Originally Posted By iksnamhcok I was thinking back to my first trip to Disneyland, as an eight-year-old, with my parents and older brother and sister, for one very long hot day in July, back in 1964...on a trip in which we drove all the way there, a la Chevy Chase's Vacation, from Michigan. (There were of course many other memorable stops both to and fro, but all of us -- the kids at least -- viewed DL as the ultimate destination.) Here's what I remember most vividly from that visit (which at the time I viewed as by far the best day of my life): ** The subs ** Tom Sawyer Island ** Autopia ** The Skyway ** Watching the bobsleds, but being too afraid to go on them (and my dad being unwilling to wait in the one-hour-plus line) ** Mr. Toad ** Taking the monorail to the DL Hotel ** Staying at the Jolly Roger Motel It's possible that why I remember these attractions more clearly than the others is because these are what we got home movies of, and naturally we watched those movies many, many times in the years following.
Originally Posted By onlyme Nice to have great memories like that. To be honest, those memories(also in the 60's/70's) are what keep me coming back. Not to say that I'm stuck in the past, or don't appreciate DL for what it is today; I do! But walking thru the Park and seeing things that haven't changed in all those years, takes me back to a simplier time.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins I really love the style of the 60's art. I think it contributed so much to the happiness of Disneyland at the time, more than today's does now. It gave feelings of fun and success and conveyed a very positive view of life. My first trip was at the same age but in '68. Yes, we could not help but fall in love with that Disneyland. It's still the happiest place on earth, but even my kids get the impression (from pictures) that it was happier in the 60's.
Originally Posted By pecos bill It makes sense that our first visits would have the most impact on our memories. My first trip in 72 is like a fantastic dream. I often wonder if my repeat visits are an effort to recapture some of that initial magic. I consider a trip to Disneyland a success when I do.
Originally Posted By TheHoop What a great story. Thanks for sharing. Mine is similiar, however, we only have pictures from our trips to DL but to have home movies!! What a treasure! They must be 16mm? Again, great story.