Chance Encounter with Walt Disney @ Disneyland and American Nostalgia

Jeff recently visited Disneyland with family after a decade hiatus and decided to show you how he, a "history hunter," views the famous Anaheim amusement park. Sarah didn't make the trip.
Jeff will give you a unique perspective of the park since he has visited since the mid-1960s.
#waltdisney #disney #historyhunters

[@davidbarker8354]

Growing up in Modesto, we took the annual pilgrimage to Disneyland every year. When I was 20 years old, I moved to Buena Park and got a job working at Disneyland as a security guard. The pay was low (for LA cost of living) and it was hard to get 40 hours of work each week. But 22 years later it still remains the best job I ever had. Sometimes I can't believe I got to work there, but whenever I go, or see videos of the park, the memories of my experiences as a security cast member flood back. Thank you, Jeff! It was great getting to see my old workplace!

[@jbenziggy]

I once wanted to work there but I didn’t live down there. The guy who recognized me in the video works there and he loves it. Does working there take away the Disneyland magic?

[@davidbarker8354]

@@jbenziggy Not at all! If anything it adds to it, at least from the perspective of working security. Sure there were times where I had to confront things like upset guests, injured guests, grad night behavior, etc. But what I enjoyed was getting to work night shift in the park. Walking through the attractions and seeing how they work, seeing all the activity at night, the quiet anticipation of dawn as the park prepared to open. I got to see the park in a completely different way, and it added to the mystique of the only park Walt walked in.

[@davidbarker8354]

@@jbenziggy I should also add all the movie props that are in the park. The truck in the Indiana Jones queue is the actual one from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the organ in Haunted Mansion is the very organ James Mason played in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Getting to see that Hollywood history up close and touch it added to the magic

[@ednamode2524]

@@davidbarker8354 Do you still go and visit?

[@davidbarker8354]

@@ednamode2524 I haven't been in 5 years. I think of the great Yogi Berra quote, "No one goes there anymore because it's too crowded" 😉

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Two 18 year old boy's named Mike & John left for DisneyLand (back in '74') hoping to secure jobs as animators. They accepted me (with little cartooning experience) but not my buddy Mike who was an actual animator/cartoonist. There reasoning was that I was trainable to their design/desires, where as Mike was already trained in his own ways of drawing. So I turned down my job because I didn't want to work anywhere without my best friend as it was because of him that we went to DisneyLand.. so it didn't feel right to get a job that he really wanted. Your videos always bring back a flood of memories Jeff... and I thank you for each one of them!

[@spawntez]

My grandmother took me to Disneyland sometime around July 1976, she couldn't drive or speak English, but we started our voyage near the campus of USC. We got to downtown Los Angeles, and I began to ask people for assistance to find an RTD (now known as MTA) bus that would take us to Disneyland. I remember getting on the bus and right before we exited, the kind gentlemen had the song Afternoon Delight playing on his small radio on the dashboard. He reminded me to make sure we were at the bus top by 8:15 p.m. to return home. My grandmother and mother have since passed away, but I have fond memories of how much they loved me and my siblings. Thank you History Hunters.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for sharing your special memories! Treasure them! Blessings!

[@spawntez]

@@jbenziggy - thank you sir for sharing your beautiful family.

[@tillitrueheart971]

Truly the best vlog on Disneyland ever. You brought out things I've never noticed or seen when visiting Disneyland. Plus, just the nostalgia of times past was amazing - seeing you and your mom, Elias Disney, etc. Thank you for this great trip down memory lane for me as I will no longer pay the big bucks or contribute to what the Disney organization has become. Thanks again for another amazing journey Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

I wanted to reply a little late to tell you how much I appreciated your lovely comments! They made me smile! Blessings to you!

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

Jeff, thanks for stirring up many fond and, forgotten memories for me. The year was 1956 in La Habra CA when my best friend and neighbor asked me to help celebrate his 11th Birthday with him at Disneyland. Can you imagine what two 11 year olds minds were going through? We had a blast. Those old coupon/tickets didn't last very long though. We were able to purchase more tickets inside the park. Yes, Disneyland has sure changed over the years and, for me, not for the better. I grew up watching Davey Crockett, Daniel Boone. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, Country Bear Jamboree, Carousel of Time will always be in my memory. There was also an attraction where you felt like you were in a WW11 bomber flying all over the U.S. These were great and, I guess I'm revealing my age. We lived about 30 minutes away in Downey CA, from the Park and, were the hosts for many family members who took time off to visit so we could show them Disneyland 😊 hahaha. But, that's ok, we saved them from having to book hotel/motel reservations. This was a great video non the less. Wonderful memories for sure. Stan in Idaho

[@rhondaz356]

Jeff, this is absolutely a ***treasure. Your personal experience and visual evidence is amazing. WOW👌 👏👏

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you, Rhonda! This is a great and flattering response! It certainly took a lot of work and some time away from the family while in the park!

[@steve94044]

Yes in the 1960’s I also remember shaking hands with Walt. He was a nice guy!

[@suzannecrum9702]

I'd like to commend you for all the research you put into your stories! Really enjoyed this piece.Thanks! Hope you enjoyed your time with your family!

[@starrens]

Another great episode! I love the magic that Disneyland brings in the hearts of all ages. I took 5 high school students down in April for a competition and left a day early so they could experience Disney for the first time (we live in rural northern CA). It was fantastic to see their expressions! Although the price about keeled me over (yes I paid out of pocket for all)!

[@JulieS261]

Thanks for showing us around Disneyland. As someone who lives in Australia I will probably never get to see it in person so any glimpses like this is great.

[@jbenziggy]

You’re welcome 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed it, Julie!

[@gwen9620]

This video brings back a lot of memories. Remembering meeting Walt Disney a few times in the park. Thank you

[@DisneyFan-eg3oz]

Hello wow! Please tell us your experience here, Thanks 😊

[@ahbenjamin2889]

Thank you, Jeff. Went to Disneyland many times and enjoyed the park on every occasion. But as usual, as in all your videos, you take a deep historical perspective which is very informative and much appreciated.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtful comment!

[@HartponderJr]

Well done. Carousel of Progress, the House of the Future and the ride where you were miniaturized into space was a childhood favorite. I wonder what Walt would say related to the current corporate policies in place.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Carousel of Progress (I can still sing the tune!), and the Swiss Family Treehouse!

[@mikes3174]

This video goes down as one of my all time favorites! It triggered a multitude of great memories from my childhood until my last visit to Disneyland in the 1989. Wow, that's a long time... I'm glad to see that for the most part, Disneyland has mostly remained the same. My favorite attractions are; Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain Railroad and Star Wars. One of the coolest things I ever had happen at Disneyland was meeting Jerry Reed. He was performing on stage and wife and I were one of the only people in the audience. He and the band put on a great performance and he was so open and friendly to us. I wish I would've asked for an autograph but it never crossed my mind. Thanks for taking us along - and thanks for the excellent work that you put into each video. Your production quality just keeps getting better. 😀

[@festerhairball6588]

You got to meet the "Snow Man"...... O wow!!!! That's awesome 😃

[@leahreposa4599]

I'll never be too old for Disneyland! That was very interesting about the wooden Indians.

[@janicecanfield9211]

👋 Jeff ad Sarah, ....and nowwww postage is 58 cents ! You look just the same but wiser. I went once as a kid about age 9, not sure. I went many times as an adult when at conventions. Wasn't it just a great time as a kid ! Thanks for this stroll. ....it's a small world after allllll.

[@stargater2892]

Loved this episode. I still ask for a post card when ppl travel, and they laugh. I hope you teach your grandkids the joy of "wish you were here.". The stamp price is why you are recognized, its all in the details. How lovely that you shared seamlessly your family and your experiences. You have aged well (the Indian has had reconstructive surgery).

[@SonjasSEAcrets]

Though it’s Disney World that my family and my teen self visited in ‘73 (2 yrs after it opened), these are the same memories I have. The most unforgettable was riding the monorail and haunted mansion. 22 years later we took our young sons and it was Tower of Terror that took the cake. Awesome travels down memory lane, thanks!

[@j.b.a.124]

Awesome video as always. Haven’t been to Disneyland in almost 30 years. Unforgettable memories..! Thank you Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pamelakern2849]

This was a wonderful look back !! I enjoyed seeing Jeff's family. This tour of the park brings back many memories. As usual, this video was so well done . Thankyou Jeff and Sarah ❤❤

[@BillGreenAZ]

I enjoyed seeing Jeff's family as well.

[@sharonlegg85]

Thank you for this video, brought back memories when I went to DisneyLand with my mum in 1987. I have a treasured photo of her standing in front of Its A Small World. Your film showed exactly the spot she stood when I took the photo. My mum passed away in 2000 just months before we were all due to go to DisneyWorld with 16 members of my family including her 5 grandchildren ❤️🇬🇧

[@danapretzer1895]

Great job thanks for bringing us along. Some of us would never get to these places without you and your better half. Lol. Great video.

[@joelhurley2678]

A very good episode about Walt Disney. One fact you may not know, in 1942 or 1944; Ward Kimball and Walt Disney came to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. Walt Disney was looking for ideas he had for a park of History. I saw the photos of them both while they were riding the Steam Train around Greenfield Village. This was his inspiration for Walt Disney Land, which myself and a lot of people didn't know about this. I had the privilege of meeting Walt Disney's Nephew Roy Disney a few times when I worked for the Henry Ford Museum. First time was in 2000, when the Fantasia Movie was released at our IMAX Theater. Second time in 2006, when I had met him again; I ended up having Lunch with him and his Future wife. He was as nice as his Uncle Walt. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

[@suzanneochs1543]

Wow !! Did I need this video today !! Made me shed happy tears....but also sad tears that due to the price increase at the park I am unable to get back there. As a child my favorite ride was the train ride going back in time. So thank you for that memory !! And Mighty Microscope. Disneyland was always my go to when I needed to feel like a kid again. Thank you Jeff and Sarah for this special day at the park with history I never knew about ! Happy Sunday !

[@MzzzNettie]

Fantastic episode. Growing up in Los Angeles so many years ago Disneyland was just another part of life. Every time we'd have a relative come visit from back east the first thing on their list was a trip to the park, followed closely by a visit to Hollywood in their hopes of seeing famous movie stars, lol. You also couldn't grow up in the area without at least one school outing being held at the park, but the best thing was when the park held special night's where it was only opened at night for special group occasions for people and their families that worked in certain industries. Sometimes you'd have a friend whose parent worked in, say, the insurance field, and they'd get tickets just for companies in that field, and it was like having the park all to ourselves. Never a wait in any of the lines, not even for the matterhorn which was very big at the time. Ahh, good memories, but sure can't afford it nowadays, we'd have to take out a small loan just to be able to afford a family trip. Oh well, at least we have the memories.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Another gr8 HH episode Jeff & Sarah! As crazy as it sounds, I've never visited the park as a guest. I did a large project down there in the mid to late 90's and swore I'd never spend a penny there due to how the "Disney Imaginering group" treated us. My wife and kids have all gone down many times and love it...now that I'm retired, I guess I may need to make a trip down with them just to say I've been there.

[@davidclark9150]

The blend of history and your personal recollections made Disneyland come alive. I've never been there, but have always been fascinated by it. Thanks Jeff. BTW, nice looking family.

[@DisneyFan-eg3oz]

Hello David, David here from Florida As a fan of Disneyland for over fifty years I hope you can experience Disneyland for your self. Be sure to see Disneyland USA on KZbin.😎

[@uncagedtravels6391]

Thanks for the behind the scenes stories and history of Disneyland. Loved it. I always seem to learned something new I didn’t know in every video.

[@sherrywyllie2163]

Wonderful video as always! My Grandfather was a pipe fitter in southern CA and helped build the Jungle Cruise. We went every year until I was 12. Once I was 14 I worked after school and every school vacation so had no time for fun. Disney became so expensive that we only took our kids once. We opted to pay for college instead. I love love love the immersion into fantasy that you discussed. Its all the little things I like to look at!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for sharing, Sherry! Yeah it is getting more and more expensive to go, especially when you factor in motel and gas expenses. It's sad because so many children will never get to experience Disneyland. It's starting to make me appreciate what I got to experience as a child!

[@richbol1]

Hi Jeff. I just watched your video titled “in 1966 we met Walt Disney”. It brought back many memories for me. I am 63 years old on July 4. I was born in Whittier California, lived in Buena Park till age 8 and moved to Anaheim till age 11 and a half. I lived 2 miles from Disneyland. My dad was in Anaheim police officer. And introduced me to Walt Disney when I was five or six years old. I shook his hand, and that is something I will never forget. So needless to say I have been a lifelong Disney fan. My family moved to Cape Cod Massachusetts in November of 1970. And after Disney World in Florida was built, I visited numerous times. I now live in Ocala Florida for 10 months now. And with about an hour and a half from Disney world. I have two grandsons ages six and 1 3/4, and my entire family loves Disney. I just thought I would share that with you. Oh, one more thing. Shortly after I moved to Cape Cod, I met a friend who wanted to be a Disney artist in the seventh grade. He took an immediate liking to me, because of my experience with Walt Disney. And we became friends. He has now been a Disney character artist for nearly 30 years. And we visit often

[@bobblackwellpcs]

Brings back lots of memories. First time for me was in 1966. Honeymooned in1972. Going back to in a few weeks to celebrate 50 years.

[@ekim1302]

One of your BEST !!! Brought so many memories … My first time was a Grad Nite 1973… Times were so different then… Thru the years we did the kids and then grandkids… After a 2017 Christmas season visit I swore “NEVER AGAIN”… Too many baby strollers was my complaint !!! Anyway Jeff you did an outstanding job … Thank you for what you do… you touch a lot of people and stir a lot of memories !!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much! Your comments are very flattering to say the least. I think as I get older Disneyland holds less of the magic as when I was a kid. Thanks and blessings!

[@contessalouannec8064]

Thank You for all the history of Disneyland. We need to remember our past in order to know how we got here. Thank You for taking the time to make this vlog it is greatly appreciated.

[@MagicalCreationsDisneyArt]

What a great video. Brings back many memories. I visited Disneyland in 1963 as a young boy. My dream from then on was to be a cartoonist for Walt himself. I was fortunate to ride the saucers. We are showing our age. So wonderful. I love Disney classic.

[@grandprixdriver]

Great episode ,Jeff. Brings back memories. I haven't been there 1995. The last time I was there Toontown was just finised. Hope I can get back there soon.Prates of the Caribbean was my favorite. I also had dinner at the Blue Bayou, always got a table on the water inside Pirates. Also love the haunted mansion. Pirates was always special. Before Johnny Depp became a big star I played music with him. Back in the early 80's. He wanted to get into music. Not the movies.

[@lynettetruitt7534]

I love the "Happy Place" atmosphere of Disneyland old and new. Nothing else compares. Didn't get to see it till I was in my 30's but I fell in love with everything about it and I have great memories of it. Thank you for all the history. It was a very enjoyable vlog!

[@sueboobarela1669]

I am 73 now and the first time I went to DL I was 7. Sure miss the Walt influence. Thank you Jeff and Sarah.

[@philipcollins5440]

Wow, did this bring back memories. As always you did a great job and I saw some things I didn't know about. Thanks

[@rparret]

Great video. I’m 69 and also had my earliest Disneyland visits in the mid 1960s.

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Has a Floridian kid I fell in love with Disneyland! My grandfather was a carpenter who worked on Cinderella's Castle and we were there on opening day. Still love pirates of the Caribbean ride and jungle cruise but missed the 20,000 leagues under the Sea ride. Thanks again for taking us along.

[@Hevynly1]

I loved this! Walt is my cousin, so Disneyland history runs deep for me. It's a family tradition to work at the park and I loved my time there as a Cast Member. Some corrections, though... You have Coke Corner pictured instead of the Carnation Bandstand area, which is currently a princess meet-and-greet left of the Castle. The photo of Walt dancing wasn't with his wife, but some other fortunate partner. He and Lily also celebrated their anniversary days before Disneyland opened on July 17, not after. Such an exciting moment that must have been! Happy to see you and yours had a wonderful time in the park! Blessings!

[@kirkmacarthur8003]

My mom went to school with your cousin Diane Disney. :)

[@georgemoynier4285]

I grew up just 4 miles away from Disneyland.,, worked in band parades with my high school band and soon worked in parades and characters as a cast member .. great memories !! Will never forget .. Walt Disney ,did so many wonderful things to bring people and

[@georgemoynier4285]

Families together …

[@dmzabo3914]

Jeff just noticed how much you look like your Mother. Going through my subscription list and noticed that screen grab of your video & the photo with Her and Walt. Thanks again Jeff & Sarah for the wonderful entertainment you two share.

[@aseainfo]

This episode was great Jeff! Disneyland has always been my happy place since I was a little boy. Walt Disney is one of my biggest influences. Just look at all that man created for the world to enjoy. I loved how you touched on unique Disneyland stuff like the petrified tree that almost nobody ever talks about in their Disneyland videos. If I would have run into you at the park, It would have been a highlight on my trip as this channel has been one of my favorites for years now. It's because of great content like this video. Anything Disneyland brings a smile to my face. Great job on this one!

[@danahsutton101]

Earworm. LOL. I couldn't get that song out of my mind for hours!

[@jbenziggy]

No kidding! That song will drive anyone nuts after a while. Lol

[@Julie-ms9ss]

I’ve never been there before , but this was interesting. Thanks for all the details and hard work you put into the research for your videos. Nice job as always.

[@nikkid3235]

I grew up going to Disneyland many, many times. However, I have not been to Disneyland in over 20 years. I've watched videos here and there on KZbin. Todays is by far the best one I've watched. I love my Disneyland experiences. Now, I think I prefer to hold onto the Disneyland that I knew and let the next generations enjoy what Disney is today. Thank you for sharing this Sunday History Day video.

[@chriswatts4406]

I’m such a Disney Buff this is one of the best videos I’ve seen on Disneyland. My son actually got to go in the private apartment over the Fire Station at Disneyland he said it was really something he would treasure all his life. Thank you another excellent job!

[@michaeldonaher2851]

I first visited in 1961 when I was 6. My family and I would make the short trip (at least then) from Torrance, twice a year for a decade. The fun began once you parked and got on the tram! Memories that can't be duplicated.

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Happy Sunday thanks for sharing the history of "Disney" and your family time at Disneyland. Have a wonderful day!

[@donbrown3599]

That was GREAT. I miss the Flight to the Moon ,AT&T theater and submarines. My aunt when she was younger she worked Disney studios. Did you know the President Lincoln display first operated with a red hydraulic fluid and it leaked and the public thought he got shot.

[@dick6487]

Wonderful Jeff! Brought back many memories, loved that your mother was able to see Walt! Our first time to Disneyland was in the late 50s, liked that you added that some of the attractions were at NY worlds fair as our family saw them there. Great memories for your family, we are taking our daughters and family in August. Very special place….happiest place on earth! Thank you… Dick, Santa Rosa

[@frankcasey7423]

This was a really cool episode and you have a great family and it looks like everyone had a wonderful time together. I’ve never been to Disney as a kid myself but I’ve been twice back in “06” and “08” the first time with my ex wife and my oldest son and the second time again with my ex and my second oldest son. It was a great time. I learned so much more now by watching your video. I hope to revisit again one day. Thanks for sharing your experience and memories with all of us, it was really nice!! Take care now and see ya on the next one!! Frank from Philadelphia, PA.

[@jbenziggy]

I am happy that you liked this "vacation" video. It was a fun one to produce for me! I'm glad that you enjoyed Disneyland as an adult. Thanks for the donation, too! It was much appreciated! It will help with gas expenses out here in California where gas is exorbitantly higher than the rest of the country!

[@frankcasey7423]

@@jbenziggy your very welcome guy’s! I can only imagine the gas out there in California. It just hit $5 a gallon here in Philadelphia the other day. I always look forward to your great videos and always learn something new! Keep up the great work and be safe in your travels! See ya on the next one! Frank, from Philadelphia, PA.

[@mov1ngforward]

Great episode, as always. I learned a lot...we made an almost annual trip growing up and the older parts you referenced sure brought back memories. One summer, our aunt had passed away and my parents took us. We were on, "Its a Small World," and two neighbor kids were about two boats ahead of us, we saw them. When we returned home they ran over to ask because when the brother called out, his sister said, "shut up, you liar!" Interestingly, their father had just passed away. Had they waited for us after the ride, Disneyland would have never been the same. 🤣

[@dianejohnson7235]

Disneyland was one of my favorites! Living in Southern California when my children were small we used to go all the time!

[@dorisbuchmann4164]

That was wonderful! Lots of memories of going with our boys, we stayed for hours and hours! Still the best amusement park, so much cleaner and pleasant people. After the boys grew older, my husband and I went to the park as many times as we could, for birthdays and anniversaries! Always had a fun time, thanks for the memories!❤️❤️

[@haroldnelson3734]

I went to Disneyland many times growing up. My favorite was Grad Night, 1979. Such nice memories! Thanks for taking me there once more.

[@jbenziggy]

Amazing! I also went Grad Night 1979 although not likely the same night!

[@haroldnelson3734]

@@jbenziggy OMG! I think you might be the guy I accidentally spilled my soda on that night...maybe that is why you look so familiar. If so, I am very, very sorry!!!

[@michaelgmoore5708]

One of my favorites. You really photographed a lot of detail Jeff. I missed seeing Sarah. She makes everything a lot of fun!

[@jbenziggy]

You will see her next episode!

[@michaelgmoore5708]

That's great, she is so pretty too! Lucky guy!

[@EconomicRefugeesRV]

There's a lot of KZbin channels that live in Disneyland, it's refreshing to see more of the history, I grew up going to Disneyland on the bus in summer, and I've seen a lot of the development of the park in the 60's and 70's, nice video !!

[@CHP69POLARA]

Jeff, I have LOVED 🥰 Disneyland since I was five years old in 1960. And you did a FANTASTIC job!!!! THANK YOU for bringing back wonderful memories of my favorite amusement park. You ROCK!!!!

[@jbenziggy]

So wonderful to read! Thanks so much!!!

[@juneclary1964]

Hi Jeff and Sarah thank you for sharing a wonderful video of your family vacation to Disneyland and the history of the park. I really enjoy watching this video thank you for the history lesson love and blessings Laurie June and Larry

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was definitely a fun memorable time with my kids and their kids!

[@POTCscoot]

Enjoyed your video. 66 is the same year I started going . (Per old pictures) I was 3 and we lived about 20 mins away from the park back then. I grew up thinking it was just my neighborhood park. Possible we were in the park same day as kids - used to spend a lot of time on Tom Sawyers island running around and running through the ‘caves’. Went a lot untill we moved to Vegas when I was 13, then it was a yearly thing and still is. Thank you for sharing. To my knowledge , my family never had the honor of running into Walt back then.

[@CC-te5zf]

Fantastic journey!

[@ritadaniels3175]

WOW❣️Thanks Jeff❣️I’ve been to Anaheim ONCE in 1970’s😎Remember it well😍My Parents scrimped & saved to make the trip from OK... Then I remember when EPCOT originally opened & it was a secret dream of mine to visit WDW & EPCOT in FL & FINALLY was able to make the trip early 21st Century🥳I am actually VERY THANKFUL I VISITED WHEN I DID bcoz the Parks are or seem to be deviating SO FAR FROM WALT’s ORIGINAL PLANS... He is someone I admire that just simply seemed to EMPTY HIMSELF of Purpose onto his Brother as he lay dying in the hospital😢I LUVED the pic of old fashioned fuel pumps that said “Tulsa Tea” instead of TX but on Beverly Hillbillies THE HEAD OFFICE WAS IN TULSA🤩Now ALL these years later🤩Gwen Stephani raised in Anaheim is married to Okie Blake Shelton😎 GREAT VIDEO❣️

[@joemcelroy2118]

What a great flash to the pass. Most enjoyable Jeff. Thank you.

[@candicehopkins2344]

Thanks for the memories! In 1962 we drove from South Carolina to California! 4 kids and parents! I remember my Mom had a picture of us in front of GE’s house of tomorrow? Little did we know we were moving to SoCal in 1963. So as any kid living in SoCal we frequently went to D-Land. I remember the old Captain Hook’s pirate ship! No adventure but it was a snack shop and rest area. Does anyone remember these? Lived by D-Land in the 80’s and could hear the fireworks that went off every summer night! I forgot - who remembers Tinkerbell actually flying down the “ropes” at night? Great, Great memories there!

[@jbenziggy]

Yes I remember the old lady who played Tinkerbell!

[@jannettehunter2930]

WOW!!! Love love love this video. It brought tears to my eyes because, I too, grew up going to Disneyland. I now take my children every year. They are young adults now and love it just as much as when they were young kids. You pointed out several things that I just walk past and didn't notice. Well, the next time we go, I'm going to stop and take time to notice the historical things you pointed out. Thanks for such an amazing video!!! PS - I have and ALWAYS will love Disneyland...Awesomeness to those who say they will never go again...shorter lines for us - ha!

[@brendas.1374]

Great video!!! 🙂 I really enjoyed it. My mom was there on Opening Day in July 1955. She was 10 at the time, and had LOTS of fun there. She still has the original Mickey Mouse Ears that her mother bought her. It’s in great condition.

[@jbenziggy]

Wow what a great piece of memorabilia from opening day! That is a fantastic heirloom! Did she have any photos from that day or go without a camera?

[@brendas.1374]

@@jbenziggy Thanks! Yeah, she has a few photos from that day. They’re buried in a box of photo albums. I like to go through them one day.

[@1CathyHendrix]

What a great video! Thank you for sharing with us...and for putting a smile on my face. Hope you have a great week! God bless!

[@larrymiller8210]

Loved it! Brings back times there with my brother and mother. Took my kids when younger, and I remember it emptied my wallet. To bad Disney now has to make such a wonderful place political! It takes the magic out of it somehow. Thanks for sharing the "good old days".

[@terrychapman8460]

My family and I were lucky enough to enjoy a brunch cruz on this piece of history in the early 90's. So sorry to see it in such disrepair.

[@t-bone2650]

I have seen too many Disneyland videos I could count. This one is absolutely brilliant. Loved it. Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Well if you’ve seen a lot of videos of Disneyland and consider this one of the best then I take that as a great compliment. Thank you so much!

[@David_Musicpro]

Thank you Jeff for sharing your delightful narrative experience at Disneyland with us. I was working at Disneyland on that very same day on January 11, 1990, driving the Donald Duck float during Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Parade. It was also the very fist time that my myself and my fellow cast members of the show services parade crew met and were part of a commemorative backstage photo op with Chief Executive, Micheal Eisner and President Ronald Reagan, with our parade floats in the background. Pictured in your video driving the fire engine is my former lead, Tim, who had received the high honor of chauffering our destinquished guests down the parade route, kicking off the opening day of the parade and celebration.

[@dgyoutube2405]

Being from the east coast i have never had any inkling of going to disneyland only wdw and a huge walt history fan. This has changed me i now have to go see what and where walt started. I loved this vlog.

[@miguelmolina.]

🎶🎶🙌🙌👍👍🎵🎵👌👌🙏🙏it was great video to watch thanks Jeff for share yours memories as kid close to walt Disney early days my first day was 1980 Christmas time was so happy been part of disney days good memories 🎶🎶👍👍🎵🎵👌👌🙏🙏🙏🙏😎😎

[@havingfun3619]

Bob Gurr was a remarkable man. I was privileged by getting to work with him in the early 90s. He did the Matterhorn track and so many other things. Great vid. Brings back countless memories.

[@jbenziggy]

I understand that Bob is still living. Is that the case?

[@havingfun3619]

@@jbenziggy I haven't heard anything to the contrary, and he's not mentioned in our Imaginner Angels section. (Which is a good thing)..:) I believe so.

[@iam4mark852]

@@jbenziggy Yes, Bob Gurr is still alive. He's 90 years old

[@aovermont]

Best Disney video I've ever seen 😍 🙌 👏 thank you

[@nadiazahroon6573]

I have the most adorable picture of my brother wearing Mickey Mouse ears eating chocolate. Thank you for the beautiful memories

[@Andi-tu6gd]

This was a wonderful trip down memory lane. Thanks for a great view of the past and the present. Most enjoyable.

[@StevenTorrey]

What memories from 1956 t0 2022! Walt would be regarded as an early town planner of of planned community where he could have as much control over the environment as possible. He had regretted how many "tacky" places opened up on thee outskirts of his planned park in Anaheim, places that gave him or his company no profits even as they lived off the Disney fame & enterprise. When he designed his place in Florida he was not to make that same mistake and so purchased as much land as possible to prevent the scenario of Anaheim from happening in Florida. And most importantly, the Florida enterprise planed community would be regarded as a success from the level off control Corporate Disney exerts on the community. Both Disneyland & Florida's Epcot would be regarded as model / successful planned communities.

[@jackdelay6558]

Thanks for bringing back many childhood memories. Just awesome.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks for letting us know!

[@dianebarrett3529]

As a young child, my dream was to visit Disneyland. Each day I would watch the Mickey Mouse Club and every Sunday evening I was glued to the TV in order to watch "The Wonderful World of Color." All of this from NY, where I was born and raised. When I moved to California in 1996 I was able to make my dream come true when I visited Disneyland for the first time. I'd finally made it! Thanks so much for sharing your Disneyland memories and so much information about the Park. I appreciate your research and attention to detail. Best regards.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Was your experience everything you hoped it'd be?

[@dianebarrett3529]

@@alanatolstad4824 Yes, absolutely.

[@martindriver6026]

One of my favorites is on main street to watch and hear Mr Lincoln give one of his famous speeches. Also to see the pirates of the Caribbean before it was changed. Thank you for the tour. Now I want to go. 😃

[@Ravelinn]

wow....just wow. thank you for sharing this history hunt.. Great to see photos of your mother again. a very emotional trip im sure.. thank you

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Jon! I appreciate your heartfelt expressions!

[@nancyannirvin4507]

I have never had the chance to go. In 1969 my brothers got to go through a contest put on by the now defunct Oregon Journal. I was so jealous until they were stuck in a freak snow storm on the way down there. Thank you so much for this multi era tour. It is much better than the promo ads you see.

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, that’s a real bummer that your brother got stuck on the way down to Disneyland. That would’ve totally ruined my childhood. Lol. Sorry you didn’t get to go to Disneyland. Have you ever thought about going now?

[@bobpeckinpaugh2550]

Thank you from Ohio. I'll never see Disneyland, so this was a great travelog!!! Your vlogs just get better and better. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much, Bob! It's become a very expensive place for families to visit, which is very unfortunate!

[@sonofhawaii4227]

I’ve been to Disneyland many times with the kids. It’s just a 5 hour flight from Honolulu. I’ll be headed back there with my wife this November and it’ll be the first time since we were kids that we’ll e going without our own kids! We’re so looking forward to this long overdue “Us” visit! I think I’ll surprise my wife and kids with postcards mailed from one of the DL mailboxes! Thank you so much for this intimate and nostalgic video! Aloha 🤙🏼

[@jimbullard441]

Great look at the park. I was only there once, back in the 60s, but still remember it vividly. Nice look back at it.

[@canaryphaeochannel]

Thank you for this great trip......

[@WEdway33]

Excellent, thank you for this..

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Absolutely loved this video Jeff and Sarah and you made it a family addition as well Great history not of just Disneyland but of your own journey Very well done Thankyou

[@k.m.slattery6263]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah. My late father was notorious for saying this will be the last Disneyland trip! and then lo and behold another would take place! Great memories!! 68 to .....

[@lifewithjosef]

When my wife and I were full time RVers, I had a 40 person mailing list of fam who loved getting a post card in the mail. As always, love your content and style. My best to you and Sarah Edit: I too remember the saucer ride. And, only those of our vintage know what an E Ticket ride truly is.

[@jbenziggy]

I agree, postcards are fun to get but I think most people send selfies now while on vacation. LOL. Thanks so much for liking our videos!

[@isabelaguilar2903]

Awesome Video Jeff! Enjoyed watching all the old pics of walt Disney.. how it has changed! I've been there once & it's time too visit the park again. Nice pics of your Family! Thank You for sharing. 🤗

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate you watching, Isabel! Thanks for the nice compliments, too! I'm proud of my family!

[@arizonaalchemy7572]

SO WELL DONE ! THANK YOU ! As I am watching this, Three Weeks ago was my VERY FIRST visit to DISNEYLAND. Kinda funny visiting this park at age 58 ! I was the Oldest Seven year old there, L-O-L ! Truly a Magical Place and Four Days I will NEVER Forget ! Your Vlogs are among the BEST on KZbin. I learn something New and Something I never Knew before every time I watch one of your vlogs. Seeing the Nostalgia of the past is something I've often wanted to see. You covered all that very well, Thank You. :)

[@jbenziggy]

Good for you for visiting the park at your age because there’s a lot of people who don’t think it’s worth it. I’m 60 and I still enjoy it, if there’s no crowds. Lol

[@arizonaalchemy7572]

@@jbenziggy , It was Epic. Managed to ride most of the rides with the Lighting feature. I always thought it was on the expensive side. However, after this experience. It really is a Good Value for such an Amazing Experience ! Umm, yeah..... The Huge Crowds make it less fun, L-O-L ! I learned right away to get there early, hit the Big Rides First ! :)

[@tanyacheetham2024]

thank-you for this video it was awesome.. I enjoyed it very much ❤I miss Disneyland..it's been a long time since I been there...thanks for sharing

[@ThePrissy11]

I haven’t seen a sign for “Novelties” since I was a kid. Wonderful vid. Thanks for posting

[@monicajones2844]

Thank you for sharing some of the history! My family and I love Disneyland!

[@nealfinney8679]

Thanks for sharing. Great video. Man o man does this bring back loads of memories. I was born in Los Angeles in 1966. My family would visit the park every year. I remember the Main Street parade, the Matterhorn, the pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted House, etc etc etc…I also remember when you had to buy books of tickets. I have a cousin that still has a few original ticket books and other Disney items from the ‘60’s. I live in Clovis now so I don’t get down there at all anymore.

[@lisaburns2117]

You’ve outdone yourself with this one Jeff! Disneyland is one of my all time favorites and I thought I knew so much. You have given me more to notice and search out next time I go. It was lovely to see you there with your family!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Lisa. We really appreciate your support!