Disneyland has always held a special place in the hearts of many, from its grand opening in the 1950s to its place as a magical destination today. This iconic theme park has been the backdrop for countless family memories, including a unique story of a father and daughter reuniting with the magic of Disney after nearly 40 years.
Opening of Disneyland
Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, opened its gates on July 17, 1955. Created by Walt Disney, the park quickly became a beloved destination for families from all over the world. Featuring themed lands, such as Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, it brought Disney’s animated characters and stories to life in a way that had never been seen before.
From its inception, Disneyland has been a place where dreams come true. Over the decades, the park has continued to evolve, adding new attractions and experiences while maintaining its original charm. Special celebrations and anniversaries have also played a significant role in keeping the magic alive, including the memorable 30th anniversary in 1985.
Scott King’s lucky day
During Disneyland’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the park implemented a unique promotion: every 30th guest received a special prize. Scott King was one of the lucky winners.
“When I got there, they awarded me with a ticket and an ‘I am a winner’ badge, and I said, ‘What about the Cadillac?’ and they laughed and said, ‘Not today buddy,'” Scott recalled with a chuckle.
Stashing the ticket away in a scrapbook
Instead of using the free ticket immediately, Scott King decided to save it as a memento, placing it in a scrapbook, where it remained for decades. “I forgot all about it. I really didn’t pay much attention to it over the years,” he recalled.
The ticket, printed nearly four decades ago, became a forgotten relic of the past, and it wasn’t until his teenage daughter, Sabrina King, expressed a desire to visit Disneyland that it resurfaced.
Disneyland honored the decades-old ticket
Sabrina King had her heart set on visiting Disneyland with her boyfriend, but the cost of the trip was a concern. That’s when her father remembered his old prize.
“I said, ‘You know, I have a ticket. Let me see if I can grab it,'” Scott King explained. After digging through old keepsakes, he found the ticket and reached out to Disneyland to see if the park would honor it. To his delight, personnel confirmed the ticket’s validity and honored it.
“I really couldn’t sleep that much because I have not been to Disneyland since I was six. So, it’s been over 12 years now,” Sabrina said, brimming with excitement.
How much does a ticket to Disneyland cost now?!
Sarah King’s trip to Disneyland marked her second visit to the park, the first being in 2009. It was a special moment, coming just two weeks before she was set to head off to college.
A ticket to Disneyland cost $16.50 in 1985, a stark contrast to today’s starting total of around $100. Honoring the old ticket not only made Sabrina’s dreams come true, but also highlighted the park’s commitment to creating lasting memories for its guests.
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Shoutout to Disneyland for continuing to be where dreams come true!