Usually when I write a blog or newsletter article, I try to stay clear of my personal experiences. I like to focus on the facts and leave my encounters out of the mix. But today I’m going to depart from my usual formula and present you with a brief look at my life and how it was intertwined with Disney. Along the way I will try to sprinkle in some “facts” so you can still come away from this article with a few bits of Disney trivia. So here goes.
In order to plan and build Disneyland, Walt desperately needed capital. The two major television networks of the time, NBC and CBS, were interested in producing a Disney created TV show, but wanted nothing to do with his harebrained amusement park. However, fledgling network ABC saw potential and agreed to give Walt $500,000 and a number of guaranteed loans. In return, Walt would give ABC a weekly television show and one-third ownership in Disneyland.
The “Disneyland” TV show debuted on October 27, 1954. Walt hosted the show and each week he presented a story that highlighted a different “land” within the theme park he was building in Anaheim.
The early years of my life were spent in West Los Angeles. This is about an hour’s drive north of Anaheim. I was only two when the “Disneyland” TV show debuted. I do have memories of watching this show, but they must be from reruns as I was much too young to remember the original series.
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened to the public. Alas, I wasn’t there.
On October 3, 1955, the Mickey Mouse Club debuted on ABC and I was one of the millions of kids that watched this show in the years that followed. For those of you not familiar with the program, it was a daily (M-F) variety show for children. Each day featured a different theme like “Fun with Music” or “Talent Roundup Day.” The capable Mouseketeers sang, danced, and performed a number of skits. And of course, Disney cartoons were always available.
The black mouse-ears (with your name embroidered on the back) debuted on this show and have been selling at Disney theme parks ever since.
My first trip to Disneyland occurred in 1957 when I was five years old. I have memories of this event, but unfortunately, they aren’t particularly good. I was accompanied by my mother, older sister, and aunt and her rebellious teenage son.
One of my memories involves the Storybook Land Canal Boats. I remember being terrified as we approached the attraction and I saw boats sailing into Monstro’s open mouth. I didn’t want to be eaten! After my mother calmed me down, we got in line. When it came time for us to load, my rather large aunt boarded first. She was so bulky that the boat tipped precariously to one side, almost spilling the cast member into the water. After regaining her balance, the cast member politely seated the rest of us opposite my aunt to balance the load.
Here’s an interesting side note, for many years, only women could be ride operators on the Storybook Land Canal Boats and only men could be skippers on the Jungle Cruise. The reason, theming. Everybody knew in the 1950’s through the 1970’s that only a big husky man could navigate a boat safely through the jungle and only a sweet young miss could play tour guide to the homes of Pinocchio, Cinderella, and Snow White.
My, how things have changed”¦
Later that day, my rebellious cousin ran off without permission. Since we didn’t know where he had gone, it was decided we’d just wait for him at the spot where we had lost track of him, which was near Dumbo. (Remember, there were no cell phones in 1955 to keep track of one another.) So for the next hour we waited, and waited, and waited for him to return. This seemed like an eternity to me as I watched the nearby flying elephants but could not ride.
My final memory of my first visit to Disneyland involves the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train. For some reason, I got it into my head that this was a roller coaster and refused to board. Back home that evening, I was looking through the post cards we had purchased earlier in the day and I saw this beautiful picture of multicolored waterfalls cascading into luminous streams. I asked my mother why she hadn’t taken me on this ride. She then informed me that I had had the opportunity but refused to go.
In the years that followed, I made numerous trips to Disneyland – with much better results.
For my tenth birthday, I asked my father for a share of Disney stock and he complied. I’m sure he was more interested in teaching me the value of investing than he was about Disney. But I didn’t care what his reasons were, I got what I wanted. Each year after that, I received the Annual Stock Report sometime in January. I would pour over it like it was gold, reading about all the new and upcoming attractions and movies Disney was planning. You have to remember, this was long before the internet and long before we knew every move the company was making. By the way, I still have these stock reports. They must be worth something on EBay.
Something that many people don’t know is that Disneyland was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until sometime in the 1980’s. It was only open seven days a week during the summer, Easter and Christmas weeks, and a few other holidays. Attendance simply did not demand everyday operation and this allowed maintenance to do a lot of refurbishing out of sight of the guests on these days. However, the Disneyland Hotel, which was owned and operated by the Jack Wrather Corporation, advertised that the monorail was open everyday. So on Mondays and Tuesdays, guests could still board the monorail at the hotel station and take a round-trip ride through a deserted Disneyland. This would cost the equivalent price of an “E” ticket.
During the winter months, attendance dropped off dramatically at Disneyland. In order to boost revenue, Disney created “Party” nights. This involved renting the park to a private group or company for the evening. Disneyland would close to regular guests at 6pm or 7pm then reopen to the private organization from 8pm to 1am. My stepfather was in the military and each year we attended “Navy Night.” When you combine the fact that the crowds were relatively light and ticket books weren’t required for these events, it allowed a boy of 11 and 12 to ride the Autopia over and over again.
Here’s a killer for you. In the ’50’s and ’60’s, Disney considered the cels used to create their animated movies as useless rubbish. They sold them at the Art Corner in Tomorrowland for two to three dollars each. Today, these same cels sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars. But did I buy one? Nope. My parents told me they were worthless junk.
Construction began on the Haunted Mansion in 1962 and the exterior was completed in 1963. For years, every time I visited Disneyland I would walk by this building with grand expectations that it might be open, only to be disappointed. It seems that Walt had become involved with the New York World’s Fair and the Mansion was put on a back burner. Bummer. However, I did return on August 9, 1969, the day the Mansion opened to the public, and waited two hours in line to ride.
I lived in Japan for two years (1966 to 1967). This was long before Tokyo Disneyland. During this time I was desperate for a Disney fix but had limited options. All I had were my stock reports, some unused tickets, and a large map of Disneyland. I would scour this map frequently and relive memories.
When I returned to the states, I was 15 and we moved to Anaheim. High on my agenda was a return trip to Disneyland. A few weeks after getting home, my cousin (a different cousin) and I were allowed to go – alone – no parents – no chaperones. How cool was this?
During my time in Japan, the new Tomorrowland had been completed and New Orleans Square and Pirates of the Caribbean had opened. There was so much new since my last visit that it seemed like a completely different park. My cousin and I were in heaven. And to top it off, we found an unused ticket book on the Mission to Mars attraction. Obviously, someone had dropped it. This new found treasure meant we could go on even more rides. It was a grand day.
When we got home that evening, our mothers told us that we should have returned the ticket book to City Hall so Disney could find the rightful owner. My cousin and I just looked at each other. Yeah, right. Like 14 and 15 year old boys are going to do something so noble.
At this time, I lived in an apartment building on Katella Avenue about three miles from Disneyland. Also living in the same building was Roy Williams, the big guy from the original Mickey Mouse Club. One day his wife invited me in to meet him. I was thrilled. The aging Roy was very kind to me and even drew me one of his famous caricatures. But do I have that drawing today? Nope. I have no idea what happened to it.
Shortly after I turned 18 I applied for a job at Disneyland. Like everyone who interviews for a position at a Disney theme park, I had dreams of driving the monorail or working on the Matterhorn.
When I arrived at the Casting building, I was handed some sort of a test and told to sit in a school-type chair/desk and complete it. I guess I got enough of the questions right because I was then told to sit someplace else until called to meet with an interviewer.
I was horribly shy when I was 18. My personality certainly did not exude the makings of an outgoing monorail driver. After a few questions and answers, the gentleman conducting the interview offered me a job as a Miscellaneous Kitchen Helper at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. I thought to myself, “What’s a restaurant got to do with a monorail?” But I soon came to my senses and although disappointed, accepted the job. I was told to report back a week later to attend a two-day orientation class.
New Orleans Square at Disneyland was actually a testing ground for bigger plans Walt had for a project in Florida. You see, under New Orleans Square is a large basement. In this basement is a huge industrial kitchen. Here, food is prepared for five restaurants, the Creole Café (now Café Orleans), the French Market, the Blue Bayou, Club 33, and an employee cafeteria. The Imagineers wanted to see if a large “central” kitchen could support multiple restaurants. This idea was later expanded to become Central Foods behind the Magic Kingdom in Florida and used the Utilidors to transport the food around the park.
The above picture of Central Foods was taken at Walt Disney World in January, 1972. This building is located behind the Magic Kingdom and is now used to house holiday decorations.
After completing Orientation, I reported to the Blue Bayou Restaurant. It was then that I learned the true nature of my job. A Miscellaneous Kitchen Helper was to transport food from the basement kitchen up to a secondary kitchen in the Blue Bayou where final preparation could take place. So instead of driving a monorail, I would be pushing a cart full of pots and pans. Great. Just great. I was also expected to do a lot of nasty clean-up work.
I remember my first weekend on the job, standing in the rain out back of New Orleans Square at 1am, steam cleaning a trash can. This was definitely not driving a monorail. I hated my job! I wanted to quit! But I stuck it out. And as I got to know my fellow cast members, the job became tolerable, then better, and eventually fun – okay, maybe not fun, but certainly okay.
This next picture was taken the following year when I had been promoted to “Fry Cook.”
So the next time you’re visiting a Disney park, remember, for every on-stage cast member you encounter, there is someone backstage doing less pleasant tasks to make your stay enjoyable.
Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971. Soon afterwards, Disney offered a special trip to the cast members of Disneyland and the employees of the Studio in Burbank. For $200 they would fly you to Orlando where you would stay for five nights at the Contemporary Resort tower. Also included were side trips to Kennedy Space Center, Cypress Gardens, and backstage tours of the Utilidors and other facilities behind the Magic Kingdom.
Mind you, I was only making $1.71 an hour, but I still lived at home and I had saved enough money that I could afford the trip. I signed up immediately and in January 1972, I made my first trip to Walt Disney World.
I have to admit, I was underwhelmed. Yes, the Contemporary and Polynesian were cool hotels, and Cinderella Castle was impressive, but the Magic Kingdom only had a fraction of the attractions that Disneyland had. Remember, in the beginning, there were no Space, Thunder, or Splash Mountains. There was no PeopleMover. There was no Pirates of the Caribbean. It only took a half-day to see everything. And nighttime was even worse. There was absolutely nothing to do after the Magic Kingdom closed. But I guess it captivated my imagination enough as I kept returning every two to three years.
On summer nights in the 1970’s, cast members at Disneyland were allowed to use their cast ID’s for entrance into the park. However, you were required to bring a member of the opposite sex. You see, Disney didn’t want a bunch of hormone-charged males cruising for chicks in their family oriented park. By creating a “Date Night” they avoided this problem.
Other efforts to keep Disneyland clean-cut were also in place at this time. Plain-clothed security guards would stand at the entrance of the park and watch for clothing violations. If your attire showed too much skin or displayed any picture or writing that was even slightly offensive, you were denied entrance. Believe me, a significant number of Disney guests today would have never been allowed access to Disneyland in my days of employment there.
Also in the early 70’s, only women could be servers in the restaurants. It took a cast member from the Club 33 to challenge this policy in court to bring equality to the wait staff.
I was employed at the Blue Bayou for six years and worked myself up to the position of Lead. This was the highest non-management position and I was in charge of the day-to-day operation of the restaurant. I also served a six-month term as a University Leader and conducted the 2-day Orientation classes given to new hires. (Today, this class is called Traditions.) And finally, I was asked to transfer to the Club 33 as Lead/Maître d’ where I worked for another three years.
Here is a picture of me greeting guests as they step off of the lift into the upper lobby of the Club 33.
For various reasons, I decided it was time to leave Disneyland in 1980. I hired on with Pacific Bell/ATT where I worked for another 19 years before I was offered an early retirement.
Working for the phone company was the best thing that could have happened to me, but it was just a job. I really don’t have any memories of significance of my time there. But my memories of working at Disneyland are abundant and overall, most pleasant. I wouldn’t trade my time there for anything.
After quitting Disneyland, I still continued to visit regularly until 1985 when I was transferred to the San Francisco Bay area. It was only then that I realized that I had taken my close proximity to Disneyland for granted. When it was no longer “just down the street,” I missed it terribly. I would make yearly trips to Anaheim, but it just wasn’t enough.
Then, a Disney Store (the third) opened in late ’87 at the end of Pier 39 on San Francisco Bay. I was saved. I could get my Disney fix without driving eight hours to Anaheim. I made regular trips to this store and developed a rapport with a number of the cast members. It was also at this time that I started to collect Disney art and decorate my house with my purchases – tastefully, of course.
My first real collectable was an animation cel of Donald Duck. I spent $250 for something I could have bought for $3 in my youth. At first I restricted my Disney memorabilia to the family room. But as my collection continued to grow, items started to creep into adjoining rooms – first a bathroom and then a bedroom. But I steadfastly refused to let my living and dining rooms become Disneyfied.
It was during my time at the phone company that I gained the means to travel, and other Disney parks were high on my list of destinations. Thus far I have been to the Tokyo Disney Resort three times, the Disneyland Paris Resort two times, and the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort one time. And I guess I better start saving for a trip to Shanghai.
When I took my early retirement from the phone company in 1999, I briefly thought about moving back to Southern California and Disneyland, but decided against this. A better choice would be Orlando and the flagship property, Walt Disney World. With this in mind, my next priority was to find a house no further than 30 minutes from the parks. Eventually I ended up in West Orlando next to the town of Windermere. I can now be in the parking lot of any of the parks within a half-hour. Cool.
When I was getting settled into my new house, it became obvious that I would need to relax my rule about no Disney artwork in the living and dining rooms. My collection had grown so great that I needed additional space. Now, every room in my house is designed with a Disney theme – tastefully, of course.
This next picture shows an upper wall in my family room. To the left are a number of animation cels. The main wall is covered with Haunted Mansion and Phantom Manor lithographs.
During my first years in Orlando, I visited Disney World five times a week. That didn’t necessarily mean I went into a park everyday, but I was somewhere on property. Many times I’d drive to a resort just to have lunch or dinner. And of course, when you move to Orlando, all of your friends and relatives think this is cool because now they have a free place to stay while visiting Disney World – with a built-in expert tour guide.
In anticipation of my houseguests, I created the Mickey Mouse Suite. The bedroom and bath are all decorated in Mickey colors, black, red, yellow, and white.
One day, while surfing the internet, I came across this wonderful site called Allears. I was most impressed with what I saw and decided to attend a Meet-&-Greet that Deb Wills was holding with Bob Sehlinger, author of “The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.” After listening to them speak, I sought out Deb and introduced myself. She was most gracious and made me feel like a long lost friend.
A few months later, construction began on Saratoga Springs and I snapped a picture of the resort’s signage. I sent it to Allears and to my amazement, Deb published it and thanked me for my efforts. As more time passed, I ran into Deb again and she suggested that I write a restaurant review. I was reluctant. I thought to myself, “Who would be interested in anything I had to say?” But after mulling it over, I sent her a review of the All Star Café located at Disney’s Wide World of Sports – and to my amazement, she printed it in the weekly newsletter. Wow!
With one review under my belt, I decided to write another, then another. And Deb kept publishing them. Eventually, I became a full member of the team and joined the inner circle of Allears.
In an effort to keep the website as current as possible, Deb started the blog section. At first I was doubtful. I had read other blogs on other sites and was not impressed. Too many of them were negative and contained more myth than fact. But Deb assured me that this could work and persuaded me to give it a try. In the beginning, I was just a Guest blogger, but in no time at all I had my own column. Now I write one to two blogs a week – and when Deb sends me on assignment, even more.
I realize that I have a dream job. What could be better than visiting Disney World any day I like and writing about my experiences? Yes, my blogs require real work, they don’t just happen. But I’ll never complain. There’s no other job I’d rather be doing.
I’m still not driving a monorail, but I doubt that piloting one of these trains could be nearly as fulfilling as the career I had with Disney and writing for Allears.
Mr. Jack, that was an A-1 Disneyland Story. I envy you. You actually made a career of working for Disney. For me, Disneyland was an icon, burned into my consciousness. Some of my earliest memories are ingrained with images of the park and the themes that surrounded it. In 1954 not long after I was born, my family moved from Lakewood in Los Angeles to Garden Grove. We lived on West Street Between Chapman and Katella Avenue. My folks very likely had no idea Disney was opening a theme park just a little under one mile from where we lived. Never the less, my mother, wanting to supplement the family income either before or just after Disneyland opened applied for a job there and landed it right away. My mom was a tall and very beautiful woman with dark auburn hair a lovely face and the greenest eyes you could ever see. She often played the part of Snow white, and from time to time worked the souvenir and ticket booths. She also worked as a host on the jungle ride and told me of one particular incident where she had been working along side some teens (1957-58 or thereabouts) who had been rude to the customers, and were reporting to work with unkempt and wrinkled uniforms. My mother, who was about 31 years old at the time knew how to be a polite and accommodating host and kept her uniform clean and pressed at all times. However, Uncle Walt got wind of it and showed up one day in his Khaki’s, pith helmet and sunglasses. According to my mother, he wandered about Disneyland using this disguise, going from place to place throughout the park checking on his employees and taking a hands on approach to keeping the park in order. He lined everybody up, including my mother and chewed them out in front of everybody. Then, starting from one end and making his way to the other end, he pointed a finger to each as he progressed, “You’re fired, you’re fired, you’re fired, you’re fired . . .” and he came to my mother. “Uh, not you Mrs. Trossen . . . AND YOU’RE FIRED!” This is how my mother described it. At the time she was horrified, thinking that she too was about to get the boot, but years later told me the story with a giggle in her voice.
Jack, I am getting ready to create a big boy room for my almost 3 year old! I love your Mickey room and am wondering where you got the throw pillows for the bed and the curtains. I’ve searched the internet for the pillows and can’t find anything even similar.
Thanks so much!
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Jack’s Answer:
I bought those pillows at Walt Disney World at least 7 or 8 years ago. They have not been available for years. Sorry. The curtains I made by sewing some sheets together.
Jack –
I’ve been a little MIA in blogger world lately and have been catching up with your posts. This was fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing. I have always wondered about your whole Disney story when you have shared little snippets in other posts. Love hearing about others who have just always been Disney folks.
Wow, I would love to live that close to Disney World. My family goes every year and it still isn’t enough for me. I really enjoy your blog and this installment was very interesting. While I have never been to Disneyland, I have made it a personal mission of mine to go, especially after reading this.
Jack – I am a long time reader first time commenter… just wanted to say KEEP IT UP!!! Your blog entries and especially your videos are the best out there. Who needs TGM when you have JACK!!! I LOVE your guest room… and would love to see more pictures of your collections sometime. It wasn’t until I found all ears that I realized there were other people who loved WDW as much as me… and that you too can LIVE in the magic everyday!
Thanks for everything…
Faithful Follower – Julia
Your best blog yet!! It’s great to get to know you a little bit more and how you know so much about Disney!
what better way to start my christmas eve than with jack spence . best wishes to you & a happy new year.
dusty
Absolutely amazing on this one Jack. One of your best blogs yet. I loved reading every bit of it. Of course I read all of your blogs and you do a great job on them.
What a great blog!!!! I love hearing how other people get hooked on everything Disney!!!
Hey Jack,
I’ve been busy with school work (Go USF Bulls!) for the past few months and have not gotten to enjoy your blog as I normally do. My sister reads your blog religiously and told me this particular one was a MUST read! I agree with her; your story is fascinating. I found it interesting about the “dress code” to get into Disneyland. There still is a dress code for GradNite. I went in 2008 and they made you change at the gates if you were not dressed appropriately.
Your story is such an inspiration to me. I have a goal of attending the Disney College Program to be that much closer to the Magic. We live about an hour and a half away from the World in the Tampa area. I want to work in one of the Learning Centers one day as a librarian. THANK YOU for your wonderful story which served as motivation for me. Both my sister and I adore your blogs!
And, I love your decorating style. It’s classy but still very Disney at the same time!
-Kirstin
Love It!
Here is wishing I could be a house guest, I love your Mickey room.
We were at the World touring Hollywood Studios when you wrote this. As I am finally catching up from being gone, one of the first things I have done is catch up on my “wolrd according to Jack” fix.
When my husband and I had the privilege of meeting some of the team at Magic Meets this past year, I made sure to tell Deb that your column was my favorite part of her site!!
Keep up the excellent work!
Could you please tell me where you purchased the Haunted Mansion lithographs? I really need to find them as a gift for someone. 🙂
Jack’s Answer:
I bought the Haunted Mansion lithos at Disneyland eight or nine years ago. And to my knowledge, they are no longer for sale. Sorry.
Jack – thank you so much for sharing not only your amazing Disney knowledge, but a small peak into your life with Disney. It was very moving!
That was an AMAZING blog…. I was so into the “story” that after I was done reading I felt like I had just watched a movie. I loved reading about your life with Disney and am so glad that you have found this awesome “home” with Allears so that people like myself can enjoy all you have to say! Thank you for sharing your love of Disney with us! It is reading stories like this that make me glad that I too, found “the mouse”. I’m only 24 but me and my DH already talk about the day we can retire, move to Orlando, and work for Disney! We really have dreams to be Photopass Photographers, a waitress, a cook, bus drivers, maintenance workers… really anything! Thank you again for sharing!!
Add me to the list of your satisfied readers, Jack! Thank you for sharing your story, passion, and love for all things Disney. I so enjoy reading your reports… they take me away from the wintry cold, dreary Maryland days and for a moment it’s a warm, sunny day and I’m standing on Main Street. Thanks!!
I’ve seen a number of your photos, but didn’t know about your blog until today (a Twitter link led me to it). I thoroughly enjoyed reading your “My Disney Story” entry. It sounds like you have enjoyed some wonderful Disney experiences in your time. As a former Disneyland Cast Member (the Tahitian Terrace was my favorite place to work), I was aware of some of the information you mentioned, but I was thrilled to learn a number of new things from your post! Keep up the great writing! I will be sure to return to visit your blog periodically.
The cast members that I worked alongside during my two stints as a CP are my most magical memory! Such diversity in age and origin, but everyone had a good heart and hard work ethics in common. Such amazing people!
Thank you for continuing your blog and allowing me to go back to those times for a few minutes each week.
Almost your whole life was involved with Disney. That is a very nice privledge, because most people only go once in their life. I would like to work at Disney, I think it would be a neat experience. I visit Dinsey at least four times a year and I never get tired of it beacause there always something new. That’s what I love about it! I’ve always had a interest in Club 33 (even though I’ve never been to Disneyland), mostly because of the stories around it. I can tell you’ve lived a Disney filled life, and your probably very proud. By the way, I love the Disney decorations in your house!
How amazing!!!!!! I grew up going to Disney World and Disneyland, dreaming of working there one day. Now, at 31, with 3 children, I still dream of working there. I am a nurse, and evertime my family visits, I want to ask if they need a nurse for the world!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. Amazing story.
Jack’s Comment:
All of the parks at Disney World have nurses on staff at First Aid stations. Working here is a real option for you if you ever decide to make the move.
Thanks for the nice blog post Jack. I think it always helps to know the backgound story of the writer when reading the things they write about. I certainly feel like I know you better and understand your Disney experience in your own life now. Thank you.
I went to Disneyland for the first (and only) time when I was 4 in 1976. I have very specific memories of being there. Getting my own mouse ears, meeting Pluto, riding the Tea Cups, being scared out of mind in the Haunted Mansion, riding the boat through It’s A Small World. And I definately remember riding a boat that went into a mouth of whale and I was very, very scared. I didn’t jump off the boat or anything though.
Anyway, I feel better knowing that I wasn’t the only little kid that was a bit put off by Monstro.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for another GREAT blog entry!!! I especially like your personal experience and WOW – what a great story and life. Now could you please decorate MY house? But I think I want MY room as the Mickey Suite 🙂
Thanks for another great blog Jack. I also grew up in S. California ( Fountain Valley ). We used to go to Disneyland every couple of months. I also can remember all the little things you talked about in Disneyland. It was such a magical place to e4scape to for the day. We wre there last in 2007 and had another great trip. We will be making our annual December WDW trip next week. Thanks again for sharing some of you life story and how you came to love Disney. Ron.
Thanks for the personal notes and history about how you arrived at Deb’s site.
I too grew up with “Walt” on TV! Although I have a year or so on you, I still remember Walt talking about the “Florida Project”.
And looking at the big map in the background I could only dream of being there.
It’s like your living my dream, only your better at it!
Thanks, keep ’em coming!!
I never post on blogs; I’m an extremely longtime lurker on RADP and daily lurking reader of this site… but your story was so close in many parts to mine I felt I knew you. I’m two years older than you, grew up in Northridge out in the Valley. I was a faithful watcher of Disneyland on TV from the start, and so much wanted to go, but my mother was pregnant in 1955, then my brother was “too little to go” in 1956, so we also went for the first time in 1957. I too flipped through the cels in the Art Corner but never bought one. I remember the Captain Nemo walk-through and all the other things now long gone from Tomorrowland. Rushing home from school for the Mickey Mouse Club… I remember watching for the Sleeping Beauty castle from the freeway. I remember 1959 and seeing the Matterhorn for the first time from the freeway. Our old neighbor’s oldest daughter was one of the first monorail drivers; that was so exciting! Grad Night 1966… I still have my packet (and a million other Disney souvenirs; most of the decor is restricted to my study, a bedroom, and a bathroom, but a few have escaped into the living room and kitchen). Of course, now I live in New Hampshire, and Disney World is closer (and we are DVC , Villas at WL), but I still get back to my true Disney home, Disneyland, every two or three years. I never worked there, but now I teach a college class on Disney, though I’m not quite bold enough to try to take my trips as tax deductible!
Loved this post! It really conveys all the ideas I had growing up as a child and visiting Disney. I’ll confess that I’ve never been away from the Orlando area parks, but I love it. Every year we make plans to visit “just once”, but it never happens that way. We always end up visiting several times a year. My daughter can’t wait until she’s old enough so she can work there herself.
What’s always separated Disney from other parks has been the personal attention you get when you visit. And never mind how priceless it is when a little girl actually believes she met Snow White the last time she went. To have an actual hand in creating that magic is special. Again, this was by far one of my favorite posts. Thank you for sharing this piece of your life with all of us. And as I sit here at work typing this comment, I can’t help but be a little envious of your job these days :).
Mr Spence, I always look forward to your articles & blogs, but “My Disney Story” is my new favorite. Thank you, Lori Mullins
Jack
I am so happy that you decided to go personal with us. I am always curious about you all at Allears. I feel all alone here (no one else obesesses over Disney like I do). When I read Allears I realize that I am not the only Disney Crazed person out there. I have taken over my daughters room and Christmas tree to decorate in a Disney theme. It is the only outlet I have considering I don’t know when I will make it to Orlando again. Thanks again for sharing!! Loved it!
Wow, what a great blog, Jack! I love getting to know your Disney background. It was fascinating to hear about the offers you received as a castmember to travel to Florida.
I started as a College Program Intern with Disney back in 2001 and on my second internship in 2002, I met my husband.
Thank you so much for the wonderful insight and bringing us more background into your Disney story.
I thouroughly enjoy your blogs, and I can’t wait to read more in the future!
Jack, I’m thrilled to have just discovered your blog. This is the best entry I’ve seen yet. I love to read about Disney history, particularly back to Disneyland. It’s also refreshing to hear from other Disney fanatics, which makes me feel better about my own rampant enthusiasm.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for sharing the context of how and why you are intertwined with Disney. I now have a better understanding why I enjoy your blog so much and why your perspective is unique and refreshing (compared to other Disney blogs.)
I had NO IDEA about the un-PC policies of Disneyland in its first two decades (even after having read several Walt Disney bios.) I would love to hear more memories of your time there and see as much Disneyana stuff as you have the time and energy to post. My wife and I think that you house is fantastic (and yes, tasteful!)
I knew some of this story, but not to this extent! This is fantastic stuff. Thank you so much for letting us into such a fascinating segment of your life. And the Mickey Mouse Suite! WOW! So amazing, my friend!
Hi Jack,
I always reading your blogs as they never fail to brighten up my day. I really envy your close relationship with Disney and I can only wish I will be able to spend my retirement in Orlando as well. I really, really LOVE your guestroom. It would be a delight to be able to spend a night there 🙂
By the way, when you mentioned Shanghai, does that mean Disney is opening another Disneyland there?
Jack’s Answer:
Although no official announcement has been made, Disney has every intention of opening a park in Shanghai. They’re just waiting for final government approvals — and the Chinese government takes their time on such matters. However, I just read in the paper today that a company is being formed between China and Disney about ownership rights of the new park.
Glad to see I’m not the only one who used to pour over the old Disney annual reports (from my one share of stock)! Those were the good old days; no company would dare share that much forward-looking info anymore.
Jack,
Your blogs are always superb! Your writing ability is a true gift! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. I must confess that I say that I take my children to WDW and Disneyland for their sakes, but it’s really for me! Thanks again.
I always enjoy reading blogs by the various staff and guest bloggers. But this week’s newsletter had the best yet… Jack Spence’s blog. His Disney Story was so personal and interesting I read it twice. Also loved that he included the pictures of himself, Disney photos and the mickey mouse club (that I remember so vividly). Three Cheers for this blog. Keep up the great articles. Thanks Jack!
Jack, what an amazing blog! I loved reading it and looking at the photos! Can I stay in your Mickey bedroom sometime 😉
I loved that you mentioned the Disney Store when you lived in San Francisco….I am in Ottawa, Canada, and our Disney Store closed last June. I was so sad I actually cried on the last day with all the CM’s standing around the empty store. I always knew that when I needed a Disney fix, I could get in the car and in 20 minutes be in the Disney Store (how lucky you are to be able to be at WDW in the same timeframe!). I guess I just need to go to WDW more often (I’ve been 7 times in 2009 so far – from Canada, so I’m not sure how that could be possible!)
Thanks again for your amazing blog!!!
What a wonderful, personal story Jack. Thank you so much for sharing it with us, it was delightful, funny, and touching. Congratulations on your many careers and I hope you continue your current one for a long time.
Jack,
Great story! I read your blog often, but don’t comment. This one, however, brought back memories of my time with Disney, so I had to take the time to write you. During much of the time you worked at Disneyland (1970s), I was working for MAPO in Glendale. And, since you are only about one year older than I am, I share your fond memories of the Mickey Mouse Club and the Disney weekly television show (in its various names). I think I still have some partial coupon books, too (including Magic Kingdom Key coupon books). (It’s amazing how the D and E coupons always seemed to go, but the A, B and C coupons stayed!) My high School did Grad Night at Disneyland (one of those “private party” type of events).
In all, reading this blog was like a walk through a park full of pleasant memories, sprinkled with new and exciting flowers of discovery. As Bob Hope sang, “Thanks for the memories…”
BTW–If you’re ever interested in being bored by some of my musings, feel free to email me, and I’ll gladly share.
Great story Jack, thanks for sharing! I’ve really appreciate the time and effort you put into your blog posts and how quickly you post of new happenings around the World.
Jack,
Thanks for sharing your memories with all of us. I must admit that I am envious of your ability to go to Disney World pretty much anytime, and I am thankful for all that you write. Your love and enthusiasm for the parks shine through your writing, and now we know where it all began.
Thanks again for sharing!
Roger
My first trip to Disneyland was when I was about 5 as well… and one of my only memories from it was that I was also too afraid to go into Monstro’s mouth. How funny!
Where did you get the prints of the paintings from the Haunted Mansion?
Thanks!!
Jack’s Answer:
I bought the Haunted Mansion Stretch Room pictures at Disneyland at least ten years ago. They are no longer for sale.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I enjoy reading your blogs and you’re saved in my favorites!! Have a wonderfull Holiday Season!
Wow. Thanks for sharing your Disney story with us!
I loved reading your story! Thanks for sharing with us! I’m so glad you write this blog a couple of times a week. I remember reading your first offering about the All Star Cafe. I was intrigued about it since I’d never been to the sports complex. What a treasure you are!
Sooooooooooooo touching, Jack! I had tears in my eyes as I read your story, because I share your love of all things Disney!
Congratulations, this is truly a masterpiece!
Love and greetings from Brazil,
Theresa and all the Konno Family
What a great story, Jack! I always enjoy your blogs and I was so happy to read about your personal history with Disney. Due to life circumstances, I wasn’t able to experience the magic of Disney parks until I was 30 years old. At 30 years old, the magic was just as real to me as it was to my children. My kids now have a few visits under their belts, and I hope to give them many more as they grow up. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us. It brightened my day.
Hi Jack,
This was probably the most enjoyable blog I have ever read! I am always intrigued by the way other people have come to love Disney and I was most interested in your story the more I read. Thank you so much for sharing! As always, I look forward to your next one!
As always, a wonderful blog. I always enjoy reading about Disney and your blogs always make me smile. I especially love reading about the history. I was born in 1987 and have been to Disney World at least 15 times, but I only know the more current stuff. It is always neat to find out the history and see pictures from back in the day. I really loved reading about your experiences working at Disneyland. It has always been a dream of mine to work at Disney World!
I too have nice memories of big Roy. He had his easel set on Main Street and would draw for the guests and cast members. Many cast members got a drawing from Roy for birthdays and special days.
What a mess the Blue Bayou kitchen looks like. Who was supposed to clean-up those soup pots in front of you? Oh yeah, me, standing next to you, hidden behind the metal pole.
Jack,
Great story! Even though personal I learned alot about Disney.
Thanks!
Jack,
Thank you for yet another wonderful blog.
I love the positive attitude of the entire allears team.
I plan to retire from my current job in three years. Maybe I could get a job at Disney doing some simple task. I am tired of being responsible for computer programming 24/7.
Jack’s Comment:
Just so you know, Walt Disney World has hundreds, maybe thousands of people just like you. They retired from jobs with demanding responsibilities and now have “no-brainer” jobs — and they love it.
Hi Jack,
I’ve only been to Disneyland once and that was in 1977. My single mother took my brother and I. She saved for awhile to be able to take us, and anytime we asked for something else, her response would be “do you want that or do you want to go to Disneyland?” It’s become a standing joke in our family.
I remember Disneyland being closed Mon & Tues which allowed us to see other things in Southern California. And I remember riding the monorail from the Disneyland Hotel through a closed Disneyland one evening. It was kind of cool, and really amped up the anticipation of when we’d finally get to see all of it for real!
Great memories. Thanks.
Jack,
You are so wonderful! It truly seems that you have had a life filled with Disney. It was so great to read what as a fellow Disney Dreamer who constantly wishes to be doing something Disney-related and not my current job! Thank you so much for the wonderful story and the history and photos! Keep up the great work!
Jack, this was AWESOME!!!! THANK YOU so much for writing this blog and sharing your experiences with us. I am jealous of anyone who lives in Orlando! To be able to take a short drive to the World anytime you wish must be heaven, sigh. I have a 10 month old at home so taking a trip anywhere right now is practically impossible. We hope to get down there when she turns 5, which seems like a million years away (I haven’t been to the World since 2006). Your blog and allears.net gives me the Disney fix I need and I look forward to your blog every week. Anyone related to you is a lucky person!!!! LOVE the Mickey Mouse suite. 🙂
Jack, I loved reading this blog and hearing your story! You are now my hero. Next time someone complains that Disney is slowly taking over my house, I’m going to point them to this blog to prove that I’m not the only one who decorates with Disney and thinks and talks about Disney all the time. Thanks for showing the pictures of your house and Mickey Mouse suite. I’m definitely going to consider a room like that in my future 🙂
Jack!! Your story is awesome!! I really enjoy reading this blog today…
You are so lucky to live near WDW or lived near Disneyland…my “all my life” dream is work someday in WDW, but is very hard (at least for me) because is very difficult to apply from Chile 😛 I studied Hotel Administration and Disney represent the service level that every company in the Hotel industry wants…who wants to work in a company with this recognition?? Me!! 😛
Great guestroom…in some way is like my own room, a mix of Disney and my doll collection.
Dude..you just so made my day!
Classy decorating and classy blogs..
Well Done!
FANTASTIC! I love your blogs Jack! They are always captivating and they never fail to bring a smile to my face.
I’m so pleased Deb gave you the job of blogger. My family are always eager to catch your next instalment.
Keep them coming Jack!
It was great to hear your story!!
What a thrill for you to have such memories!
Thank you for your articles!
One can tell you take much time and care in your writing, pictures, and videos.
Also that Mickey bedroom is very impressive! 🙂
Thanks for much for sharing this. I enjoy reading your blog. It’s so interesting to read from your perspective compared to my own.
Wow… indeed into Mickey Mouse & Disney World…
Soon our country will have a Disney World Theme Park too… 🙂 and I already have my iPhone become a Mickey Mouse phone…hehe…:D
Hi again from Buenos Aires, Jack, I loved to read this wonderful story and you can be sure, you have the best work in the world, at least for me. It is much better than to drive a monoriel, no doubt. I must say that I enter every day in allears and go to blog central to see is there is something new in your blog. If you want to write 5 times a week I´ll be there reading you and telling your amazings storys to my family. Read you soon!!
Can I just add how much I loved this blog, Jack? I’ve loved getting to know you, and appreciate all you do for AllEars.Net so much! Thanks so much for taking the time to chronicle the route you took to get here!
Deb Koma
JACK,
Thank you so much for sharing your history!!!!
This was an awesome read.
Please keep doing what you do so well!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
ERIC
‘Eventually, I became a full member of the team and joined the inner circle of Allears. ‘
And we are so glad you did Jack!
What a neat blog today! Thanks for sharing your memories and photos. I was around to see the opening day of DL on tv and I loved the Mickey Mouse Club;I still remember the Adventures of Spin and Marty!
Hi Jack,
Great blog, very interesting.
Loved the old pictures of you.
You haven’t changed a bit.
Do you still have the White Coat from when you were the Maitre d at Club 33?
Now that was cool!!!
Looking forward to Christmas Taping next week.
ToddsOrlando
Dazzling!
Delightful!
Delilah? (sorry, she was right after delightful in the dictionary and I was reaching for superlatives).
Mr. Jack,
Somehow you managed to write the best blog entry ever.
Now I’ve never even seen the inside of Club 33 and you worked there?
As Mike Tyson said: I gotta take my hand off to you.
Tokyo.
Paris.
Hong Kong.
Dude, you’re gonna have to make one of those rock concert T-shirts with your face on the front and a list of all the major cities you’ve toured on the back.
I humbly head bow to your supreme Disney knowledge.
Dave
Hi Jack
1st, I love the decor in your guestroom. Anyway, your story proves hard work, dedication & passion =success. I went into the travel industry because of my love of Disney World. My dream was always to stay at the Contemporary. So when I got my 1st job (not travel industry), I stayed in the Garden wing. Then moved up to the tower in later years.
Anyway, thank you for the wonderful story of your life journey with Disney. If the Pacific Telephone Co is anything like Bell Atlantic & AT&T here in the NY/NJ area, that had a reputation for being a wonderful company to work for.
BTW, I will be in WDW week of 11/30, if you see someone with a striped Mickey santa hat, it could be me, hope to meet you. It would be like meeting a celebrity meeting an Allears staffer.
Happy Holidays
Connie L
Jersey Girl
Jack,
Thank you for sharing your story! I loved seeing all the vintage photos.
Jack… wow! Thank you so much for sharing your insights and personal history with all of us. This entry in particular went above and beyond. I can definitely relate to being an ex-Southern Californian and needing that Disney fix! As always, looking forward to your next entry!
Jack – What a wonderful blog! I am SO glad you and Deb “connected” and you have your blog, as it allows the rest of us to read your great columns. I look forward to each and every article! Thanks for sharing a little about yourself. It makes everything you write more personal, and even more appreciated!
Love the house decor! So far, hubby has limited me to a yearly Disney Christmas room and tree. However, “Disney” has slowly been creeping into other areas of the house, including a large collection of snow-globes in a hutch in the dining room. (Hey, some people like Waterford – I like Disney snow-globes! 🙂 ) Thanks again for sharing your story.
I love it when folks share there memories of Disneyland! I, too have fond memories of Disneyland as a child, then later as a Disney Store CM. I actually visited the Pier 39 store several times before it closed. I figure I been to at least 25 different Disney Stores throughout the US.
I am so far away from any park now. Thanks to AllEars for the “fix”
I really miss Anita Answer, too. I loved having something new each Monday!
Thanks so much for sharing!! How fantastic that you were able to meet and work with so many influential Disney people!!
Fantastic blog, Jack! It’s wonderful to learn about your history with Disney. So many wonderful ideas for my book. Like my main character, you “live” the theme park life. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
By the way, your house is certainly tasteful and very creative.
Can’t wait to keep reading.
All the best,
Elizabeth
Jack, I envy your extensive connection with Disney and eagerly await every blog entry you write. I’m so glad you write without negativity. Thank you so much for your efforts — you are the best ambassador Disney could ask for.
K
What can I say. WOW! WOW! You really made my morning. It was nice to go back in time. My first trip to Disney World was in 1977. It cost $800.00 and include air fare, car, DISNEY, Cypress Gardens, Circus World, a wax museum and hotel for 2A and 4C. Then the next 2 years we went to DISNEYLAND. I didn’t return to DISNEY until 12 years later. Now I was hooked on the parks. After 2 years of begging my husband finally let us become Disney Vacation Club members. Now all 7 grandchildren go every year and we still haven’t seen everything. I really enjoy your information and share it with them. It makes our ride down (15 hours) more enjoyable and they point out some of your info when going through the parks. Keep bloggin it really makes my day. I really enjoy all of ALL EARS and really miss Anita’s column. I know it takes alot of work and we appreciate your time and knowledge. Thank You and God Bless. PS I really enjoy the way your home was/is decorated.
Great story! Thanks for sharing!