Moffits: Mad Hatter Adventures

by Dr. Rhonda Moffit When you think of Elvis Presley, your mind probably drifts to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, the iconic white jumpsuits, or the sprawling Graceland mansion in Memphis. But long before he became the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis was just a boy growing up in a tiny two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi. Visiting his childhood home is like stepping into a time machine,…

by Rhonda Moffit There are moments in life that leave an indelible mark on your soul, experiences that remind you of the fragility of existence and the mysteries that lie just beyond the veil of our understanding. Our recent trip to Gettysburg was one such moment, an experience that left us both awed and unsettled. I purposely waited to write about this journey until now. We had set out to visit…

by Rhonda Moffit As someone who worked for Disney for years before becoming a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how the magic of Disney can be more than just fun—it can be educational. For parents who might be hesitant about taking their kids to Disney during the school year, let me assure you: with a little planning and creativity, a trip to the parks can be an enriching experience that complements…

New blog post!

Having a blast with this one! Written by the one and only Dr. Rhonda “Mztressofallevil” Moffit, in the dog days of August 2024! In a world teeming with uncertainty, political turmoil, and way too many Zoom meetings, America needs a hero. Not just any hero. One who is gloriously inappropriate. One who is apologetically sarcastic. And one who has a healing factor as strong as our need for…

June 26th, 2021-The Journey Begins!

VIP’s For The Day: Inside the Walt Disney Archives Exhibition

Rhonda Moffit, July 2021 We were fortunate to be invited to attend the opening weekend of the Inside the Walt Disney Archives Exhibition. The Inside the Walt Disney Archives exhibition celebrates the legacy of The Walt Disney Company archives, with behind-the-scenes access never before granted to the public. The 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibit opened at the Graceland Exhibition Center in…

With such very busy lives, every so often we love to unwind with a weekend adventure. This recharges our batteries and allows us to find inspiration and appreciation that propels us into the forthcoming work week and beyond. Our most recent weekend adventure took us to Martin’s childhood, as his relatives lived in Hannibal, Missouri, when he was a boy. He, much like Tom Sawyer and creator Mark Twain, ran around this historic Mississippi River town as a youngster having fun and learning life’s early lessons. What many do not realize is the incredible history of this locale….so read on and see what we discovered.

One of the places that I, Rhonda, book for our clients that visit Hannibal that has had great reviews is the Garth Woodside Mansion Bed and Breakfast. We were anxious to check this place out for ourselves.

John Garth and Helen Kercheval were married on October 18, 1860. They had two children, John David and Annie. Sometime after the Civil War broke out, in 1862 or 1863, Garth moved his family to New York City. There he was engaged in banking, brokerage, and manufacturing. They returned to Hannibal in 1871, and Garth started a successful business career. Garth purchased a farm southwest of Hannibal and constructed his Italianate Second Empire summer residence about a mile outside of the hustling city in 1871,  which he named “Woodside”.  On the farm he raised and bred shorthorn and Jersey cattle.

As a businessman Garth entered many ventures. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and served as its first vice-president. He became president in 1880, a position he held until near his death in 1899. He was also president of the Hannibal Lime Company, president of the Missouri Guarantee Savings and Building Association, and president of the Garth Lumber Company in Delta, Michigan. His wife and daughter funded several memorials to him, including the Garth Memorial Library Building, dedicated in 1902, and a tower and set of bells at the Trinity Episcopal Church.

Son John perished at the age of 21, sadly, while he was undergoing an appendectomy.  Family photos adorn the walls of Woodside.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name of Mark Twain, not only grew up in Hannibal but had multiple visits back to visit friends during his lifetime. One of his childhood friends was in fact John Garth.  Samuel Clemens visited Woodside on several occasions, preferring to stay with his friends. He had his own particular favorite bedroom in the house and spent many hours laughing with the family in the downstairs parlor. When he published Life on the Mississippi, Clemens sent the Garths a copy. John Garth replied, “Thanks for the book. Each and every one at Woodside has enjoyed it greatly.” A note from Clemens to his manager requested a copy of Huckleberry Finn to be sent to the Garths upon its release. John Garth died in 1899.

There have only been six owners of the mansion since it was built, and most all of the original furnishings are still used. This brings me to the beds. Oh, the beds! This particular bed is valued at $55,000, being one of the most valuable in the United States. It is said that Mark Twain slept in this bed and the hand carved craftsmanship is beautiful. Other furnishings are original to the house as well, and it is truly like stepping back in time. Because Woodside has changed owners so infrequently, many of the belongings of the Garth family remain. The current innkeepers/owners (very friendly!) allowed us to roam the entire house and grounds and we were able to see everything the house has to offer, which is a lot.

After exploring the mansion and visiting with the llamas (resident livestock), we ventured into downtown Hannibal and decided to eat at the Mark Twain Dinette. Martin regaled me with tales of when he was sent by family to the Dinette to buy and bring home a jug of their homemade root beer. They have made the root beer onsite since going into business over 76 years ago, and it does not disappoint! If you visit, you should try one of their pork tenderloin sandwiches- it is enormous and one of the main dishes that they are known for.

After dinner, Martin walked me around the Mark Twain historic buildings- my own private tour.

It was fantastic. We then journeyed the short drive back to Woodside and enjoyed the rest of the night with complimentary wine, a fireplace, and a large jetted tub that I really wish I could bring home with me.

The next morning, we were provided a yummy breakfast and had some wonderful conversation with other guests. There are cottages at the rear of the property and they provide a beautiful view and private hot tubs on their decks. These are quite popular, and from what I gleaned from conversation with the others many like to return a couple times a year just to rejuvenate.

The next part of our adventure took us to Lover’s Leap. The views from this historic location are remarkable, and it was a beautiful day to behold.

Next, we traversed to Mark Twain Cave.

Made famous in Mark Twain’s writing, this location is the real deal. They offer tours, so of course we were all in. We went 250 feet below ground and saw everything we could see in the miles of tunnels made of limestone. Samuel Clemens even signed the cave wall when he was young- if you look in the center of the following image you can see “Clemens“.

Many, many people have been to the cave over the years- here I am, wandering around trying to get a feel for it- and loving every minute.

There are over 260 passageways, and it is easy to get turned around in the labyrinth. There is also a “marriage rock” within that has a story. There was a woman who discovered one of her ancestors had signed the cave wall and she had her wedding in the cave under the signature as an homage to the relation. Also look carefully in the photos for the signature from 1865. There are so many echoes from the past.

The Mark Twain Cave was discovered in the winter of 1819 when Jack Sims tracked a panther into what appeared to be a small den. He later discovered it was an extensive underground network. Twain included a lot of the cave in his book “Tom Sawyer”, as he found it to be a true source of inspiration as a child. He and friends used to light candles and enter the cave to explore it. The “Discovery” entrance is the original entrance (green sign) that was used, as you can see in the image.

Also notable:

Joseph Nash McDowell – He bought the cave in 1848 and was the owner during Mark Twain’s childhood. He is infamous for putting his recently deceased daughter into a copper cylinder and placing the cylinder in the back of his cave hoping to further his theory of human petrification. When Hannibal residents learned of this act, they begged him to remove her and bury her as was deemed proper.

Here is an image of where both McDowell’s daughter’s corpse was stored and where Jesse James placed his signature in the cave.

Jesse James — After a botched robbery attempt he hid out in Tennessee. In 1879 he decided to head for Independence, MO to assemble a new gang. On his way through, he signed his name in the Mark Twain Cave which is dated September 22, 1879, sixteen days before he robbed a train in Independence with his new crew, and only three years before his death.

The cave was a remarkable adventure and we spent a lot of time exploring it.

Also in Hannibal is the home of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. Molly was born in this house just a few blocks away from the home of Mark Twain. Margaret Tobin Brown was an activist and survivor of the Titanic. Born in 1867, she was the daughter of Irish immigrants. In her lifetime, she and her husband rocketed to fame during the Gold Rush. In a lifeboat as the RMS Titanic sank, Molly shared layers of clothing and urged others to survive the disaster. She used her status to inspire others to fight for children’s and worker’s rights for the remainder of her life.

For all of us Disney fans, Hannibal is also a special place. It is the birthplace of voice actor and musician Cliff Edwards, better known as the voice of Pinnochio’s Jiminy Cricket. Edwards was born in Hannibal and left school at the age of 14 to move to St. Louis. He taught himself to play the ukulele, choosing it because he said it was the cheapest instrument in the music shop. He was nicknamed “Ukulele Ike” by a club owner that could never recall his actual name, and it stuck.

Hannibal has so many stories, and there is so much to do and to see. If you visit between April and November you can even take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi courtesy of the Mark Twain- they even offer dinner cruises. We plan on returning again soon, and before we departed, we returned to the Mark Twain Dinette to grab a root beer for the road. OK, we actually bought a case to take home. What a wonderful getaway!

Hope you enjoy sharing our adventures- be sure to give us a like, a comment, or at least have a drink of this fabulous root beer next time you are in Hannibal for us!

******

  GET YOUR FREE VACATION QUOTE HERE!

***

Are you visiting Disney in the future? We have some amazing packages available and can save you time and money so you and yours have the best time possible! After all, one of us is a former Cast Member.  Fill out our form HERE to receive your FREE quote. Our services are completely free for you to utilize and you will get YEARS of experience on your side when booking with Moffits: Mad Hatter Adventures.

Always consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency, such as Mad Hatter Adventures. We will be available to assist you with everything from finding the best value for your travel party to getting dining reservations and Fastpass+ attractions lined up.  Just get in touch with us at [email protected] or watch our adventures on Facebook. We don’t just book travel, we LIVE it!

Images copyright Moffits: Mad Hatter Adventures, 2020

Driving in to Marceline, Missouri.  – Image ©Moffits: Mad Hatter Adventures 2018

We recently had the honor of visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum and other locations in Marceline, Missouri. The community of Marceline has around 2,500 people and is located a few hours northwest of St. Louis. The Disney farm is where Walt, Roy, and Ruth Disney lived with their parents Elias and Flora. Elias purchased the farm from the estate of Civil War Veteran William Crane and moved the family there in 1905. There were also two older brothers, Herbert and Raymond, (who did not want to adjust to farm life) who crept out the window in the middle of the night to travel back to Chicago, where the family had been living prior to moving to Marceline.

Walt received his first payment for a drawing while in Marceline from a local resident, Doc Sherwood. In addition to that, Walt was in a presentation of Peter Pan during elementary school, and Roy manned a block and tackle so that Walt could “fly”. Walt spent time with his uncle, Mike Martin, who was an engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad. Uncle Mike would stop the train about a mile outside of town and blow a secret whistle so that Walt would hear it and run to greet him. He would hop aboard and ride the last mile into town. This fueled his lifelong interest in the railroad.

Martin and Rhonda at Walt Disney Municipal Park, 2018. Image ©Moffits: Mad Hatter Adventures.

The Walt Disney Municipal Park is located south of town and is beautiful to see. We headed there before any other location. There is a lake there and also the original site of the Midget Autopia that Walt Disney donated to Marceline when the attraction was dismantled at Disneyland.

The lake at the Walt Disney Municipal Park.  Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018

The original site of the only Disneyland ride to be operated outside of a Disney park- Midget Autopia. The town operated the ride from 1966 until rising insurance costs and a lack of replacement parts forced it’s closure in 1977.

We took our time and drove around town to see Walt’s inspiration for Main Street, USA, in detail. Walt’s boyhood recollections of Marceline influenced films such as “So Dear to My Heart” and “Lady and the Tramp”. It is easy to understand how when you spend time in this peaceful small town. Walt’s first animated film featured barnyard animals he knew as a boy in Marceline.

At last it was time for us to visit the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, where we happened to run into one of the few people still living that was friends with Walt, Roy, and Ruth Disney- Inez Johnson. Inez and her late husband Rush had quite a task set before them in 1955 when Walt Disney asked them to purchase the family farm for him under the name of the company, “RETLAW”. They did so, being locals and avoiding any suspicion. Not long after, Walt and Roy made the train ride back to Marceline to attend the dedication of the Walt Disney swimming pool and park. The town was abuzz with the plans for the dedication, and it was suggested that Walt and Lillian Disney should stay with the Johnson’s because they were among the first in town to have air conditioning in their home.

Inez laughed as she told us that she had looked at her furniture when it was decided that Walt would stay with them and shook her head- it was not up to her standards for someone of that importance. She had a friend who had just bought new furniture, so they worked together to move the Johnson furniture out of the house and borrowed the new furniture for the Disney visit. When Walt and Lillian arrived, they put all fears to rest. Inez said that he was a regular person, approachable and kind, not at all snooty or snobbish. In fact, Walt asked Inez and Rush’s daughter where he should sleep. She answered to him that the “pink” room (her room) was the best room in the house. Walt smiled at her and said that they would be fine sleeping in the pink room, and so they did. That young lady is now the owner and resident in the Disney family farmhouse.

Rhonda and Inez Johnson, Disney family friend and Walt Disney Hometown Museum volunteer. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Inez was an absolute delight. She is the person you will see as you watch all of the videos within the museum and we were fortunate to spend an afternoon with her. She took us around, just the two of us, and showed us highlights of the artifacts that were left to the museum by Ruth Disney, Walt’s youngest sibling. After that initial visit for the pool dedication, Walt and Roy frequently made stops in Marceline to visit with the Johnsons. He loved to travel from Los Angeles to New York via train, and every chance he got he would stop off for an hour or two as the train came through town. Inez became particularly close to Ruth, and it was Ruth who instructed that all of her family memorabilia be donated to the museum upon her death. Inez tears up when she talks about it, but has a smile on her face as she recalls how special that was.

“Walt was supposed to be here for the dedication of Midget Autopia,” she recalls. Her voice breaking a bit she says “he cancelled at the last minute because he thought he had a bad cold. It was the cancer. He dies just three months later.”  We all had tears in our eyes when she said this.

This is one train car that no longer rides the rails, located not far from the Walt Disney Hometown Museum. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

The restored train depot serves as the home for the Walt Disney Hometown Museum that opened in 2001. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

The Walt Disney Hometown Museum owns roughly 3,000 Disney-related artifacts, including many items from Ruth Disney. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

As a Disney fan, it is a rare opportunity to get to spend time with anyone who knew Walt and his family personally. Inez was a gracious hostess and we appreciated everything that she shared with us. She pointed us in the direction of the Disney Family Farm after we viewed the museum displays and told us that her daughter would be delighted as well for us to spend time at the house. We promised to stop by as soon as we were done taking in every item on display.

Installation of the Midget Autopia in Marceline. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Martin is delighted with his find of one of the Midget Autopia cars- this one was never used on the track in Marceline, but was housed in a warehouse as a spare car. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

An image of the Midget Autopia car displayed in Disneyland. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

We were able to see the diploma presented to Walt Disney from Marceline High School during one of the presentations that took place as well as Walt Disney’s grade school desk, complete with Walt’s initials.

There were so many artifacts- it is easy to spend a day just taking it all in.

Possibly some of the first ever Disney pins next to a classic wrist watch.  Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Some of the original track from Walt’s railroad that he built at his home in Holmby Hills, CA. Known as the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad”. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Martin and Conductor Mickey Mouse.  Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

This stereo and it’s album collection are priceless- the albums are recordings of the Disney family, most notably of Walt and Roy talking with their father, Elias. They liked technology and playing around with it was a great form of fun and learning.  Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Roy was the business man that got things done, and Walt was creative operations.  If not for Roy keeping his word to his brother when Walt was dying, we would never have had Walt Disney World.  Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

We were able to sit down and watch Ruth’s TV and walk on her living room rug. The TV shows the Disneyland opening special. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Note the letterhead on correspondence from Walt’s secretary to Ruth over the years. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

A treasure indeed- this is an actual branch from Walt’s Dreaming Tree. This large cottonwood tree was Walt’s favorite thing on the Disney farm. He and Ruth would play under it, climb it, and play in the spring that ran at it’s base. In later years, Walt would return to his favorite spot for inspiration when he visited Marceline, reflecting beneath it and spending time alone with his thoughts. The tree finally lost it’s life after a battle with disease and lightening strikes in 2015, but there is a location dedicated to it on the farm (see pics below). In 2003, one of Walt’s grandsons planted a sapling grown from the original Dreaming Tree and it is known as the “Son of Dreaming Tree”. It is flourishing. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Original miniature models for Disneyland are proudly on display. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney worked together at this light table. They shared it during their time working for Pesmen Rubin in 1919. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Walt’s grade school classroom is recreated including some of the original desks. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Model for the Matterhorn at Disneyland. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Model for It’s a Small World at Disneyland. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Original model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle area at Disneyland. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

This display is Main Street USA, and the display above it shows the buildings that were in Marceline. There is no doubt that Walt modeled Main Street USA directly after Marceline, although there is a town in California and one in Colorado that have tried to claim the same. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Delightful Disneyland miniatures are everywhere. It is interesting to see how Walt wanted everything to look. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

When leaving the museum, Inez bestowed a great gift to Rhonda. She told her that she believed that Walt would have adored her and that she must have been a wonderful Cast Member- and told her that she was a “pistol”. It made Rhonda laugh, and then cry as she was given some cottonwood seeds from the actual Dreaming Tree to take home. It was a very special moment. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

After hugging Inez goodbye and thanking her profusely, it was time to go to the Disney Family farm house. As we pulled up, we were able to greet Inez’s daughter. She told us that we could roam the entire farm and to feel right at home.

Walt Disney’s Childhood Home in Marceline. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Wanting to see everything, Martin and Rhonda started walking the grounds to go back to the site of the Dreaming Tree and Walt’s barn. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

This is “Son of Dreaming Tree”, and it is thriving. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

We roamed all through the wooded areas happily. It was very special to truly walk in such a place of reverence for Disney fans. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

The Disney Family Farm is beautiful and the views are largely unchanged from what Walt would have looked upon. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

And there it was…Walt’s beloved barn. He loved the barn so much that he had his California barn modeled after it as an adult. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

In many ways, walking in Walt’s footsteps where he spent his formative, happiest, and most imaginative years is greater than the feeling one gets when visiting Disneyland.  The beauty of this place is so special. It is simple and beautifully pure, and even listening to the breeze and smelling the flowers touches you emotionally. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Many Disney fans have made the pilgrimage to the barn. They sign their names somewhere in it as a lasting tribute. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

It is easy to see why Walt was inspired with such incredible beauty surrounding him. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

Peering out from the front of the barn. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

We also left our mark. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

The appreciation for this place only grew with our journey. We hope it lasts for many years to come. Image ©Moffits Mad Hatter Adventures, 2018.

It was a day we will never forget, and a place that is every bit as magical as anything Walt or Roy created. If you would like to visit and would like some assistance with where to stay and how to get there, just email us at [email protected]. We can plan your experience as well.

***

GET YOUR FREE DISNEY VACATION QUOTE HERE!

***

Are you visiting Disney in the future? We have some amazing packages available and can save you time and money so you and yours have the best time possible! After all, one of us is a former Cast Member.  Fill out our form HERE to receive your FREE quote. Our services are completely free for you to utilize and you will get YEARS of experience on your side when booking with Moffits- Mad Hatter Adventures.

Always consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency, such as Mad Hatter Adventures. We will be available to assist you with everything from finding the best value for your travel party to getting dining reservations and Fastpass+ attractions lined up.  Just get in touch with us at [email protected] or watch our adventures on Facebook. We don’t just book Disney, we LIVE it!

Images copyright Disney, 2018.

New Play Disney Parks App-Debut is June 30 for Disneyland and Walt Disney World

by Rhonda Moffit, Moffits-Mad Hatter Adventures    June 26, 2018

We are so excited! The brand new Play Disney Parks mobile app will debut on June 30, 2018. This app will be functional at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Designed for guests and guest families to enjoy together, there will be group play instead of wait time with all new interactive experiences and activities created for many…

The Crystal Palace at WDW Magic Kingdom Adds Alcohol to the Menu

by Rhonda Moffit, Moffits-Mad Hatter Adventures    May 7, 2018

Guests visiting The Crystal Palace now have the option to purchase alcohol with their meal. Starting today, May 7, 2018, the following alcoholic drinks are offered with the restaurant’s character buffet.

Beer

Bud Light – $7.25 Michelob Ultra – $7.75 Blue Moon – $7.75 Angry Orchard Crisp Apple – $8.50

Wine

Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut–…

Disney After Hours Returns in June, 2018!

by Rhonda Moffit, Moffits-Mad Hatter Adventures    May 2, 2018

It was announced today that Disney World Resort is bringing the popular special event, Disney After Hours, back in June of 2018. This magical event will take place from 9pm to 1am at the Magic Kingdom Park on the following dates:

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Monday, July 9, 2018

Saturday,…

Disney Has Revealed A First Look at Tim Burton’s Live-Action ‘Dumbo’- and Our Hearts Are Already Melting

by Rhonda Moffit, Moffits-Mad Hatter Adventures    April 25, 2018 At Tuesday’s live presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, NV there was literally an elephant in the room. Disney revealed some footage from the Tim Burton version of the upcoming live-action Dumbo film. While Disney has not officially released any footage yet worldwide, many at the event took a picture of little Dumbo and shared…