Storytime- Why I Became A Passholder
It was December 2010 and my friend Martha invited me to Disneyland with a few of her friends, all of whom were Disneyland Annual Passholders. This phrase had been coming up more and more in various circle of friends and I did not understand. Most of my coworkers had one and my work sister was planning on getting hers that week. “You have to get one!” Brian would always say as he would try and sell me on the magic of Disneyland. I loved Disneyland growing up but as an adult I was having trouble finding good reason to add yet another bill to my life. My job was modest yet stressful, so when I was invited to go with a friend out of the blue, I was a bit hesitant. Could I even afford a trip to Disneyland during the holiday season? Will there be Christmas trees and elves everywhere? Here it was late November, and I was in the middle of my annual seasonal depression where I am very anti holiday. Did I want to sit at home avoiding holiday movies on tv or did I want to ride Space Mountain for the first time in ages? I begrudgingly headed to the grocery store to purchase a one-day ticket and told my friend I was ready.
Growing up, Disneyland had the best commercials and I still remember every song and jingle. In my head I was picturing the Christmas commercial from the late 80s where everyone was excited singing, “very merry, very merry Christmas! It’s Christmas time at Disneyland!” I was not in the mood, however I kept my feelings inside because after thinking it over, I could endure the trees and carolers long enough to get on rides and a churro; besides, we would be in lines most of the day anyway. Martha and I had been friends for years and if I know one thing, I know she is very selective on who she does certain activities with, so my goal was to have a good time and not let whatever mood I might have,ruin anyone’s day. Besides, as the only non-passholder in the foursome, I would be wasting my money if I went and was determined not to have a good time out the gate.
We met up super early and headed to the parks for rope drop and I had no idea what that meant but I was committed to the day. It was an unusually cold day in LA and I remember thinking that if I could just make it to a cup of hot chocolate or something I’d be ok. After getting off which I will always refer to as the coldest tram ride ever, we headed to the main gates. The first thing I heard was music, and not just any music, but music from my childhood. I was instantly transformed back to a happier time in life that was carefree and fun and without even thinking I began to sing along with anyone that would listen. We hurried and got in line and we were quickly scanned in and I was soon face to face with the Disneyland Rail Road and the Mickey Shaped flower display and I instantly squealed like a 5 year old.
I followed their lead as we walked under the archway onto Main St., U.S.A. and there stood the biggest Christmas tree I have ever seen. “Quick lets get a picture!” I yelled to the group and Martha looked at me like I was crazy. What has come over me? I hate taking pictures and everyone knows this yet here we are posing in front of the Christmas tree posing for various cameras. As we walked down Main St., the cast members were all waving and greeting us wearing huge Mickey gloves, wishing us a happy holidays and welcoming us to Disneyland. We took a short cut through the stores and I got some ears and a coffee mug all before 8am. We stood kind of in the middle but near a restaurant so we can head to Space Mountain right when the park officially opened. Characters came out and stood behind a rope as a countdown was announced over the PA system. When the rope dropped, I quickly followed them into Tomorrowland to get on Space Mountain and it was only a 15min wait which is probably why they wanted to go early. The ride was just as I remembered. It was dark, it was fast, and I wanted more. After that we headed to the Matterhorn and I was having a blast. I turned to Martha as we got off and I said, “I want a pass!” She asked was I sure and I remember saying “Yep, I don’t want this feeling to be over.” They walked me right out of the park and straight to a ticket booth. I was able to use my ticket for the day towards a down payment and in 20min time, I was officially an Annual Passholder, and it wasn’t even 10am. I went to another location to get my picture taken and my pass printed to make it official. After that we ran from ride to ride being kids while they showed me the ropes of the Passholder life. I was so excited I even rode the King Author Carrousel! Who was I?! I let go and let the magic fully consume me for that day and I was so grateful that I did. The temperature continued to drop, and it started to rain which we were not prepared for. We decided to leave, and I was a little disappointed because I didn’t want to return to normal life. I was so content on just living there and never leaving but I was reminded; I now had a pass so I could come back anytime.
For the last 10 years that is what Disneyland has been to me. A place where I can escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life, no matter how bad. A stressful day gets a lot less stressful when you confirm an after-work trip to Disneyland. Throughout the years I have made many friends and countless memories. For a short time my parents and sister even became passholders and the times that we all shared will never be forgotten. The place where you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy has been a mental and emotional safe haven that I am forever grateful for.