Summer Love at Disneyland

I don't know if it still happens today, but it used to be that Disneyland was utilized as a babysitter of sorts. When parents wanted to free themselves of the kids and spend some time alone, they would drop them off at Disneyland.

The kids would have fun all day long, and the parents picked them back up in the evening.

My parents never dropped me off at Disneyland. I was 12 years old when we moved to Orange County, and my little brother was a year old. So I just old enough to take care of myself, and take care of my little brother. My parents took advantage of that.

Mark of Cabernet and Chocolate submits his memories of getting dropped off at Disneyland and meeting his girlfriend there...

I believe I was in Junior High when I discovered that Disney was a great place. Why? Well, you could get dropped off at the "Park" and parents thought it was safe. Remember, they had those giant security guards in the sixties. Even better, was that the parents of girls thought Disney was safe. No parents, safe place and girls, Disney was a great place.

In the summer of 1965 I met Sharon. She was from Granada Hills. Her parents thought Disney was safe and would drive down the 5 to drop her off and then would go to a local spot they like for "dinner and dancing". Sharon was gorgeous, blond, tan and so very cute. It was puppy love at first sight. We rode rides, we watched can can dancers and even better we rode the "dark" rides.

If you lived in Orange County you know what I mean. How many times can you co "up up and away" on the Peter Pan ride in one night.

Every Saturday I would meet her at 7pm at the gate. And at 11pm she would scamper like Cinderella out the gate and back to Granada Hills. She was my first romantic, bells and whistles kiss. I feel for her. Then one Saturday she did not show. I found out later her parents had found she was hanging out with older boys. I was 14 she was 13. I called her and she professed her love and frustration but I never saw her again. I called her once, still had the phone number, she had a boyfriend and I was in love with a girl from Santiago, but wow, those Disney Delights.

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Your First Kiss in Orange County

Anonymous recalls her first kiss in Orange County, along with other assorted memories...

I grew up in LaPalma attending Luther elementary, and Walker Jr. High, I lived 3 miles from Knotts Berry Farm and remember it prior to admission fees. The Graveyard with that beating heart was my favorite. The chapel with the glowing Jesus cards were cool too. Boysenberry anything is still my favorite. Our Brownies and Girl Scout troops would go often and always assembled at the Wagon Train for rest and relaxation. Other fond memories were penny candy at Stop n Go, Carls Jr., and riding our bikes to the beach. I had my first "real" kiss from a guy named "Manny" who is now a pastor. It rocked and happened at the Disneyland Hotel on a landing after we rode the Monorail over there. We snuck off from G.L.A.S.S. (Greater Los Angeles. . . ?) it was a church night at the park. Felt bad but a kiss I will remember the rest of my life. I was 13 and he was an older man of 17. My good friend Marys brother. I reside in Texas now and miss O.C. alot. The best years of my life were there. Would love to return and do often. Anyone know a David Taafe from Buena Park ? He lived in the San Marino st's...cannot remember which one. Kinda near Ralphs Market and Shakey's Pizza. I really cared for him and wondering what became of him. Annette, I will always cherish our memories of childhood!! Deanna you are my dear friend, and anyone remember "Crazy Clown", was it a myth or what....scared me!!!

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