First Ever Disneyland Patron Returns Annually For Over 60 Years
Disney's theme parks are widely known today for being some of the happiest places on earth, and rightly so. Disney parks are a place where magic comes to life, but the price of happiness can be a little steep. Some families have to save up for years for an opportunity to visit one of Disney's parks. Imagine then, if you could return every year for over 60 years... for free?
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That's precisely the case for Disneyland's first ever common patron. After the hullaballoo died down of course, when the employees and celebrities had entered, Dave McPherson was the first one in line to purchase a ticket in 1955 and Disney has done a pretty swell job of appreciating that nifty tidbit for the dude.
In July of 1955, Dave McPherson was a 22-year old college student studying at Long Beach College. Seen here, smirking at the camera and tossing up an OK hand sign, McPherson realized at 2am that he wanted to be the first in line to enter the famous park when it was open to the common public.
On July 17th, 1955, McPherson watched with wide eyes on television as Disney's family members and celebrities enjoyed the new park and new he wanted to be the first common public person to enter the park. The thought struck him spontaneously, why not him?
As he watched the festivities on television, he knew what he had to do if he wanted to be the first. So, he hopped on his motorbike and began the 10-mile drive to Disneyland, if he was first in line he knew he would be first in the park.
The 10-mile drive from Long Beach to Anaheim got him to the park on time to start a line at the ticket booth! The most amazing part? It was 2am when he started the line.
McPherson stood in line for several hours before being the first person ever to purchase a ticket to Disneyland.
He says he doesn't know what happened to the original admission ticket, but he did preserve this complimentary card that it came with.
Stunningly, McPherson didn't get to use his complimentary card because he knew he had a long 10 mile drive back to Long Beach. However, he has come back every single year since that fate-filled day in 1955.
For being the first to purchase a ticket, he received a lifetime pass from Disney. These days, Dave usually takes his wife, Wanda with him. He also usually invites their good friends, Martha & Joe Ortiz.
In a funny twist, Joe Ortiz was also at the grand opening in 1955, but the friends didn't cross paths until later in life! When they met, they bonded over a shared love of Disney.
Dave is always happy to display his love and appreciation for all things Disney.
The Grand Opening of Disneyland in 1955:
Walt Disney, the man himself, came up with the concept of his Disneyland resort in California after he visited numerous amusement parks with his children in the 1930's and 1940's. He then brought Disneyland to life as the first of two theme parks in California over a decade later!
It cost 17 million US dollars to complete the park.
In line behind Dave McPherson in 1955 were countless, excited children. He entered the famed park before 6,000 in line behind him and he says he will never forget the sight of that many people behind him.
On the 17th of July when Disney opened the park to his family and celebrities, he had the event televised. For the common public opening the next day, he unfortunately disappeared shortly after the gates were open. A lot of people at the time reported being disappointed by that, but Dave McPherson still said it was the most magical day ever.
Can you imagine being the first to enter a Disney theme park? Or being able to go every year for the rest of your life? Share your thoughts in the comments now!