When I think back about all the memories that Disneyland has had over the past 45 years it amazes me. The vast number of changes and exciting new adventures that have popped up, is something to ponder. When this opportunity came up to share some memories of past visits to the park, I felt overwhelmed with the task of finding one or two memories. I am a native of Anaheim, CA and have lived in Orange County almost all of my life. This has given me a lot of history with the park. I'm not sure when my first visit to the park was, but I know it was along time ago.

I can remember many things from those early years. Eating breakfast at the Town Square Cafe, Mmmm! Those darn ticket books ! and those lovable characters. It was a family tradition to do two things when we entered the park. First we would ride the Train and secondly we would go see Mr. Lincoln. I'm not sure really why we always went to see Mr. Lincoln, but It is something I'll always remember from when I was growing up.

Some of my best memories were from church trips once a year. A few of the Sunday School teachers would take the kids to Disneyland. It was always a fun trip and there were usually 10-16 of us any given trip. We all had to wear the same color shirts and bring out lunches, but other than that, it was a lot of fun. We would usually break up into small groups and meet up to choose rides. After all, some of the kids weren't big enough, or in the case of my big brother, too scared to ride some of the coasters. (NOTE: He's not scared anymore, and actually worked the Matterhorn!) We then would all go out to the picnic area and eat our lunches. This was the worst part of my day. Here I was all excited that I was in the park, and then I had to leave it for lunch. But then again we did always go back. I never realized how much these trips meant to me until years later. It wasn't until last summer when I had the privilege to work for the local YMCA that these trips really hit home. I was working a summer camp and we got to go to Knott's Berry Farm and I had 12 kids all to myself ! And yes we all had to wear the same color shirt and bring our lunches! I guess that's only way it's done. We had lot of fun that day, But I'll never forget those trips to Disneyland with the Babers. Thank you so much.

After growing up and needing a job, I decided to go work at Disneyland. By then, I was the third person of five that worked there. My brother worked in Merchandise, and later in Attractions, and my father was a Security Guard. I worked in Tomorrowland Foods, and worked the Tomorrowland Terrace, Lunching Pad and the Space Place. I have a lot of memories from those two years at the park. I met a lot of friends some of who I see when I visit the park. However, my fondest memories are from doing the cast activities including the Canoe Races, Softball Leagues and of course, Minnie's Moonlit Madness. MMM has always been a favorite of mine, and considering I only worked there for 2 years, I have participated in 4 of them. This past year I was on a great team. Even with one of our members so sick we almost carried her along, we placed 9th! I'll never forget that event. We were so worn out, but ecstatic that we finished all of our clues.

Just as the resort is expanding I know my memories will also. I am very thankful for the friends I have made at the park. I want you to know that I'll always remember the many meals we have spent together. And most of all, I'll always remember the water Jokes. I'm looking forward to what memories will be made within Disney's California Adventure. I know it will be something that I'll cherish forever. So until another memory is made, Happy 45th Birthday Disneyland....

Second, was over 33 years ago. When I was 17 I fell in with a bad bunch. By 18 I was drinking heavily and had been told by my doctor that if I wanted to live to see 19, I had better stop drinking. Well, at 18 who listens to a doctor? Shortly thereafter my drinking got to the point where we were mixing beer and alcohol on a nightly basis. On a Monday in 1968 I found myself, after a wild weekend binge, at Disneyland. Why or how I don't remember. I wasn't drunk, but must have looked like something the cat drug in, but I gained admittance to the Park and made it to Town Square before I just had to sit down and rest. I sat on a bench facing the Opera House. Mickey was out with some children signing autograph books and having his picture taken. I watched for awhile, and then kind of phased out. Mickey looked over and saw me and the next thing I knew there was this 4 1/2 foot, very angry mouse standing in front of me. Hands on hips, foot tapping and head cocked to one side, said more than any words could have. I looked up and said, "What?". Mickey then leaned down and wrapped his arms around me and gave me the biggest hug. I almost broke my ribs. I guess I must have been aware enough to hug him back. I just held on to him. This put his face right by the side of my head, with his mouth next to my ear. Then Mickey did the one thing that Characters are never supposed to do. He spoke to my, very softly, so I was the only one who could hear him. All he said was, "Stop now and everything will be all right"! Mickey stepped back and gave me a thumbs up. He then went back to the children, turned around once more and gave me two thumbs up. I gave him two thumbs up back. I stopped drinking that day and have not had a drop since.

So you see, if it wasn't for Disneyland and Mickey Mouse, I probably wouldn't be here today. Mickey and I have such strong a bond now, that every time we see each other, there are mutual hugs. Disneyland is my "Laughing Place" because of this event and for all the wonderful Cast Members I have met there, and all the Disney Friends I have made there over the years since that magical day in 1955. My life has been changed forever because of Disneyland, and a certain little Mouse, who to this day is my hero.