A Most Beloved Mouse

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my childhood, and since Disneyland played
such a big role, a poem began to bloom like a new bud slowly opening up.
It all began with a seed – a most beloved mouse, who is 96 years old,
making his first appearance in November 1928. Each memory that came
to mind was like a new petal on a blooming flower…

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

Ode to Walt Disney

A kidney-shaped pool, lush lawn,
and lone palm tree sat in my backyard,
along with Walt Disney’s visionary creation.
Friends and I visited the magical park
during many summers,
paying around $5 to walk through the gates
that would lead us to Main Street.
Those were the days!

‘A through E’ ticket books navigated us,
but we had our favorite starting point,
a boat ride through different countries
while everyone sang, “It’s a Small World.”
Then we flew through space on a rollercoaster,
Cinderella’s castle enchanted us,
and who wouldn’t fall in love with
the flying elephant we know as Dumbo?

We cruised through the jungle,
screamed around every turn in the mansion,
held tight to bobsleds down the mountain,
had fun in the sun on Tom Sawyer’s Island,
guzzling cold apple cider. E tickets were gold!
An adventure for both young and old!

We indulged in a sinfully delicious Monte Cristo
at The Blue Bayou in The Pirates of the Caribbean
listening to sounds in the night as boats glided by.
Later in life, it was still ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’
for a family of four, everlasting delight.

Despite climbing ticket costs and cacophony of crowds,
I’d love another stroll down Main Street
to feel the enchantment swirl around me,
wave to Donald Duck, shake hands with Tigger,
hear laughter of children,
eyes opened wide with wonder.
I’d join others in wearing those iconic mouse ears!
I’d love to see Mickey and Minnie again
after all these years!

Maybe one more time from memories so dear
because joy would bloom from being in the moment,
in the fairytale…what a feeling!
Dear Walt Disney, thank you for dreaming!

Photo by Bo shou on Pexels.com
Photo by John Tekeridis on Pexels.com

I could only find a few photos, so here’s one of me from the mid 70s 🙂

Riding on the Skyway (sky buckets) which was closed in 1994.
I loved my shag haircut and halter tops. 🙂
Back in the day when cell phones and millions of
photos didn’t exist. Poor quality, but the memories
remain vivid and wonderful.

And here’s a family Disneyland collage from 2012:

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed this Disney blast to the past!
A fun poem for me to write and great memories to revisit. And if you’re
also a Disney fan and find yourself in San Francisco, try to visit
The Walt Disney Family Museum. You’ll learn about the history and making
of Disneyland, how it all began for Walt Disney, and it’s a fascinating
visual experience!
https://www.waltdisney.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Photo of Mickey Mouse found from Google.

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88 thoughts on “A Most Beloved Mouse”

  1. Sweet memories in your poem, Lauren and Omigosh 5.00. I do remember being a child and my parents taking me. My father would pretend to push me over to the crocodiles 🐊 on the jungle cruise which was terrifying. My kids loved it and we went at least once a year for a long time. The costs skyrocketed and tracking them was exhausting as they ran like the wind to their favorite ride into adulthood. Now I cringe but the magic will continue this year at some point when we relive it with the grands. The lines… the costs etc. Bah humbug lol 😂 but the price of admission: priceless with those babies faces as long as they’re not scared-:)
    😳 🩷

    Reply

    1. Thanks a bunch, Cindy, and thanks for sharing your memories too. I know, that jungle cruise can be scary for little ones. I agree with your Bah humbug to admission costs, but it’s a magical place to visit at least once. We’ve never been to Disney World though and would love to! Disneyland is so much easier though being on the west coast. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful time when you take the grands! xox 💝

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      1. Of course! Loved all of the rides you mentioned. Those are keepers. It’s timing the lines and taming the crew… I’ve never been to Disney World either.we have to find it so they are old enough and not scared but my kids are dying to go now.😂

    1. Thanks so much, Jan! I’m glad you feel the same. When we went to the museum, it was amazing to learn how an idea grew into such a cultural phenomenon. And I could be wrong, but I have a feeling Walt wouldn’t be happy with how expensive admission has turned out to be. But cheers to the magic! 🧚‍♀️

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  4. You brought back memories of my childhood. I was five or six when our family of four drove the station wagon from north of Seattle for a trip to Disneyland. I still have a few memories and many with my children.

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  5. My parents wanted no part of Disneyland when I was growing up, and I’ve never been. I have my mother’s Micky Mouse cup from the 1930s, when Micky was in his true rodent iteration.

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    1. That’s too bad, Liz. I think the magical experience is a special one for at least once in a lifetime. But your mom’s Mickey Mouse cup is a classic. It’s wonderful that you have that as a keepsake. 💞

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  6. what a great poem, sounds like it’s written through a child’s eyes, and your memories of that magical special time. hoping to capture those special feelings one more time –

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  8. Wonderful memories Lauren of JOY filled days and rides around the world 🙂 On to get into Disney now for $5 haha Which is £3:70p approx in Our Pounds sterling ….. Our nearest is Paris.. I dare not think what it costs to go there.

    Sending much love and thank you for sharing happy times xx ❤ and a lovely poem xx ❤

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Sue, and can you imagine $5 admission now? If only! And Paris? I’m sure it’s even more expensive. I’m glad you enjoyed these Disney memories, and thanks for your lovely words too. Sending lots of hugs and love your way! xoxoxoxoxo

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  9. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author

    Love your trip down the Disney memories, Lauren! I’m a huge fan, but it’s gotten harder to enjoy recently. Like you though Ithink I have one more trip in me too. Xo

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    1. Thanks, Denise! I’m glad you enjoyed this Disney trip. It’s been a decade since we went (at Christmastime), so I’d love to go again, but during an off season (though I’m not sure exactly when that season is anymore). 🙂 I hope we both get the chance. xo

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  10. A great tribute to Walt Disney, Lauren. I remember watching The World of Disney on TV in the 50s. They explained the building of Dysneyland in California and it was very special to watch. Of course, a visit was next to heaven.

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this, John. I remember the thrill of walking through the gates and onto Main Street. For a young girl and her friend, it was magical! I’m sure you’d enjoy the museum in S.F. too for all its history and timeline.

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  11. Ah, yes, the favorite mouse and the favorite man who created all those amazing characters. Beautiful tribute, Lauren [love your photo!].. and yes, no cell phones and hundreds of photos, yet I feel somehow nostalgic to that poor quality. Never been to Disneyland, but I treasure all of Disney’s creations!

    Many hugs! xoxoxoxo

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    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Marina! I know what you mean about a feeling of nostalgia from those old (poor quality) photos. They take me back to some great times. I’m glad you enjoyed this post even though you’ve never been to the park. I can tell you would love it. Lots of hugs to you, my friend! xoxoxoxox

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  12. Pingback: A Most Beloved Mouse – Ishaya Zephaniah

  13. My one and only time at Disneyland was in October of 1983. I was thoroughly enamored by the entire experience! To tell the truth, I have never had any desire to visit Disney World, for all my memories of why I fell in love with Wal Disney’s world, I found at Disney Land. ❤

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    1. Aww, that’s wonderful to ‘hear’ Annette, and well said about visiting Disney World too. That’s how I’ve felt. I know it would be fun, but travel and more time is involved, so driving or flying to So. Cal. is much more doable. Thanks for chiming in! 💞

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  15. Yes we have all done the Disney experience a few times. And Disney films were part of our childhood experience too. But I think Disney films currently though technically brilliant are not the best for our kids these days.

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    1. Disney movies have always had a dark side to them, Ian. But there’s good vs. evil in just about any movie nowadays, even animated. Honestly, we’re out of that phase, so I don’t know about movies for kids.

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    1. I know, the cost has gone up exponentially. And I hope to go again. Not sure about standing in lines though. That might be the tough part on my back and patience. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed this Disney memory, Brian, and thanks for your kind words about the poem.

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      1. We last went (Orlando) when the kids were little. I have friends who go every year to Epcot for their various wine festivals/tours. I wouldn’t mind going back but hard to justify when there’s so many other places I want to see! Ha ha.

      2. Epcot means more time off, and if it’s possible, I’d go. But you’re right, there are so many other places to visit. It’s great that you’ve been at least once. Have you been to Disneyland in Anaheim?

  18. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    What a sweet slice of nostalgia, Lauren. I’ve only been to Disneyland twice and Disneyworld once, but I hope I get to someday share that experience with our grandson.

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    1. Thanks, Pete, I’m happy you enjoyed this bit of nostalgia. I’ve never been to Disney World and not sure if I have the energy since Disneyland is in my same state. 🙂 I’m sure you’ll get the chance to share the magic with your grandson.

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  22. Lauren, how fabulous that you had access to a Disneyland. I only wished. I did have a picture of Walt Disney on the wall by my bed from when I was 9 until 11.

    The ode is wonderful. I wish Walt were here to read it.

    It seems like a good trip down memory lane at this time, a time you are writing children’s books. May it light many inspired fires under your pen!

    Beth’s quote is right on. It’s a wise move to use it.

    May your books become the childhood classics of today and many tomorrows!

    xoxoxo💜💜xoxoxo

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    1. There are many places I haven’t been, Resa, but since Disneyland was 5 minutes away from my childhood home, it was so much fun! I’m glad you enjoyed this ode to Walt. I wonder if he’d be happy with how the park is being run now and how expensive it’s become. Even the crowds are too much and I always think, “What if there’s an emergency?” It would be pure mayhem!

      Thanks for your wonderful words about Beth’s quote, and your wish for my books I think is a bit big! 🙂 But you’re always so encouraging and supportive, and I appreciate it so much. Hugs for a great evening! xoxoxoxo ❤️💙

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      1. Good question. What would Walt think? He built it for families, now many, even most can’t afford it.

        Yet another example of corporations and their increasing bottom line mandates making life harder and harder.

        It’s okay to think big, wish big. I wanted to be a Costume Designer in the movies. My entire family and many friends told me was just dreaming, aiming too high. Discouraged me, big time.
        My best friends (all artists of some sort)encouraged me to keep trying. I maybe never won an award, but had a good carer and got 2 nominations.

        So, high wishes are okay, even if they don’t happen. They don’t cost any money, and can be motivating.

        The band is playing right now. I love the live music. It’s my own personal rock’n’roll Disneyland.
        It’s a great evening.
        xoxoxoxo💖🌟🌹❦

      2. Exactly, Resa. I guess we’ll never know, but maybe our guess is accurate.
        I’m so sorry to hear about your family discouraging you. What you accomplished is amazing, so I get it. I’ve always thought that if I had another chance to choose a career, I would love to be an ‘Encourager.’ 🙂 I love to uplift people, encourage them, instill the bravery they have but may be buried. So, Cheers to Encouragement and Trying! And I love your own personal rock ‘n’ roll Disneyland. Lovely! Hugs, my friend xoxoxoxo

      3. Guess what? You are an Encourager! It might not be a job or career, but you are one encouraging, loving person.
        You are the Bees’ Knees!
        🌟💖🤗🌟xo

  23. Aww, this is lovely, Lauren. I’ve never been to Disneyland, but I have been to Disney World many times. I lived in Orlando, FL, when it was being built, and it changed the face of Orlando for the better. It was a magical time, and Disney World is still a magical place. 🤩

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  25. A fun post, Lauren. I’ve never been to Disneyland or any of the knock-offs. It probably wouldn’t be my thing at this stage in life (the crowds!) though it would be fun watching our little ones have fun.

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  26. Thanks for sharing your childhood memories, Lauren! I love the pictures. I wore many halter tops in childhood too. 🙂 I know many people who have visited Disney, but I have not been there myself. It wouldn’t be my thing now. I much prefer the quiet and nature.

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the mouse memories, Lisa. 🙂 I’d love to go one more time, but we’ll see if the crowds and cost hold me back. And yes, those halter tops! And hairstyles! And I’m with you about quiet and nature too. xo

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  31. I only went once when my ex husband and I took our children in the way to my brothers wedding. I dont like rides but loved the boat ride. Thanks for the “its a small world” reminder x ill be singing that all week now 🙂

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