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Well, it should really be titled: Hidden Mickey in My Hair, Southwest Airlines, and a Husband!
But, first things first!
On June 18, 2005, I attended the birthday party of my best friend’s young daughter, as I did each year, in Arizona, where I lived. This year’s party, however, had an added surprise…for me! My friend showed me a photo of a wedding she had recently been to in California, and she pointed to one of the groomsmen. (I was very single at the time.) She said, “We’re going to Disneyland next month for the 50th Anniversary. You’re coming with, and we’re going to invite this guy to go with us, and that’s that.”
Um, okay. I had never been on a blind date before, let alone with someone who lived in a neighboring state. But hey, Disneyland’s 50th would be cool, and my friend would be there. So, sure, why not?
Less than a month later, on July 15, 2005, I drove to California with my best friend, her husband, and their older daughter (the one whose birthday party I had attended). The next day (not yet Disneyland day), I actually met the mystery groomsman. We went to lunch, walked around Santa Monica, and met up with a larger group of mutual friends for dinner. We had a nice time, but Disneyland was yet to come.
July 17, 2005 – the ACTUAL 50th Anniversary of Disneyland!
We got to the park super early. The area in front of Maingate was full of people.
Upon entering the park, everyone was given golden Mickey ears! That was such a fun surprise!
Some people use their China cabinets for storing dishes, etc. I use mine for storing Mickey ears and travel souvenirs!
Back to Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary…
We had a nice day. Lunch at Pizza Port. Dinner at Rancho del Zocalo. At some point during the day, I realized I had forgotten my umbrella at the hotel. Thankfully, even in the middle of summer, Mad Hatter in Fantasyland had one on hand for me to purchase. (Even back then I had some minor sun sensitivity.)
Post-fireworks show, we were hanging out in front of King Arthur Carrousel in Fantasyland. My friend took a picture of me and mystery groomsman. It wasn’t until some time later that I realized, right there in my curly hair, was a Hidden Mickey!
Disneyland is magical, and by the end of the day, we were a couple…me and this no-longer-a-mystery groomsman!
And, about 10 months after we met (dating long distance the entire time…thank you, Southwest Airlines!), we got married!
I will always treasure the photo with, of all things, the Hidden Mickey in my hair! Disneyland definitely holds a special place in our family history!
Read about another Disneyland experience HERE.
What are your special Disneyland memories? Please share in the comments below!
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Cute story, and love the hidden mickey!
Thanks, Melissa!
I read with interest. Learned about Disneyland’s 50th and your marriage!
That’s a great first meeting story. Congratulations on finding the one.
Thanks, Laura Belle!
What a great story!
I LOVE Disney! My husband and I have been there 4 times total (Disney World in Florida) and we were just talking about planning an RV trip there in the upcoming year with the family. I think Disney is so magical, and we even tried two Disney cruises and were not disappointed one bit. They always go above and beyond on service.
What a great story. I was at Disneyland for the 25th and the 50th (and 60th), I should start displaying my ears too. I have that same coffee mug from the 60th but I use it a lot!
Love it, Melissa! I also have the Starbucks Disneyland “places” mug, so that’s the one I use daily! 🙂
How cute! I love happy endings! 💖
I love your story. No wonder your shelves are filled with Disney mementos!
We were there for the 60th anniversary! It was so much fun!!! Love the parades
Love Disney and we can’t wait to explore.