In the early spring of 1993, I was sat in a small office across from a Disneyland “casting” cast member for my group interview for a job at the Happiest Place on Earth. There were five other candidates for various positions in the room. I was nervously excited. My friend Mike had told me prior to the interview about the Disneyland tour guides, and I knew that was the job for me. I made no bones about it in the interview. I told the cast member about my childhood and that I would call my grandfather on the phone to “talk” to the Disney characters every night until I was nearing the end of elementary school and my love for all things Disney. I was immediately offered a position, but with nothing available in Guest Relations, I was offered a spot in the parking lot. I told them I would wait for a tour guide position and by that June, a week after high school graduation, I found myself experiencing my first day on the job.

I loved Disney before I started at Disneyland, but I suppose you could say that’s the year Disneyland and I started our relationship. We’ve been “a thing” ever since. It’s my home away from home. When I’m down or stressed or just feel like I need a “win” in life, I hop in the car and go to the place where I feel like I’m truly me.

1993 was a big year at the Disneyland Resort–and not just because of the bangs, scrunchies and high-waisted jeans and shorts that were all the rage. The video below, “A Day at Disneyland” was available for purchase at the Emporium and Carefree Corner on Main Street and it was a HUGE seller. Watching it is like taking a trip back in time–and in my case, back to some of my happiest, times. The video includes footage of bygone attractions and shows like the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, the Country Bear Jamboree, Alice in Wonderland (before its recent upgrade), a very colorful “it’s a small world” facade, old school subs and Star Tours, and the Main Street Electrical Parade.

The big news in 1993, however, came before my interview at the casting center: Mickey’s Toontown opened in January of that year. Mickey’s Toontown was a big, big deal and took up previous backstage space thus expanding Disneyland’s overall size. It was presented to guests as the long-time homes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends created in a whimsical style in which they would be draw. Today, not much has changed (or been added) in this land.

Fun Facts About Mickey’s Toontown Then and Now

• The two “anchor” attractions in Mickey’s Toontown are Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin and Gadget’s Go Coaster–both with namesakes that many children today likely know little to nothing about. Gadget’s Go Coaster (named after a Disney afternoon character from the ’90s) is, in my opinion, ultimate “starter” roller coaster for kiddos. Personally, I would love to see these two attractions updated with a bit more modern theming.
• Mickey’s House and Meet Mickey has been a “hands-on treat for little ones since it opened, offering kiddos a chance to tour Mickey’s home and take a photo with him on the set of one of his latest cartoons in his movie barn. Minnie is also often available at her house next door.

• Downtown Toontown offers young (and the young at heart) the opportunity to explore and interact with things like talking mailboxes, toon cars and much more, plus fun shopping options.

• Today, Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse is a place to escape the sun, but back in 1993, it was a ball pit for kids to frolic and play!

• Back in 1993, Goofy’s Playhouse wasn’t just a place to hang out next to Toon Park, it was a bounce house (called Goofy’s Bounce House.)

• What is notably gone from Toontown is the Jolly Trolley which used to “pitch and weeve” its way through congested Toontown. Although it is stands stationary in this land, it is now just a spot for photos and sitting down to take a load off.
• Just like on Main Street, the “businesses” in Toontown have special windows dedicated to notable residents. Click here to learn more about the Toontown windows.
• It is best to visit Mickey’s Toontown early in the morning or in the evening when crowds are less.
• Mickey’s Toontown opens an hour after the park opens, and it closes approximately one hour before the fireworks show.
• Mickey’s Toontown is NOT known for its food offerings or plentiful restrooms. I recommend using the restroom and getting a bight to eat elsewhere.
• Be sure to stop by Mickey’s Toontown at holiday time for some of the most unique decorations in the park!

The Partners Statue

Of course, a look back at 1993 would not be complete without mentioning the addition of the iconic Partners Statue in November of that year in honor of Mickey’s 65th birthday.

1993 was a year of iconic additions and the year it took up permanent residence in my heart. Thank you, Disneyland for being such an important and special part of my life. I have been blessed with more memories and friendships because of this happy place than I could ever count. I am a lucky, lucky Mouseketeer!

A couple of years ago, I wrote a letter to myself back in the 1990s about my time as a tour guide. If you would like to know more about what it is like to work in Guest Relations, I encourage you to read it. You can do so by clicking here.

This post is part of a special Disney community countdown to the Disneyland 60th anniversary called 60 Days to 60 Years.