About this episode

Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss the history of Disneyland's first Grad Nite and various related topics.

Jim Hill and Len Testa start with Monstropolis, Disney park capacity, Universal patents, and the sort of tequila event that makes you check whether your Epcot admission is included. Then Jim looks back at Disneyland’s very first Grad Nite, held on June 15, 1961, when 8,500 well-dressed seniors were locked inside the park until 4:30 a.m. Along the way, they cover Life magazine’s lost photo spread, chaperone lounges, forbidden long hair, and the timeless teenage urge to stash contraband somewhere near Autopia. It is history, logistics, and questionable decision-making, which is to say: high school. NEWS • Monstropolis details reveal “Human Day,” a walking route inspired by Mike and Sulley’s commute, and Disney’s growing fondness for “you’re invited to a special day” ride premises. • Grand Floridian Cafe closes July 19 for refurbishment, raising the important question of whether the menu gets more than new curtains. • La Cava del Tequila hosts a July 14 Epcot event with tastings, cocktails, lunch at San Angel Inn, and a commemorative 1982 menu. • Disneyland restores all-day park hopping, while early signs of DisneylandForward construction point toward a new parking structure and…

People in this episode

Host: Jim Hill

Guest: Len Testa

Topics covered

• Disneyland history
• Grad Nite
• theme park capacity
• Monstropolis
• teenage experiences
• Disney events

Keywords

• Disneyland
• Grad Nite
• Monstropolis
• theme park capacity
• Life magazine
• Epcot
• Universal patents
• teenage experiences

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Life magazine, Universal

Places: Disneyland, Epcot, Grand Floridian Cafe, San Angel Inn, Autopia, DCA

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