Before You Go…
Once upon a time the world seemed to be a simpler yet exciting place. Color movies were finally main stream, eating 3 meals full of carbs was healthy, and the latest craze to sweep the nation was something called “arcade games”.
So prepare yourselves to step back in time with a journey paying your respects, eating with no regrets, and playing games to excess.
Stop #1 — 4 PM
Pay Respects
at Walt Disney’s grave
What to Know
Finding Walt can be a little tricky. You’ll park on Cathedral Drive just before the giant George Washington statue. Walk under the archway to the left of the statue. (George’s right hand is pointing the way). Walt is in the far left corner, on the left side of the Freedom Mausoleum. His grave is at the far left corner behind the gated grass patch with the statue of a little kid kneeling.
Shortly after he passed on December 15, 1966 rumors flooded the world that Walt’s body was the first ever to be cryogenically frozen and placed underneath the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. Although Walt had planned to do this he wasn’t able to sign the paperwork in time and was cremated 2 days later.
Other notable people in the cemetery are Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, Sam Cooke, and Sammy Davis Jr. (among many more).
Finally, please pay attention to the start time. The cemetery does close at 5pm.
Stop #2 — 5:30 PM
Feast Hard
on a carb load extravaganza
What to Know
Calling ahead to get a reservation isn’t necessary but is recommended. The restaurant does get bought out for private parties from time to time.
Stop #3 — 7:30 PM
Get Competitive
at a “classic” gaming joint
What to Know
Pre-Plan: Highly suggested you have cash on hand, preferably in small bills, for the cash bar but really for the change machine for playing the games.
To prepare your expectations this is only a beer and wine bar. Granted, they have a great selection.
Starting your pinball journey at “Surf Champ” begins your night there where it all began. This machine was bought from a garage sale by the owner’s father and has been in the family ever since. Their father’s name: Walt.
Most certainly your night will be dominated by the most frustrating but obssessive game in the place. It’s the “Ice Cold Beer” machine to the left of the bar. Making it to 7 out of 10 means you’re a legend. Send us a video beating it, we’ll buy you a beer: neal@datethecity.com