Disneyland’s First-Ever Customer Has Been Using His Lifetime Ticket Every Year Since 1955
by: Nina Ross
April 20, 2023
sources: History Photographed / Disneyland
Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth, has been delighting visitors since it first opened its gates on July 17, 1955. And while countless guests have made memories at the park over the years, there’s one man who holds a particularly special place in Disneyland’s history. That man is Dave MacPherson, Disneyland’s first-ever customer and holder of a lifetime ticket to the park.
In the early hours of Disneyland’s opening day, MacPherson decided to make his way to the brand new amusement park in nearby Anaheim, California. Arriving around 2AM, he made his way through the crowds to purchase their tickets and became the very first paying customer at Disneyland.
MacPherson spent the day exploring the park’s attractions, from the Jungle Cruise to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and even had the chance to meet Walt Disney himself. When the day came to a close, a Disneyland representative approached MacPherson and asked if he would be willing to trade his used ticket for a brand new one. Little did he know, this new ticket would grant him a lifetime pass to Disneyland.
For the past 68 years, MacPherson has used his lifetime ticket to visit Disneyland every year, making him a beloved fixture at the park. In fact, his loyalty to Disneyland has not gone unnoticed by the park’s staff, who have honored him with special events and recognition over the years. In 2015, on the 60th anniversary of Disneyland’s opening, MacPherson was invited to be a special guest at the park’s celebrations.
MacPherson’s love for Disneyland is not just about the rides and attractions, but about the memories he has made over the years. In an interview with the Orange County Register, MacPherson shared that his favorite thing to do at the park is simply to sit on a bench near Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and watch the people go by. For him, Disneyland is a place where he can relive his childhood memories and create new ones with his family and friends.
MacPherson’s lifetime ticket to Disneyland is one of only a few that were ever issued by the park, and while the park stopped offering them in the 1980s, those lucky enough to have them are still able to use them to this day. For MacPherson, his ticket has become a cherished part of his life, symbolizing his lifelong love for the park and the memories he has made there.
In a world where things are constantly changing, Disneyland remains a place of joy and wonder for MacPherson and countless others. And while the park has undergone many changes over the years, one thing remains the same: the magic of Disneyland and the memories it creates for generations to come.
