's longtime artistic

2:29 became Walt Disney's longtime artistic

2:29 became Walt Disney's longtime artistic partner and is really known as the man

2:31 partner and is really known as the man

2:31 partner and is really known as the man behind the mouse. He was crucial in

2:34 behind the mouse. He was crucial in

2:34 behind the mouse. He was crucial in designing the iconic look of Mickey

2:36 designing the iconic look of Mickey

2:36 designing the iconic look of Mickey Mouse. He animated the first Mickey

2:37 Mouse. He animated the first Mickey

2:37 Mouse. He animated the first Mickey Mouse cartoons. He would go on to help

2:39 Mouse cartoons. He would go on to help

2:39 Mouse cartoons. He would go on to help invent the multiplane camera and a lot

2:41 invent the multiplane camera and a lot

2:41 invent the multiplane camera and a lot of Disney's technical innovations. But 9

2:43 of Disney's technical innovations. But 9

2:44 of Disney's technical innovations. But 9 years before Mickey Mouse, both of

2:45 years before Mickey Mouse, both of

2:45 years before Mickey Mouse, both of Eyeworks and Walt Disney were just young

2:48 Eyeworks and Walt Disney were just young

2:48 Eyeworks and Walt Disney were just young new hires here at the Pezman Rubin

2:50 new hires here at the Pezman Rubin

2:50 new hires here at the Pezman Rubin Company on the corner of Oak and 13th

2:53 Company on the corner of Oak and 13th

2:53 Company on the corner of Oak and 13th here in downtown Kansas City. Now, Walt

2:55 here in downtown Kansas City. Now, Walt

2:55 here in downtown Kansas City. Now, Walt Disney famously was sort of an okay

2:57 Disney famously was sort of an okay

2:58 Disney famously was sort of an okay artist of Eyeworks was a little bit more

3:00 artist of Eyeworks was a little bit more

3:00 artist of Eyeworks was a little bit more advanced than Walt in terms of art and

3:02 advanced than Walt in terms of art and

3:02 advanced than Walt in terms of art and he's so essential to Walt Disney's early

3:04 he's so essential to Walt Disney's early

3:04 he's so essential to Walt Disney's early career and the creation of Mickey Mouse,

3:05 career and the creation of Mickey Mouse,

3:06 career and the creation of Mickey Mouse, the thing that really blew up Walt

3:07 the thing that really blew up Walt

3:07 the thing that really blew up Walt Disney into the stratosphere. He's

3:09 Disney into the stratosphere. He's

3:09 Disney into the stratosphere. He's almost sort of cited as a co-creator in

3:11 almost sort of cited as a co-creator in

3:11 almost sort of cited as a co-creator in a way of Mickey. But here at Pezman

3:13 a way of Mickey. But here at Pezman

3:13 a way of Mickey. But here at Pezman Rubin, they weren't really creating

3:15 Rubin, they weren't really creating

3:15 Rubin, they weren't really creating anything yet except for the artwork they

3:17 anything yet except for the artwork they

3:17 anything yet except for the artwork they were told to create. Pezman Ruben, like

3:18 were told to create. Pezman Ruben, like

3:18 were told to create. Pezman Ruben, like I said, was a commercial art company. So

3:20 I said, was a commercial art company. So

3:20 I said, was a commercial art company. So they designed things like theater

3:22 they designed things like theater

3:22 they designed things like theater programs, advertisements, and more

3:25 programs, advertisements, and more

3:25 programs, advertisements, and more importantly to this story, Christmas

3:27 importantly to this story, Christmas

3:27 importantly to this story, Christmas cataloges during the Christmas rush. So

3:29 cataloges during the Christmas rush. So

3:29 cataloges during the Christmas rush. So both of them were really hired just for

3:31 both of them were really hired just for

3:31 both of them were really hired just for the seasonal rush here at Pezman Rubin.

3:33 the seasonal rush here at Pezman Rubin.

3:33 the seasonal rush here at Pezman Rubin. For Walt Disney, like I said, it was his

3:35 For Walt Disney, like I said, it was his

3:35 For Walt Disney, like I said, it was his first job as a commercial artist. And in

3:37 first job as a commercial artist. And in

3:37 first job as a commercial artist. And in January of 1920, sadly, both of them

3:40 January of 1920, sadly, both of them

3:40 January of 1920, sadly, both of them were laid off from the company when the

3:42 were laid off from the company when the

3:42 were laid off from the company when the Christmas catalog rush was over. Now,

3:44 Christmas catalog rush was over. Now,

3:44 Christmas catalog rush was over. Now, Walt Disney and Eyeworks got on like a

3:47 Walt Disney and Eyeworks got on like a

3:47 Walt Disney and Eyeworks got on like a house on fire, and they both decided

3:48 house on fire, and they both decided

3:48 house on fire, and they both decided they were pretty good at this art thing.

3:50 they were pretty good at this art thing.

3:50 they were pretty good at this art thing. We don't need some pesky commercial art

3:52 We don't need some pesky commercial art

3:52 We don't need some pesky commercial art company to do these jobs. And so, the

3:54 company to do these jobs. And so, the

3:54 company to do these jobs. And so, the two guys decided to strike out on their

3:57 two guys decided to strike out on their

3:57 two guys decided to strike out on their own. and they didn't have far to go

4:00 own. and they didn't have far to go

4:00 own. and they didn't have far to go because right here on the corner at 1301

4:04 because right here on the corner at 1301

4:04 because right here on the corner at 1301 Oak Street, and I'm pulling most of this

4:05 Oak Street, and I'm pulling most of this

4:05 Oak Street, and I'm pulling most of this from memory, so forgive me if I botched

4:07 from memory, so forgive me if I botched

4:07 from memory, so forgive me if I botched the name a little. A Disney family

4:09 the name a little. A Disney family

4:09 the name a little. A Disney family friend by the name of Alvin Carter had

4:11 friend by the name of Alvin Carter had

4:11 friend by the name of Alvin Carter had an office here in what was then called

4:14 an office here in what was then called

4:14 an office here in what was then called the Mutual Building here in Kansas City,

4:16 the Mutual Building here in Kansas City,

4:16 the Mutual Building here in Kansas City, offered Walt and some free office space,

4:19 offered Walt and some free office space,

4:19 offered Walt and some free office space, some sources say in a converted bathroom

4:21 some sources say in a converted bathroom

4:21 some sources say in a converted bathroom in the building, a tiny little office,

4:23 in the building, a tiny little office,

4:23 in the building, a tiny little office, in exchange for working on a sort of

4:25 in exchange for working on a sort of

4:25 in exchange for working on a sort of free newspaper that he had in here. And

4:27 free newspaper that he had in here. And

4:27 free newspaper that he had in here. And so in January of 1920, basically just

4:29 so in January of 1920, basically just

4:29 so in January of 1920, basically just after they had been laid off from Pezman

4:31 after they had been laid off from Pezman

4:31 after they had been laid off from Pezman Rubin, they hung out their shingle as

4:33 Rubin, they hung out their shingle as

4:33 Rubin, they hung out their shingle as the Eyeworks Disney commercial artists

4:36 the Eyeworks Disney commercial artists

4:36 the Eyeworks Disney commercial artists and began work in a tiny office space in

4:38 and began work in a tiny office space in

4:38 and began work in a tiny office space in this building here. But due to their

4:40 this building here. But due to their

4:40 this building here. But due to their youth and basically complete lack of

4:42 youth and basically complete lack of

4:42 youth and basically complete lack of experience here and lack of networking,

4:45 experience here and lack of networking,

4:45 experience here and lack of networking, lack of clients really just 2 months

4:47 lack of clients really just 2 months

4:47 lack of clients really just 2 months later in March of 1920, Walt figured

4:50 later in March of 1920, Walt figured

4:50 later in March of 1920, Walt figured out, you know what, this isn't really

4:51 out, you know what, this isn't really

4:52 out, you know what, this isn't really working the way that I thought it would.

4:54 working the way that I thought it would.

4:54 working the way that I thought it would. Told up Eyeworks, I got to go get a real

4:55 Told up Eyeworks, I got to go get a real

4:56 Told up Eyeworks, I got to go get a real job. and the Eyeworks Disney Commercial

4:58 job. and the Eyeworks Disney Commercial

4:58 job. and the Eyeworks Disney Commercial Artist Company was shut down. Now, think

5:01 Artist Company was shut down. Now, think

5:01 Artist Company was shut down. Now, think about this. This is a very important

5:03 about this. This is a very important

5:03 about this. This is a very important moment in history. This building is the

5:06 moment in history. This building is the

5:06 moment in history. This building is the place where Walt Disney for the very

5:08 place where Walt Disney for the very

5:08 place where Walt Disney for the very first time set out on his own, set out

5:11 first time set out on his own, set out

5:11 first time set out on his own, set out to found his own company. And today,

5:13 to found his own company. And today,

5:14 to found his own company. And today, this building is just standing here on

5:15 this building is just standing here on

5:15 this building is just standing here on this corner, just a block or so down

5:17 this corner, just a block or so down

5:17 this corner, just a block or so down from city hall back there. And

5:19 from city hall back there. And

5:19 from city hall back there. And tragically, and to my very great

5:20 tragically, and to my very great

5:20 tragically, and to my very great surprise, look at this. There's not a

5:22 surprise, look at this. There's not a

5:22 surprise, look at this. There's not a plaque. There's not a little placard, a

5:25 plaque. There's not a little placard, a

5:25 plaque. There's not a little placard, a sign, nothing that really says one, this

5:28 sign, nothing that really says one, this

5:28 sign, nothing that really says one, this is where Walt Disney first started his

5:30 is where Walt Disney first started his

5:30 is where Walt Disney first started his very first company with a Eyeworks. And

5:32 very first company with a Eyeworks. And

5:32 very first company with a Eyeworks. And then going behind the building in this

5:34 then going behind the building in this

5:34 then going behind the building in this parking lot over here, which most of the

5:37 parking lot over here, which most of the

5:37 parking lot over here, which most of the internet says is the site of 1330 Oak

5:39 internet says is the site of 1330 Oak

5:39 internet says is the site of 1330 Oak Street. Again, no plaque, no mural,

5:42 Street. Again, no plaque, no mural,

5:42 Street. Again, no plaque, no mural, nothing to signify that this is where

5:43 nothing to signify that this is where

5:43 nothing to signify that this is where Walt Disney first worked as a commercial

5:46 Walt Disney first worked as a commercial

5:46 Walt Disney first worked as a commercial artist. This is where he first made art,

5:48 artist. This is where he first made art,

5:48 artist. This is where he first made art, his career. And I know I told you that

5:51 his career. And I know I told you that

5:51 his career. And I know I told you that this was the location of that Pezman

5:53 this was the location of that Pezman

5:53 this was the location of that Pezman Rubin company because this is where the

5:55 Rubin company because this is where the

5:55 Rubin company because this is where the entire internet basically agrees. This

5:57 entire internet basically agrees. This

5:57 entire internet basically agrees. This is where if you type in that 1330

5:59 is where if you type in that 1330

5:59 is where if you type in that 1330 address you are led to today on Apple

6:01 address you are led to today on Apple

6:01 address you are led to today on Apple and Google Maps and things like that.

6:03 and Google Maps and things like that.

6:03 and Google Maps and things like that. But looking back at pictures of that

6:04 But looking back at pictures of that

6:04 But looking back at pictures of that merkantile company building Pezman Rubin

6:07 merkantile company building Pezman Rubin

6:07 merkantile company building Pezman Rubin was located in, you'll notice it's on a

6:09 was located in, you'll notice it's on a

6:09 was located in, you'll notice it's on a corner. And this is obviously not on a

6:11 corner. And this is obviously not on a

6:11 corner. And this is obviously not on a corner. And this parking lot backs right

6:13 corner. And this parking lot backs right

6:13 corner. And this parking lot backs right up against the next building that and

6:15 up against the next building that and

6:16 up against the next building that and Walt would work out of. So, what I

6:18 Walt would work out of. So, what I

6:18 Walt would work out of. So, what I assume is that 13:30 must have been just

6:21 assume is that 13:30 must have been just

6:21 assume is that 13:30 must have been just across this narrow little alley here.

6:24 across this narrow little alley here.

6:24 across this narrow little alley here. I'd have to get old fire maps or go to

6:26 I'd have to get old fire maps or go to

6:26 I'd have to get old fire maps or go to the library or something like that to

6:27 the library or something like that to

6:27 the library or something like that to confirm this, but I believe it was

6:30 confirm this, but I believe it was

6:30 confirm this, but I believe it was probably located right here in this

6:32 probably located right here in this

6:32 probably located right here in this parking lot. And again, there is no

6:33 parking lot. And again, there is no

6:33 parking lot. And again, there is no mural. There is no plaque. There's no

6:36 mural. There is no plaque. There's no

6:36 mural. There is no plaque. There's no sort of historical marker, nothing to

6:38 sort of historical marker, nothing to

6:38 sort of historical marker, nothing to signify the exact location. This is just

6:41 signify the exact location. This is just

6:41 signify the exact location. This is just sort of an educated guess that it was

6:43 sort of an educated guess that it was

6:43 sort of an educated guess that it was probably a few feet away from where most

6:45 probably a few feet away from where most

6:45 probably a few feet away from where most of the internet claims the site was.

6:47 of the internet claims the site was.

6:47 of the internet claims the site was. Which means that perhaps somewhere right

6:49 Which means that perhaps somewhere right

6:50 Which means that perhaps somewhere right here Walt Disney first met of Eyeworks.

6:52 here Walt Disney first met of Eyeworks.

6:52 here Walt Disney first met of Eyeworks. Those two struck up a friendship and

6:54 Those two struck up a friendship and

6:54 Those two struck up a friendship and eventually a partnership that little did

6:56 eventually a partnership that little did

6:56 eventually a partnership that little did they know would lead to the creation of

6:58 they know would lead to the creation of

6:58 they know would lead to the creation of Mickey Mouse and all those classic

7:00 Mickey Mouse and all those classic

7:00 Mickey Mouse and all those classic animated shorts. things that would

7:02 animated shorts. things that would

7:02 animated shorts. things that would literally change the world in terms of

7:05 literally change the world in terms of

7:05 literally change the world in terms of entertainment, influence so many

7:06 entertainment, influence so many

7:06 entertainment, influence so many people's childhoods, go on to influence

7:08 people's childhoods, go on to influence

7:08 people's childhoods, go on to influence so much of the rest of art and culture

7:10 so much of the rest of art and culture

7:10 so much of the rest of art and culture that's been developed since then. I

7:12 that's been developed since then. I

7:12 that's been developed since then. I mean, this is a really important site in

7:15 mean, this is a really important site in

7:15 mean, this is a really important site in world art history. I am genuinely

7:17 world art history. I am genuinely

7:17 world art history. I am genuinely shocked that there is no sort of plaque

7:18 shocked that there is no sort of plaque

7:18 shocked that there is no sort of plaque or mural. There's nothing to mark the

7:21 or mural. There's nothing to mark the

7:21 or mural. There's nothing to mark the actual location where Walt Disney

7:23 actual location where Walt Disney

7:23 actual location where Walt Disney Eyeworks. And the crazy thing is, like I

7:25 Eyeworks. And the crazy thing is, like I

7:25 Eyeworks. And the crazy thing is, like I said, it's right across the street from

7:27 said, it's right across the street from

7:27 said, it's right across the street from the T-Mobile Center over there, which

7:29 the T-Mobile Center over there, which

7:29 the T-Mobile Center over there, which means thousands and thousands of people

7:31 means thousands and thousands of people

7:31 means thousands and thousands of people walk these streets at different events.

7:33 walk these streets at different events.

7:33 walk these streets at different events. I don't live in Kansas City. They don't

7:34 I don't live in Kansas City. They don't

7:34 I don't live in Kansas City. They don't have any influence here, but I got to

7:35 have any influence here, but I got to

7:36 have any influence here, but I got to say it seems like the perfect place for

7:38 say it seems like the perfect place for

7:38 say it seems like the perfect place for some kind of plaque, some kind of

7:39 some kind of plaque, some kind of

7:39 some kind of plaque, some kind of historical marker because yes, even

7:41 historical marker because yes, even

7:41 historical marker because yes, even though they were both laid off from that

7:42 though they were both laid off from that

7:42 though they were both laid off from that job and even though their I works Disney

7:46 job and even though their I works Disney

7:46 job and even though their I works Disney commercial company or excuse me,

7:47 commercial company or excuse me,

7:48 commercial company or excuse me, commercial artists enterprise quickly

7:50 commercial artists enterprise quickly

7:50 commercial artists enterprise quickly went out of business, their friendship

7:52 went out of business, their friendship

7:52 went out of business, their friendship and their business partnership would

7:55 and their business partnership would

7:55 and their business partnership would last. All right, so after Walt Disney

7:57 last. All right, so after Walt Disney

7:57 last. All right, so after Walt Disney told, "Hey man, I got to get a real job.

7:59 told, "Hey man, I got to get a real job.

7:59 told, "Hey man, I got to get a real job. This isn't working out. I got to feed

8:01 This isn't working out. I got to feed

8:01 This isn't working out. I got to feed myself here." After all, the majority of

8:02 myself here." After all, the majority of

8:02 myself here." After all, the majority of his family by then had already moved

8:04 his family by then had already moved

8:04 his family by then had already moved back to Chicago. They were gone. He was

8:06 back to Chicago. They were gone. He was

8:06 back to Chicago. They were gone. He was on his own out here pretty much. Walt

8:07 on his own out here pretty much. Walt

8:07 on his own out here pretty much. Walt Disney packed up his pencils and headed

8:10 Disney packed up his pencils and headed

8:10 Disney packed up his pencils and headed uphill further into downtown to apply

8:13 uphill further into downtown to apply

8:13 uphill further into downtown to apply for his next gig. Now, it's like a

8:16 for his next gig. Now, it's like a

8:16 for his next gig. Now, it's like a 16-minute walk from here. And I'm

8:18 16-minute walk from here. And I'm

8:18 16-minute walk from here. And I'm assuming at the time Walt couldn't even

8:20 assuming at the time Walt couldn't even

8:20 assuming at the time Walt couldn't even afford the street car. So, since Walt

8:22 afford the street car. So, since Walt

8:22 afford the street car. So, since Walt Disney likely walked around downtown,

8:23 Disney likely walked around downtown,

8:23 Disney likely walked around downtown, I'm going to take the walk myself to

8:25 I'm going to take the walk myself to

8:25 I'm going to take the walk myself to show you our next spot on this tour of

8:27 show you our next spot on this tour of

8:27 show you our next spot on this tour of Walt Disney's downtown, Kansas City. I

8:29 Walt Disney's downtown, Kansas City. I

8:29 Walt Disney's downtown, Kansas City. I got to tell you, having spent the last

8:31 got to tell you, having spent the last

8:31 got to tell you, having spent the last couple of days wandering around downtown

8:32 couple of days wandering around downtown

8:32 couple of days wandering around downtown Kansas City because I was at the Planet

8:35 Kansas City because I was at the Planet

8:35 Kansas City because I was at the Planet ComicCon convention for the last two

8:37 ComicCon convention for the last two

8:37 ComicCon convention for the last two episodes, Kansas City is pretty cool. So

8:39 episodes, Kansas City is pretty cool. So

8:39 episodes, Kansas City is pretty cool. So much gorgeous architecture. I'm really

8:40 much gorgeous architecture. I'm really

8:40 much gorgeous architecture. I'm really surprised there haven't been more movies

8:42 surprised there haven't been more movies

8:42 surprised there haven't been more movies filmed in downtown Kansas City. There's

8:44 filmed in downtown Kansas City. There's

8:44 filmed in downtown Kansas City. There's some beautiful old buildings, creepy,

8:46 some beautiful old buildings, creepy,

8:46 some beautiful old buildings, creepy, cryptic looking little alleys, steam

8:48 cryptic looking little alleys, steam

8:48 cryptic looking little alleys, steam coming from the street. Little piece of

8:50 coming from the street. Little piece of

8:50 coming from the street. Little piece of Gotham City going on here. Anyway, this

8:52 Gotham City going on here. Anyway, this

8:52 Gotham City going on here. Anyway, this is where Walt Disney ended up next.

8:55 is where Walt Disney ended up next.

8:55 is where Walt Disney ended up next. 10:15 Central, aka the Kirk Building.

8:59 10:15 Central, aka the Kirk Building.

8:59 10:15 Central, aka the Kirk Building. And it was here that he brought his

9:01 And it was here that he brought his

9:01 And it was here that he brought his pencils and portfolio, applied for and

9:03 pencils and portfolio, applied for and

9:04 pencils and portfolio, applied for and was accepted for a job working for the

9:06 was accepted for a job working for the

9:06 was accepted for a job working for the Kansas City Slide Company. And look at

9:08 Kansas City Slide Company. And look at

9:08 Kansas City Slide Company. And look at this. To my great surprise, there is

9:10 this. To my great surprise, there is

9:10 this. To my great surprise, there is actually a plaque on the building. And

9:13 actually a plaque on the building. And

9:13 actually a plaque on the building. And it's a good thing, too, because this is

9:14 it's a good thing, too, because this is

9:14 it's a good thing, too, because this is a very important, very important part of

9:17 a very important, very important part of

9:17 a very important, very important part of the Walt Disney story. First though, can

9:19 the Walt Disney story. First though, can

9:19 the Walt Disney story. First though, can I just say I'm a little bit annoyed that

9:21 I just say I'm a little bit annoyed that

9:21 I just say I'm a little bit annoyed that I didn't notice this building or that

9:22 I didn't notice this building or that

9:22 I didn't notice this building or that plaque as I was walking back and forth

9:24 plaque as I was walking back and forth

9:24 plaque as I was walking back and forth from the convention center down there on

9:25 from the convention center down there on

9:25 from the convention center down there on top of the hill to that parking garage

9:28 top of the hill to that parking garage

9:28 top of the hill to that parking garage at the dead end of Central where I

9:29 at the dead end of Central where I

9:29 at the dead end of Central where I parked for the last 2 days. Now, this

9:32 parked for the last 2 days. Now, this

9:32 parked for the last 2 days. Now, this was really the location of Walt Disney's

9:34 was really the location of Walt Disney's

9:34 was really the location of Walt Disney's first steady job as an artist and his

9:37 first steady job as an artist and his

9:37 first steady job as an artist and his first job as far as I can tell as an

9:39 first job as far as I can tell as an

9:39 first job as far as I can tell as an animator. The Kansas City Slide Company

9:41 animator. The Kansas City Slide Company

9:41 animator. The Kansas City Slide Company had been established about 10 years

9:42 had been established about 10 years

9:42 had been established about 10 years earlier in 1910 by Arthur Vern AV Coger

9:46 earlier in 1910 by Arthur Vern AV Coger

9:46 earlier in 1910 by Arthur Vern AV Coger and they specialized in producing glass

9:49 and they specialized in producing glass

9:49 and they specialized in producing glass slide advertisements that were projected

9:52 slide advertisements that were projected

9:52 slide advertisements that were projected on movie screens at movie theaters

9:54 on movie screens at movie theaters

9:54 on movie screens at movie theaters before the film started. So like today

9:56 before the film started. So like today

9:56 before the film started. So like today when you go to AMC or Regal and you go

9:58 when you go to AMC or Regal and you go

9:58 when you go to AMC or Regal and you go see any movie, you'll notice there's all

10:00 see any movie, you'll notice there's all

10:00 see any movie, you'll notice there's all kinds of ads at the beginning for Coke

10:02 kinds of ads at the beginning for Coke

10:02 kinds of ads at the beginning for Coke and stuff like that. And it's crazy to

10:03 and stuff like that. And it's crazy to

10:03 and stuff like that. And it's crazy to think that the same thing was going on

10:05 think that the same thing was going on

10:05 think that the same thing was going on more than a hundred years ago in Kansas

10:07 more than a hundred years ago in Kansas

10:07 more than a hundred years ago in Kansas City. And the Kansas City Slide Company

10:10 City. And the Kansas City Slide Company

10:10 City. And the Kansas City Slide Company was producing those advertisements. And

10:13 was producing those advertisements. And

10:13 was producing those advertisements. And this is the building the company was

10:14 this is the building the company was

10:14 this is the building the company was located in when Walt Disney first got

10:17 located in when Walt Disney first got

10:17 located in when Walt Disney first got hired. Shortly after he was hired, the

10:19 hired. Shortly after he was hired, the

10:19 hired. Shortly after he was hired, the company changed its name to the Kansas

10:20 company changed its name to the Kansas

10:20 company changed its name to the Kansas City Film Ad Company and moved locations

10:24 City Film Ad Company and moved locations

10:24 City Film Ad Company and moved locations a little south of downtown. From what I

10:26 a little south of downtown. From what I

10:26 a little south of downtown. From what I understand, that building actually still

10:27 understand, that building actually still

10:27 understand, that building actually still stands, too. But to make a long story

10:28 stands, too. But to make a long story

10:28 stands, too. But to make a long story short here, once Disney got the job, he

10:31 short here, once Disney got the job, he

10:31 short here, once Disney got the job, he quickly convinced his employer that they

10:32 quickly convinced his employer that they

10:32 quickly convinced his employer that they needed to hire the upand cominging of

10:35 needed to hire the upand cominging of

10:35 needed to hire the upand cominging of eyeworks and the two were reunited here

10:37 eyeworks and the two were reunited here

10:37 eyeworks and the two were reunited here and this is where Walt Disney went from

10:38 and this is where Walt Disney went from

10:38 and this is where Walt Disney went from those still drawings, right, for those

10:40 those still drawings, right, for those

10:40 those still drawings, right, for those slide advertisements, just sort of a one

10:42 slide advertisements, just sort of a one

10:42 slide advertisements, just sort of a one picture drawing to very very rudimentary

10:45 picture drawing to very very rudimentary

10:45 picture drawing to very very rudimentary sort of cutout animated advertisements.

10:48 sort of cutout animated advertisements.

10:48 sort of cutout animated advertisements. And so it was while working for this

10:50 And so it was while working for this

10:50 And so it was while working for this company at this job over here that Walt

10:53 company at this job over here that Walt

10:53 company at this job over here that Walt Disney turned his focus from cartooning

10:56 Disney turned his focus from cartooning

10:56 Disney turned his focus from cartooning to animation, from illustrating to

10:59 to animation, from illustrating to

10:59 to animation, from illustrating to motion pictures. And this was his first

11:01 motion pictures. And this was his first

11:01 motion pictures. And this was his first job in the motion picture industry, a

11:05 job in the motion picture industry, a

11:05 job in the motion picture industry, a very important historical location. And

11:07 very important historical location. And

11:07 very important historical location. And I am so so happy that it does have a

11:10 I am so so happy that it does have a

11:10 I am so so happy that it does have a historical plaque right here for the

11:13 historical plaque right here for the

11:13 historical plaque right here for the Kirk building. And it does mention both

11:15 Kirk building. And it does mention both

11:15 Kirk building. And it does mention both Walt Disney of Eyeworks and the Kansas

11:18 Walt Disney of Eyeworks and the Kansas

11:18 Walt Disney of Eyeworks and the Kansas City Slide Company. And I just learned

11:20 City Slide Company. And I just learned

11:20 City Slide Company. And I just learned something from this plaque. In 1983,

11:22 something from this plaque. In 1983,

11:22 something from this plaque. In 1983, when the neighborhood was in decline, a

11:24 when the neighborhood was in decline, a

11:24 when the neighborhood was in decline, a lot of buildings were being taken down.

11:25 lot of buildings were being taken down.

11:25 lot of buildings were being taken down. A guy named Phil Kirk purchased and

11:27 A guy named Phil Kirk purchased and

11:27 A guy named Phil Kirk purchased and renovated this building, hence the

11:29 renovated this building, hence the

11:29 renovated this building, hence the moniker, the Kirk building. He was also

11:31 moniker, the Kirk building. He was also

11:31 moniker, the Kirk building. He was also apparently instrumental in founding the

11:33 apparently instrumental in founding the

11:33 apparently instrumental in founding the Crossroads Academy, which is now a

11:36 Crossroads Academy, which is now a

11:36 Crossroads Academy, which is now a school here, a rigorous academic school,

11:38 school here, a rigorous academic school,

11:38 school here, a rigorous academic school, the plaque said. And it's kind of cool

11:39 the plaque said. And it's kind of cool

11:39 the plaque said. And it's kind of cool that not only did Walt Disney get his

11:41 that not only did Walt Disney get his

11:41 that not only did Walt Disney get his first lessons about the motion picture

11:43 first lessons about the motion picture

11:43 first lessons about the motion picture business and animation over here, but

11:45 business and animation over here, but

11:45 business and animation over here, but now there are other Kansas City

11:47 now there are other Kansas City

11:47 now there are other Kansas City youngsters cutting their teeth and

11:49 youngsters cutting their teeth and

11:49 youngsters cutting their teeth and getting their education in this

11:51 getting their education in this

11:51 getting their education in this building. Actually, one of the teachers

11:52 building. Actually, one of the teachers

11:52 building. Actually, one of the teachers just came out and I was talking to her

11:53 just came out and I was talking to her

11:53 just came out and I was talking to her about the Walt Disney locations here.

11:55 about the Walt Disney locations here.

11:55 about the Walt Disney locations here. And I mentioned the Charlotte Street

11:56 And I mentioned the Charlotte Street

11:56 And I mentioned the Charlotte Street location that the Kansas City Slide

11:59 location that the Kansas City Slide

11:59 location that the Kansas City Slide Company later moved to where Walt Disney

12:01 Company later moved to where Walt Disney

12:01 Company later moved to where Walt Disney and of Eyeworks also worked. And

12:03 and of Eyeworks also worked. And

12:03 and of Eyeworks also worked. And unfortunately for history, but

12:05 unfortunately for history, but

12:05 unfortunately for history, but thankfully for my poor legs, she let me

12:07 thankfully for my poor legs, she let me

12:07 thankfully for my poor legs, she let me know my information is outdated and that

12:09 know my information is outdated and that

12:09 know my information is outdated and that building no longer exists. But that's

12:11 building no longer exists. But that's

12:12 building no longer exists. But that's okay because the most important next

12:13 okay because the most important next

12:13 okay because the most important next location was actually the Disney home on

12:15 location was actually the Disney home on

12:15 location was actually the Disney home on Bella Fontaine or rather the garage

12:18 Bella Fontaine or rather the garage

12:18 Bella Fontaine or rather the garage behind the home where Walt Disney unable

12:20 behind the home where Walt Disney unable

12:20 behind the home where Walt Disney unable to persuade the Kansas City slide

12:22 to persuade the Kansas City slide

12:22 to persuade the Kansas City slide company or ad company to delve into cell

12:25 company or ad company to delve into cell

12:25 company or ad company to delve into cell animation was starting to experiment

12:27 animation was starting to experiment

12:27 animation was starting to experiment with Eyeworks and Moonlighting creating

12:30 with Eyeworks and Moonlighting creating

12:30 with Eyeworks and Moonlighting creating Newman laughs little short films for the

12:33 Newman laughs little short films for the

12:33 Newman laughs little short films for the Newman theater. So, it's actually the

12:35 Newman theater. So, it's actually the

12:35 Newman theater. So, it's actually the house we saw in the last episode where

12:37 house we saw in the last episode where

12:37 house we saw in the last episode where Walt Disney really started working on

12:39 Walt Disney really started working on

12:39 Walt Disney really started working on animated cartoons. And luckily, we

12:41 animated cartoons. And luckily, we

12:41 animated cartoons. And luckily, we visited the house yesterday. So, we

12:42 visited the house yesterday. So, we

12:42 visited the house yesterday. So, we don't have to walk all the way back

12:44 don't have to walk all the way back

12:44 don't have to walk all the way back there today. However, these old legs

12:46 there today. However, these old legs

12:46 there today. However, these old legs still have a little more work to do

12:47 still have a little more work to do

12:47 still have a little more work to do because there is another very important

12:49 because there is another very important

12:49 because there is another very important location in downtown Kansas City that

12:52 location in downtown Kansas City that

12:52 location in downtown Kansas City that there's no way we can avoid visiting if

12:55 there's no way we can avoid visiting if

12:55 there's no way we can avoid visiting if we have the time. So, off I go on

12:56 we have the time. So, off I go on

12:56 we have the time. So, off I go on another 20-minute walk. But, it's not

12:58 another 20-minute walk. But, it's not

12:58 another 20-minute walk. But, it's not bad. And I like walking around here

12:59 bad. And I like walking around here

12:59 bad. And I like walking around here trying to picture this city back in the

13:01 trying to picture this city back in the

13:01 trying to picture this city back in the 1920s, picturing Walt Disney walking

13:04 1920s, picturing Walt Disney walking

13:04 1920s, picturing Walt Disney walking around here. Now, the Kansas City Slide

13:06 around here. Now, the Kansas City Slide

13:06 around here. Now, the Kansas City Slide Company, like I mentioned, was Walt's

13:07 Company, like I mentioned, was Walt's

13:07 Company, like I mentioned, was Walt's first steady job in sort of

13:09 first steady job in sort of

13:09 first steady job in sort of entertainment and art. The company

13:11 entertainment and art. The company

13:11 entertainment and art. The company changed names and locations, but he

13:13 changed names and locations, but he

13:13 changed names and locations, but he worked there for about 2 years and 4

13:15 worked there for about 2 years and 4

13:15 worked there for about 2 years and 4 months before eventually moving on once

13:17 months before eventually moving on once

13:18 months before eventually moving on once again with his pal of I works to start

13:20 again with his pal of I works to start

13:20 again with his pal of I works to start their own business, which we'll get to.

13:22 their own business, which we'll get to.

13:22 their own business, which we'll get to. We're going to fast forward a little bit

13:23 We're going to fast forward a little bit

13:24 We're going to fast forward a little bit in the story, though. This is Kansas

13:26 in the story, though. This is Kansas

13:26 in the story, though. This is Kansas City's Union Station, built and opened

13:30 City's Union Station, built and opened

13:30 City's Union Station, built and opened in 1914. And at the time it was built,

13:33 in 1914. And at the time it was built,

13:33 in 1914. And at the time it was built, trains were still the main method of

13:35 trains were still the main method of

13:35 trains were still the main method of transportation across the United States.

13:38 transportation across the United States.

13:38 transportation across the United States. And this was one of the largest train

13:40 And this was one of the largest train

13:40 And this was one of the largest train stations in the country. Literally

13:42 stations in the country. Literally

13:42 stations in the country. Literally thousands of passengers per day were

13:45 thousands of passengers per day were

13:45 thousands of passengers per day were coming in and out of Union Station. And

13:47 coming in and out of Union Station. And

13:47 coming in and out of Union Station. And this place was absolutely crucial for

13:48 this place was absolutely crucial for

13:48 this place was absolutely crucial for Walt Disney in a couple of ways. as I

13:51 Walt Disney in a couple of ways. as I

13:51 Walt Disney in a couple of ways. as I just mentioned when he started his own

13:52 just mentioned when he started his own

13:52 just mentioned when he started his own company again with Eyeworks, the famous

13:55 company again with Eyeworks, the famous

13:55 company again with Eyeworks, the famous Laugh Oog Studios, doing the same kind

13:58 Laugh Oog Studios, doing the same kind

13:58 Laugh Oog Studios, doing the same kind of work as they were doing for the

13:59 of work as they were doing for the

13:59 of work as they were doing for the Kansas City Slide Company, only this

14:01 Kansas City Slide Company, only this

14:01 Kansas City Slide Company, only this time with Walt Disney in charge.

14:03 time with Walt Disney in charge.

14:03 time with Walt Disney in charge. Ultimately, it was once again a failure,

14:06 Ultimately, it was once again a failure,

14:06 Ultimately, it was once again a failure, which is probably why Walt always looked

14:08 which is probably why Walt always looked

14:08 which is probably why Walt always looked back with fondness at Marceline and sort

14:09 back with fondness at Marceline and sort

14:10 back with fondness at Marceline and sort of glossed over the Kansas City period

14:11 of glossed over the Kansas City period

14:11 of glossed over the Kansas City period because it was marked with so many

14:13 because it was marked with so many

14:13 because it was marked with so many failures. But like Thomas Edison, he was

14:15 failures. But like Thomas Edison, he was

14:15 failures. But like Thomas Edison, he was really just learning all the ways to not

14:17 really just learning all the ways to not

14:17 really just learning all the ways to not invent a light bulb, if you know what I

14:20 invent a light bulb, if you know what I

14:20 invent a light bulb, if you know what I mean. Anyway, in the last final months

14:22 mean. Anyway, in the last final months

14:22 mean. Anyway, in the last final months of Laugh, and I know we fast forwarded

14:24 of Laugh, and I know we fast forwarded

14:24 of Laugh, and I know we fast forwarded the story a little bit, Walt Disney was

14:26 the story a little bit, Walt Disney was

14:26 the story a little bit, Walt Disney was so broke he ended up living on the

14:28 so broke he ended up living on the

14:28 so broke he ended up living on the studio floor, just sleeping in their

14:30 studio floor, just sleeping in their

14:30 studio floor, just sleeping in their little office that had apparently no

14:33 little office that had apparently no

14:33 little office that had apparently no sort of proper restroom or at least

14:35 sort of proper restroom or at least

14:35 sort of proper restroom or at least shower facilities. And so the legend

14:38 shower facilities. And so the legend

14:38 shower facilities. And so the legend goes that when Walt Disney was on really

14:40 goes that when Walt Disney was on really

14:40 goes that when Walt Disney was on really hard times, once a week he would come

14:42 hard times, once a week he would come

14:42 hard times, once a week he would come down here to Union Station where there

14:44 down here to Union Station where there

14:44 down here to Union Station where there were restroom and shower facilities for

14:47 were restroom and shower facilities for

14:47 were restroom and shower facilities for the travelers and pay anywhere from 10

14:49 the travelers and pay anywhere from 10

14:49 the travelers and pay anywhere from 10 to 25 cents to get a hot shower. Now,

14:52 to 25 cents to get a hot shower. Now,

14:52 to 25 cents to get a hot shower. Now, this story is in multiple multiple

14:54 this story is in multiple multiple

14:54 this story is in multiple multiple biographies of Walt Disney. Sometimes

14:56 biographies of Walt Disney. Sometimes

14:56 biographies of Walt Disney. Sometimes they mention the sort of pay showers for

14:58 they mention the sort of pay showers for

14:58 they mention the sort of pay showers for guests that were traveling by train.

15:00 guests that were traveling by train.

15:00 guests that were traveling by train. Sometimes they say he sort of snuck in

15:01 Sometimes they say he sort of snuck in

15:01 Sometimes they say he sort of snuck in and used the sinks to shower himself

15:03 and used the sinks to shower himself

15:03 and used the sinks to shower himself off. But from all the historical

15:04 off. But from all the historical

15:04 off. But from all the historical research I've seen, these giant train

15:07 research I've seen, these giant train

15:07 research I've seen, these giant train stations from back in the day did have

15:09 stations from back in the day did have

15:09 stations from back in the day did have shower facilities for travelers that you

15:11 shower facilities for travelers that you

15:11 shower facilities for travelers that you had to pay for. And they must have been

15:12 had to pay for. And they must have been

15:12 had to pay for. And they must have been nice, must have been quite a luxury for

15:14 nice, must have been quite a luxury for

15:14 nice, must have been quite a luxury for Walt Disney at the time because Union

15:16 Walt Disney at the time because Union

15:16 Walt Disney at the time because Union Station isn't really near either of the

15:18 Station isn't really near either of the

15:18 Station isn't really near either of the places Walt was working for back in that

15:20 places Walt was working for back in that

15:20 places Walt was working for back in that time period. And they must have been

15:21 time period. And they must have been

15:21 time period. And they must have been nice. And it must have been quite a

15:23 nice. And it must have been quite a

15:23 nice. And it must have been quite a luxury for Walt Disney because Union

15:25 luxury for Walt Disney because Union

15:25 luxury for Walt Disney because Union Station is nowhere near Laugh. It must

15:27 Station is nowhere near Laugh. It must

15:27 Station is nowhere near Laugh. It must have been quite a little journey. And

15:28 have been quite a little journey. And

15:28 have been quite a little journey. And like I say, quite a luxury for Walt

15:30 like I say, quite a luxury for Walt

15:30 like I say, quite a luxury for Walt Disney who was down on his luck at the

15:32 Disney who was down on his luck at the

15:32 Disney who was down on his luck at the time. his family had moved away from

15:34 time. his family had moved away from

15:34 time. his family had moved away from Kansas City. And for context, this is

15:35 Kansas City. And for context, this is

15:35 Kansas City. And for context, this is all going down in the period between May

15:38 all going down in the period between May

15:38 all going down in the period between May 1922 and July

15:41 1922 and July

15:41 1922 and July 1923. This was Walt Disney's bathroom.

15:45 1923. This was Walt Disney's bathroom.

15:45 1923. This was Walt Disney's bathroom. Now, today, as you can see from the

15:46 Now, today, as you can see from the

15:46 Now, today, as you can see from the giant banner up here, uh Union Station

15:49 giant banner up here, uh Union Station

15:49 giant banner up here, uh Union Station is used as something of an event center

15:51 is used as something of an event center

15:51 is used as something of an event center because there's so much square footage

15:53 because there's so much square footage

15:53 because there's so much square footage in the building and obviously a lot less

15:55 in the building and obviously a lot less

15:55 in the building and obviously a lot less a lot fewer uh travelers on the

15:57 a lot fewer uh travelers on the

15:57 a lot fewer uh travelers on the railroads today and coming in and out of

15:59 railroads today and coming in and out of

15:59 railroads today and coming in and out of Union Station. And it just so happens

16:00 Union Station. And it just so happens

16:00 Union Station. And it just so happens that after all this walking around, I

16:02 that after all this walking around, I

16:02 that after all this walking around, I need to use the restrooms here. So, I'm

16:05 need to use the restrooms here. So, I'm

16:05 need to use the restrooms here. So, I'm headed inside. And this is one Walt

16:07 headed inside. And this is one Walt

16:07 headed inside. And this is one Walt Disney location I've actually never been

16:09 Disney location I've actually never been

16:09 Disney location I've actually never been to. Oh

16:11 to. Oh

16:11 to. Oh wow. Oh my gosh. Would you look at the

16:15 wow. Oh my gosh. Would you look at the

16:15 wow. Oh my gosh. Would you look at the size of this incredible building?

16:19 size of this incredible building?

16:19 size of this incredible building? Holy cow. Now, I have to give a special

16:22 Holy cow. Now, I have to give a special

16:22 Holy cow. Now, I have to give a special shout out here. There was a fellow by

16:24 shout out here. There was a fellow by

16:24 shout out here. There was a fellow by the name of Jason Craig, a Kansas City

16:26 the name of Jason Craig, a Kansas City

16:26 the name of Jason Craig, a Kansas City local. He had a YouTube channel called

16:27 local. He had a YouTube channel called

16:27 local. He had a YouTube channel called 66 Hell. And back in the very earliest

16:30 66 Hell. And back in the very earliest

16:30 66 Hell. And back in the very earliest days of me doing YouTube videos and my

16:32 days of me doing YouTube videos and my

16:32 days of me doing YouTube videos and my friend Adam the Woo doing YouTube videos

16:34 friend Adam the Woo doing YouTube videos

16:34 friend Adam the Woo doing YouTube videos and traveling around, he would always

16:35 and traveling around, he would always

16:35 and traveling around, he would always reach out to us. He was a great guy, a

16:37 reach out to us. He was a great guy, a

16:37 reach out to us. He was a great guy, a really kind guy, nice supporter, one of

16:39 really kind guy, nice supporter, one of

16:39 really kind guy, nice supporter, one of my earliest supporters, in fact, and he

16:41 my earliest supporters, in fact, and he

16:41 my earliest supporters, in fact, and he would always tell us, "You guys got to

16:42 would always tell us, "You guys got to

16:42 would always tell us, "You guys got to come down to Union Station." He would

16:45 come down to Union Station." He would

16:45 come down to Union Station." He would always reach out to me and tell me about

16:46 always reach out to me and tell me about

16:46 always reach out to me and tell me about the Kansas City Walt Disney spots back

16:49 the Kansas City Walt Disney spots back

16:49 the Kansas City Walt Disney spots back then. Sadly, he was diagnosed with ALS

16:51 then. Sadly, he was diagnosed with ALS

16:52 then. Sadly, he was diagnosed with ALS with Lou Garri's disease. became

16:53 with Lou Garri's disease. became

16:53 with Lou Garri's disease. became wheelchair bound and then eventually

16:55 wheelchair bound and then eventually

16:55 wheelchair bound and then eventually just communicated with us typing with

16:57 just communicated with us typing with

16:57 just communicated with us typing with his eyes actually as the disease kind of

17:00 his eyes actually as the disease kind of

17:00 his eyes actually as the disease kind of took over. The last message I got from

17:02 took over. The last message I got from

17:02 took over. The last message I got from him, he was in the hospital wearing a

17:03 him, he was in the hospital wearing a

17:04 him, he was in the hospital wearing a random l shirt, sent me a picture and

17:06 random l shirt, sent me a picture and

17:06 random l shirt, sent me a picture and really strongly encouraged me. He said,

17:07 really strongly encouraged me. He said,

17:07 really strongly encouraged me. He said, "I don't have long guys, but uh I really

17:10 "I don't have long guys, but uh I really

17:10 "I don't have long guys, but uh I really want you to go and film Union Station

17:13 want you to go and film Union Station

17:13 want you to go and film Union Station and another spot here in Kansas City."

17:15 and another spot here in Kansas City."

17:15 and another spot here in Kansas City." So, I got to dedicate this little

17:16 So, I got to dedicate this little

17:16 So, I got to dedicate this little portion of the video to Jason Craig's 66

17:19 portion of the video to Jason Craig's 66

17:19 portion of the video to Jason Craig's 66 Hell Ride. And boy, was he on to

17:20 Hell Ride. And boy, was he on to

17:20 Hell Ride. And boy, was he on to something. Look at the size of this

17:21 something. Look at the size of this

17:21 something. Look at the size of this place. It's incredible. Look at this.

17:23 place. It's incredible. Look at this.

17:23 place. It's incredible. Look at this. There are so many little spaces. There

17:25 There are so many little spaces. There

17:25 There are so many little spaces. There are restaurants and bars. You got to go

17:27 are restaurants and bars. You got to go

17:27 are restaurants and bars. You got to go this way to get your Amtrak tickets.

17:29 this way to get your Amtrak tickets.

17:29 this way to get your Amtrak tickets. Look at this. The HD Railroad Gallery in

17:32 Look at this. The HD Railroad Gallery in

17:32 Look at this. The HD Railroad Gallery in here. Oh, wow. Look at that miniature

17:35 here. Oh, wow. Look at that miniature

17:35 here. Oh, wow. Look at that miniature train. Walt Disney sure would have loved

17:36 train. Walt Disney sure would have loved

17:36 train. Walt Disney sure would have loved that. That's about the size of Walt

17:38 that. That's about the size of Walt

17:38 that. That's about the size of Walt Disney's live steamer trains he would

17:40 Disney's live steamer trains he would

17:40 Disney's live steamer trains he would ride around once he was successful in

17:41 ride around once he was successful in

17:42 ride around once he was successful in Los Angeles. But of course, at the time

17:43 Los Angeles. But of course, at the time

17:43 Los Angeles. But of course, at the time Walt was here, he was anything but

17:45 Walt was here, he was anything but

17:45 Walt was here, he was anything but successful coming to Union Station to

17:47 successful coming to Union Station to

17:47 successful coming to Union Station to use the restrooms, to have a shower, and

17:50 use the restrooms, to have a shower, and

17:50 use the restrooms, to have a shower, and of course, importantly, to ride the

17:53 of course, importantly, to ride the

17:54 of course, importantly, to ride the trains. Oh, look at this shop, the Rally

17:55 trains. Oh, look at this shop, the Rally

17:55 trains. Oh, look at this shop, the Rally House. They got all kinds of Kansas City

17:58 House. They got all kinds of Kansas City

17:58 House. They got all kinds of Kansas City souvenirs. Oo, including some Union

17:59 souvenirs. Oo, including some Union

18:00 souvenirs. Oo, including some Union Station souvenirs. I might pick myself

18:01 Station souvenirs. I might pick myself

18:01 Station souvenirs. I might pick myself up one of those. And look at this. This

18:04 up one of those. And look at this. This

18:04 up one of those. And look at this. This is the Grand Plaza over here. They have

18:07 is the Grand Plaza over here. They have

18:07 is the Grand Plaza over here. They have all kinds of events in this. Look at the

18:10 all kinds of events in this. Look at the

18:10 all kinds of events in this. Look at the sh of that space. It says it's closed

18:13 sh of that space. It says it's closed

18:13 sh of that space. It says it's closed for a private event. I know there's some

18:15 for a private event. I know there's some

18:15 for a private event. I know there's some big important basketball stuff about to

18:17 big important basketball stuff about to

18:17 big important basketball stuff about to go down in Kansas City in the next

18:19 go down in Kansas City in the next

18:19 go down in Kansas City in the next couple of days. A lot of big events

18:20 couple of days. A lot of big events

18:20 couple of days. A lot of big events going on actually. I am freaking blown

18:22 going on actually. I am freaking blown

18:22 going on actually. I am freaking blown away by that. And that is incredible.

18:24 away by that. And that is incredible.

18:24 away by that. And that is incredible. I'm just standing here in awe of the

18:26 I'm just standing here in awe of the

18:26 I'm just standing here in awe of the sheer size of that space. Look at the sh

18:30 sheer size of that space. Look at the sh

18:30 sheer size of that space. Look at the sh of that ruby. But I'm not going to lie

18:32 of that ruby. But I'm not going to lie

18:32 of that ruby. But I'm not going to lie to you. I really want to get a

18:33 to you. I really want to get a

18:33 to you. I really want to get a skateboard and just cruise along that

18:35 skateboard and just cruise along that

18:35 skateboard and just cruise along that floor on my belly. You know, get a

18:37 floor on my belly. You know, get a

18:37 floor on my belly. You know, get a running start and just got a nice fancy

18:39 running start and just got a nice fancy

18:39 running start and just got a nice fancy restaurant over here. Harvey's. Perfect.

18:41 restaurant over here. Harvey's. Perfect.

18:41 restaurant over here. Harvey's. Perfect. That's a perfectly named railroad

18:42 That's a perfectly named railroad

18:42 That's a perfectly named railroad restaurant. Oh, and here you have the

18:43 restaurant. Oh, and here you have the

18:43 restaurant. Oh, and here you have the entrance to Kansas City Science City.

18:46 entrance to Kansas City Science City.

18:46 entrance to Kansas City Science City. And over here there's some escalators

18:47 And over here there's some escalators

18:47 And over here there's some escalators down to the extreme screen theater, the

18:50 down to the extreme screen theater, the

18:50 down to the extreme screen theater, the city stage, and the planetarium. So, the

18:52 city stage, and the planetarium. So, the

18:52 city stage, and the planetarium. So, the planetarium is actually located in here.

18:54 planetarium is actually located in here.

18:54 planetarium is actually located in here. This is where that Guinness uh world

18:56 This is where that Guinness uh world

18:56 This is where that Guinness uh world records exhibition is going on just down

18:59 records exhibition is going on just down

18:59 records exhibition is going on just down there. This whole place is incredible. I

19:01 there. This whole place is incredible. I

19:01 there. This whole place is incredible. I mean, it's covered with murals and there

19:05 mean, it's covered with murals and there

19:05 mean, it's covered with murals and there are giant clocks. I mean, this is

19:08 are giant clocks. I mean, this is

19:08 are giant clocks. I mean, this is incredible. This is the way the parking

19:10 incredible. This is the way the parking

19:10 incredible. This is the way the parking garage and that movie theater down

19:11 garage and that movie theater down

19:12 garage and that movie theater down there. What I'm even more interested in

19:13 there. What I'm even more interested in

19:13 there. What I'm even more interested in are the restrooms. Wow, this is amazing.

19:16 are the restrooms. Wow, this is amazing.

19:16 are the restrooms. Wow, this is amazing. Look at the old shoe shine stand. There

19:18 Look at the old shoe shine stand. There

19:18 Look at the old shoe shine stand. There were actually shoe shine boys at

19:20 were actually shoe shine boys at

19:20 were actually shoe shine boys at Disneyland when Walt Disney first opened

19:22 Disneyland when Walt Disney first opened

19:22 Disneyland when Walt Disney first opened it. I wonder if he was inspired by

19:24 it. I wonder if he was inspired by

19:24 it. I wonder if he was inspired by seeing the shoe shine boys here when he

19:26 seeing the shoe shine boys here when he

19:26 seeing the shoe shine boys here when he would cruise around to use the restrooms

19:29 would cruise around to use the restrooms

19:29 would cruise around to use the restrooms at Union Station. Oh my gosh, you guys.

19:32 at Union Station. Oh my gosh, you guys.

19:32 at Union Station. Oh my gosh, you guys. I might have just used one of the same

19:33 I might have just used one of the same

19:33 I might have just used one of the same restrooms as Walt Disney. Too bad

19:36 restrooms as Walt Disney. Too bad

19:36 restrooms as Walt Disney. Too bad they've probably switched out the

19:37 they've probably switched out the

19:37 they've probably switched out the toilets for these modern ones.

19:38 toilets for these modern ones.

19:38 toilets for these modern ones. Otherwise, we'd be toilet bros. Now, I

19:40 Otherwise, we'd be toilet bros. Now, I

19:40 Otherwise, we'd be toilet bros. Now, I was doing a little chitchat with some of

19:41 was doing a little chitchat with some of

19:41 was doing a little chitchat with some of the security here, who have uh seen

19:43 the security here, who have uh seen

19:43 the security here, who have uh seen other people come through and kind of

19:46 other people come through and kind of

19:46 other people come through and kind of look at the Walt Disney connection here.

19:48 look at the Walt Disney connection here.

19:48 look at the Walt Disney connection here. They were saying the likeliest place

19:49 They were saying the likeliest place

19:49 They were saying the likeliest place that the old showers would have been

19:51 that the old showers would have been

19:51 that the old showers would have been located was down near the waiting room

19:53 located was down near the waiting room

19:53 located was down near the waiting room area, kind of downstairs from here, near

19:55 area, kind of downstairs from here, near

19:55 area, kind of downstairs from here, near the platforms. Which makes sense because

19:56 the platforms. Which makes sense because

19:56 the platforms. Which makes sense because part of the way they always write up

19:58 part of the way they always write up

19:58 part of the way they always write up this story is that Walt kind of acted

20:00 this story is that Walt kind of acted

20:00 this story is that Walt kind of acted like or disguised himself as a traveler

20:02 like or disguised himself as a traveler

20:02 like or disguised himself as a traveler so he wouldn't arouse a suspicion, which

20:04 so he wouldn't arouse a suspicion, which

20:04 so he wouldn't arouse a suspicion, which makes a lot more sense if he had to head

20:05 makes a lot more sense if he had to head

20:05 makes a lot more sense if he had to head into areas where people were waiting for

20:07 into areas where people were waiting for

20:07 into areas where people were waiting for their trains. And look at this. On the

20:09 their trains. And look at this. On the

20:09 their trains. And look at this. On the right hand side, you can see sort of the

20:10 right hand side, you can see sort of the

20:10 right hand side, you can see sort of the main area we entered through and see the

20:12 main area we entered through and see the

20:12 main area we entered through and see the way it looked back in the day when more

20:14 way it looked back in the day when more

20:14 way it looked back in the day when more people were riding the rails. Then

20:16 people were riding the rails. Then

20:16 people were riding the rails. Then here's that giant grand gallery just

20:18 here's that giant grand gallery just

20:18 here's that giant grand gallery just full of seats, full of places for people

20:20 full of seats, full of places for people

20:20 full of seats, full of places for people to wait. You can see some lockers there,

20:22 to wait. You can see some lockers there,

20:22 to wait. You can see some lockers there, some ticket counters. The whole place

20:24 some ticket counters. The whole place

20:24 some ticket counters. The whole place was basically a waiting room back in the

20:26 was basically a waiting room back in the

20:26 was basically a waiting room back in the day. Today, the waiting room for Amtrak

20:28 day. Today, the waiting room for Amtrak

20:28 day. Today, the waiting room for Amtrak is quite small. Look at it. But they do

20:30 is quite small. Look at it. But they do

20:30 is quite small. Look at it. But they do have some of those old, I presume,

20:32 have some of those old, I presume,

20:32 have some of those old, I presume, original benches in here. Man, this is

20:35 original benches in here. Man, this is

20:35 original benches in here. Man, this is incredible to think of Walt Disney

20:37 incredible to think of Walt Disney

20:37 incredible to think of Walt Disney waiting or perhaps even sleeping on one

20:39 waiting or perhaps even sleeping on one

20:40 waiting or perhaps even sleeping on one of these benches. People are sleeping on

20:41 of these benches. People are sleeping on

20:41 of these benches. People are sleeping on these benches today. No luck locating

20:43 these benches today. No luck locating

20:43 these benches today. No luck locating the former shower facilities. The whole

20:45 the former shower facilities. The whole

20:45 the former shower facilities. The whole place has been remodeled and repurposed

20:47 place has been remodeled and repurposed

20:47 place has been remodeled and repurposed in lots of different ways. But look at

20:48 in lots of different ways. But look at

20:48 in lots of different ways. But look at this. Even the details of the door knobs

20:50 this. Even the details of the door knobs

20:50 this. Even the details of the door knobs are fantastic. There's this little

20:52 are fantastic. There's this little

20:52 are fantastic. There's this little doorway

20:54 doorway

20:54 doorway here. They said entrance to the model

20:56 here. They said entrance to the model

20:56 here. They said entrance to the model train exhibit. But upon exiting the

20:59 train exhibit. But upon exiting the

20:59 train exhibit. But upon exiting the doorway, all I see is the pedestrian

21:00 doorway, all I see is the pedestrian

21:00 doorway, all I see is the pedestrian bridge back over to downtown. As much as

21:03 bridge back over to downtown. As much as

21:03 bridge back over to downtown. As much as I love model trains, maybe that's a side

21:05 I love model trains, maybe that's a side

21:05 I love model trains, maybe that's a side quest for another day. Okay, so here's

21:07 quest for another day. Okay, so here's

21:07 quest for another day. Okay, so here's the deal. Here's why Union Station was

21:09 the deal. Here's why Union Station was

21:09 the deal. Here's why Union Station was so important for Walt Disney. It wasn't

21:11 so important for Walt Disney. It wasn't

21:11 so important for Walt Disney. It wasn't just important as his bathroom, although

21:14 just important as his bathroom, although

21:14 just important as his bathroom, although that does illustrate just the kind of

21:16 that does illustrate just the kind of

21:16 that does illustrate just the kind of hard times that Walt Disney was reduced

21:19 hard times that Walt Disney was reduced

21:19 hard times that Walt Disney was reduced to. Right now, Walt Disney's family had

21:21 to. Right now, Walt Disney's family had

21:21 to. Right now, Walt Disney's family had moved to Chicago. He went to France to

21:23 moved to Chicago. He went to France to

21:23 moved to Chicago. He went to France to be an ambulance driver right after World

21:25 be an ambulance driver right after World

21:25 be an ambulance driver right after World War I. His whole family had basically

21:27 War I. His whole family had basically

21:27 War I. His whole family had basically moved to Chicago by this point. And he

21:28 moved to Chicago by this point. And he

21:28 moved to Chicago by this point. And he had come back to Kansas City where he

21:30 had come back to Kansas City where he

21:30 had come back to Kansas City where he had friends and other relatives and

21:32 had friends and other relatives and

21:32 had friends and other relatives and really really tried to make it happen as

21:35 really really tried to make it happen as

21:35 really really tried to make it happen as an artist. Right? This is the place he

21:37 an artist. Right? This is the place he

21:37 an artist. Right? This is the place he really thought and dreamed big that he

21:39 really thought and dreamed big that he

21:39 really thought and dreamed big that he could succeed and everything. Had gotten

21:41 could succeed and everything. Had gotten

21:41 could succeed and everything. Had gotten into animation, had started laugh

21:43 into animation, had started laugh

21:43 into animation, had started laugh studios with eyeworks where he would

21:46 studios with eyeworks where he would

21:46 studios with eyeworks where he would produce some of his first cartoons. In

21:49 produce some of his first cartoons. In

21:49 produce some of his first cartoons. In fact, some of them are available on

21:52 fact, some of them are available on

21:52 fact, some of them are available on YouTube to this very day. Although many

21:53 YouTube to this very day. Although many

21:53 YouTube to this very day. Although many other ones are lost now to the ravages

21:56 other ones are lost now to the ravages

21:56 other ones are lost now to the ravages of history. I don't believe any of the

21:58 of history. I don't believe any of the

21:58 of history. I don't believe any of the original Newman laughs have survived at

22:00 original Newman laughs have survived at

22:00 original Newman laughs have survived at all. They're considered lost. Those are

22:02 all. They're considered lost. Those are

22:02 all. They're considered lost. Those are sort of short animated cartoons created

22:05 sort of short animated cartoons created

22:05 sort of short animated cartoons created as uh reels for theaters just sort of

22:07 as uh reels for theaters just sort of

22:07 as uh reels for theaters just sort of like the advertisements that they

22:08 like the advertisements that they

22:08 like the advertisements that they started working on. They were basically

22:09 started working on. They were basically

22:10 started working on. They were basically doing the same work just evolving it and

22:12 doing the same work just evolving it and

22:12 doing the same work just evolving it and turning it basically into a cartoon

22:14 turning it basically into a cartoon

22:14 turning it basically into a cartoon studio but it was a colossal failure

22:16 studio but it was a colossal failure

22:16 studio but it was a colossal failure ultimately. They went bankrupt. And this

22:18 ultimately. They went bankrupt. And this

22:18 ultimately. They went bankrupt. And this is where Union Station once again comes

22:21 is where Union Station once again comes

22:21 is where Union Station once again comes to play a major part in the Disney story

22:23 to play a major part in the Disney story

22:23 to play a major part in the Disney story because this is the place Walt Disney

22:25 because this is the place Walt Disney

22:25 because this is the place Walt Disney came to with his suitcase and a dream

22:29 came to with his suitcase and a dream

22:29 came to with his suitcase and a dream and apparently $40. all the money he

22:31 and apparently $40. all the money he

22:31 and apparently $40. all the money he could scrape together in the world and

22:33 could scrape together in the world and

22:33 could scrape together in the world and bought a one-way train ticket to Los

22:36 bought a one-way train ticket to Los

22:36 bought a one-way train ticket to Los Angeles where his uncle Robert was

22:38 Angeles where his uncle Robert was

22:38 Angeles where his uncle Robert was living. And of course, Los Angeles was

22:40 living. And of course, Los Angeles was

22:40 living. And of course, Los Angeles was just then becoming sort of the hub of

22:42 just then becoming sort of the hub of

22:42 just then becoming sort of the hub of the movie industry, right? Supposedly,

22:45 the movie industry, right? Supposedly,

22:45 the movie industry, right? Supposedly, he went with a little bit of film in

22:47 he went with a little bit of film in

22:47 he went with a little bit of film in that suitcase from an uncompleted

22:49 that suitcase from an uncompleted

22:49 that suitcase from an uncompleted project at Laugh. And this was the place

22:51 project at Laugh. And this was the place

22:51 project at Laugh. And this was the place where the near penniles Walt Disney

22:53 where the near penniles Walt Disney

22:53 where the near penniles Walt Disney sometime on July 10th or 11th,

22:57 sometime on July 10th or 11th,

22:57 sometime on July 10th or 11th, 1923 purchased that one-way ticket and

22:59 1923 purchased that one-way ticket and

22:59 1923 purchased that one-way ticket and headed out to the coast, headed out to

23:02 headed out to the coast, headed out to

23:02 headed out to the coast, headed out to Hollywood with nothing but that suitcase

23:05 Hollywood with nothing but that suitcase

23:05 Hollywood with nothing but that suitcase and a dream. After he got to Hollywood,

23:07 and a dream. After he got to Hollywood,

23:07 and a dream. After he got to Hollywood, he would complete that unfinished

23:08 he would complete that unfinished

23:08 he would complete that unfinished project he started here, the Alice

23:11 project he started here, the Alice

23:11 project he started here, the Alice Comedies is what they came to be known

23:12 Comedies is what they came to be known

23:12 Comedies is what they came to be known as, which produced some mildest success

23:15 as, which produced some mildest success

23:15 as, which produced some mildest success out on the West Coast. Then they

23:16 out on the West Coast. Then they

23:16 out on the West Coast. Then they invented Oswald, the lucky rabbit. And

23:19 invented Oswald, the lucky rabbit. And

23:19 invented Oswald, the lucky rabbit. And when that was basically stolen from

23:21 when that was basically stolen from

23:21 when that was basically stolen from them, Walt Disney and Eyeworks huddled

23:23 them, Walt Disney and Eyeworks huddled

23:23 them, Walt Disney and Eyeworks huddled together famously supposedly according

23:25 together famously supposedly according

23:25 together famously supposedly according to legend in his garage on Lyric Avenue

23:28 to legend in his garage on Lyric Avenue

23:28 to legend in his garage on Lyric Avenue in Los Angeles and created Mickey Mouse.

23:31 in Los Angeles and created Mickey Mouse.

23:31 in Los Angeles and created Mickey Mouse. Although his original idea for starting

23:32 Although his original idea for starting

23:32 Although his original idea for starting over with a new character came on a

23:34 over with a new character came on a

23:34 over with a new character came on a train journey back to Los Angeles. So

23:37 train journey back to Los Angeles. So

23:37 train journey back to Los Angeles. So once again, the railroads played a major

23:40 once again, the railroads played a major

23:40 once again, the railroads played a major part in the story of Disney even before

23:43 part in the story of Disney even before

23:43 part in the story of Disney even before there was a Disneyland Railroad. You

23:45 there was a Disneyland Railroad. You

23:45 there was a Disneyland Railroad. You know what I mean? This is one of those

23:46 know what I mean? This is one of those

23:46 know what I mean? This is one of those times you really have to stop and think,

23:48 times you really have to stop and think,

23:48 times you really have to stop and think, "Oh, yeah, cool. That's a really neat

23:49 "Oh, yeah, cool. That's a really neat

23:49 "Oh, yeah, cool. That's a really neat story. You got to stop and take a moment

23:51 story. You got to stop and take a moment

23:51 story. You got to stop and take a moment to really think about being young and

23:53 to really think about being young and

23:53 to really think about being young and absolutely penniles." He was about 22

23:56 absolutely penniles." He was about 22

23:56 absolutely penniles." He was about 22 years old or just shy of there and was a

23:59 years old or just shy of there and was a

23:59 years old or just shy of there and was a failure really as an artist, a failure

24:01 failure really as an artist, a failure

24:01 failure really as an artist, a failure as an animator, a failure as a

24:04 as an animator, a failure as a

24:04 as an animator, a failure as a businessman. He's cruising out to go

24:06 businessman. He's cruising out to go

24:06 businessman. He's cruising out to go live in his uncle Robert's house in Los

24:08 live in his uncle Robert's house in Los

24:08 live in his uncle Robert's house in Los Angeles. Who knows how long that's going

24:10 Angeles. Who knows how long that's going

24:10 Angeles. Who knows how long that's going to work out. And the man would go on to

24:12 to work out. And the man would go on to

24:12 to work out. And the man would go on to found an empire even in his own

24:14 found an empire even in his own

24:14 found an empire even in his own lifetime. Disney became an empire and

24:16 lifetime. Disney became an empire and

24:16 lifetime. Disney became an empire and influenced children and artists all

24:19 influenced children and artists all

24:19 influenced children and artists all around the world for the next hundred

24:22 around the world for the next hundred

24:22 around the world for the next hundred years. The broke penniles young man in

24:25 years. The broke penniles young man in

24:25 years. The broke penniles young man in the 1920s that departed this station who

24:28 the 1920s that departed this station who

24:28 the 1920s that departed this station who was a total failure would become one of

24:30 was a total failure would become one of

24:30 was a total failure would become one of the greatest American success stories.

24:33 the greatest American success stories.

24:33 the greatest American success stories. And that is why fittingly 100 years

24:35 And that is why fittingly 100 years

24:35 And that is why fittingly 100 years later, the Walt Disney Company held one

24:38 later, the Walt Disney Company held one

24:38 later, the Walt Disney Company held one of the Disney 100 exhibitions here at

24:42 of the Disney 100 exhibitions here at

24:42 of the Disney 100 exhibitions here at Union Station, showcasing the legacy of

24:44 Union Station, showcasing the legacy of

24:44 Union Station, showcasing the legacy of a 100red years of Walt Disney's work and

24:46 a 100red years of Walt Disney's work and

24:46 a 100red years of Walt Disney's work and the work he inspired. An exhibition that

24:49 the work he inspired. An exhibition that

24:49 the work he inspired. An exhibition that only concluded in January of this year,

24:52 only concluded in January of this year,

24:52 only concluded in January of this year, 2025. That's how successful it was.

24:54 2025. That's how successful it was.

24:54 2025. That's how successful it was. That's how in demand it was here in

24:57 That's how in demand it was here in

24:57 That's how in demand it was here in Kansas City. I think it's now moved on

24:59 Kansas City. I think it's now moved on

24:59 Kansas City. I think it's now moved on to continue sort of an international

25:00 to continue sort of an international

25:00 to continue sort of an international tour. It's going to Seoul. It's going to

25:02 tour. It's going to Seoul. It's going to

25:02 tour. It's going to Seoul. It's going to Paris. But it's incredible that it came

25:04 Paris. But it's incredible that it came

25:04 Paris. But it's incredible that it came here. It truly came full circle. The

25:08 here. It truly came full circle. The

25:08 here. It truly came full circle. The Walt Disney

25:10 Walt Disney

25:10 Walt Disney 100, the Disney 100 exhibition at Union

25:14 100, the Disney 100 exhibition at Union

25:14 100, the Disney 100 exhibition at Union Station, the very same place Walt Disney

25:17 Station, the very same place Walt Disney

25:17 Station, the very same place Walt Disney left for completely broke to head out to

25:21 left for completely broke to head out to

25:21 left for completely broke to head out to Hollywood to fulfill his destiny. I bet

25:24 Hollywood to fulfill his destiny. I bet

25:24 Hollywood to fulfill his destiny. I bet when he was here at this

25:26 when he was here at this

25:26 when he was here at this train, I wonder if he had any idea. Now,

25:30 train, I wonder if he had any idea. Now,

25:30 train, I wonder if he had any idea. Now, clearly Walt was a person that had a lot

25:32 clearly Walt was a person that had a lot

25:32 clearly Walt was a person that had a lot of faith in himself and in his dreams

25:33 of faith in himself and in his dreams

25:33 of faith in himself and in his dreams and in his ideas. After all, he did pack

25:36 and in his ideas. After all, he did pack

25:36 and in his ideas. After all, he did pack up and head out to Hollywood. So, I

25:37 up and head out to Hollywood. So, I

25:38 up and head out to Hollywood. So, I wonder if he had any inclination, if he

25:40 wonder if he had any inclination, if he

25:40 wonder if he had any inclination, if he had any sort of daydream, sort of

25:42 had any sort of daydream, sort of

25:42 had any sort of daydream, sort of imaginings that he would go out to

25:44 imaginings that he would go out to

25:44 imaginings that he would go out to Hollywood and be successful. I'm sure he

25:46 Hollywood and be successful. I'm sure he

25:46 Hollywood and be successful. I'm sure he was stressed. I'm sure he was worried.

25:48 was stressed. I'm sure he was worried.

25:48 was stressed. I'm sure he was worried. I'm sure he had relatives in Chicago

25:49 I'm sure he had relatives in Chicago

25:50 I'm sure he had relatives in Chicago going, "Come here, get a normal job,

25:51 going, "Come here, get a normal job,

25:51 going, "Come here, get a normal job, work in a factory or something." So, he

25:53 work in a factory or something." So, he

25:53 work in a factory or something." So, he absolutely must have had some sort of

25:55 absolutely must have had some sort of

25:55 absolutely must have had some sort of faith, some sort of inkling, some sort

25:57 faith, some sort of inkling, some sort

25:57 faith, some sort of inkling, some sort of something inside of him that said,

25:59 of something inside of him that said,

25:59 of something inside of him that said, "This is going to be my destiny. I am

26:01 "This is going to be my destiny. I am

26:01 "This is going to be my destiny. I am going to make it. I'm going to

26:04 going to make it. I'm going to

26:04 going to make it. I'm going to Hollywood." I've been roaming around all

26:06 Hollywood." I've been roaming around all

26:06 Hollywood." I've been roaming around all over here. And granted, I haven't been

26:07 over here. And granted, I haven't been

26:07 over here. And granted, I haven't been to every corner of the building cuz

26:09 to every corner of the building cuz

26:09 to every corner of the building cuz there's a lot of areas that are sort of

26:10 there's a lot of areas that are sort of

26:10 there's a lot of areas that are sort of held back for tickets and things,

26:12 held back for tickets and things,

26:12 held back for tickets and things, various exhibitions, and there's a

26:14 various exhibitions, and there's a

26:14 various exhibitions, and there's a private event, so a lot of the mezzanine

26:15 private event, so a lot of the mezzanine

26:15 private event, so a lot of the mezzanine level is closed off today. Just sort of

26:17 level is closed off today. Just sort of

26:18 level is closed off today. Just sort of looking around for any kind of plaque or

26:20 looking around for any kind of plaque or

26:20 looking around for any kind of plaque or anything really of Walt Disney. This

26:21 anything really of Walt Disney. This

26:21 anything really of Walt Disney. This would be a great place for a Walt Disney

26:23 would be a great place for a Walt Disney

26:23 would be a great place for a Walt Disney statue. A young penniless Walt Disney

26:25 statue. A young penniless Walt Disney

26:25 statue. A young penniless Walt Disney statue. That'd be amazing. I'm sure

26:27 statue. That'd be amazing. I'm sure

26:27 statue. That'd be amazing. I'm sure there's got to be some sort of reference

26:29 there's got to be some sort of reference

26:29 there's got to be some sort of reference to Walt Disney in the building, but I

26:31 to Walt Disney in the building, but I

26:31 to Walt Disney in the building, but I have failed to locate it on this

26:33 have failed to locate it on this

26:33 have failed to locate it on this particular trip. However, that Disney

26:35 particular trip. However, that Disney

26:35 particular trip. However, that Disney 100 sign is still out in front. I wonder

26:37 100 sign is still out in front. I wonder

26:37 100 sign is still out in front. I wonder if they're going to leave that here

26:38 if they're going to leave that here

26:38 if they're going to leave that here permanently or if it's just sort of left

26:40 permanently or if it's just sort of left

26:40 permanently or if it's just sort of left over since we're only in March and the

26:42 over since we're only in March and the

26:42 over since we're only in March and the exhibit closed in January. I'm not sure.

26:45 exhibit closed in January. I'm not sure.

26:45 exhibit closed in January. I'm not sure. Be interesting though if it stuck

26:47 Be interesting though if it stuck

26:47 Be interesting though if it stuck around. All right, now we've got to move

26:49 around. All right, now we've got to move

26:49 around. All right, now we've got to move on to Laugh itself. Laugh is located a

26:53 on to Laugh itself. Laugh is located a

26:53 on to Laugh itself. Laugh is located a little ways away from downtown proper in

26:55 little ways away from downtown proper in

26:55 little ways away from downtown proper in a sort of rough area, an area of Kansas

26:58 a sort of rough area, an area of Kansas

26:58 a sort of rough area, an area of Kansas City that's sort of fallen on hard times

27:01 City that's sort of fallen on hard times

27:01 City that's sort of fallen on hard times and they basically accidentally given

27:02 and they basically accidentally given

27:02 and they basically accidentally given you a description of what Walt and were

27:05 you a description of what Walt and were

27:05 you a description of what Walt and were doing at Laugh already. They were

27:07 doing at Laugh already. They were

27:07 doing at Laugh already. They were working on those premov advertisements

27:10 working on those premov advertisements

27:10 working on those premov advertisements for movie theaters. They were trying to

27:11 for movie theaters. They were trying to

27:11 for movie theaters. They were trying to get any kind of work they could really.

27:13 get any kind of work they could really.

27:13 get any kind of work they could really. But the main thrust, the main innovation

27:15 But the main thrust, the main innovation

27:15 But the main thrust, the main innovation of Laugh was trying to work on animated

27:18 of Laugh was trying to work on animated

27:18 of Laugh was trying to work on animated shorts which were becoming very much a

27:20 shorts which were becoming very much a

27:20 shorts which were becoming very much a staple of the movie theater experience

27:24 staple of the movie theater experience

27:24 staple of the movie theater experience back in the 1920s. Laugh is where Walt

27:26 back in the 1920s. Laugh is where Walt

27:26 back in the 1920s. Laugh is where Walt Disney and of Eyework started to produce

27:29 Disney and of Eyework started to produce

27:29 Disney and of Eyework started to produce those early animated cartoons. And Walt

27:32 those early animated cartoons. And Walt

27:32 those early animated cartoons. And Walt was very hands-on. He wasn't just a

27:33 was very hands-on. He wasn't just a

27:33 was very hands-on. He wasn't just a manager. He was also drawing some of the

27:35 manager. He was also drawing some of the

27:35 manager. He was also drawing some of the frames himself. They were already

27:37 frames himself. They were already

27:37 frames himself. They were already experimenting with blending liveaction

27:39 experimenting with blending liveaction

27:40 experimenting with blending liveaction with animation which was the thing that

27:41 with animation which was the thing that

27:41 with animation which was the thing that uh really created Walt Disney's early

27:44 uh really created Walt Disney's early

27:44 uh really created Walt Disney's early success with the Alice comedies. And

27:46 success with the Alice comedies. And

27:46 success with the Alice comedies. And luckily the Laugh building or the

27:48 luckily the Laugh building or the

27:48 luckily the Laugh building or the building in which Laugh was housed still

27:51 building in which Laugh was housed still

27:51 building in which Laugh was housed still exists sort of in Kansas City and that

27:55 exists sort of in Kansas City and that

27:55 exists sort of in Kansas City and that is where we're going to head to next.

27:58 is where we're going to head to next.

27:58 is where we're going to head to next. First I have a long long walk to the

28:01 First I have a long long walk to the

28:01 First I have a long long walk to the car. All right. Well, it was a long walk

28:03 car. All right. Well, it was a long walk

28:03 car. All right. Well, it was a long walk back to the car, but just a short drive

28:05 back to the car, but just a short drive

28:05 back to the car, but just a short drive away to the intersection of 31st and

28:07 away to the intersection of 31st and

28:07 away to the intersection of 31st and Truce Avenue down here in Kansas City,

28:10 Truce Avenue down here in Kansas City,

28:10 Truce Avenue down here in Kansas City, an area that you can see is well

28:12 an area that you can see is well

28:12 an area that you can see is well undergoing challenges, going through

28:13 undergoing challenges, going through

28:13 undergoing challenges, going through some struggles. But here we are, 1127

28:16 some struggles. But here we are, 1127

28:16 some struggles. But here we are, 1127 East 31st Street, Kansas City, Missouri,

28:20 East 31st Street, Kansas City, Missouri,

28:20 East 31st Street, Kansas City, Missouri, the former site of Laugh with the

28:23 the former site of Laugh with the

28:23 the former site of Laugh with the company being founded on May 23rd, 1922,

28:26 company being founded on May 23rd, 1922,

28:26 company being founded on May 23rd, 1922, but declared bankrupt of course by July

28:29 but declared bankrupt of course by July

28:29 but declared bankrupt of course by July 1923.

28:30 1923.

28:30 1923. This is where he started producing

28:31 This is where he started producing

28:31 This is where he started producing modernized fairy tale cartoons. Of

28:34 modernized fairy tale cartoons. Of

28:34 modernized fairy tale cartoons. Of course, Disney pictures would become

28:36 course, Disney pictures would become

28:36 course, Disney pictures would become famous for reinterpreting old fairy

28:38 famous for reinterpreting old fairy

28:38 famous for reinterpreting old fairy tales. And it all started right here.

28:41 tales. And it all started right here.

28:41 tales. And it all started right here. That whole experiment. Part of the big

28:42 That whole experiment. Part of the big

28:42 That whole experiment. Part of the big problem with the failure of laugh was a

28:45 problem with the failure of laugh was a

28:45 problem with the failure of laugh was a big contract with something called

28:47 big contract with something called

28:47 big contract with something called pictorial clubs that never ended up

28:49 pictorial clubs that never ended up

28:49 pictorial clubs that never ended up paying Walt Disney for the work that he

28:52 paying Walt Disney for the work that he

28:52 paying Walt Disney for the work that he and their staff did for them, which sort

28:54 and their staff did for them, which sort

28:54 and their staff did for them, which sort of indirectly led to the later

28:56 of indirectly led to the later

28:56 of indirectly led to the later bankruptcy. But it was here in 1923. In

28:58 bankruptcy. But it was here in 1923. In

28:58 bankruptcy. But it was here in 1923. In the beginning of 1923 that they began

29:00 the beginning of 1923 that they began

29:00 the beginning of 1923 that they began work on Alice's Wonderland, that hybrid

29:03 work on Alice's Wonderland, that hybrid

29:03 work on Alice's Wonderland, that hybrid of liveaction and animation that was a

29:06 of liveaction and animation that was a

29:06 of liveaction and animation that was a real gamecher. There were a lot of

29:08 real gamecher. There were a lot of

29:08 real gamecher. There were a lot of people experimenting with that around

29:10 people experimenting with that around

29:10 people experimenting with that around the same time period. But Walt Disney

29:13 the same time period. But Walt Disney

29:13 the same time period. But Walt Disney was just head and shoulders above the

29:15 was just head and shoulders above the

29:15 was just head and shoulders above the rest. Of course, he had the advantage of

29:17 rest. Of course, he had the advantage of

29:17 rest. Of course, he had the advantage of the technical genius of Eyeworks. He

29:19 the technical genius of Eyeworks. He

29:19 the technical genius of Eyeworks. He used to tinker with all kinds of things.

29:21 used to tinker with all kinds of things.

29:21 used to tinker with all kinds of things. He'd work on old cars. He famously was a

29:24 He'd work on old cars. He famously was a

29:24 He'd work on old cars. He famously was a really big fan of guns. He'd work on

29:25 really big fan of guns. He'd work on

29:25 really big fan of guns. He'd work on guns, like build them himself. Like I

29:27 guns, like build them himself. Like I

29:27 guns, like build them himself. Like I said, worked on the development of the

29:28 said, worked on the development of the

29:28 said, worked on the development of the multiplane camera that absolutely

29:31 multiplane camera that absolutely

29:31 multiplane camera that absolutely changed animation. And it's incredible

29:33 changed animation. And it's incredible

29:33 changed animation. And it's incredible that this building still survives. I've

29:35 that this building still survives. I've

29:36 that this building still survives. I've driven past it since, but the last time

29:38 driven past it since, but the last time

29:38 driven past it since, but the last time I was really standing out here, or the

29:39 I was really standing out here, or the

29:39 I was really standing out here, or the last time I was really filming it was

29:41 last time I was really filming it was

29:41 last time I was really filming it was 2014. I was here with my friend Tyler

29:44 2014. I was here with my friend Tyler

29:44 2014. I was here with my friend Tyler Evans. You couldn't even access this

29:46 Evans. You couldn't even access this

29:46 Evans. You couldn't even access this back area. I'm standing out here now

29:48 back area. I'm standing out here now

29:48 back area. I'm standing out here now thinking, man, they really clean this

29:50 thinking, man, they really clean this

29:50 thinking, man, they really clean this place up. They've had all kinds of

29:52 place up. They've had all kinds of

29:52 place up. They've had all kinds of struggles with, you know, people that

29:54 struggles with, you know, people that

29:54 struggles with, you know, people that have no homes coming and camping out in

29:56 have no homes coming and camping out in

29:56 have no homes coming and camping out in the building, struggles with finances.

29:58 the building, struggles with finances.

29:58 the building, struggles with finances. This building was basically ready to

29:59 This building was basically ready to

29:59 This building was basically ready to collapse until in 1996, an organization

30:02 collapse until in 1996, an organization

30:02 collapse until in 1996, an organization called Thank You Walt Disney

30:03 called Thank You Walt Disney

30:03 called Thank You Walt Disney Incorporated was founded to save and

30:06 Incorporated was founded to save and

30:06 Incorporated was founded to save and restore the laugh studio building. It

30:09 restore the laugh studio building. It

30:09 restore the laugh studio building. It took from 97 into the 2000s for them to

30:11 took from 97 into the 2000s for them to

30:11 took from 97 into the 2000s for them to just stabilize the structure, which is

30:14 just stabilize the structure, which is

30:14 just stabilize the structure, which is basically completely gutted inside. I

30:16 basically completely gutted inside. I

30:16 basically completely gutted inside. I mean, the last time I looked in the

30:17 mean, the last time I looked in the

30:17 mean, the last time I looked in the building, all it was was sort of steel

30:19 building, all it was was sort of steel

30:19 building, all it was was sort of steel beams holding up the brick skin of the

30:21 beams holding up the brick skin of the

30:22 beams holding up the brick skin of the building. But at least that survived.

30:23 building. But at least that survived.

30:23 building. But at least that survived. I'm surprised to see that the murals

30:25 I'm surprised to see that the murals

30:25 I'm surprised to see that the murals that were on the building, the big

30:26 that were on the building, the big

30:26 that were on the building, the big Disney murals are gone now. When I was

30:27 Disney murals are gone now. When I was

30:27 Disney murals are gone now. When I was here in sort of the 201s, they were

30:29 here in sort of the 201s, they were

30:29 here in sort of the 201s, they were having a lot of struggles with

30:31 having a lot of struggles with

30:31 having a lot of struggles with financing, with organization. There were

30:34 financing, with organization. There were

30:34 financing, with organization. There were board members that would come and go and

30:35 board members that would come and go and

30:35 board members that would come and go and quit. In fact, nobody ever saw my

30:37 quit. In fact, nobody ever saw my

30:37 quit. In fact, nobody ever saw my original laugh video from 2014 because

30:40 original laugh video from 2014 because

30:40 original laugh video from 2014 because when my friend Tyler and I got home and

30:42 when my friend Tyler and I got home and

30:42 when my friend Tyler and I got home and started to edit the video, we had a

30:43 started to edit the video, we had a

30:44 started to edit the video, we had a message from one of the board members.

30:45 message from one of the board members.

30:45 message from one of the board members. they were going to completely switch

30:46 they were going to completely switch

30:46 they were going to completely switch strategies and everything because since

30:48 strategies and everything because since

30:48 strategies and everything because since we couldn't get access to the inside of

30:49 we couldn't get access to the inside of

30:50 we couldn't get access to the inside of the building, it was like literally

30:51 the building, it was like literally

30:51 the building, it was like literally welded shut. I think there was big metal

30:52 welded shut. I think there was big metal

30:52 welded shut. I think there was big metal doors on it then and chains and stuff

30:54 doors on it then and chains and stuff

30:54 doors on it then and chains and stuff like that. Uh we went to one of the

30:56 like that. Uh we went to one of the

30:56 like that. Uh we went to one of the board members houses and interviewed

30:58 board members houses and interviewed

30:58 board members houses and interviewed him. He was telling us the story of the

31:00 him. He was telling us the story of the

31:00 him. He was telling us the story of the project and everything and their vision

31:02 project and everything and their vision

31:02 project and everything and their vision for this being a place to teach

31:04 for this being a place to teach

31:04 for this being a place to teach underprivileged kids about animation and

31:07 underprivileged kids about animation and

31:07 underprivileged kids about animation and sort of turn this into a hip hop

31:08 sort of turn this into a hip hop

31:08 sort of turn this into a hip hop happening spot here. And I think they

31:10 happening spot here. And I think they

31:10 happening spot here. And I think they didn't want that video going out because

31:11 didn't want that video going out because

31:11 didn't want that video going out because the strategy was changing and changing

31:13 the strategy was changing and changing

31:14 the strategy was changing and changing and changing. It's apparently been a

31:15 and changing. It's apparently been a

31:15 and changing. It's apparently been a real struggle. But I noticed brand new

31:17 real struggle. But I noticed brand new

31:17 real struggle. But I noticed brand new glass windows upstairs. I noticed the

31:20 glass windows upstairs. I noticed the

31:20 glass windows upstairs. I noticed the building is being pretty well

31:22 building is being pretty well

31:22 building is being pretty well maintained. And you can see some logos

31:23 maintained. And you can see some logos

31:23 maintained. And you can see some logos right there like, okay, you got the

31:24 right there like, okay, you got the

31:24 right there like, okay, you got the centric build. I'm assuming that's

31:26 centric build. I'm assuming that's

31:26 centric build. I'm assuming that's construction. But what is this MR studio

31:29 construction. But what is this MR studio

31:29 construction. But what is this MR studio thing?

31:30 thing?

31:30 thing? Multi-studio right there. Maybe we're

31:32 Multi-studio right there. Maybe we're

31:32 Multi-studio right there. Maybe we're getting nearer to the end. It would be

31:34 getting nearer to the end. It would be

31:34 getting nearer to the end. It would be amazing after 11 years of me coming and

31:38 amazing after 11 years of me coming and

31:38 amazing after 11 years of me coming and driving past uh Laugh whenever I'm going

31:41 driving past uh Laugh whenever I'm going

31:41 driving past uh Laugh whenever I'm going through Kansas City to see the building

31:43 through Kansas City to see the building

31:43 through Kansas City to see the building finally actually reopened or housing

31:45 finally actually reopened or housing

31:45 finally actually reopened or housing something. And like I mentioned when

31:46 something. And like I mentioned when

31:46 something. And like I mentioned when Walt Disney fell on hard times when

31:48 Walt Disney fell on hard times when

31:48 Walt Disney fell on hard times when Pictorial didn't pay them when he was

31:50 Pictorial didn't pay them when he was

31:50 Pictorial didn't pay them when he was here basically penniles and staying at

31:53 here basically penniles and staying at

31:53 here basically penniles and staying at rooming houses and then eventually

31:55 rooming houses and then eventually

31:55 rooming houses and then eventually sleeping in the office which was

31:56 sleeping in the office which was

31:56 sleeping in the office which was somewhere upstairs. I don't think it's

31:58 somewhere upstairs. I don't think it's

31:58 somewhere upstairs. I don't think it's well documented exactly where in the

32:00 well documented exactly where in the

32:00 well documented exactly where in the building at least that was my

32:01 building at least that was my

32:01 building at least that was my understanding from the interview we did

32:02 understanding from the interview we did

32:02 understanding from the interview we did in 2014. Could have been in this corner.

32:05 in 2014. Could have been in this corner.

32:05 in 2014. Could have been in this corner. Could have been in that corner.

32:06 Could have been in that corner.

32:06 Could have been in that corner. Supposedly it faced the street out here.

32:08 Supposedly it faced the street out here.

32:08 Supposedly it faced the street out here. It faced 31st. But either way,

32:10 It faced 31st. But either way,

32:10 It faced 31st. But either way, supposedly this is where Walt Disney

32:12 supposedly this is where Walt Disney

32:12 supposedly this is where Walt Disney sat. And according to local legend,

32:13 sat. And according to local legend,

32:13 sat. And according to local legend, which every local will tell you who

32:15 which every local will tell you who

32:15 which every local will tell you who knows anything about laugh, Walt Disney

32:18 knows anything about laugh, Walt Disney

32:18 knows anything about laugh, Walt Disney when he was sleeping upstairs in the

32:19 when he was sleeping upstairs in the

32:19 when he was sleeping upstairs in the office, the building was riddled with

32:21 office, the building was riddled with

32:22 office, the building was riddled with rodents. And the legend goes that there

32:23 rodents. And the legend goes that there

32:23 rodents. And the legend goes that there was one small mouse in particular that

32:25 was one small mouse in particular that

32:25 was one small mouse in particular that he had sort of trained to take food from

32:28 he had sort of trained to take food from

32:28 he had sort of trained to take food from his hand. And people say that's what

32:30 his hand. And people say that's what

32:30 his hand. And people say that's what later inspired the character of Mickey

32:32 later inspired the character of Mickey

32:32 later inspired the character of Mickey Mouse. Now, I think that's sort of like,

32:34 Mouse. Now, I think that's sort of like,

32:34 Mouse. Now, I think that's sort of like, you know, when the facts aren't

32:35 you know, when the facts aren't

32:35 you know, when the facts aren't interesting, print the legend kind of

32:36 interesting, print the legend kind of

32:36 interesting, print the legend kind of thing. I think it's more legend than

32:38 thing. I think it's more legend than

32:38 thing. I think it's more legend than fact. But you never know, there could be

32:39 fact. But you never know, there could be

32:40 fact. But you never know, there could be some truth in it. Either way, this is

32:42 some truth in it. Either way, this is

32:42 some truth in it. Either way, this is where Walt Disney and Eyeworks really

32:45 where Walt Disney and Eyeworks really

32:45 where Walt Disney and Eyeworks really struck out on their own and finally made

32:47 struck out on their own and finally made

32:47 struck out on their own and finally made a little headway. Really got into

32:49 a little headway. Really got into

32:49 a little headway. Really got into producing animated shorts and cartoons,

32:52 producing animated shorts and cartoons,

32:52 producing animated shorts and cartoons, as we understand the word cartoons, not

32:53 as we understand the word cartoons, not

32:54 as we understand the word cartoons, not just drawings, but animated cartoons.

32:56 just drawings, but animated cartoons.

32:56 just drawings, but animated cartoons. and literally started working on the

32:58 and literally started working on the

32:58 and literally started working on the Alice comedies that would get Walt

33:00 Alice comedies that would get Walt

33:00 Alice comedies that would get Walt Disney his first successes in Hollywood

33:03 Disney his first successes in Hollywood

33:03 Disney his first successes in Hollywood once Roy Disney joined the company and

33:05 once Roy Disney joined the company and

33:05 once Roy Disney joined the company and they had the Disney Brother Studios

33:07 they had the Disney Brother Studios

33:07 they had the Disney Brother Studios which then became the Walt Disney

33:09 which then became the Walt Disney

33:09 which then became the Walt Disney Studios. So, a massively important piece

33:12 Studios. So, a massively important piece

33:12 Studios. So, a massively important piece of Disney history. And of course, lots

33:14 of Disney history. And of course, lots

33:14 of Disney history. And of course, lots of people come out here. Lots of people

33:15 of people come out here. Lots of people

33:15 of people come out here. Lots of people come by and see Laugh, which like I said

33:18 come by and see Laugh, which like I said

33:18 come by and see Laugh, which like I said is in a troubled neighborhood. Although,

33:19 is in a troubled neighborhood. Although,

33:19 is in a troubled neighborhood. Although, when I was driving in, I noticed little

33:20 when I was driving in, I noticed little

33:20 when I was driving in, I noticed little signs of gentrification around the

33:22 signs of gentrification around the

33:22 signs of gentrification around the borders of this neighborhood. The last

33:25 borders of this neighborhood. The last

33:25 borders of this neighborhood. The last time I was actually here driving

33:26 time I was actually here driving

33:26 time I was actually here driving through, I was watching guys get in a

33:28 through, I was watching guys get in a

33:28 through, I was watching guys get in a fist fight on the corner on the corner

33:30 fist fight on the corner on the corner

33:30 fist fight on the corner on the corner up here on true. So, it can be a little

33:32 up here on true. So, it can be a little

33:32 up here on true. So, it can be a little rough and sketchy at times. That was

33:34 rough and sketchy at times. That was

33:34 rough and sketchy at times. That was sort of later towards night time. And

33:36 sort of later towards night time. And

33:36 sort of later towards night time. And like I said, they've had all kinds of

33:37 like I said, they've had all kinds of

33:37 like I said, they've had all kinds of problems with vandalism and people

33:39 problems with vandalism and people

33:39 problems with vandalism and people breaking in and camping out in here,

33:41 breaking in and camping out in here,

33:41 breaking in and camping out in here, setting fires and stuff. It's crazy to

33:43 setting fires and stuff. It's crazy to

33:43 setting fires and stuff. It's crazy to think that they started this

33:44 think that they started this

33:44 think that they started this preservation work in 1996.

33:46 preservation work in 1996.

33:46 preservation work in 1996. So, literally my wife's entire lifetime,

33:50 So, literally my wife's entire lifetime,

33:50 So, literally my wife's entire lifetime, basically since I was a, you know, a

33:51 basically since I was a, you know, a

33:51 basically since I was a, you know, a young teenager, barely becoming a

33:53 young teenager, barely becoming a

33:53 young teenager, barely becoming a teenager, they have been trying to

33:54 teenager, they have been trying to

33:54 teenager, they have been trying to preserve and reopen this building. And

33:56 preserve and reopen this building. And

33:56 preserve and reopen this building. And it has taken a long time. It has been

33:58 it has taken a long time. It has been

33:58 it has taken a long time. It has been one heck of a long saga, nearly 30

34:02 one heck of a long saga, nearly 30

34:02 one heck of a long saga, nearly 30 years. But apparently, the thank you

34:04 years. But apparently, the thank you

34:04 years. But apparently, the thank you Walt Disney folks, if nothing else, are

34:07 Walt Disney folks, if nothing else, are

34:07 Walt Disney folks, if nothing else, are quite dedicated because they are still

34:09 quite dedicated because they are still

34:09 quite dedicated because they are still working on this project. I believe

34:10 working on this project. I believe

34:10 working on this project. I believe they've hosted some special events here,

34:13 they've hosted some special events here,

34:13 they've hosted some special events here, especially around the time of the 100th

34:16 especially around the time of the 100th

34:16 especially around the time of the 100th anniversary. And boy, I was just

34:17 anniversary. And boy, I was just

34:17 anniversary. And boy, I was just thinking, what a crazy difference. The

34:19 thinking, what a crazy difference. The

34:19 thinking, what a crazy difference. The first time I ever stood out here in

34:21 first time I ever stood out here in

34:21 first time I ever stood out here in 2014, it was like 90 something years

34:24 2014, it was like 90 something years

34:24 2014, it was like 90 something years ago. You know, you got Okay, that's a

34:25 ago. You know, you got Okay, that's a

34:25 ago. You know, you got Okay, that's a lifetime. More than a hundred years have

34:28 lifetime. More than a hundred years have

34:28 lifetime. More than a hundred years have passed since Walt Disney was haunting

34:31 passed since Walt Disney was haunting

34:31 passed since Walt Disney was haunting those upstairs rooms in there,

34:32 those upstairs rooms in there,

34:32 those upstairs rooms in there, potentially feeding mice and working on

34:35 potentially feeding mice and working on

34:35 potentially feeding mice and working on cartoons. I believe they filmed some

34:37 cartoons. I believe they filmed some

34:37 cartoons. I believe they filmed some stuff on the roof of this building. And

34:38 stuff on the roof of this building. And

34:38 stuff on the roof of this building. And as I stand here now in March of 2025,

34:41 as I stand here now in March of 2025,

34:42 as I stand here now in March of 2025, yeah, 102 years have passed since Walt

34:45 yeah, 102 years have passed since Walt

34:45 yeah, 102 years have passed since Walt Disney turned his back on Laugh Studios,

34:48 Disney turned his back on Laugh Studios,

34:48 Disney turned his back on Laugh Studios, which had unfortunately gone bankrupt,

34:50 which had unfortunately gone bankrupt,

34:50 which had unfortunately gone bankrupt, and made his way out to

34:53 and made his way out to

34:53 and made his way out to Union Station. Most visitors just focus

34:55 Union Station. Most visitors just focus

34:55 Union Station. Most visitors just focus on this building. But as you saw

34:57 on this building. But as you saw

34:57 on this building. But as you saw earlier, there are so many pivotal

35:00 earlier, there are so many pivotal

35:00 earlier, there are so many pivotal moments in the career, the early career

35:02 moments in the career, the early career

35:02 moments in the career, the early career of Walt Disney becoming a full-time

35:04 of Walt Disney becoming a full-time

35:04 of Walt Disney becoming a full-time artist and then eventually animator in

35:07 artist and then eventually animator in

35:07 artist and then eventually animator in Kansas City, mostly centered around

35:10 Kansas City, mostly centered around

35:10 Kansas City, mostly centered around downtown. Not a lot of plaques, not a

35:12 downtown. Not a lot of plaques, not a

35:12 downtown. Not a lot of plaques, not a lot of statues or commemorations. And I

35:14 lot of statues or commemorations. And I

35:14 lot of statues or commemorations. And I don't know what Disney has contributed.

35:17 don't know what Disney has contributed.

35:17 don't know what Disney has contributed. And I don't know what the Walt Disney

35:18 And I don't know what the Walt Disney

35:18 And I don't know what the Walt Disney Company of today has contributed towards

35:20 Company of today has contributed towards

35:20 Company of today has contributed towards this product. And I don't know what the

35:22 this product. And I don't know what the

35:22 this product. And I don't know what the Walt Disney Company has or has not

35:24 Walt Disney Company has or has not

35:24 Walt Disney Company has or has not contributed towards this product in the

35:26 contributed towards this product in the

35:26 contributed towards this product in the last 29 years, but it must be absolutely

35:28 last 29 years, but it must be absolutely

35:28 last 29 years, but it must be absolutely frustrating that they haven't stepped in

35:30 frustrating that they haven't stepped in

35:30 frustrating that they haven't stepped in and just completed the project. I mean,

35:32 and just completed the project. I mean,

35:32 and just completed the project. I mean, think about how fast they could build

35:33 think about how fast they could build

35:34 think about how fast they could build new rides and new attractions at their

35:35 new rides and new attractions at their

35:35 new rides and new attractions at their theme parks. I bet the Walt Disney

35:37 theme parks. I bet the Walt Disney

35:37 theme parks. I bet the Walt Disney Company and Buen a Vista Construction

35:39 Company and Buen a Vista Construction

35:39 Company and Buen a Vista Construction could come up here and finish this job

35:41 could come up here and finish this job

35:41 could come up here and finish this job in a month or two. Although, you know,

35:42 in a month or two. Although, you know,

35:42 in a month or two. Although, you know, in those boardrooms in Burbank, they're

35:44 in those boardrooms in Burbank, they're

35:44 in those boardrooms in Burbank, they're probably going, "Well, how does that

35:45 probably going, "Well, how does that

35:45 probably going, "Well, how does that profit us? How are we going to make

35:46 profit us? How are we going to make

35:46 profit us? How are we going to make money in it?" Cuz this is a whole

35:48 money in it?" Cuz this is a whole

35:48 money in it?" Cuz this is a whole nonprofit venture. They've wanted to

35:49 nonprofit venture. They've wanted to

35:50 nonprofit venture. They've wanted to have some sort of nonprofit animation

35:52 have some sort of nonprofit animation

35:52 have some sort of nonprofit animation school or teaching kids art. That was

35:54 school or teaching kids art. That was

35:54 school or teaching kids art. That was always part of the project. And it is

35:56 always part of the project. And it is

35:56 always part of the project. And it is very hard to fund things off pure

35:59 very hard to fund things off pure

35:59 very hard to fund things off pure altruism, my friends. Very hard. Now,

36:01 altruism, my friends. Very hard. Now,

36:01 altruism, my friends. Very hard. Now, this is one of my favorite places when

36:03 this is one of my favorite places when

36:03 this is one of my favorite places when it comes to Walt Disney because I've

36:04 it comes to Walt Disney because I've

36:04 it comes to Walt Disney because I've tried and failed a lot in my life. I was

36:06 tried and failed a lot in my life. I was

36:06 tried and failed a lot in my life. I was a professional musician. I use that term

36:09 a professional musician. I use that term

36:09 a professional musician. I use that term loosely. Although I was signed and

36:10 loosely. Although I was signed and

36:10 loosely. Although I was signed and touring. I had a record label and

36:12 touring. I had a record label and

36:12 touring. I had a record label and everything. Basically, from a teenager

36:14 everything. Basically, from a teenager

36:14 everything. Basically, from a teenager all the way up until 30, 31 years old.

36:16 all the way up until 30, 31 years old.

36:16 all the way up until 30, 31 years old. Well, I started doing the YouTube thing

36:18 Well, I started doing the YouTube thing

36:18 Well, I started doing the YouTube thing for fun on the side when everybody's

36:19 for fun on the side when everybody's

36:20 for fun on the side when everybody's like, "That's totally lame. What's an

36:21 like, "That's totally lame. What's an

36:21 like, "That's totally lame. What's an adult doing going to Disneyland? You're

36:23 adult doing going to Disneyland? You're

36:23 adult doing going to Disneyland? You're making YouTube videos? Isn't that just

36:24 making YouTube videos? Isn't that just

36:24 making YouTube videos? Isn't that just for cat videos for old people, but I've

36:26 for cat videos for old people, but I've

36:26 for cat videos for old people, but I've had a lot of struggles in the meantime?

36:28 had a lot of struggles in the meantime?

36:28 had a lot of struggles in the meantime? Divorce times I lost everything." I

36:30 Divorce times I lost everything." I

36:30 Divorce times I lost everything." I alluded to that a little bit yesterday.

36:32 alluded to that a little bit yesterday.

36:32 alluded to that a little bit yesterday. You know, I have a I've had quite a

36:34 You know, I have a I've had quite a

36:34 You know, I have a I've had quite a story of trying and failing and trying

36:36 story of trying and failing and trying

36:36 story of trying and failing and trying again and struggling. I mean, I even

36:38 again and struggling. I mean, I even

36:38 again and struggling. I mean, I even struggle to this very day off and on.

36:40 struggle to this very day off and on.

36:40 struggle to this very day off and on. And I can really relate to young Walt

36:43 And I can really relate to young Walt

36:43 And I can really relate to young Walt Disney who had an idea, had a dream,

36:45 Disney who had an idea, had a dream,

36:45 Disney who had an idea, had a dream, really wanted to create. He really

36:47 really wanted to create. He really

36:47 really wanted to create. He really wanted to uh entertain people,

36:50 wanted to uh entertain people,

36:50 wanted to uh entertain people, especially later when he started

36:51 especially later when he started

36:51 especially later when he started achieving success. You see that Walt

36:53 achieving success. You see that Walt

36:53 achieving success. You see that Walt Disney's real motivation was never

36:55 Disney's real motivation was never

36:55 Disney's real motivation was never money. He let Roy Disney worry about the

36:57 money. He let Roy Disney worry about the

36:57 money. He let Roy Disney worry about the money side of things. His whole goal was

36:59 money side of things. His whole goal was

36:59 money side of things. His whole goal was to have wholesome, familyfriendly

37:02 to have wholesome, familyfriendly

37:02 to have wholesome, familyfriendly entertainment. You know, it's that

37:04 entertainment. You know, it's that

37:04 entertainment. You know, it's that Kermit the Frog dream from the Muppet

37:06 Kermit the Frog dream from the Muppet

37:06 Kermit the Frog dream from the Muppet movie. Millions of people happy. That's

37:08 movie. Millions of people happy. That's

37:08 movie. Millions of people happy. That's what Walt Disney wanted. And he had that

37:10 what Walt Disney wanted. And he had that

37:10 what Walt Disney wanted. And he had that insatiable urge all the way back to his

37:12 insatiable urge all the way back to his

37:12 insatiable urge all the way back to his boyhood in Marceline, Missouri, where he

37:14 boyhood in Marceline, Missouri, where he

37:14 boyhood in Marceline, Missouri, where he was painting characters in tar on the

37:16 was painting characters in tar on the

37:16 was painting characters in tar on the side of his father's house, all the way

37:18 side of his father's house, all the way

37:18 side of his father's house, all the way from back then until his death. That

37:21 from back then until his death. That

37:21 from back then until his death. That urge to just keep creating no matter

37:25 urge to just keep creating no matter

37:25 urge to just keep creating no matter what. I can totally relate to that,

37:27 what. I can totally relate to that,

37:27 what. I can totally relate to that, totally sympathize with that. Young Walt

37:29 totally sympathize with that. Young Walt

37:29 totally sympathize with that. Young Walt Disney is a real hero of mine and like I

37:32 Disney is a real hero of mine and like I

37:32 Disney is a real hero of mine and like I said earlier, it is one of the greatest

37:34 said earlier, it is one of the greatest

37:35 said earlier, it is one of the greatest American success stories and I really

37:38 American success stories and I really

37:38 American success stories and I really look up to and admire the man. I admire

37:40 look up to and admire the man. I admire

37:40 look up to and admire the man. I admire his legacy. I admire the work that his

37:43 his legacy. I admire the work that his

37:43 his legacy. I admire the work that his family has done with the Walt Disney

37:44 family has done with the Walt Disney

37:44 family has done with the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. I admire

37:46 Family Museum in San Francisco. I admire

37:46 Family Museum in San Francisco. I admire the work that people like Thank you Walt

37:47 the work that people like Thank you Walt

37:47 the work that people like Thank you Walt Disney are doing to preserve this piece

37:49 Disney are doing to preserve this piece

37:49 Disney are doing to preserve this piece of history. I even admire, of course,

37:51 of history. I even admire, of course,

37:51 of history. I even admire, of course, the Walt Disney Company and some of the

37:53 the Walt Disney Company and some of the

37:53 the Walt Disney Company and some of the stuff they've managed to achieve. And

37:54 stuff they've managed to achieve. And

37:54 stuff they've managed to achieve. And obviously, it's not a family-owned

37:55 obviously, it's not a family-owned

37:55 obviously, it's not a family-owned business or anything anymore. and they

37:58 business or anything anymore. and they

37:58 business or anything anymore. and they can build new robot Walts in Disneyland

38:00 can build new robot Walts in Disneyland

38:00 can build new robot Walts in Disneyland and get their Walt fix. But, uh, I'd

38:03 and get their Walt fix. But, uh, I'd

38:03 and get their Walt fix. But, uh, I'd really like to see Disney step in more

38:04 really like to see Disney step in more

38:04 really like to see Disney step in more into these projects like the birthplace

38:07 into these projects like the birthplace

38:07 into these projects like the birthplace in Chicago or Laugh here in Kansas City,

38:10 in Chicago or Laugh here in Kansas City,

38:10 in Chicago or Laugh here in Kansas City, you know, or maybe a duplicate of that

38:12 you know, or maybe a duplicate of that

38:12 you know, or maybe a duplicate of that statue at DCA where Walt Disney has the

38:13 statue at DCA where Walt Disney has the

38:14 statue at DCA where Walt Disney has the suitcase and the dream and everything

38:15 suitcase and the dream and everything

38:15 suitcase and the dream and everything and install something like that over in

38:17 and install something like that over in

38:17 and install something like that over in Union Station. It'd be nice to see the

38:19 Union Station. It'd be nice to see the

38:19 Union Station. It'd be nice to see the Walt Disney Company do a little more

38:22 Walt Disney Company do a little more

38:22 Walt Disney Company do a little more with Kansas City. That's just Yeah, just

38:24 with Kansas City. That's just Yeah, just

38:24 with Kansas City. That's just Yeah, just my honest thoughts. I understand it's a

38:25 my honest thoughts. I understand it's a

38:25 my honest thoughts. I understand it's a business. They've got shareholders. just

38:27 business. They've got shareholders. just

38:27 business. They've got shareholders. just a mega mega corporation. They're not

38:28 a mega mega corporation. They're not

38:28 a mega mega corporation. They're not always worried about what Walt would

38:30 always worried about what Walt would

38:30 always worried about what Walt would think or what Walt would want or even

38:32 think or what Walt would want or even

38:32 think or what Walt would want or even always worried about Walt Disney's

38:34 always worried about Walt Disney's

38:34 always worried about Walt Disney's legacy. But uh there are a lot of good

38:36 legacy. But uh there are a lot of good

38:36 legacy. But uh there are a lot of good people in the company that do really

38:38 people in the company that do really

38:38 people in the company that do really care about Walt Disney, what Walt would

38:40 care about Walt Disney, what Walt would

38:40 care about Walt Disney, what Walt would want and Walt's legacy. You know, for

38:41 want and Walt's legacy. You know, for

38:41 want and Walt's legacy. You know, for every bean counter at the top, there are

38:43 every bean counter at the top, there are

38:43 every bean counter at the top, there are 100 people working in that company or a

38:45 100 people working in that company or a

38:45 100 people working in that company or a thousand people working for that company

38:47 thousand people working for that company

38:47 thousand people working for that company who really care, who are really

38:49 who really care, who are really

38:49 who really care, who are really passionate fans and fans of Walt Disney.

38:52 passionate fans and fans of Walt Disney.

38:52 passionate fans and fans of Walt Disney. So, not all hope is always lost. It's

38:54 So, not all hope is always lost. It's

38:54 So, not all hope is always lost. It's just funny because I kind of look at my

38:55 just funny because I kind of look at my

38:56 just funny because I kind of look at my band years the way I bet Walt looked at

38:58 band years the way I bet Walt looked at

38:58 band years the way I bet Walt looked at his Kansas City years like I don't

38:59 his Kansas City years like I don't

38:59 his Kansas City years like I don't really want to talk about that so much.

39:00 really want to talk about that so much.

39:00 really want to talk about that so much. Those are the failure years. But again,

39:02 Those are the failure years. But again,

39:02 Those are the failure years. But again, he was learning how to not invent a

39:04 he was learning how to not invent a

39:04 he was learning how to not invent a light bulb as it were. And it's amazing

39:07 light bulb as it were. And it's amazing

39:07 light bulb as it were. And it's amazing to think I wonder what he would say if

39:09 to think I wonder what he would say if

39:09 to think I wonder what he would say if we could have Walt Disney here, you

39:10 we could have Walt Disney here, you

39:10 we could have Walt Disney here, you know, in 1966, the height of his success

39:13 know, in 1966, the height of his success

39:13 know, in 1966, the height of his success out here looking at this building. I

39:15 out here looking at this building. I

39:15 out here looking at this building. I wonder what he would say about it. In

39:17 wonder what he would say about it. In

39:17 wonder what he would say about it. In fact, Walt Disney did come back to

39:18 fact, Walt Disney did come back to

39:18 fact, Walt Disney did come back to Kansas City uh quite a few times in his

39:21 Kansas City uh quite a few times in his

39:21 Kansas City uh quite a few times in his later years, traveling back and forth

39:22 later years, traveling back and forth

39:22 later years, traveling back and forth across the country, still by train

39:23 across the country, still by train

39:23 across the country, still by train sometimes. I believe, I could be wrong,

39:25 sometimes. I believe, I could be wrong,

39:25 sometimes. I believe, I could be wrong, but I believe he and Roy stopped by here

39:27 but I believe he and Roy stopped by here

39:27 but I believe he and Roy stopped by here uh at the same time that they were

39:28 uh at the same time that they were

39:28 uh at the same time that they were stopping in Marceline, Missouri, when

39:30 stopping in Marceline, Missouri, when

39:30 stopping in Marceline, Missouri, when they did the great locomotive chase

39:32 they did the great locomotive chase

39:32 they did the great locomotive chase premiieres and all that kind of stuff.

39:34 premiieres and all that kind of stuff.

39:34 premiieres and all that kind of stuff. So, he definitely had occasion, and I

39:36 So, he definitely had occasion, and I

39:36 So, he definitely had occasion, and I like to think that he did stop by here

39:38 like to think that he did stop by here

39:38 like to think that he did stop by here with Roy and reminisce about old, hard,

39:42 with Roy and reminisce about old, hard,

39:42 with Roy and reminisce about old, hard, brutal times when he was sleeping

39:43 brutal times when he was sleeping

39:44 brutal times when he was sleeping upstairs and then probably taking street

39:46 upstairs and then probably taking street

39:46 upstairs and then probably taking street cars down to Union Station to have a

39:48 cars down to Union Station to have a

39:48 cars down to Union Station to have a shower once a week for

39:50 shower once a week for

39:50 shower once a week for 25 cents. I want to say one other thing.

39:53 25 cents. I want to say one other thing.

39:53 25 cents. I want to say one other thing. These are just the thoughts off the top

39:54 These are just the thoughts off the top

39:54 These are just the thoughts off the top of my head, but my honest thoughts is

39:56 of my head, but my honest thoughts is

39:56 of my head, but my honest thoughts is that I've got a son. He just turned 18.

39:59 that I've got a son. He just turned 18.

39:59 that I've got a son. He just turned 18. And, you know, I notice a lot in

40:01 And, you know, I notice a lot in

40:01 And, you know, I notice a lot in education today. We're sort of

40:02 education today. We're sort of

40:02 education today. We're sort of correcting past errors and we talk a lot

40:04 correcting past errors and we talk a lot

40:04 correcting past errors and we talk a lot about the bad things in America and the

40:06 about the bad things in America and the

40:06 about the bad things in America and the wrongs people did, the things people did

40:08 wrongs people did, the things people did

40:08 wrongs people did, the things people did even in cartoons back in the day that

40:09 even in cartoons back in the day that

40:09 even in cartoons back in the day that were sort of insensitive. You know,

40:11 were sort of insensitive. You know,

40:11 were sort of insensitive. You know, we've changed our sort of sense of the

40:14 we've changed our sort of sense of the

40:14 we've changed our sort of sense of the what's politically correct, what's kind,

40:16 what's politically correct, what's kind,

40:16 what's politically correct, what's kind, all those kind of things. And I totally

40:18 all those kind of things. And I totally

40:18 all those kind of things. And I totally get it. We're correcting for that era in

40:20 get it. We're correcting for that era in

40:20 get it. We're correcting for that era in American history where we taught kids

40:22 American history where we taught kids

40:22 American history where we taught kids like George Washington could never tell

40:23 like George Washington could never tell

40:23 like George Washington could never tell a lie and he and he he chopped down the

40:25 a lie and he and he he chopped down the

40:25 a lie and he and he he chopped down the cherry tree and all those kind of

40:27 cherry tree and all those kind of

40:27 cherry tree and all those kind of things. It it was a correction. But

40:28 things. It it was a correction. But

40:28 things. It it was a correction. But sometimes I wonder when are we going to

40:29 sometimes I wonder when are we going to

40:29 sometimes I wonder when are we going to be done with that correcting? What are

40:31 be done with that correcting? What are

40:31 be done with that correcting? What are we going to swing back and kind of

40:33 we going to swing back and kind of

40:33 we going to swing back and kind of correct course the other way? Because

40:36 correct course the other way? Because

40:36 correct course the other way? Because people don't just need to hear about the

40:38 people don't just need to hear about the

40:38 people don't just need to hear about the bad things that happened in our history,

40:39 bad things that happened in our history,

40:39 bad things that happened in our history, the bad times, the bad struggles. People

40:41 the bad times, the bad struggles. People

40:41 the bad times, the bad struggles. People need inspiration. They need hope. And

40:43 need inspiration. They need hope. And

40:44 need inspiration. They need hope. And that is why the story of Walt Disney,

40:45 that is why the story of Walt Disney,

40:45 that is why the story of Walt Disney, the cartoonist who changed movies, to me

40:48 the cartoonist who changed movies, to me

40:48 the cartoonist who changed movies, to me is a little bit less important. That's

40:50 is a little bit less important. That's

40:50 is a little bit less important. That's the story we're always hearing about

40:51 the story we're always hearing about

40:51 the story we're always hearing about Disneyland and the dreams and the big

40:53 Disneyland and the dreams and the big

40:53 Disneyland and the dreams and the big successes. Then Walt Disney, the

40:55 successes. Then Walt Disney, the

40:55 successes. Then Walt Disney, the struggling and failing young

40:57 struggling and failing young

40:57 struggling and failing young entrepreneur who just wouldn't take it

40:59 entrepreneur who just wouldn't take it

40:59 entrepreneur who just wouldn't take it lying down, who just kept getting back

41:01 lying down, who just kept getting back

41:01 lying down, who just kept getting back up time after time after time to give it

41:06 up time after time after time to give it

41:06 up time after time after time to give it another go. I was just thinking right

41:07 another go. I was just thinking right

41:07 another go. I was just thinking right there, that corner entrance, that was

41:09 there, that corner entrance, that was

41:09 there, that corner entrance, that was probably a store. Look at the big area

41:11 probably a store. Look at the big area

41:11 probably a store. Look at the big area for glass windows and stuff. Then

41:12 for glass windows and stuff. Then

41:12 for glass windows and stuff. Then there's two other entrances over

41:15 there's two other entrances over

41:15 there's two other entrances over here. I don't know if they didn't enter

41:17 here. I don't know if they didn't enter

41:17 here. I don't know if they didn't enter the back. I'm guessing that entrance

41:18 the back. I'm guessing that entrance

41:18 the back. I'm guessing that entrance right there probably led to the stairs.

41:20 right there probably led to the stairs.

41:20 right there probably led to the stairs. I'm sure somebody out there knows. I'd

41:22 I'm sure somebody out there knows. I'd

41:22 I'm sure somebody out there knows. I'd really love to hear from you. Love to

41:24 really love to hear from you. Love to

41:24 really love to hear from you. Love to hear what you think. And I'd love to

41:25 hear what you think. And I'd love to

41:26 hear what you think. And I'd love to hear what you think in general of all

41:27 hear what you think in general of all

41:27 hear what you think in general of all these downtown Kansas City sites about

41:31 these downtown Kansas City sites about

41:31 these downtown Kansas City sites about laugh about Walt Disney about the future

41:34 laugh about Walt Disney about the future

41:34 laugh about Walt Disney about the future of his legacy. Have you struggled? Have

41:37 of his legacy. Have you struggled? Have

41:37 of his legacy. Have you struggled? Have you achieved success after a lifetime of

41:39 you achieved success after a lifetime of

41:39 you achieved success after a lifetime of struggle? I'm genuinely interested. I'd

41:40 struggle? I'm genuinely interested. I'd

41:40 struggle? I'm genuinely interested. I'd love to hear your thoughts down in the

41:42 love to hear your thoughts down in the

41:42 love to hear your thoughts down in the comments below or over on my Instagram.

41:44 comments below or over on my Instagram.

41:44 comments below or over on my Instagram. Justin Rs. That's not my last name. And

41:47 Justin Rs. That's not my last name. And

41:47 Justin Rs. That's not my last name. And that name comes from the band I had,

41:48 that name comes from the band I had,

41:48 that name comes from the band I had, which was called The Scard. Again, one

41:50 which was called The Scard. Again, one

41:50 which was called The Scard. Again, one of my failures following me everywhere.

41:52 of my failures following me everywhere.

41:52 of my failures following me everywhere. And I probably should have transitioned

41:53 And I probably should have transitioned

41:53 And I probably should have transitioned to using my real last name, which is

41:54 to using my real last name, which is

41:54 to using my real last name, which is Willlet, by the way, a long time ago.

41:56 Willlet, by the way, a long time ago.

41:56 Willlet, by the way, a long time ago. But I liked that the Scard is still in

41:58 But I liked that the Scard is still in

41:58 But I liked that the Scard is still in the name. It's still in the name of the

42:00 the name. It's still in the name of the

42:00 the name. It's still in the name of the channel shortcut for YouTube and all

42:02 channel shortcut for YouTube and all

42:02 channel shortcut for YouTube and all that stuff cuz it reminds me of all the

42:04 that stuff cuz it reminds me of all the

42:04 that stuff cuz it reminds me of all the years I failed. And I'm still here,

42:07 years I failed. And I'm still here,

42:07 years I failed. And I'm still here, still breathing. It ain't over till

42:09 still breathing. It ain't over till

42:09 still breathing. It ain't over till you're underground. You know what I

42:11 you're underground. You know what I

42:11 you're underground. You know what I mean? And Walt Disney had quite a

42:13 mean? And Walt Disney had quite a

42:14 mean? And Walt Disney had quite a turnaround in his life. And it's because

42:16 turnaround in his life. And it's because

42:16 turnaround in his life. And it's because he never gave up. But remember, his

42:19 he never gave up. But remember, his

42:19 he never gave up. But remember, his original dream was to be a cartoonist,

42:21 original dream was to be a cartoonist,

42:21 original dream was to be a cartoonist, an illustrator, something he was okay

42:22 an illustrator, something he was okay

42:22 an illustrator, something he was okay at. He was decent at, but not

42:25 at. He was decent at, but not

42:25 at. He was decent at, but not necessarily the best at. Then of course

42:26 necessarily the best at. Then of course

42:26 necessarily the best at. Then of course he pivoted to animation, but he was

42:28 he pivoted to animation, but he was

42:28 he pivoted to animation, but he was nothing compared to Eyeworks and some

42:30 nothing compared to Eyeworks and some

42:30 nothing compared to Eyeworks and some other people. And so Walt Disney pivoted

42:32 other people. And so Walt Disney pivoted

42:32 other people. And so Walt Disney pivoted again to being a manager, an idea man, a

42:34 again to being a manager, an idea man, a

42:34 again to being a manager, an idea man, a creative guy, and then eventually a

42:37 creative guy, and then eventually a

42:37 creative guy, and then eventually a movie studio head and theme park

42:39 movie studio head and theme park

42:39 movie studio head and theme park entrepreneur. You hear never give up and

42:42 entrepreneur. You hear never give up and

42:42 entrepreneur. You hear never give up and never give up on your dreams all the

42:43 never give up on your dreams all the

42:43 never give up on your dreams all the time. What you don't hear is that the

42:44 time. What you don't hear is that the

42:44 time. What you don't hear is that the successful people not only didn't give

42:47 successful people not only didn't give

42:47 successful people not only didn't give up, didn't give up, and kept trying and

42:49 up, didn't give up, and kept trying and

42:49 up, didn't give up, and kept trying and kept trying, but also weren't afraid to

42:51 kept trying, but also weren't afraid to

42:51 kept trying, but also weren't afraid to adapt, to try new things, and to just

42:54 adapt, to try new things, and to just

42:54 adapt, to try new things, and to just keep on moving. So, if you've been

42:57 keep on moving. So, if you've been

42:57 keep on moving. So, if you've been stuck, if you've been trapped, if you've

42:58 stuck, if you've been trapped, if you've

42:58 stuck, if you've been trapped, if you've been spinning your wheels with different

42:59 been spinning your wheels with different

42:59 been spinning your wheels with different dreams or ideas, stay stubborn in that

43:01 dreams or ideas, stay stubborn in that

43:01 dreams or ideas, stay stubborn in that you don't give up in general. But don't

43:03 you don't give up in general. But don't

43:03 you don't give up in general. But don't forget, you know, I thought I'd be a

43:04 forget, you know, I thought I'd be a

43:04 forget, you know, I thought I'd be a professional musician the rest of my

43:05 professional musician the rest of my

43:05 professional musician the rest of my life. Turns out I wasn't quite as adept

43:08 life. Turns out I wasn't quite as adept

43:08 life. Turns out I wasn't quite as adept at that as I should have been for

43:10 at that as I should have been for

43:10 at that as I should have been for success. and I pivoted and I have had a

43:12 success. and I pivoted and I have had a

43:12 success. and I pivoted and I have had a great time with you guys over the last

43:14 great time with you guys over the last

43:14 great time with you guys over the last 12, 13 years, whatever it's been filming

43:17 12, 13 years, whatever it's been filming

43:17 12, 13 years, whatever it's been filming Randomland. And although I still

43:18 Randomland. And although I still

43:18 Randomland. And although I still struggle and still struggle mightily

43:20 struggle and still struggle mightily

43:20 struggle and still struggle mightily from time to time like a lot of people,

43:22 from time to time like a lot of people,

43:22 from time to time like a lot of people, especially since the pandemic, I'm still

43:25 especially since the pandemic, I'm still

43:25 especially since the pandemic, I'm still out here trying. I'm still out here

43:26 out here trying. I'm still out here

43:26 out here trying. I'm still out here trying to entertain or in this case

43:28 trying to entertain or in this case

43:28 trying to entertain or in this case edit, trying to make as many people

43:30 edit, trying to make as many people

43:30 edit, trying to make as many people happy as I possibly can. And if you're

43:32 happy as I possibly can. And if you're

43:32 happy as I possibly can. And if you're one of them, I thank you for being here

43:34 one of them, I thank you for being here

43:34 one of them, I thank you for being here with me. It's been my pleasure. I'm

43:35 with me. It's been my pleasure. I'm

43:36 with me. It's been my pleasure. I'm walking away from this day remembering

43:38 walking away from this day remembering

43:38 walking away from this day remembering those stories of early Walt Disney and

43:40 those stories of early Walt Disney and

43:40 those stories of early Walt Disney and choosing to be inspired by his time here

43:43 choosing to be inspired by his time here

43:43 choosing to be inspired by his time here in Kansas City. Something I'm going to

43:45 in Kansas City. Something I'm going to

43:45 in Kansas City. Something I'm going to be reflecting a lot on tonight and

43:47 be reflecting a lot on tonight and

43:47 be reflecting a lot on tonight and tomorrow because tomorrow is actually my

43:48 tomorrow because tomorrow is actually my

43:48 tomorrow because tomorrow is actually my birthday as I stand here, March 25th,

43:51 birthday as I stand here, March 25th,

43:51 birthday as I stand here, March 25th, and I'll be spending most of my birthday

43:53 and I'll be spending most of my birthday

43:53 and I'll be spending most of my birthday just flying home. So, plenty of time to

43:55 just flying home. So, plenty of time to

43:55 just flying home. So, plenty of time to think, to contemplate, and to uh sort of

43:58 think, to contemplate, and to uh sort of

43:58 think, to contemplate, and to uh sort of double down on never never giving up.

44:01 double down on never never giving up.

44:01 double down on never never giving up. Now, if you'd like to give me a birthday

44:02 Now, if you'd like to give me a birthday

44:02 Now, if you'd like to give me a birthday present, I'd like you to visit the links

44:05 present, I'd like you to visit the links

44:05 present, I'd like you to visit the links down below and consider I try not to

44:07 down below and consider I try not to

44:07 down below and consider I try not to mention this too often, but consider

44:09 mention this too often, but consider

44:10 mention this too often, but consider joining our Patreon if you like videos

44:12 joining our Patreon if you like videos

44:12 joining our Patreon if you like videos like this. If you want to uh help other

44:15 like this. If you want to uh help other

44:15 like this. If you want to uh help other people get to see stuff like this, if

44:17 people get to see stuff like this, if

44:17 people get to see stuff like this, if you enjoy these adventures and want to

44:19 you enjoy these adventures and want to

44:19 you enjoy these adventures and want to contribute to making 2025 and 2026 the

44:22 contribute to making 2025 and 2026 the

44:22 contribute to making 2025 and 2026 the best years ever on random land, that's

44:24 best years ever on random land, that's

44:24 best years ever on random land, that's the best way to do it. But there are

44:25 the best way to do it. But there are

44:25 the best way to do it. But there are other absolutely free ways to help out.

44:28 other absolutely free ways to help out.

44:28 other absolutely free ways to help out. One, you could like this video. Give it

44:30 One, you could like this video. Give it

44:30 One, you could like this video. Give it a big fat thumbs up. That'll show it

44:32 a big fat thumbs up. That'll show it

44:32 a big fat thumbs up. That'll show it who's boss. Two, you can share this

44:35 who's boss. Two, you can share this

44:35 who's boss. Two, you can share this video or some of the other videos on

44:36 video or some of the other videos on

44:36 video or some of the other videos on this channel with your family and

44:38 this channel with your family and

44:38 this channel with your family and friends. Give randomland a

44:39 friends. Give randomland a

44:40 friends. Give randomland a recommendation. And we've got

44:41 recommendation. And we've got

44:41 recommendation. And we've got merchandise. We got hats for sale, pins,

44:43 merchandise. We got hats for sale, pins,

44:43 merchandise. We got hats for sale, pins, all kinds of stuff over at

44:45 all kinds of stuff over at

44:45 all kinds of stuff over at store.randomland.com. Oh, and my new

44:47 store.randomland.com. Oh, and my new

44:47 store.randomland.com. Oh, and my new book. Uh, it's sort of new. It's still

44:49 book. Uh, it's sort of new. It's still

44:49 book. Uh, it's sort of new. It's still only a year old. I get people coming up

44:51 only a year old. I get people coming up

44:51 only a year old. I get people coming up to me all the time telling me, "We watch

44:52 to me all the time telling me, "We watch

44:52 to me all the time telling me, "We watch your show as a family. We really enjoy

44:54 your show as a family. We really enjoy

44:54 your show as a family. We really enjoy these adventures and stuff." So, if you

44:56 these adventures and stuff." So, if you

44:56 these adventures and stuff." So, if you want to help me continue the adventures

44:58 want to help me continue the adventures

44:58 want to help me continue the adventures and continue the fun the way of Eyeworks

45:00 and continue the fun the way of Eyeworks

45:00 and continue the fun the way of Eyeworks kept helping Walt Disney, no matter how

45:02 kept helping Walt Disney, no matter how

45:02 kept helping Walt Disney, no matter how much trouble Walt kept getting into,

45:04 much trouble Walt kept getting into,

45:04 much trouble Walt kept getting into, apparently, and spread the word or join

45:06 apparently, and spread the word or join

45:06 apparently, and spread the word or join Patreon. That sure helps a lot. All

45:09 Patreon. That sure helps a lot. All

45:09 Patreon. That sure helps a lot. All right, guys. I'm taking my leave of

45:10 right, guys. I'm taking my leave of

45:10 right, guys. I'm taking my leave of Laugh here. I'm headed out to Lawrence,

45:13 Laugh here. I'm headed out to Lawrence,

45:13 Laugh here. I'm headed out to Lawrence, Kansas to celebrate my birthday early

45:15 Kansas to celebrate my birthday early

45:15 Kansas to celebrate my birthday early with my friend Al, who I showed you guys

45:17 with my friend Al, who I showed you guys

45:17 with my friend Al, who I showed you guys yesterday. Once again, if you didn't see

45:19 yesterday. Once again, if you didn't see

45:19 yesterday. Once again, if you didn't see that video, we had a nice long visit to

45:22 that video, we had a nice long visit to

45:22 that video, we had a nice long visit to Walt Disney's still standing family home

45:25 Walt Disney's still standing family home

45:25 Walt Disney's still standing family home here in Kansas City on Bella Fontaine

45:27 here in Kansas City on Bella Fontaine

45:27 here in Kansas City on Bella Fontaine Avenue. I sat with the current occupant

45:30 Avenue. I sat with the current occupant

45:30 Avenue. I sat with the current occupant of the house uh for quite a while

45:32 of the house uh for quite a while

45:32 of the house uh for quite a while yesterday and got the whole story on the

45:34 yesterday and got the whole story on the

45:34 yesterday and got the whole story on the family that moved in after Walt was

45:35 family that moved in after Walt was

45:36 family that moved in after Walt was gone. And then we went to Planet

45:37 gone. And then we went to Planet

45:38 gone. And then we went to Planet Comic-Con, shifted gears entirely, went

45:40 Comic-Con, shifted gears entirely, went

45:40 Comic-Con, shifted gears entirely, went wild and crazy out there, saw some

45:42 wild and crazy out there, saw some

45:42 wild and crazy out there, saw some celebrity guests, saw some pretty cool

45:44 celebrity guests, saw some pretty cool

45:44 celebrity guests, saw some pretty cool merch and some pop culture stuff. Insane

45:46 merch and some pop culture stuff. Insane

45:46 merch and some pop culture stuff. Insane cosplay. It was a good time. So, go

45:48 cosplay. It was a good time. So, go

45:48 cosplay. It was a good time. So, go check out that episode if you want a

45:49 check out that episode if you want a

45:49 check out that episode if you want a little bit more Walt Disney in your day.

45:51 little bit more Walt Disney in your day.

45:52 little bit more Walt Disney in your day. For now, though, reporting to you from

45:53 For now, though, reporting to you from

45:53 For now, though, reporting to you from Kansas City, it's time to wrap things

45:56 Kansas City, it's time to wrap things

45:56 Kansas City, it's time to wrap things up. My name is Justin Scard and you guys

45:59 up. My name is Justin Scard and you guys

45:59 up. My name is Justin Scard and you guys know like Walt Disney and like, thank

46:01 know like Walt Disney and like, thank

46:01 know like Walt Disney and like, thank you, Walt Disney, we've done our duty.

46:03 you, Walt Disney, we've done our duty.

46:04 you, Walt Disney, we've done our duty. Time to hotel and sleep well. See you

46:07 Time to hotel and sleep well. See you

46:07 Time to hotel and sleep well. See you next

46:08 next

46:08 next [Music]

46:11 [Music]

46:11 [Music] time. Heat up

46:13 time. Heat up

46:13 time. Heat up [Music]

46:25 [Music] here.

46:43 [Music] They

46:44 They

46:44 They remember. They remember.

46:47 remember. They remember.

46:47 remember. They remember. Yeah. Kansas City. We're rocking out.

46:50 Yeah. Kansas City. We're rocking out.

46:50 Yeah. Kansas City. We're rocking out. We're rocking out on the streets. Okay.

46:52 We're rocking out on the streets. Okay.

46:52 We're rocking out on the streets. Okay. What the heck is that? What is that on

46:55 What the heck is that? What is that on

46:55 What the heck is that? What is that on the building? Moth

46:57 the building? Moth

46:57 the building? Moth Manusa. What the heck is that? Scary.

Walt Disney’s Kansas City – What’s Left Today

Transcript