Disneyland 50 years Anniversary

Amos Stevens

New Member
Man Recalls Being First Disneyland Visitor By MARK THIESSEN, Associated Press Writer
Mon Jul 18,10:58 AM ET



SALT LAKE CITY - Dave MacPherson may have been the first paying guest at Disneyland when the theme park opened its gates 50 years ago, but he didn't even have time for one ride. In a hurry to get back to campus for a college class, he instead visited a restroom after spending hours in line and left without as much as a souvenir.



Still, the honor of being the first paid admission came with a special perk: a lifetime pass for four to Disneyland and other Disney parks as they opened.

"I was the most popular guy at the college," said MacPherson, now 72, a retired journalist living in Monticello, Utah, about 240 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

He's taken full advantage of it scores of times, especially when he lived in California. Usage dwindled after he moved to Kansas City, Mo., to work for newspapers and radio.

But being closer to California has made it more useful, and he last made the trip a year ago with his wife, Wanda. He receives a VIP renewal every January.

In 1955, MacPherson was watching televised coverage of the opening of Disneyland for the media and invited guests on July 17, 1955, a day before the park opened to the public.

"I said, 'Boy, I sure would like to go out there,'" said MacPherson, who figured he might draw a prize for standing first in line.

He drove his Simplex motorbike to Anaheim, arriving shortly before 1 a.m. to take his place in line an hour before anyone else showed up.

The crowd steadily grew overnight to about 6,000 people, and MacPherson made sure no one got in front of him. When the admission booth opened, a photographer for the Long Beach Press-Telegram captured him buying the first ticket.

Looking at the photo years later, he realized he had his own camera but didn't use it.

"Why didn't I shoot some pictures?" he wonders. "I even forgot to ask Walt (Disney) for his autograph. I must have been balmy or something" after staying up all night.


Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press.
 

Serena

Administrator
Thanks for the story, Amos. I've been to Disneyworld in Florida many times, but never to Disneyland. Hopefully some day. :) Here are a few pics.

1) California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is escorted onstage by Mickey Mouse during the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, Sunday, July 17, 2005.

2) Officials flank Disney characters as fireworks go off to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, Sunday, July 17, 2005, in Anaheim, Calif. From left are, Diane Disney Miller; Robert Iger; president, chief operating officer and CEO-elect of The Walt Disney Company; Michael Eisner, CEO; Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; and Art Linkletter.

3) L-R) President and Chief Operating Officer and CEO-elect of the Walt Disney Company Robert Iger, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney's daughter Diane Disney Miller, broadcast legend Art Linkletter, outgoing chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company Michael D. Eisner and Minnie Mouse pose for a photo during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in Anaheim, California July 17, 2005.

4) Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disneyland, California. Disneyland celebrates its 50th birthday this weekend, two generations after its fairytale castle and fantasy characters first cast their spell over the world, heralding a new age of tourism.

5) Diane Disney Miller, left, assists Art Linkletter, who fifty years earlier hosted the live opening day telecast of Disneyland, as they depart the podium following a re-dedication ceremony Sunday, July 17, 2005, in Anaheim, Calif. Fifty years ago today Disneyland opened for the first time.
 

Amos Stevens

New Member
Would be nice if they could go back to charging admission that a normal family could afford though :) and not have as many accidents
 

TDWoj

Administrator
Staff member
I've never been to Disneyland or Disneyworld. Other than experiencing the sheer kitschy-ness of them, I don't think I have any desire to go, either.

I have a friend, however, who lives and dies by Disneyland/world. He even wrote a novel - available in bookstores, or free off his website - called "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom." It had to be vetted by the Disney lawyers, first, but they gave it their kiss of approval, and I don't think he has to pay them any of his royalties, either.
 
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