I believe that all transplanted Californians get stuck with the same type of stereotype.  When someone finds out that I am from California I usually get asked - did you go to Disneyland all the time..perhaps the most exaggerated statement is "Wow, if I lived that close to Disneyland (within say 30-45 min) I would be going to Disneyland everyday!"  I would give a chuckle when I hear that type of response.    In reality I think I have been to Disneyland about 10 times.  The most I ever visted Disneyland was 3 times in one year.  That was in 1990.  Since that time - I avoided going - I just got really burnt out and the last time I went there I had just so much fun - I would rather that be my last experience. 

In 1990, my sister and I went there - I believe it was my birthday gift for her.  We had a great time - it was her favorite place.  She still goes there.  Earlier in the year she and my brother-in-law went there and I stayed at their place watching my niece and nephew.   Anyway, it was a fun day. 

About a month later, I was back again - this time my high school academic club FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) had their state convention at the DisneyLand Hotel - right across the street from the park.  That convention lasted 3 days and we had free access to the entire park.  It was great being there with my friends - no parents and just enjoying ourselves with very minimal need for funds since everything was paid for in advance.  I loved going on star tours! That was around the time it was a brand new ride if memory serves me correctly.  I remember the final day of the convention, the entire organization through a dance party.  My gf  (Diep) - at the time - and I had a great time.  The music was awesome - 80's dance music with a huge video screen - it reminded me of Club MTV now that I think about it. And I even remember clearly driving home from the park. 

Now my final trip to Disneyland occurred the day I graduated High School.  In California there was a yearly tradition that during the month of June Disneyland would be open all night long for High School students.  It was called Grad Night.  Disneyland would book decent concerts as well throughout the park free of charge during that month.  I remember in 1989, New Kids on the Block performed there.  I was SO glad not to be graduating in 1989!  Anyway, in 1990, there were 4 acts booked.  Jody Watley, Seduction and Stevie B - I am not sure about the 4th act - nor did I watch him).  Our day at the park actually occurred the day we graduated (which sort of sucked because most of us wanted to have celebration parties at home and such)  but we already knew a couple of months in advance that Grad night was at the specific date so we were able to adjust our plans and parties ahead of time.  Anyway, my graduation ceremony ended probably around 3-4 pm then I had to be back at my "old" high school (Ramona) around 6 pm in preparation to travel to Anaheim.  We got to the park around 9 pm and we were at Disneyland until 6 am!   All night long we were there with some other high schools enjoying the park, the concerts, each other, and saying our final goodbyes to most of our friends and acquaintances.  The concerts were outstanding - my favorite was Seduction, then Jody Watley and then Stevie B - in that order.  I went on just about every ride I could - from Splash Mountain, Star Tours, the Matterhorn - even the submarine - which I don't think exists anymore!  The concerts were cool and were some of my favorite artists at the time - especially Seduction, because they were hot!    Then as the sun was rising, we loaded back on the bus, taken back to our school and returned home. 

The one criticism I had was that there was an actual dress code.  But as soon as we got in the park we broke it.  Men were supposed to be in slacks and tie and women were to be in dresses or gowns.  That was not happening! LOL  I remember getting into the park and changing into something less formal!

Anyway, here are some clips of the artists that I saw that day in concert!

Seduction - Heartbeat

This is one of my subscribers - Night Tracks - will have to make another post about this later   ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SONGS!

Seduction - True Love


Jody Watley - Looking for a new love


Jody Watley - Friends


Stevie B- Spring Love


Stevie B- Party your body

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 10:02 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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