It seems like he’s always been a part of pop culture, but the iconic Mickey Mouse was actually “born” on November 18, 1928. In honor of his birthday, we’ve compiled a history of the mouse. And what better way to celebrate than a visit to say hello? Check out our tips to make the most of your vacation to the Disney World or Disneyland parks.

History of the Mouse

Walt Disney was already a successful animator when he dreamed up Mickey Mouse, but his characters had been kept by executives at other studios.

So when he boarded a cross-country train from New York City bound for Hollywood, Walt knew that he had to come up with something new fast. The result? The lovable Mickey Mouse that became the face of an entire media empire.

Mickey first appeared in two cartoons, “Plane Crazy” and “The Gallopin’ Gaucho,” before he reached a large audience in 1928 as the main character in “Steamboat Willie.” This short animated film was shown on Broadway on November 18th as a pre-show flick. Because of its enthusiastic reception, the debut date of “Steamboat Willie” is now celebrated as Mickey’s official birthday.

If the train from New York to California was where Mickey first appeared on the page, New York’s Colony Theatre was where Walt introduced him to the world.

Why is Disney So Nostalgic?

Many adults and kids alike have a special place in their hearts for the mouse. A lot of the nostalgia associated with Mickey Mouse–and in a larger way, the Disney brand in general–comes from cherished memories with family and friends.

Whether it’s a beloved Mickey plush stuffed animal from childhood, the first time you watched a Disney classic movie, or sharing your favorite Disney film with your own family, the feeling you get from seeing Mickey Mouse welcome you to the theater is second-to-none.

Disneyland Travel Tips

Located in Anaheim, California, the 500-acre theme park opened in 1955. Construction was supervised by Walt Disney, who put his signature imaginative stamp on many of the rides and attractions at both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. A visit to Disneyland unlocks peak Mickey nostalgia.

1. Pick non-peak times to visit - Disney will always attract plenty of visitors but you can avoid the longest lines by going during the off season. Winter and Spring tend to be less busy and visiting during the week can mean fewer crowds. Avoid going during holidays and weekends, since many people use these times to visit the parks.
2. Consider a Disneyland resort hotel - They’re a bit pricier than some of the hotels outside of the park, but booking a room at a Disneyland resort hotel gives you access to early admission, also called “Magic Hour.” You can get a head start on your magical day by taking advantage of this extra 30 minutes in the park before it opens for general admission.
3. Get a 2-Day Park Hopper ticket - Disneyland and California Adventure Park are right across from each other. The best way to see as much as you can during your visit is to get a 2-day park hopper pass. This lets you go back and forth between the two parks as much as you want.
4. Book a ride with Lightning Lane - You can reserve a time to go on some of the most popular rides with a Lightning Lane pass. This allows you to cut the line at your designated time. You can purchase packages for multiple Lightning Lane times or just a single access pass.
5. Invest in good shoes - Disneyland involves a lot of walking, so the best way to make it to the end of the day without pain and discomfort is to have a good pair of walking shoes. Pack blister care and extra socks if you’re prone to uncomfortable feet. It’s also a good idea to break in your shoes before you hit the park.‍
6. Get a Disney MagicBand - For the ultimate magical experience, get a customizable MagicBand before your trip or when you get to the park. This wearable bracelet works as your park ticket, Lightning Lane pass, and PhotoPass. All you have to do is swipe the band to get access to all of your park adventures. It also has glowing lights that sync with special shows like World of Color and Fantasmic!

Disney World Travel Tips

Opening in 1971, Disney World is the East coast park and covers close to 25,000 acres in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It includes Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. This is the larger of the two parks and includes an almost-endless list of things to enjoy.

1. Buy the PhotoPass - The last thing that you want to do when visiting the park is worry about capturing every magical moment. There are numerous spots within all of the parks where professional photographers are ready to take your picture with Disney cast members. 
2. Use the Disney app - You can check wait times for all of the rides, make dining reservations, place mobile food orders, and look at your photos. The app also makes planning the perfect Disney vacation much easier.
3. Use Rider Switch - This is the perfect tip for parents of young children. With a Rider Switch pass, one parent can go on the ride while the other waits with the kids. Then, the second parent can “switch” and go right on the ride instead of waiting in the line again.
4. Buy gear ahead of time - You can definitely spend quite a bit on Disney merch in the parks and some of the best options are exclusive to Disney World and Disneyland. But if you want to go budget-friendly on basics like t-shirts, pick some up before you get to Disney. This frees up money to spend on park amenities like Lightning Lane passes, your absolute favorite souvenirs, and once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.
5. Bring snacks - Don’t let yourself (or your group) get hangry while waiting in line for your favorite ride. You can bring personal snacks and non-alcoholic drinks into the park, but make sure that they aren’t in glass containers. You can also pick up something to eat at one of the many casual dining spots. They tend to have shorter lines than the fine dining restaurants or character dining experiences.
6. Say Hi to Mickey - The wait to take a picture with the most popular Disney characters can be long but is an absolute must-do experience, especially if it’s your first time at the park. For special occasions, including Mickey’s birthday, you might get to see him in a unique costume, with a special greeting, or during a celebration party.

What better way to celebrate Mickey’s birthday than a visit to the most magical place on earth? Thanks to Walt Disney’s imagination, the world gets to know the lovable Mickey Mouse and his cast of friends. Happy birthday, Mickey Mouse!