Disneyland was built on a dream — Walt Disney’s. And, that dream has made millions of wishes come true. Special moments, too: first dates and honeymoons, birthdays and anniversaries, fun days spent with kids and, later, with grandkids.
Several weeks ago, we asked readers to recall their favorite Disneyland memories. More than 100 responded, including many who told their stories about a sneak preview of the theme park they enjoyed before the official opening day, on July 17, 1955.
Here are a selection of the responses, which have been edited for grammar, style and to tighten for space.
First-year visitors
My first time visiting Disneyland was actually before it opened. My dad, Maury (Maurice) Richmond, was one of the original cast members that opened the park. He was a ride script writer and ride operator. He wanted me to see it before the “rest of the world,” so he took me early one morning. The photos I have of that special day are priceless to me — Main Street (unpaved), the Castle, and, at a later date, me “walking” through Pinocchio’s Village in Storybook Land. As a member of four generations of cast members, Disneyland is “part of the family!”
— Sam Lektorich, Garden Grove
ALSO SEE: Disneyland’s biggest decade ever is about to end — and the next could be even bigger
In the summer of 1955, I just turned 9 and was a member of Brownie Troop #1960. Our troop went to Disneyland; there were thousands of other Girl Scouts from all over the state — all excited to go see this new amusement park with rides in Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. We first walked through Main Street, the old town with stores and vendors dressed in striped shirts and hats with carts of goodies.
We found the Tea Cups, flying Dumbo, the African safari through the jungle. Wow! Frontierland with cowboys, a saloon with dancers, and then the riverboat. We took the train that showed the Grand Canyon weather changing from sun to thunder and lighting to snow. (Many years later, I experienced the real thing that happened to us in the Grand Canyon. It brought back my memory of Disneyland.)
My first trip to Disneyland was made possible [because I was] a Brownie, since my family was low income and did not own a car. I will never forget my adventures in Disneyland — so fun, and realistic experiences that I still remember 70 years later. I later returned to Disneyland for Grad Nite in June 1964.
— Carmen Hale-Hernandez, La Mirada
On opening day, July 17, 1955, I was 10 years old. I was with my mother and younger sister Debbie, along with Sunday school children from Anaheim’s churches who had received free tickets. Waiting for the magic moment in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, a signal was given, and we all began running into Fantasyland. Somehow, I landed in the front! I am the third lead runner [seen in a frequently published] picture [from the opening]. To the right, I saw the Peter Pan ride, my first of the day. It continues to be first in my heart.
— Susan Saville Remsberg, San Juan Capistrano
My father built part of Tomorrowland. My brother and I used to go with him occasionally when he went to the park to check on things.
When the park was scheduled to open, Walt was fearful he would not have enough guests so he gave all the construction folks and their families free tickets for opening day. My brother and I were standing at the base of the castle on the right side waiting for Walt to cut the tape. When he did, we raced across the bridge so we could be the first into the park.
When I worked there in the 1990s, there was a video loop in the Gallery depicting opening day and … there we were!!!!
— Knute Grani, South Pasadena
ALSO SEE: Disneyland 70th anniversary timeline from 1955 to today
On a hot, smoggy day, my dad took the family in our brand new Pontiac station wagon down the newly opened 5 Freeway to Disneyland when it opened in 1955. It was a buck a person admission fee then. We bought a booklet of tickets ranging from 10 to 29 cents a ride as A, B or C tickets (before the E ticket). Besides the Jungle Cruise and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, my favorite ride as a kid was Autopia where I was able to actually drive a gas powered car on my own!
— Jim Knight, Rancho Palos Verdes
Seventy years ago, my brother Billy and I went to Disneyland right after it opened on a very hot summer day — yes, we are 74-year-old twins today. I remember that the Dumbo ride wasn’t working and the Jungle Cruise had me in tears.
I’ve been to the park many times throughout the years, going to dance in Tomorrowland as a teenager. I have an Alice in Wonderland watch, my brother has a bandana. I still love Disneyland and go a couple times a year!
— Cheryl Ritz, Bellflower
My first visit to Disneyland was in July 1955, BEFORE it opened. My father was a security guard there when it was being built. He took me to the Disneyland bakery to order my birthday cake. We returned on July 8, 1955, my 5th birthday, to pick it up, decorated with Tinkerbell. My mother said it was the first cake the bakery sold.
My father was given a “Gold Pass” that gave our family free rides and front of the line privilege, so we happily visited often. Sadly, my father died in December 1956, and my mother later lost the pass.
— Pat Huttner, Garden Grove
My Disneyland memories began on the opening day of Disneyland, July 17, 1955. I was 4 years old and overwhelmed and excited by all the rides and the castle that I saw that day! My sister and uncle had their picture taken with a spaceman and it was in the newspaper.
I was fortunate to go to Disneyland’s 50th, 55th and 60th anniversaries with my husband, Gary. On the 50th anniversary, they let me take a picture on the back of the train like I did on opening day!
My family and I love Disney. We took our family to Walt Disney World in 2023 to celebrate our 50th anniversary, took a Disney Cruise to celebrate our grandson Jeremy’s 15th birthday, took our entire family to Disneyland for the Star Wars opening, celebrated many Disney Halloween parties — so many wonderful memories!
We are excited to be able to go to Disneyland on July 17, 2025, for the 70th anniversary!
— Joan Martin, Huntington Beach
The Disneyland memory that stands out, albeit a bit blurry since I was so young, was the “circus” event held for the employees (not yet called “cast members”) the day before the park’s grand opening. My mom was one of the original employees, affectionately, and with some pride, known as a “7-13 girl” since her actual hire date was July 13th, allowing time for employee training before the opening on July 17th. Although hazy, the highlight was seeing the enchanting Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello, in a spangled leotard, high above us on a trapeze platform, smiling, waving to the crowd — and me.
— Linda Scott, Placentia
My parents took my brother and I to opening day, and I’ve been going to Disneyland for 70 years. I remember on one visit, when we were taking the tram from the old parking lot, a woman’s fur coat blew off. My brother, Jim, the future mayor of L.A., jumped off to rescue the fur coat and ran back to catch the tram. For his courageous act, she gave him a dollar.
— Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Fourth District
My husband and I used to have a little argument going on about which one of us got to Disneyland first — and recently we settled the debate with some family records. My husband was there in July 1956 and my family first went in August 1956. My mother carefully documented the cost for the four of us at $12 for the day! My husband won a trip through Boy Scouts by selling the most Scout-o-rama tickets that year and won pink passes for his whole family. Those passes allowed them to go to the front of every line! What a memory!
My mother would always say her favorite ride was the mule ride at Disneyland, which is kind of mind blowing but true. I also remember my first “grown-up” experience of being allowed to go to Tom Sawyer Island with my cousin by ourselves! Wow! We were probably 10 or so by that time.
Lots of good memories. And we are still Disney fans — going on another Disney cruise this August.
— Dr. Carol Scott and Bill Lingley, Upland
My special memory was going to Disneyland on my sixth birthday, Aug. 1, 1955. It was a big surprise and my parents wouldn’t tell me where we were going. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride scared me when I thought the barrels were really falling on us.
— Cathy Farias, Manhattan Beach
My parents took me to Disneyland the first summer it opened, in July 1955. It was the most magical place I’d ever been, but I still remember how scared I got on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. I also was scared on the rocket trip to the moon, but the Carousel of Progress was great — with its upbeat, happy song. Here’s a picture of my dad in Frontierland. He’s the tall man wearing a suit. What man would wear a suit to Disneyland today? In 1955, that’s the way it was.
— Susan Grantham, Huntington Beach
I was actually there on opening day! But I was only 5 years old. My father, Richard Fischle, was invited as part of the press. He was the comptroller of the Anaheim Bulletin, and later the Register when they bought out the Bulletin. Unfortunately my family did not take any pictures! My cousin, Robb Fischle, was photographed running into Fantasyland through the castle in a very famous picture! He went on to a career in security at the park.
My main memory is of LEGS! I’d never been in such a large crowd! The other memory is of all the ladies wearing spike heels, which were popular at the time. Unfortunately the asphalt hadn’t hardened completely and ladies were having a hard time walking as their heels were sinking into the pavement, leaving behind holes!
Yearly, Disneyland gave my father a Main Gate pass, I still have a few of them. My father, or mother, was allowed into the park with three guests. If we let them know ahead of time that we were coming, they’d have ticket books waiting for us at the Will Call office.
Because of this, I feel like I grew up at Disneyland. We went frequently, sometimes just to have dinner in the park or to shop for gifts. Whenever anyone came to visit us, we’d take them to Disneyland. It was always so much fun to watch people experience Disneyland for the first time!
Many members of my family went on to become cast members and some still work there! I put myself through college by working there from 1969-1973. Two sisters and many cousins have worked there. My daughter, and a cousin, work there now!
Seventy years later I still enjoy going, looking for changes, and people-watching. I am fortunate that my daughter enjoys taking me to all the cast preview events as her plus-one for new rides and lands.
— Becky Fischle Czerwinski, Anaheim
My family came to Anaheim in June 1955. In September, I enrolled as a senior at Anaheim High School, and signed up for the football team. That school year, probably early in 1956, the team was able to come into the park before it was officially open and we just roamed around for the day. There were very few rides open, but I believe we were able to go on the Jungle Boat ride, and see the Monsanto House of the Future. Now, almost 70 years ago, I remember it as a great day!
— Donald J. Ferm, Anaheim High School, Class of 1956
My husband’s dad worked on the construction of Disneyland. He was with a company that did concrete coring. Walt Disney invited all the people that worked on the building of Disneyland to come the day before it opened to the public for free. He remembers the rides and free food. He also met Walt Disney, but he was 11, [so] it was the rides and hotdogs.
When we met in high school, our first date was to Disneyland on July 4th. We have been married for 57 years. We had passes for years until COVID, then the passes were difficult to buy and limited. I have missed just going and walking around.
I’m an RN and started a hospice in 1992; many of our patients wanted to visit Disneyland and or Las Vegas one last time.
— Mike and Ann Hablitzel, Yorba Linda
My family took my sister and me there the fourth day it was open in 1955, which fit a family vacation we were on from Texas. The main thing she and I remember after all these years is that they were having trouble with the Autopia cars. We especially remember Walt Disney himself jumping into one of the small cars with a girl who couldn’t make her car work, and after some help he got it to go along with her.
— Paul Corneil, Rancho Palos Verdes
Our uncle was involved with Disneyland, so we got to go to the special opening the day before the public could go. I remember being excited about the new adventures. I used to make Chicken of the Sea tuna sandwiches, which were served at the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant.
— Sue (Susan) Cohen, Chatsworth
I went to Disneyland when it first opened in 1955. I was a 10-year-old boy and my mother thought it would be nice for her to see this place also. When we went into the Magic Kingdom for the first time, and I looked down Main Street, I was holding my mother’s hand and began to cry. This was more than I could ever ask for. I had walked into another world of make believe and wonder.
We went to Tomorrowland, and the rocket to the moon. As you sat in the theater, you thought you were actually in a rocketship. There was a screen above you and a screen below you and you sat in the round. When the ship took off, you looked up and you could see yourself heading toward the moon in video or film. When you looked down, the screen showed you leaving earth. Absolutely outstanding.
I was mesmerized by only one ride that I wanted, and that was Autopia. A child rode in this little city with roads and bridges, but there was no cement centerpiece to guide you and keep you from going off track. You were on your own and driving a little car.
I went back a couple of years ago, and I was disappointed in the flavor that it gave off. It was nothing like it used to be. The magic was gone. Too expensive, overcrowded, and it just didn’t have the magic that it did when I was a boy. I guess technology has improved so much that people are used to it. Back then, the only thing we had was the Long Beach Pike!
— Paul Parque, Canyon Lake
The first time I went to Disneyland was just months after it opened in 1955. I was 6 years old. It was so new that not all the rides were completed. Water had yet to be put into the “rivers” in the Jungle Ride. We were so impressed, my friend, a neighbor up the street, and I decided to build our own Disneyland in his backyard. We never got too far; we dug a ditch for our jungle ride and that was it.
For years, it became my family’s tradition to go to Disneyland just before the start of school. We also went for jazz music nights. One time we saw the great Louis Armstrong perform.
When I graduated from high school, I went there for Grad Night. The first ride I went on that night was Pirates of the Caribbean, which had opened just two weeks before. As the years have passed, we have taken our daughters to Disneyland and are now taking our grandchildren there.
— Louis Di Donato, Rancho Cucamonga
My elementary school was on the corner of Disney Way and Katella. In sixth grade, we watched the orange trees be removed for Disneyland. We pored over the Anaheim Bulletin for pictures of the future park, and dreamed about what to explore first.
When Disneyland opened, our first choice was Tom Sawyer Island — and it did not disappoint!
As the daughter of an orange rancher, this was the most magical, amazing thing that ever happened in Anaheim.
In my later teen years, we danced to several different bands under the stars almost every weekend, and it was so much fun.
— Connie Fowler, Canyon Lake
It’s off to work we go
I worked in the Entertainment Department from 1964 to 1969. The office was in City Hall with Guest Relations, and each morning I crossed Town Square. What a pleasure to actually feel the seasons change as the stores and decorations changed. It wasn’t the same when the brim/offices were built. I worked with Mary Wormhoudt and Tommy Walker was director.
— Petra Oleson Gilbert, Orange
As a 1967 summer hire working at a Fantasyland food stand, in the early evening I’d take my break “backstage” and sometimes climb the steps to where Tinkerbell landed after her flight from the Matterhorn to Sleeping Beauty’s castle. From that vantage point, I could see miles of city lights. During day breaks, I’d park myself on a small bridge on the secluded shaded path to Tink’s touchdown structure and memorize favorite A.A. Milne poems. It was a beautiful pastoral area in the middle of Disneyland.
I also remember as a child my mother driving an out-of-town friend to the area where Walt Disney was excavating and preparing the land for a theme park. I recall seeing mounds of dirt. As a 5-year-old I didn’t understand what I was seeing.
— May Ryan, San Fernando Valley
My father was an employee who helped build Disneyland. He painted buildings, hung red flocked wallpaper in a shop on Main Street, and painted inside rides such as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, turning the blank walls into a magical story.
The employees were given a free day to bring their families before the official opening on July 17th. I was going to turn 4 on July 18th, and my family told me that our day in Disneyland was my special day.
I remember my older brothers telling me that the hippo was going to bite me when we went on the Jungle Cruise. I remember thinking that my Dad built Disneyland just for me. I remember in later years how scared we were that we would lose our ticket books, especially if we hadn’t used our “E” ride tickets yet.
Disneyland was and always will be my happiest place on Earth.
— Sue Hansen, Riverside
My memory of opening day of Disneyland was quite memorable, but maybe not in “The Happiest Place on Earth” way.
My dad, John Lutz Jr., was an escrow officer with Orange Title Company (now First American Title) in Santa Ana where he worked 65 years and he handled the escrows for Disney in acquiring the properties where Disneyland now sits. For his work and signing off on the escrows, he was given three free passes for opening day. I had three older siblings — Joan, John III and Don — so I, being the youngest at 11 years old, didn’t get to go. My memory was going with my grandfather to my aunt and uncle’s house on Tustin Avenue, about where the Sears building was, and helping my cousins sell corn out of an old horse-drawn wagon on the side of Tustin Avenue to people coming home from the beach.
I’m going to be celebrating the 70th anniversary by having fresh corn on the cob for dinner! So there!
— Tom Lutz, Santa Ana
My grandfather was a finish carpenter, and his last job was working on the Disneyland Hotel. As a “cast” employee, he got my parents and me a free pass to Disneyland the day BEFORE it opened to the public. I was about 4 or 5 years old. I vividly remember that it was hotter than Hell, there were very few rest rooms and fewer water fountains. I was taller than the vegetation, and none of the rides were operating. It was several years before I ever went back.
— Arleigh R. Williams, Rancho Palos Verdes
Happy 70th Disneyland! Having just celebrated my 72nd, I frequently boast to people that “I was there on opening day … in a stroller!” And that’s the truth.
My Dad, Jack Wagner, was a DJ in 1955 at KHJ radio in L.A. and received promo tickets to bring his family to the park on opening day. I still cherish my opening day key to Disneyland provided by then-sponsor Yale.
In 1970, when Dad was between radio jobs, he called a friend at the park who invited him down to see if they could come up with a creative project to work on together. Dad, while strolling down Main Street, USA, noticed that the music coming out of the speakers was not appropriate for Main Street USA … nor were any of the lands properly scored according to their themes. (He heard an instrumental version of “Mrs. Robinson” coming out of a speaker above City Hall! Hardly music from the 1890s!).
Disney management agreed that this needed to be fixed ASAP, and they sent Dad off to Orlando to get WDW properly scored before it opened later that year. He then returned to Anaheim and recorded background music for the Magic Kingdom. Soon after, he convinced management that it would be more appropriate to have a “seasoned, professional voice” (aka himself) do all the park announcements, which at the time were being done live by some of the teenage cast members.
Dad spent over 25 years in his Anaheim home recording studio providing music and announcements for all the Disney Parks. And, from 1995 to 2000, I worked in Marketing and was the voice of Disneyland Paris in English and en français!
Dad found the music for the Main Street Electrical Parade, and it was actually re-recorded for the parade in our living room on Chalet Street in Anaheim.
While I was Program Director at KRLA radio in Los Angeles, we did an all-day remote broadcast from Disneyland’s 30th anniversary on the steps of City Hall. The highlight of the day for me was when I got to interview my Dad about his work there.
Thanks for the memories, Disneyland. And, by the way, you can still hear Dad’s voice at the end of the Matterhorn ride (“Please remain seated” in English and Spanish) and he’s still the conductor (“All abooooooard!” for the Disneyland Railroad.
— Mike Wagner, Kingman, AZ
For over 90 years, Disneyland has been a treasured part of our lives. In the 1930s, my dad Ken was one of the original Disney animators, and he met my mom Yuba, head of the Ink and Paint Department, when they worked on “Snow White” together. Growing up with Disney artists was magical, and as we grew, my brothers and I remained with Disneyland in spirit and in fact. Brother Jim was a guide at Frontierland and Adventureland in the 1960s. In the 1970s, brother Kelan was a Disney illustrator, and I was proud to work on a Disney World mural.
— Tracy O’Brien, San Juan Capistrano
My favorite Disneyland memory started before Disneyland even opened. My grandfather had a palm tree (the shorter, fatter trunk kind) in his front yard on Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena. People from Disney knocked on his door wanting to buy the mature tree. They dug it up and moved it to the Jungle Boat ride landscaping. Every time we went to Disneyland (I was 7 when it opened), my sister and I would hear the story and look forward to trying to identify which one it was as we rode the Jungle Boat. Don’t know how long palm trees live, but it might still be in place as you ride the Jungle Boat today.
— Lietta Wagner, Long Beach
Disneyland love stories
Oh, such wonderful Disneyland memories. My husband and I were high school sweethearts in 1965 and our favorite date nights were at Disneyland. We walked Main Street, shopped at the flower and candle shop, and bought pickles from barrels at a shop. Our favorite rides were Matterhorn and It’s a Small World.
After we married in 1970, we moved to Orange County. We took our children to Disneyland as they were growing up and now I find myself telling our teenage granddaughters that Disneyland was our favorite date spot. We have been married 54 years and still have such fond memories.
— Kathy Niemeyer, Huntington Beach
It was the summer of 1966, and Disneyland at night was the place to be. I was 18 and came with my girlfriends every week. “Check out those cute boys in front of the Pendleton store,” I said. Little did I know that in six months, I would be dating one of them.
We would often go to Disneyland and dance. As we walked down Main Street one night, he told me he could picture us as an old couple, walking here together. Well, after 54 years of marriage, we’re that same couple, walking arm in arm down Main Street.
— Donna Bishop, Stanton
I met my [future] wife, Lily, on Sept. 20, 1996. For our fifth date, on Oct. 5, 1996, we went to Disneyland. This was going to be a big test, because we would be spending an entire day together for the first time.
That day also happened to be the Saturday before the Main Street Electrical Parade was to end. The park was packed. You could barely turn around. We went on three rides the entire day. We decided to take the monorail to the hotel for some relief. On the way, we noticed the big Disneyland message sign saying, “Disneyland closed — full to capacity.”
Despite all the challenges, we had a wonderful time together. The next day, we defined our relationship as boyfriend/girlfriend. Ten days later, we got engaged (three and a half weeks after we met).
Weeks later, Lily told me a story about our first date to Disneyland. She said she went to the Snow White Wishing Well and made a wish that this would be her last relationship. We [celebrated] our 28th wedding anniversary on June 28, 2025.
— Dan & Lily Taguchi, Winnetka
In 1967, Larry Nunez returned to his job at Disneyland paddling canoes, just two weeks after serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. One night, while watching the Platters on the Tomorrowland stage, his friend, Dale Blanchard introduced him to a tour guide, Sheryl Ferguson. Within five months of dating, they married.
In 1970, Larry was promoted to assistant supervisor of Operations, and he rose through the ranks. He left Disney in 1993 to become an international theme park consultant. He worked as vice president at several stateside companies and eventually was president of and built Parque de la Costa in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
We have been married 55 years and have three grown children and seven grandchildren. We were and still are definitely a Disney family. Lots of Disney memories at our house.
— Sheryl Nunez, Orange
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at the Grand Californian Hotel in 2013 — which was a tough year. My father passed away on June 13. I figured Dad would not have wanted us to change plans because of him, so we did a trip to Las Vegas, got married and came back the same day on June 19. However, we couldn’t go on a honeymoon because we had to take care of Mom.
Well, Mom passed away Sept 10, 2013. So, after kind of recovering from the loss of my parents, we just laid low and I came up with the idea of a honeymoon at the Grand Californian Hotel the day after Thanksgiving.
Disney treated us well; upon arrival they saw it was our honeymoon and gave us a signed photo of Mickey and Minnie. We went to our room and it was very nice. So we dropped off our luggage and hit the park.
We were getting tired by about 8 p.m., so we headed back to the room and one of the staff saw us a few rooms from our room and stopped and chatted with us. I had our back to our room and apparently, she saw the prep lady leave and we continued to our room.
Upon entry, the lamps were on next to the nightstand and we saw the bed covered in rose petals and they had left some chocolates on our pillow. There were some other perks they left us, but I don’t remember.
Regarding the ears my wife is wearing in the photo; my wife is from Qingdao, China. She grew up during the Mao Zedong era. She told me as a little girl she had always wanted Mickey/Minnie mouse ears, so when she saw them she picked them up and looked at me and of course I purchased them for her. She was elated.
We stayed two nights, ate at the Blue Bayou and I can’t remember where else, but the bottom line is we had a wonderful time. We did toast to Mom and Dad and had them in our hearts.
— John Montecino, Redlands
Super fans
My husband, Gary, was a sixth grader at Walt Disney Elementary School in Anaheim. On the school’s opening day, he sat in the front with a little tablet his dad had given him that morning and got Walt Disney’s signature. He still has it. We have a daughter in Texas who worked for Disney years ago, and is expecting to be willed this prize autograph since she is a major Disney fan.
— Pam Colletti, Fullerton
I was born in Anaheim in 1957, but my parents brought my older sisters to Disneyland the first week it opened. They used to marvel at that wondrous memory. As you can imagine, we were regular visitors to Disneyland — and there are too many memories to share — but one thing stands out: we loved the saucers and once they had to stop the ride because my mom wasn’t all the way in and she was hanging off the side. My 8-year-old self was mortified! Also, my dad loved the Enchanted Tiki Room, and we never missed it. It warms our hearts every time we hear those birds sing!
I have probably been there 50 times in my life. We took our own children a number of times and I’ve recently had the pleasure of going with a few of my grandchildren!
— Pam Carnes, Highland
An excited 4-year-old visited the newly opened Disneyland that summer of 1955. And so began my lifelong, now multi-generational, love of the Magic Kingdom.
Soon after that, my Dad, Axel Jensen, and I established our annual day of playing hooky and going to Disneyland. I still have the souvenir Mickey Mouse keychain from Grad Night in 1969.
Fast forward to my son’s senior year and his one Christmas request for a personalized Disneyland paver between the two parks to one day show his own children. The traditions continue as we introduce each grandchild to their own first Disneyland experience.
— Judy Keneipp, Laguna Niguel
I grew up in Whittier during my elementary school days and our neighborhood was filled with lots of kids. That’s when the many, many visits to Disneyland started, I was the lucky one who always seemed to get invited to go along. I carried on the tradition through the years and even visited Disney World as a surprise Christmas present for my own children. Disneyland was, is and will always be The Happiest Place on Earth!
— Minnie Cooper, San Bernardino
I was lucky enough to visit the park on its opening day on July 17, 1955. I was 7 years old, wearing my Sunday slacks when I visited the park with my family. I remember running to all of the open rides. My favorite land was Fantasyland, and Frontierland is my second. One of my favorite characters is Davy Crockett.
Since then, I’ve loved visiting the park. I still have the A-B-C tickets that used to be used as entry passes. I was also able to visit Disneyland with my husband, Michael Lennon, during Disney’s 50th anniversary celebration.
I also was a cast member from 2005 to 2010. I was the “hostess with the mostess” working at Carnation Café and at the Wine Country Trattoria.
My goal is to be able to visit Disneyland during their 100th anniversary. I’ll be 107 years old by then, but I’ll take care of my health so I can visit Disneyland again.
— Sandi Lennon, Long Beach
When Disney’s musical “Newsies” was released, our 4-year-old son, Anthony Gallardo Jr., was totally engulfed by the production. He dressed like the cast members. Every time we visited California Adventure he waited to see them in person.
Some of the production’s cast members got to recognize our boy in the “Newsies” attire and would signal him out with a smile, a wave and a thumbs up.
One day, as we saw the production’s director walking behind their parade, we asked if he could have his picture taken with them. He told us normally this production does not take photos with the guests, but he instructed us to follow them to the end of the line, and before they go behind the cast members’ fence area and ask them. So we did, and before you know it they came over to us and posed for a picture. You can see they made our son’s day and ours. He’s now 14 years old and he never forgot that day.
— Anthony Gallardo, Murrieta
Disneyland and my sister, Doris Ann Berkley, were born in the same year. Her bond to Disneyland lasted her entire life. Even though sadly cut short due to cancer, she greatly enjoyed her 50th birthday celebration there in July 2005. She lasted all day and into the night even though she was undergoing chemo. She passed away about 18 months later.
— Mary Sue Berkley, Riverside
My parents took my brother, sister and I to Disneyland every year after it opened. We would race down Main Street to the Upjohn Pharmacy to gaze at the big bottle of leeches! And they would give everyone a little bottle of vitamins.
Then on to Fantasyland, to the Snow White ride, where the Wicked Witch made my sister and I burst into tears with the poison apple. And my brother caught a fish on Tom Sawyer Island, which he brought home and put in the freezer until my mom threw it out a year later.
— Janet Cerswell, Alta Loma
We attended a pre-opening event. The thrill of exiting the tunnel into a new/old world! For years, we’d stop at the general store, where we could listen to the “party line” gossip on the wall phone, while crunching on a dill pickle taken from a big wooden barrel. Our memories: a slower, more family-oriented pace, Tom Sawyer Island, the Skyway, Autopia, GE Carousel of Progress and, always, the Matterhorn … and paper tickets.
— Sharon Maguire, Newbury Park
My husband remembers getting in his grandfather’s car, who took him “out to some orange groves” down Ball Road. They pulled up to a wooden fence, and on the other side was a castle under construction.
My cousin and I spent my birthday every year, for MANY years, at the park. Loved those flying saucers!
On our 25th wedding anniversary, our friend and former music director at Long Beach Community College, Ron Logan, who then worked for Disney Entertainment Worldwide, got us seats in a special area to view the light show over Tom Sawyer Island.
— Ginette Williams, Long Beach
New ways into the park
One summer night in 1959, I met and ended up dating a Mouseketeer. I had snuck into Disneyland once again undetected. I had been doing this since it opened and had been caught/thrown out several times.
At 18 years old, I had no idea how meeting this girl would impact my life. I met Mr. Disney. I had a close call with acting and ended up working at Disney Studios. Over the years, I have returned with my family dozens of times, and it is a fresh new experience once again.
Seventy years, really? Love it.
— Michael Dempsey, Sherman Oaks
I was about 16 years old when my best girlfriend and I got the bright idea to go to Disneyland. We arrived about 4 p.m. and purchased our book of tickets. At that time you needed a certain ticket to take a ride. I think my favorite rides required an E ticket.
We were having the time of our lives when a voice from the loud speaker announced that the park was closing for a private party and everyone had to leave. My friend and I looked at each other with the same thought: “We’re not leaving.” So, we moseyed over to Tom Sawyer Island, boarded the stream boat and laid down. We stayed still for about 45 minutes when we began to hear voices. We slowly got up and mingled. We had the time of our life!
We stayed for hours and rode nearly all the rides with no ticket needed! Because it was not crowded, if you wanted to ride the ride again you just had to stay in your seat and let the operator know you wanted to go again.
We felt so excited and lucky we decided to take the monorail over to the hotel to see if we could get a room. Unfortunately, none were available.
When the park closed, we left for home where we were confronted by my friend’s dad at my house with parents very upset as we forgot to inform them of our whereabouts and they were worried sick. Way before cell phones! That clearly was the most exciting night at Disneyland!
— Kathryn Moseley, Huntington Beach
First-time visits
Four-year-old Chris Johnson’s first time at Disneyland was on a cold and blustery spring day in 1962. I went with my father, Thomas Johnson, and uncle, Walter Neevel, who took the pic. This photo, of a closed concession stand, has little more than a trash bin to suggest the Disney experience. But the joy of the Disney experience is reflected in my face! I have a Mickey Mouse balloon tied to the zipper of my jacket so that I wouldn’t lose it in the wind. My major memory of the day was the string constantly hitting me in the face.
— Chris Johnson, Moreno Valley
These pictures were taken by my dad, Dr. Deron Hovsepian. We lived in Pasadena and went to Disneyland some time in 1956-58. One picture shows my mother, Agnes Hovsepian, pushing a cart with my youngest brother (Tom, 3 years old) with my oldest brother (Paul, 10) and myself (8) standing behind brother Phil (6). My dad’s mother, Satineg K. Hovsepian (73) is in the wheelchair. This pic has to be the summer of 1956 as Grandma, sadly, passed that November.
The picture of Mom standing in front of Storybook Land was taken in 1958. Also in 1958, there’s the picture of Mom’s Uncle Tony who came to visit us from Chicago. His wife, Marie, came as well. This picture isn’t as clear because I had to take a screenshot from an 8mm movie Dad took. That’s me, Paul and Phil in the boat with Tony. I don’t remember the name of this ride.
— Norm Hovsepian, Temecula
Memorable visits
My fondest memory of visiting Disneyland was marching down Main Street in the Coast Guard Honor Guard and Marching Band for Disneyland’s 25th anniversary in July 1980.
My identical brother, Eric, and I joined the Coast Guard due to the Iranian Hostage Crisis, and there was talk of a possible war with Iran. We were in boot camp in Alameda, California, during the summer of 1980. Since we were identical twins, shaved heads, in uniform and looking like identical bookends, we were asked to be part of the Coast Guard Honor Guard. We accepted and marched on either side of the American and Coast Guard flags with M-1 rifles in formation, throwing and spinning the rifles.
A highlight was flying in the Coast Guard C-130 troop/cargo plane from Alameda and landing at the Seal Beach Naval Air Station. I also was surprised to see my girlfriend, future wife Sharon, visiting us on base and at Disneyland when we marched.
Having grown up in Seal Beach, the Air Station was literally one mile away. So, the difficult part was that we were so close to the house we grew up in but could not leave the base to visit.
It was a great experience, and one I will always remember.
— Bob DeWert, Rancho Santa Margarita
My friend and I wanted to take our kindergarteners to Disneyland during the week, to avoid crowds. Not wanting the boys to think it was OK to miss school, we concocted a plan. While the boys slept, we took red markers and dotted their tummies. In the morning we told them of their similar rashes and our plan to go to the doctor together. They were surprised when we arrived at Disneyland and walked down to the end of Main Street.
We distracted the boys and shared our plan with the very accommodating nurse at the First Aid station. She examined them and stated, to cure their rash, they required a relaxing day at the Magic Kingdom. And what do you know, it worked!
— Jolene Fuentes, Lake Forest
Money was tight for three sisters from Massachusetts, now living on their own in sunny Southern California. But, anytime friends or family came to visit, Disneyland was a MUST! Amidst the “park is closing” announcement frenzy, my sister, Sarah, saw Donald Duck and exclaimed, “I want a picture with Donald!” Donald heard her request, grabbed her hand, sat her on a bench and posed. We lost Sarah to breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 41, and this photo, which so wonderfully captures her smile and childlike delight, is one of our most treasured. Thank you, Disneyland!
— Serena R. Sheldon, Irvine
I was one of the very first guests to return to Disneyland on their re-opening day after the shutdown because of the 2020 pandemic. I can not describe the overwhelming feelings and joyous thoughts as I walked down Main Street and was greeted by Disneyland employees, crying and cheering as Disneyland, The Happiest Place on Earth, re-opened for the guests that they loved so much!
It was an honor and pleasure to return to such a place that has given so many pleasures to everyone in the world. As I walked to the end of Main Street with tears in my eyes, my wife recorded my path past all the Disney executives who waved and cheered and shook hands for those brave enough, wearing masks, to return to one of the few places in this world, to find solemn, happiness, and joy in our hearts. To give us peace and humility in such a disastrous time of our lives.
Thank you WALT DISNEY for creating something that brings all people, from all walks of life, together for the small pieces of time that we may all comfort each other!
— Ron Prejean, Simi Valley
Birthday fun in the mid-1960s: Such excitement! Running and laughing while my parents laughed and yelled, “whoa, girl, hold your horses” and “slow down” … but it was SO fun to meet the three pigs and Cinderella, see the princess castle, ride high, fly with Dumbo, and eat my favorite: yummy popcorn. It was so cool to be there! I became part of the magic, and my birthday treat created an experience to treasure. I felt part of the “Show,” and the photos are quite nostalgic now — 60 years later!
— Joy Hancock, Glendora
In August 1970, while working as a deputy city attorney for Anaheim, I spent several hours at Disneyland as legal adviser to the police who arrived to protect Disneyland in view of threats by demonstrators planning to take over the park during their protest of the Vietnam war. The protesters raised a protest flag on Tom Sawyer Island.
In the early evening hours as things started to escalate, Disneyland officials began to close the park with police officers from Anaheim and neighboring cities. To assure public safety, customers were walked out of the park.
Since that day I have returned over the years as a customer, always remembering what I believe is the only day Disneyland ever closed down to protect people and property. I do not recall any severe escalation. It all ended in peace with the customers receiving return passes.
— Michael Harvey Miller, Pasadena
After her school prom in 1981, my girlfriend and I planned a night at the Disneyland Hotel followed by a day at the park. Upon arrival, however, we got the full Monty: expedited check-in, a cart ride to our tower, chilled champagne (thankfully we weren’t carded), flowers, along with a barrage of “congratulations!” and complementary nods toward our tuxedo and gown.
It finally dawned on us whilst in the Magic Kingdom that everyone thought … we were newlyweds. While I won’t admit to how the evening progressed, I can safely say those magical moments led to a great day at the park!
— Jordan Bernhard, Pismo Beach
When my dad was seven, his parents took him and his sister to Disneyland. It was opening week, July 1955. As they entered Town Square, his mom saw people in line to get a hat with their name embroidered on it. She bought one for herself and took exceptional care of it over the years. In the spring of 2023, she entrusted it to me, knowing how special it would be to someone who loves Disney so much she made her career there. Shortly afterwards, I reintroduced my grandma’s hat to the place it became hers nearly 68 years earlier.
— Alyssa Truman, Anaheim
When I was 11, my parents took my brother, myself and one of my friends to Disneyland. Had a great time; my father, not so much. He went on the Matterhorn, and the water at the end of the ride soaked him. He was not happy.
When I was 19, I took my girlfriend to Disneyland. I was wearing a T-shirt with the third album by Humble Pie. The album is known as the Beardsley album because of the cover being a drawing by the artist Aubrey Beardsley, with the woman’s breast showing. I put red rhinestones on the nipples on the T-shirt. A Disney security person lassoed me and said I had to take off the shirt or turn it inside out or I couldn’t go in. I complied.
— Ron Sobol, Sherman Oaks
Rides and attractions
Disneyland sparkled in my childhood backyard, pulling friends and I into the magic often. Each theme was entertained while using A-E ticket books. We traveled to different countries singing “It’s a Small World” and roller-coastered through space. Cinderella’s castle enchanted, and Dumbo captured our hearts. Sky buckets offered the finest view. We cruised through the jungle, screamed in the mansion, held tight to bobsleds down the mountain, and guzzled cold apple cider on Tom Sawyer Island. Pirates of the Caribbean watched as we dined on Monte Cristos. Decades later, the magic continued. What a feeling! Dear Walt, thank you for dreaming!
— Lauren Scott, San Anselmo
My first visit dates back to 1963 as a 19-year-old German junior sailor on a merchant ship calling on L.A. Coming from a small village in Germany’s Black Forest, it was an almost life changing experience visiting Disneyland. We took a taxi from the harbor (those days, there were no containers and the stay-over was two to three days) and we spent a fortune (we thought) to visit. It was worth every penny! Most memorable (and fun) were the Moon Rocket, the Monorail, the Jungle Boat Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room — a day I never forgot. Still hanging onto the guide I got entering the park. Little did I know that later I would meet my future wife at LAX and settle in Corona.
— Ernst Steinbrunner, Corona
I was lucky to have been born in Long Beach in 1936, and was able to see Disneyland created from the ground up. In fact, my husband and I were married June 18, 1955, a month before Disneyland opened. It was always exciting to watch the news to see the park updates each week and watch the progression.
When it opened in 1955, you would buy a booklet of tickets for $1.50 for children and $2.50 for adults, which included six rides in each booklet and admission into the park.
One ride that has been there from day one and has always been a highlight was the Enchanted Tiki Room. Seeing the talking birds and the animatronics — which was such new technology at the time and something we had never seen before — was amazing! Everything looked so real.
Other favorites have always been Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Skyway gondola, Monorail, and the Train Ride. We remember hearing about Mr. Walt Disney himself being seen walking around the park in disguise in order to get a look at people’s reactions.
Our seven children have enjoyed going to the park through the years and have seen many attractions — some which have been discontinued. When my husband worked for the GTE telephone company, Disneyland would open for employees and families only to have a fun night all on their own.
Disneyland is very important to us, especially this year, as we also will be celebrating our 70th wedding anniversary with Disneyland.
— Loretta and John Woolley, Garden Grove
Growing up in Redondo Beach, I spent a lot of time at Disneyland. I have to admit I am intimidated to go there now — too much money and hassle. I haven’t been since Indiana Jones Adventure was new. (Although, the last time I was at Disneyland, I went on that ride five times in a row with a German friend.)
As a little girl, I was really scared of the Pirates ride, with the little skull telling me before the first plunge that I was about to die. It took me several years before I was brave enough to ride it again. My mom and I spent a lot of time sitting on benches waiting for Dad and my brother to finish rides during the next year or two.
I smile thinking about my dad holding me close in a Matterhorn bobsled — again, scary for a 7-year-old, but Dad kept me safe.
Yes, we did Grad Nite, but it was a week later than other schools, so we enjoyed the park late at night with a quieter crowd and then had a breakfast banquet at the Disneyland Hotel.
It’s sad that “E-ticket ride” is no longer in our lexicon. Millennials stare at me blankly when I ask them if they know that phase. A and B tickets — Dumbo, carousel, teacups — were snooze rides; yawn. Those E tickets were premium value! Dad! Buy me more E Tickets! I need to get back on the Matterhorn!
— Kathy Gonzalez, Redondo Beach
Every visit to Disneyland while I was growing up started by signing the guest registry at City Hall and ended with a trip to the magic shop; I still have the magic tricks I got there!
Three of my favorite attractions were Monsanto’s Adventure Thru Inner Space, the Carousel of Progress (I have the 45 of the theme song), and the Enchanted Tiki Room (love the talking tikis and the storm at the end!).
— Vic Christensen, San Pedro
My father worked at General Dynamics for over 40 years. As a perk, families were allowed to enter the park for $5 a person on certain occasions for quite a few years. No tickets were required to go on the rides.
The main memory I have is of going on the submarine rides (which were built by GD). I always thought we actually went down and submerged because the bubbles and other special effects were so realistic. Later in life, I noticed the subs stayed at the same level the entire ride. Ahh, the wonder of being a kid. Thank you to my dad.
— Jon Cowper, West Covina
Boarded the monorail at the hotel in the very first car with my wife and our two small boys in the early 1980s. Went through the park, then at the last stop, everyone getting off was waving to us. We smiled and waved back. The train took off then abruptly stopped above the parking lot and everything shut down.
After some time we realized we were stuck, my boys started crying, and we thought we might suffocate as there were no windows to open. Then, we heard ghastly screams coming over a speaker. We started to sweat and were stuck for about 45 minutes. Once it started again, we disembarked at the hotel. It shocked the employees as they thought the train was empty and were “fooling around” on the speakers.
It stopped for maintenance and we discovered the people waving were trying to tell us to get off. Obviously, we didn’t get that message! Never rode the monorail ever again.
— Robert Larsen, Corona
My cherished Disneyland memory, as a 10-year-old in 1955, was getting a green wristband. All we had to do was show the wristband to the ride attendant and hop aboard the ride, thus skipping the line. My uncle, who worked for the U.S. government and knew someone, got the family free passes for the day. I ran around Tom Sawyer Island with my cousins, pretending I was Davy Crockett and discovered the secret pathways and caves.
— Steve Venitsky, Walnut
A timid, just turned 15-year-old sophomore girl (me), and her handsome 18-year-old senior boyfriend arrived early morning at the NEW Disneyland in Anaheim on Saturday, Jan. 28, 1956. Driving from the San Fernando Valley, we arrived in his cool baby blue 1950 convertible Chevy coupe, with, of course, his personally knitted, by me, the required pair of dice hanging from the rearview mirror.
What a day! He had won the book of tickets in a church raffle; it being my birthday and all, I was the lucky recipient of this treasured adventure. It was a typical, for 1956, winter day — very chilly, drizzly, warm coats, warm hand-holding cozy hugs. I ended up being married for 62 years to this handsome senior, so my oohs and aahs are still with me.
Memories:
- Main Street USA: Real, believable, sweet. Where am I? Excited.
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: Mesmerizing tribute to a person my guy and I admired and studied in our high school classes.
- Tom Sawyer Island: Aaahh. cross on this boat and go to the island! So real, fantasy, upscale. Wow.
- Golden Horseshoe Saloon: What a blast. Sit in that dark, not real, saloon (no alcohol) and watch live fun shows and fake gun fights.
- Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland: Detail after detail. Seemingly the real deal. Oh boy.
- King Arthur Carrousel: Beautifully painted, shimmering animals to ride.
Life is good. Thanks to Walt and all these dreamers who captured these innocent, joyful ideas for all of us.
— Irene N. (Doyle) Vigil, Tempe City
Growing up in San Diego, my early memories of what became our annual trip to Disneyland in the late 1950s were of my parents driving us up the coast on the narrow two-lane Highway 101 before I-5 was built. My brothers and I would compete to be the first one to spot the Matterhorn standing tall and bright above the orange trees that were the Magic Kingdom’s surrounding landscape at the time. The winner had the right to choose the first attraction of the day and it always was an E-ticket ride.
— Dennis R. Parks, Dana Point
I was 7 or 8, so it would have been 1969 or ’70. I was tired of being left behind with my mother when my father and brother rode the Matterhorn, so that day I declared I wanted to ride as well. My mother, terrified of roller coasters, tried her best to talk me out of it — it’ll be really fast, I’ll be scared, they won’t be able to stop it and let me off like that time on the Ferris wheel when I was 3. I didn’t care, I stood my ground and insisted I wanted to ride. I still remember the anticipation, sitting on the bench in front of my father, the thrill of the ride — the speed, the turns, the Abominable Snowman roaring at us as we raced past. Thus began a lifelong love of roller coasters. Thank you Disneyland, for giving me that gift.
— Sandra Greenough, Reseda
In 1956, my brother, sister and I, along with our parents, an uncle and a cousin, took a trip on a rocket ship in Disneyland. Or so we thought. Inside the rocket, we sat in a circle and watched a screen that showed the earth getting farther and farther away as we rode into space. Then we returned back to the base.
After the ride, my parents wanted to move on to another attraction, but my brother and I wanted to stick around and watch the rocketship take off and then come back. After waiting a while, and not seeing the rocket lift off, our little group moved on, holding hands so we wouldn’t get lost. But my brother and I walked backwards so we could still get a glimpse of the rocket taking off. We knew in our hearts that it really took off and came back, but we just moved on to the teacups.
— Bonnie Burrow, Burbank
Lesson of a lifetime: On a visit with my family when I was about 5 to the most magical place on Earth (at least it was then). We took a ride on the Bobsled! Being the kid who was prone to car sickness, this was not fun. About half way through the ride I was ready to stand up and get off. My poor mother had to keep stuffing me down in the seat to keep me on the ride, saying “There is no getting off in the middle, you have to ride it out until the end.” Thank God for her!
And that ride was just like life — there is no getting off in the middle, you have to ride until the end.
— Lynn Hassebrock, Fullerton
My first trip to Disneyland was in 1956 when I was 9 years old. My uncle, George Seaburg, was a jazz trumpet player for big bands like Tommy Dorsey in the 1940s. He worked at Disneyland in one of their bands and got my family ticket books. I was entranced by the park and remember going on the carousel, Dumbo and the teacups. My favorite ride was the Junior Autopia where I was able to drive a car by myself. My father also worked on the steel in the making of the Matterhorn in the late 1950s.
The magic of Disneyland always came back to me when Disney had a TV show, which started with a view of the Disneyland castle and the song, “When You Wish Upon a Magic Star,” with Tinkerbell.
— Jackie Banuelos, Mission Viejo
I remember going on the Haunted Mansion when it first opened. I was surprised that at first it was a walk-thru attraction. The scary elevator was great! It was even better when you got on the ride part.
— Richard Metzger, Porter Ranch
My high school boyfriend and I were on It’s a Small World. The ride ran into problems and we went through five times before we were able to get off. Nothing romantic about it, just us screaming, “Turn off the music and get us off of here before we go crazy!” To this day, I can’t tolerate the Small World song!
I grew up in Anaheim and visited Disneyland often. I was even hired one summer to be Snow White in the Disney parade. But I turned it down when I got another job that offered more money.
— Claudine Burnett, Huntington Beach
First impressions
Growing up in greater Los Angeles, my family was excited to hear and read about this “Magic Kingdom” soon coming to the area. In 1957, with great anticipation and excitement, my mother, my great aunt and my younger brother left Torrance to drive on surface streets only — no freeways to the area at the time — to this far away place called Anaheim.
While I don’t remember much about the surroundings nor even the park approach, I do remember the walk up to the park entrance and the semi-completed magic castle in the background of Main Street.
My mother splurged and bought the big book of tickets; but, at that time, there were many rides and lands still under construction. Still, for us, it was a giant amusement park with many adventures.
We visited yearly for the next five years and watched the park expand with the opening of new lands and the completion of new rides.
It was special and it was a wonderful experience. My brother and I still reminisce about the fun times at Disneyland and the drawer full of ticket books containing left over A tickets.
— Howard Graybehl, Aliso Viejo
As a point of reference, I am revealing this story as an 80-year-old man today, while this experience happened to me as a young boy in 1956 upon visiting Disneyland for the first time.
We entered Frontierland, and directly in front of us, on the wooden sidewalk was a small podium with a cast member attending the business. The business opportunity was selling Disneyland stock for $1 per share. After seeing the sign/offering, my dad said aloud, “No amusement park has ever made money!”
Wish I could turn back the clock 70 years and invested in Disneyland!
— Rich Schoren, Yorba Linda
This black and white photo was taken in 1956 by my mother on our first visit to Disneyland. What is so striking is that there are no other visitors in the photo. I was only 6 years old at the time, but remember how exciting it was to go to Disneyland.
— Lauren Simpson, Huntington Beach
One day in 1955 or 1956, my dad told my brother and me to get in the car and get down on the floor so we could not see the surprise destination to which we were headed. So, all the way from our chicken ranch in Artesia to Anaheim, we tried guessing while sitting on the car floor. We were excited beyond belief when we arrived at Disneyland.
The two things I remember are running around Tom Sawyer Island and climbing over the ropes to stand in the entrance to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea pretending we were part of the attraction. My dad dropped us off for the day and came back that afternoon to fetch us; he never once attended Disneyland himself.
— B. Johnson, Fountain Valley
January 1958, 6 years old living in Chicago, our family went to Disneyland. All I could think about was driving the cars. I jumped into the driver’s seat and an attendant yelled, “What are you doing kid? You’re too little to drive.” My dream was shattered and began to pout.
I walked away not knowing I was lost. A cast member asked me where my family was. I told them I didn’t know and realized they weren’t around. The cast member made a call to see if any parents were missing a child. They put me on the Skyway all alone to find my parents on the other side. Forty years later, I finally got to drive the car.
— Jack Henderson, Long Beach
I have many happy memories of Disneyland from over the years, but my first memory is when I was 5 years old (I am now 75). My family was vacationing on Balboa Island, but one day my Dad had to leave. I didn’t understand why, but as it happened, as a teacher at Zion Lutheran School in Anaheim, along with other teachers, he had been invited to bring students to celebrate Disneyland’s opening day! What a great day !!!
— Kristen Silsby, Riverside
In the summer of 1956, at age 14, I flew by myself from Chicago to LA to visit my grandparents and uncle. He took me on my first visit to Disneyland that summer.— Dorothy Lasensky, Irvine
To get to Disneyland in 1957, without freeways, we traveled on Imperial Highway from Inglewood. There were lots of dairies and cows along the way. I was excited, as I was wearing my Mickey Mouse ears and my Mickey Mouse Club shirt with Cheryl in bold letters on the front. I was a fan of Mouseketeer Cheryl as she was my namesake. Inside Disneyland’s Main Gate, kids started asking for my autograph. What a thrill!
I had a magical day and loved Fantasyland and exploring Tom Sawyer Island. I still have a Disneyland ticket book.
Also, besides the first memory of being at Disneyland as a young girl, I’ve had such fun experiences with my daughter over the years and now seeing how much my granddaughter loves Disneyland!
— Cheryl Gutierrez, Torrance
I first saw Disneyland on television as a child. Growing up in a family of modest means, the “World of Color” was in black and white, and going to Disneyland was not possible. Thirty-five years later, I was fortunate to move my family to Orange County. My daughter was anxious to go, and her first visit was not only memorable for her at age 8, but equally so for me at 40. When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.
— Timothy D. Bowman, Laguna Niguel
I was 14; a member of a teenage equestrian drill team named Saddle Scamps. We performed in parades, rodeos and horse shows. Imagine our delight when we received an invitation to participate in the opening day parade of a new and exciting entertainment venue called Disneyland!
Despite our horses’ anxieties in parading near elephants and caged lions and tigers, it was a great parade — made even better by Walt Disney’s invitation to finish the day with free rides for all!
After enjoying dizzying rides on the teacups, a few stolen kisses on Peter Pan’s Flight, excitement in the Jungle Boat, we finished an unforgettable day on Autopia, the Mark Twain Riverboat and as many others as possible! Pure magic that lives on today!
— Lynda Edwards, Huntington Beach
I’m very fond of this photo, which captured a moment during my first (of many visits) to Disneyland, having grown up in Anaheim. I’m about 5 or 6 here, which would be 1964 or ’65. I remember being encouraged (but nervous) to get close to a huge rocket and sit on/inside the railing in that position!
I searched for vintage photos of this rocket and found the Moonliner, but cannot find a picture with a similar painted (vertical) stripe, other than maybe the Douglas? Anyway, needless to say, my favorite part of Disneyland became Tomorrowland from that day forward.
— Gail Benard, Fountain Valley
Themed nights and events
Disneyland Grad Nite? You bet! No matter where our senior students went that night, they were assured of a Goofy time. While they were spending Moments with Mr. Lincoln or tunneling through It’s a Small World (after all), we high school teachers were ensconced at the Plaza Inn headquarters. Our beloved charges could, at any crucial moment, thanks to those wrist ID bracelets, summon a cast member escort to the Guest Service Building. With Mickey’s, or even Pluto’s help, they could visit the Nurse’s Station Table — or even Dr. Lee herself. Magic(al) was that night — for us all!
— Bill Younglove, Lakewood
St. Patrick’s Day was a Catholic school day at Disneyland during the 1960s. If you had grown up in the L.A. or Orange County Catholic school system, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders were eligible. At the start of the school year, our nuns would collect 25 cents from us every Friday. When St. Patrick’s day arrived, we went to church then boarded buses headed to Disneyland — tickets paid for and standard ride coupons issued. Lunch was included, and so was transportation. $6.00 totalled our weekly contribution
— Declan Kavanagh, Saugus
My treasured memory of Disneyland was attending their first Gay Nite in 1978. This was at a point in history where Disney security would stop same sex couples from dancing together. It was billed as the LA Restaurant Assoc private party and cost only $5.75.
It was an amazing night that the guests knew was something special and might never happen again. No one left early, so at the end of the party thousands of us were herded down Main Street. As we reached the flagpole, we spontaneously started singing the Mickey Mouse song. But it wasn’t the cheerful, everyday tune; it was transformed into a solemn, almost sacred hymn, a chorus of shared appreciation of the history we were making. I think I cried all the way to my car.
— Richard Rice, Lake Balboa
As a newly minted high school graduate, I began working at Disneyland in June 1970. I was assigned to the evening shift at Fantasyland Autopia, where I quickly became proficient at jumping onto moving cars and chasing down guests who broke the rules — definitely not something they teach in school!
Working at the park offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes experience. From the area above the submarine ride where the Autopia track ran to the legendary underground tunnels, there was a hidden world most guests never imagined. Breaks were always a welcome pause — just enough time for a quick meal and a game of ping pong with fellow cast members.
Grad Nites! What a thrill it was to be on the other side as thousands of high school seniors celebrated like there was no tomorrow. Those nights were electric — and exhausting — especially when they followed a full-day shift. But even after the longest hours, it was hard not to smile knowing you were part of something so magical.
— Gene Micco, Huntington Beach
Close encounters with Walt
My parents were vacationing in Europe in June 1958. They were in the Swiss Alps with a tour group and my mother was surprised to see Walt Disney. She didn’t want to ask him to take a picture, so she stood close enough to him and my father took a picture of them both. My parents were visiting the Matterhorn and Walt Disney was researching the Matterhorn in preparation for building a replica in Disneyland. It opened in 1959.
— Cheryl Dennison, Arizona
My family was invited to Disneyland’s opening day. I was 8 and my brother was 10. Our uncle worked for a company that supplied paint for the theme park. We were standing in line for the gondola ride, when Mr. Walt Disney appeared and asked if I wanted to ride with him! My parents consented and off I went. I had a brownie camera and asked Mr. Disney if I could take a picture of him. He agreed. Wish I still had the photo!— Mary Kaye Carpenter, Manhattan Beach
It was like yesterday. I was 15 years old and was a majorette with the Bellflower High School marching band. We were at this magical place called Disneyland.
Walt Disney was there. What a thrill to hear Mr. Disney speak about the park. We were then in the parade down Main Street. We later got to go on the rides. What a special day, I will remember forever.
I am 85 and still have fond memories of my first day at Disneyland.
— Sandra Ogan Beam, Murrieta
In the summer of 1960, my boyfriend (and future husband) went to Disneyland. We were walking down Main Street when my boyfriend pointed over to the Carnation Ice Cream shop and said, “There is Walt Disney sitting on one of the stools at the counter.”
Being the fearless teenager I was, I got out a scrap of paper and a pen and walked in and sat down beside him. He continued to eat his ice cream and I just sat there, awestruck of course.
Finally, I smiled at him and asked if I could have his autograph. He said yes and proceeded to write his name on my piece of paper. I thanked him and then I actually had the nerve and love for this man to ask if he would sign a second autograph for me. And he did!
I thanked him again and went outside and we stood across the street, still looking at him. When he finished his ice cream, he got up and went out in front of the ice cream shop and leaned his arms on a trash container and smoked a cigarette. As he did this, he gazed around Disneyland, as if he was enjoying his Magic Kingdom.
My two autographed pieces of paper, done at the same time, are in my photo album and I will always cherish them and the memory of seeing Walt Disney.
— Betty Schnell, Upland
My father took our family to Disneyland on the day it first opened in 1955. We had been following Walt Disney’s plan for the new amusement park on his “Disneyland” television show. It highlighted the construction of each of the four lands and Main Street, so we were filled with excitement and anticipation. As we walked in, there was Walt Disney himself greeting guests, and I shook his hand.
The park was essentially Tom Sawyer Island, Jungle Cruise, Fantasyland rides and Main Street; everything else came later. The day riveted my imagination and fascination, and Disneyland became my happiest and favorite place in the world. I have returned at least once a year since.
— Leigh Steinberg, Newport Beach
At 7 years old, I had the honor of opening It’s a Small World in May 1966. I was one of the kids in the International Children’s Choir of Long Beach. We got to meet Walt Disney and ride the first boats. We also recorded the 45 of the song that they sold in the parks and went gold.
In 1967, we marched in the Christmas Parade every night for two weeks with huge dolls leading the way.
My family’s company also sold landscape equipment to Disneyland and knew Disney’s famous horticulturist, Bill Evans, well. My grandpa spent lots of time with Bill helping fix equipment used at the park
When building Walt Disney World in Florida, they couldn’t get a tree moving machine to work that moved the first trees on the land — a machine my grandpa helped create. Bill called my grandfather, and flew him to Florida to work his magic.
My daughter Emily is now a sketch artist cast member in Disneyana with Bill Evans’ window on Main Street just above where she works.
— Laurie Henderson, Long Beach
Disneyland and I share the same birth year of 1955. Growing up in Southern California, I was taken there every year or so. I have many wonderful memories of the park — the people I was with, the now long-gone rides, (looking at you, Monsanto Adventure Through Inner Space and the Skyway gondolas) and the pure joy of Disney magic. The photo I am sending is my brother and me looking at a caged parrot. It was our first time there, taken in 1958, when I was still 2.
— Nancy Eyster, Simi Valley
My mom’s claim to fame is she worked in the ticket booth on Disneyland’s opening day. On our trips to Disneyland, she would always point out where Walt Disney spoke to them. During her last trip to Disneyland, she told Minnie Mouse about working there and Minnie whispered in her ear, “Welcome home.” Mom was so thrilled! Disneyland has had a special kind of magic for our family.
It always amazes me to think my mom was a little part of something that grew into what it is today. My uncle also worked there in the 1960s, and my nephew worked there about five years ago. His new wife is one of the Mirabels at the park. So our connection continues.
— Kathy Manzano, Yucaipa
My first trip to Disneyland was in 1959 when l was 6. Inside the park it was a different world, so real and so amazing! Our family of six went on the Submarine Voyage together. The submarine submerged, and in the middle of the ride the captain announced that we had run into a thunderstorm. Out the little portholes, there it was, a horrible storm. I started crying very loud. I believed we would have to go home because it was raining so hard on my first trip to Disneyland! Disney Magic! We exited the ride and the sun was still shining!!
On that same trip, my brother was 13 and a Micky Mouse fan. As we drove up to the parking lot, he got so excited and started yelling, “The Matterhorn! There’s the Matterhorn!”
Turns out my Mom was clueless, had no idea what he was looking at, didn’t know if it was a lion or tiger or what he was so excited to see. Later, she confessed to us that she was looking for an animal.
— Beverly Kottkamp, Claremont
I was almost 2 years old when Disneyland opened. My parents at that time felt I was too young to go. But I was introduced to Disneyland in a way through “The Mickey Mouse Club” on TV. The Mouseketeers would wear their mouse ears. As a 2-year-old, I loved those mouse ears! There were about three times that my parents went without me to Disneyland, but they always came home with mouse ears which made me very happy.
For my sixth birthday, in September 1959, I went to Disneyland for the first time, with my mom and my grandmother. After watching four years of “The Micky Mouse Club,” I was primed for my Disneyland experience!
Out of all the fun rides and exhibits, etc., what blew out my 6-year-old mind at that time … were the [helium-filled] balloons that stood straight up on a string! How did they stay up like that!?!? Disney magic!
— Heidi Glickman, Sherman Oaks
Visions of the future
I grew up in Southern California and went to Disneyland every year — sometimes twice! One year, when we were on a ride that displayed future products, I saw my first VCR — a suitcase-sized machine that taped live TV and you could watch it later.
I thought this was the greatest invention of all time. I could tape a daytime baseball game and watch it at night. It was a dream come true.
Ten years later I bought my own VCR, and 46 years later they are antiques.
— Joe Michael, Hesperia
Family traditions
My parents took me to Disneyland every year for my birthday on Jan. 6 starting in 1956. We even went in the rain.
My most memorable birthday celebration there was for my 13th. My mother was ill at the time and subsequently passed away. That visit will always be the most special since I know it took a lot out of her to pull off a party with eight teen girls. Disneyland has always been a magical place for me, and I was so excited to take my daughter there for her birthdays. She even became a cast member for a while.
— Mary Taddeo, Huntington Beach
My favorite memories of Disneyland were going with our family. It was such a special time and quality family time. In this picture from 1957, left to right is me, my cousin Suzette, Aunt Jemima, and my mother, Lucy Gregg; my brother Johnny Gregg is in front.
Unfortunately, they have all passed before me, but I still cherish this picture with all my heart.
— Jerryne Soto, San Pedro
My first visit to Disneyland was on my ninth birthday in October 1956! What I remember is going on the Mark Twain Riverboat around Tom Sawyer Island. Because it was my birthday, I got to go up with the captain and ring the bell of the ship. It was a thrill for a 9-year-old!
Also, my dad was a professional studio musician in Hollywood. He played in the Disneyland band during the summer of 1959! Our family trip to Disneyland was very special that summer and another great memory for me!
— Gayle Runyan, Granada Hills
More memories
Growing up in SoCal, my parents took us to Disneyland frequently. Here is a picture of myself and my brothers from 1960 (ages 6, 4 and 2). I also have some ticket stubs — hard to believe the price of entry and parking, which was right in front of the gates! Good times!
— Kathleen Murray, Pasadena
I grew up in Anaheim in the 1970s and early ’80s. I recall that we could get into the park for $6 after 9 p.m. The park was open until 1 a.m. in those days, so it was a great time to be a teenager there!
— Barbara Nieto, Huntington Beach
It was June 1972; our family of four lived in Southern California. My grandmother and great aunt travelled from the East Coast for a visit, and we went to Disneyland. We owned one stroller, and rented another one, along with a wheelchair for my great aunt, who couldn’t walk long distances.
I remember all of us heading down Main Street, with me pushing my 3-year-old daughter in one stroller, my grandmother pushing her year-old great-grandson in the other stroller, and my husband pushing my great aunt in the wheelchair. We enjoyed chicken dinners at the Plaza Inn.
— Joanne Rumpler, San Dimas
Growing up in SoCal, it was a once-a-year visit to Disneyland. E ticket rides were the best, and several saved ticket booklets are missing the E. One E ticket ride was the Submarine Voyage. My first ride at age 5 or so was also the last time for 20 years. I really thought we were sinking, and it took a long time for me to understand it was just a ride and that the submarine wasn’t going to sink.
Another standout memory is Pirates of the Caribbean and the college kids in the last row who kept standing up. Operators stopped the ride. We all got off, walked behind the scenes and got on the next boat. The kids were escorted out of the park.
My mother and I loved the teacups. We always warned out-of-town visitors that we quickly spun them, and if they got sick they had been warned. The last time it seemed like there was a speed limiter and I didn’t have near as much fun.
Lastly, I loved the Carousel of Progress and its second life as America Sings — always a great ride to sit down and recuperate from heat and exhaustion
— Kathy Peck, Torrance
