Your first Disneyland Memories

[MegaDisney]

To remove any confusion . . . Rocket Jets (previously known as Astro Jets in the late 50s and early 60s) were redesigned, moved to the front of Tomorrowland, and renamed the Astro Orbitor in 1998.

Also during 1998's reopening of Tomorrowland, the Rocket Rods - a completely different ride - replaced the area previously covered by the People Mover.

Now . . . Back to topic . . .

I used to love to ride the elevator up to ride the Jets!

[maizey05]

My first trip to DL was at about age 7. I remember waking when it was still dark, and driving to the airport. The flaps on the plane had some malfunction, and we had to make an emergency landing in SanFrancisco. My ears hurt so bad! (First time flying also.) We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, and I remember riding the Monorail to the park. During that time, there was some kind of celebration going on, where if you were the 100th? 50th? guest, you got a prize. Anyway, I was the lucky guest! After some fanfare, a CM escourted my family to cityhall, where I was presented with a certificate, button, and huge Mickey and Minnie. I was just sooooo cool!

Another memory: One of the first rides we did, was the Matterhorn, which scared my brother and I. Upon exiting my elderly grandmother, who was traveling with us, informed us that she had forgotton to bring her heart medicine!

To this day, I love DL, because it's the one place I can go, where I can forget the stresses and worries of being an adult.

[tinkwest]

... After some fanfare, a CM escourted my family to cityhall, where I was presented with a certificate, button, and huge Mickey and Minnie. ...

I have that same Mickey and Minnie!!

[MickeyandTink]

I've only been to Disneyland once, in 1993, with my then DGF (now DW). The most special memories are holding onto her tight while riding the Matterhorn, seeing The LItttle Mermaid show in Adventureland (hadn't seen the movie at that point, but seeing a 50 foot Ursula rise out of the water was pretty cool), and eating clam chowder out of a sourdough bread bowl (I'm still very disappointed they don't offer that anymore).

As an aside, I still kick myself that I lived only 30 minutes away from DL for over 1 1/2 years and only did the one visit. Maybe someday we'll get to go again, but at least getting to WDW the last few years has helped ease the pain.

[Tinkerbella]

Just wanting to hear your first memories of Disneyland!

I think my first memory of Disneyland was when I met the Mouse himself. I remember I had my little Snow White autograph book (who was my favorite princess as a kid) and was shaking when I gave it to him. I could NOT believe that I was actually meeting THE Mouse, himself. That was quickly overshadowed later that day when I met Snow White

Let's hear your memories!

[robnadina]

Growing up and living in So Cal you would think we went to DL all the time. Not the case. We struggled growing up and couldnt afford to go to DL all that often (probably explains why I now need to go every month). Its amazing that back in the 80's $17 was alot of money for admission. My Dad had (still does) a flair for the dramatic. He lives for the big reveal.
I remember being woken up before the sun and told to get dressed. As kids we didnt question our parents then. We got in the car (Dad, Mom, 2 bros & 1 sis) had breakfast at IHop (we thought this was the treat). It wasnt until I saw the strawberry fields along the 5 that I knew where we were headed. I do miss those strawberry fields. They were a sign that something special was coming up. I remember parking the car and taking that long walk up to the front gate. To this day, walking thru the turnstile still excites me.
My DS is 11 and has gone so often that it doesnt feel like a treat for him anymore. Maybe thats my fault, but I hope my DD who is 18 mo isnt as jaded.
Oh well, this is a good topic. I look forward to reading others memories.

[Tinkerbella]

That's a great story Adina! Really warms my heart to think of how your father obviously worked hard to surprise you guys. Disneyland is just so magical!