Annual Passholder Night
During these special events, Disneyland was closed early to the public and the event guests were treated to a dinner, special interactions with characters, and free roam of the park. To be completely honest, I am unsure of the year we attended, but I do know it was one of the last years if not the last year an Annual Passholder Night was given. It was either 1996 or 1997. It was special because it was close to Disneyland’s 40th anniversary, and the new Indiana Jones ride had just opened either that year or the year before.
Many of my childhood memories are unclear and I really have a difficult time remembering details. I don’t remember much about the dinner, but I do remember it was held in a dining hall, probably somewhere in one of the business buildings, or at one of the hotels. The only thing I have physically from that night is a polaroid of Mickey and me. I also don’t have a lot of things from my childhood so this is a very cherished memento I keep to remember when my love for Disneyland began. As Walt Disney once said, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing. That it was all started by a mouse.”
After the dinner, we were let loose in the park. There still may have been some sun shining when we first ran in, but the most memorable detail I have from this night was the rain. Many would feel very deflated thinking the rain would crash their fun, but interesting fact, although I grew up in sunny Southern California, I preferred rain over sun. I’m not sure of the reason. I just remember always loving dreary days. It made me so out of place with my friends and family, that I pretended a lot to be upset when it would rain. I always wanted to fit in, and although I felt quite different from my peers, I tried to be like every other teenage girl so as not to stand out. But that’s another story for a different day. Back to the magic.
Needless to say, the rain was magical. There was really no difference with indoor queues and rides like Indiana Jones Adventure, but it completely changed outdoor rides like Splash Mountain, which was always one of my top favorites. Riding in the rain in a log drifting down a windy river, getting a bit of a break during the indoor affair, then plunging headlong into a thorny abyss, it was just, as they say, muuuaaahhh! Chef’s kiss! There is truly something about already being drenched on Splash before the big plunge that made it all the more fun and exciting.
I’m sure I went on many rides during the event, but I cannot remember specifically any memories of being on them. I don’t know if many of my memories are gone because of self preservation or some other reason, but it is very frustrating listening to many people describing a childhood experience in detail, when many of my memories are very foggy and unfinished. Nevertheless, I’m thankful to have the memories I have, just like the few physical mementos that I’ve somehow been able to hold onto. I know some don’t even have that.
Although I’ve learned to appreciate the sun more as I’ve grown, I look back and I still believe that this night was the most magical time I have ever spent in Disneyland. Part of me hopes it will rain at least a couple of days while my family and I are enjoying the parks in November. If the stars align, it could happen.
My recollection of many experiences may be non-existent, but I can recall so many things that made me fall in love with Disneyland, including my favorite attraction, and the connection it has to a piece of my soul. Until next time, I hope you find magic in your daily life, and keep smiling. See you real soon!
You are sooo happy standing by Mickey;)
We look like old pals don’t we?
You are friends 4ever wa ha;)