Forever Magical
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Entering Disneyland we received another commemorative button a bag check and headed to Carnation Café for breakfast. I love the Carnation Café especially when the chef Oscar makes his way out to say hi. Oscar is currently the longest tenured Cast Member in Disneyland. Breakfast was delicious Doobie ordered the phenomenal pecan crumble pancakes and I ordered Oscar's Scramble and shared it. Mmmmmm - good. Refueled we headed out to Main Street and heard Minnie Mouse inviting us to a surprise party at Mickey’s house in ToonTown. A crowd gathered at the curb of Mickey’s ToonTown home. The area closest to Mickey’s house was setup for children to sit and view the festivities up close. An oversized banner signed by the gang hung above Mickey’s door and tunes celebrating Mickey Mouse played over the loud speakers including one of my favorites from a Tokyo Disneyland celebration. The tune reminds us that “it all started with mouse.”
As we waited Minnie, Chip n Dale, Goofy and Donald were spotted sneaking behind Mickey’s house with balloons and presents. The music faded and a group of performers appeared in Mickey Mouse-esque costumes. They chattered about Mickey’s 75th birthday and encouraged us to keep quiet so we wouldn't spoil surprise. After Minnie and her pals arrived with the cake it was time to ring the doorbell. Minnie and the gang approached Mickey’s house gingerly and rang the doorbell. Mickey’s voice could be heared asking who it was. Minnie replied and as Mickey walked to the door he steped on one of Pluto’s squeaky toys. When he opened the door everyone shouted "Surprise!" and sang happy birthday to the guest of honor.
Having the children all together allowed their voices to be heard more powerfully and it was great. There was a little boy in the crowd with a shirt that highlighted it was his birthday too. After we finished singing the group of performers offered Mickey a special song as a birthday gift. Entitled Mickey’s Magic Land the song’s chorus states, “Thanks to you and all the good you do! We dare to dream a dream brand new, a wish that hold gifts untold for all who stand in Mickey’s Magic Land." At its crescendo the skies filled with Mickey shaped confetti in red, black and white and colorful streamers. Mickey thanked us all for all coming and reminded us that “every day’s special when you’ve got such good friends – like all of you!”
Mickey and the gang in ToonTown
As it concluded Disneyland Resort Ambassador Daina Baker thanked us for attending the special event and invited us to "checkout a very special merchandising sale” at the World of Disney. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. I couldn’t believe it, a commercial at the end of Mickey’s surprise party. I was really angry and decided I wouldn’t purchase any 75th merchandise that day. In retrospect, I’m guessing she was actually referring to the 75 Mickey sculptures as they will be auctioned eventually but it mostly felt like thanks for coming now go buy stuff. Luckily, though, as we were putting away our cameras, the magic of Disney and pixie dust once again filled the air. A Disneyland guest wearing a pin lanyard stopped a little girl and her father. She told the young lady that she was impressed with what a good girl she was as she sat patiently waiting for Mickey’s surprise party and gave her a pin off her lanyard. She let her know that she could trade that pin with any other Cast Member wearing a lanyard. Tears welled up in my eyes - yes, I’m a softie. If this event had a musical score, the tinkling chimes of Tinker Bell would’ve filled the air as the exchange occurred and the shadow covering me would’ve transformed into a golden light. I followed the guest and thanked her for her kindness. I don’t think she realizes just how much that meant to me on Mickey (and Minnie)’s special day.