Book Entry 6: 1955 Our First Trip to Disneyland

1955

Our First Trip to Disneyland

Disneyland opened in Anaheim in 1955.  We went with Ruby and Ben Bergman and their kids.  It poured rain all day long the day we traveled to southern California.  I was so excited to be going and so scared the weather was going to ruin everything.  I remember we ate at an Italian restaurant.  I had spaghetti.  The gutters were full and the water was up on the sidewalks.  Dad had to carry me to the door so my shoes wouldn’t get wet.

The next day was not raining.  It was magical indeed.  All the characters were at the entrance, along with Walt Disney, to welcome us to the park.  I had never seen so much excitement, so many things to look at, such rides, such treats, and such blisters!  I remember Abe Lincoln, the little cars we got to drive, the Matterhorn, the Dumbo ride, and the submarine ride.  We bought ticket books when we entered the park.  The tickets were labeled A, B, C, or D.  Certain tickets paid for certain rides.

We also went to Knotts Berry Farm on that trip.  I remember the jailer who could tell me what my name was, where I lived, my favorite color, the name of our dog, the hotel we were staying in, etc.  He knew everything about me.  What I didn’t know was mom was at the other end of the jail telling him all that stuff through an earpiece.  It made me have such an odd feeling I almost got sick!  I remember the girls dressed like barmaids when we went into the saloon!  Most of all, I remember the chicken who could play the toy piano!  I don’t know why but that really impressed me.

I went to Disneyland with my parents several times while growing up.  When Larry and I got married we continued going with our children.  We went in 2005 for the 50^th year celebration.  I think I always loved it as much as the first time!