 ne of the things Walt Disney said he loved about Disneyland was that he could continue to change it, alter it and improve it. When a movie was completed, you were done. You couldn't go back and change anything. But Disneyland didn't have to be that way.
 or me, I also love that about Disneyland, but I also love the things that have remained the same, year after year. Some are the reliable enjoyments at Disneyland that have become, dare I say, rituals? They are points of nostalgia and comfort that I remember when I was a child and that I am enjoying handing down to my own children.
ne of my favorite Disneyland traditions is the Mint Julep. I remember my first one when I was about 10. My parent's took me to New Orleans Square and announced that it was time to try my first. I had never heard of such a thing, and so of course, being ten and an expert on everything, I deemed it weird and wasn't too thrilled by the announcement. However, I soon became a devotee! That drink was the most beautiful shade of green with a lovely red cherry. After my first sip, I was hooked. It was cold and sweet and tasted unlike anything else I had ever tasted. I think I had about 5 mint juleps that trip and each one was as wonderful as the first.
 hat was also the trip where my mother discovered beignets, the "fritters" that come with that wonderful fruit dip. My father, a big fan of all things fritter like, ordered a few for us to share after lunch one day. Heaven! He went back for another round, and then later that night my mother made sure that our route exiting the park went through New Orleans Square so several fritters could accompany us back to our motel for next morning's breakfast.
oday, not a single trip to the Magic Kingdom takes place without a visit to the quiet snack bar by the New Orleans Square train station for a trio of fritters and a Mint Julep. My most recent visit was when I found myself in Southern California on business and just happed to find it "convenient" to stay in Anaheim. It was a few days before Christmas and I wanted to finish my shopping in the "Merriest Place on Earth." I checked into my hotel, dropped my luggage, caught that shuttle and was in the Park, all in less than 20 minutes. I caught the train at Main Street, got off at NOS (1st stop) and walked up to the line at my favorite counter. Behind me in line was a man with his son. The boy must have been 10 or 11 and I couldn't help but overhear their conversation.
"It's a sweet drink, and it's green. You'll really love it."
"What does it taste like?" asked the boy, not quite trusting what his dad was telling him.
"Well, it tastes a little like mint and…well, just wait and see. They're great!"
I couldn't help but say something, and turned around to look at the young boy who really wasn't sure what his father was about to spring on him. It was pretty clear that he'd rather wait in line for Indiana Jones again that to drink this silly green thing.
"Is this your first mint julep?" I asked.
His father beamed. "It is!" Dad replied.
"I was about your age too," I told him. "And you know, I have never visited Disneyland again without having at least one."
The boy didn't seem impressed, but when I got to the counter I ordered and extra one anyway. I turned and handed it to the boy. "Here you go," I said. "You will like it so much you will wish you had two!"
he father was clearly touched and thanked me profusely and I left to find my quiet table and the French Market to enjoy my Julep and the warm Trio of Fritters with the yummy fruit dipping sauce. I was tickled to know that another person has a dedicated warm place in his heart for this wonderful Disneyland treat and has also made it a tradition.
I would love to hear your family's Disney traditions, please
drop me a line at either:
— Allison
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