Disneyland Guest Uses 34-Year-Old Ticket To Enter Parks

ANAHEIM, CA — Apparently, pixie dust never expires. A Canadian woman and her two daughters tested out the magic recently when they tried their luck using an old ticket to Disneyland won at the resort in 1985. Much to their delight, and a little pixie dust, the Happiest Place on Earth accepted the ticket, giving the three a day they would never forget.

Tamia Richardson, of Edington, Alberta Canada, hadn't set foot at the Disneyland Resort since she was 14-years-old. On that trip, she was the lucky 30th guest who won a free park re-entry from the "Giftgiver Extraordinaire," a park spokesperson told Patch.

On the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland, the giant admissions-counter awarded a free return ticket to every 30th guest. Richardson was guest number 250,190,477 that year, according to the Incredible Countdown Clock.

Being from Canada, a trip to Disneyland was a rare thing, and it took 34 years for her to return. Bringing the ticket she'd kept as a memento was a lark.

She never imagined they would let her use the pass after so much time had passed, but it was worth a try.

"(Tamia) kept the pass for 30 years and used it Thursday for admission into Disneyland," the spokesperson told Patch.

Using that special Disney magic, the ticket was honored by cast members.

When the ticket was new, back in 1985, things were a little different in the park. There was no California Adventure or Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and entry cost a mere $16.50.

Today, tickets for a single day cost $149 on peak days. For a park hopper pass, tickets start at $199.

Richardson, who loves all things Disney, didn't waste a moment of her free visit. Together with daughters Mia and Maren, they enjoyed the nostalgic lights and sounds of the Main Street Electrical Parade, and snapping photos in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Patch loves Disneyland stories! Tell us your favorite by emailing your Orange County Patch editor: ashley.ludwig@patch.com and we'll share the magic!