Did Steve Martin Work at Disneyland?

Steve Martin, a renowned comedic actor, indeed had a memorable experience working at Disneyland from 1955 to 1963. This article explores his journey, starting from his early days as a guidebook seller at the gate to his final years in the Magic Shop on Main Street.

Early Years: Starting at the Gate

At the age of ten, in 1955, Steve Martin lived approximately two miles away from Disneyland. During his teenage years up until 1963, he worked at the park in various capacities. His early job was selling guidebooks at the park's entrance. It was during this time that he honed his skills, as he mentions in the quote from The Disney Blog:"

"At age eleven I worked at Disneyland. I sold guidebooks at the park from 1956 to about 1958."

His work wasn't just about selling books; it was an opportunity to meet various characters and gain knowledge about the park. Despite wearing someone else's receipts, the memories etched in his mind from those summer vacations were transformative.

Frontierland: A New Role

After his initial time selling guidebooks, Steve took on a new role in Frontierland, where he sold souvenir spinning lassos. This role likely provided a new dynamic to his work, allowing him to engage more directly with visitors and offer them unique mementos from the park. The interactive nature of selling spinning lassos would have added another layer of charm and entertainment to his job.

Main Street Magic Shop: The Final Years

For his last three years at Disneyland, Steve Martin worked in the Magic Shop on Main Street. This shop, known for its whimsical and enchanting atmosphere, was the perfect setting for him. In the movie "Parenthood," he even paid homage to his early years by showcasing his skill with balloons. One of the stars of the show, Wooly Boag, taught him this skill during his time at Disneyland. As a tribute to his early years, he reprised this trick in the film, symbolizing a full circle in his career.

Additional Evidence and Online References

Other sources confirm that Steve Martin worked in the Magic Shop on Main Street. A home film references that he appears about 20:20 into the film, low in the frame, dressed in a top hat, vest, and striped pink shirt, moving from left to right while holding a guidebook for sale. It’s clear from this excerpt that he not only sold guidebooks but also practiced and showcased skills he learned at Disneyland.

Conclusion

Steve Martin’s time at Disneyland was formative in shaping his career and personal growth. From his early days at the gate to his final years on Main Street, his experiences there were invaluable. The park provided not just a job but a unique environment that nurtured his talents and left lasting memories that he revisited in his later works, such as "Parenthood."