Disneyland welcomes honorary one billionth guest, 8-year-old

Disneyland Resort celebrated a historic milestone Friday by welcoming its honorary one billionth guest, an eight-year-old boy from Arizona who was visiting the park to celebrate his birthday. Andres Robles and his parents, Alejandra and Jose, were surprised with a ceremony on the Main Street U.S.A. train station platform in Anaheim, California, where they were joined by Mickey and Minnie Mouse to unveil a newly updated park sign reading "Population 1,000,000,000."

The family received a VIP tour that included a rare visit to Walt Disney's private apartment above the Main Street Fire Station, a flight on the recently returned Soarin' Across America attraction at Disney California Adventure, and other exclusive experiences. Jose Robles said the day created a top memory for his family and that the experience would be the top one forever.

The milestone comes as Disneyland continues its 70th anniversary celebration, honoring the park's opening on July 17, 1955. Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino said welcoming the one billionth guest is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the generations of guests who have made the park part of their lives. She noted that for more than 70...