A Days In The Park Legendary Encounter: Jack Lindquist

by Mark
My Day to meet the Legend had finally arrived.  As I walked through the Main Gates into The Park, I made my way over to the Disney Gallery.  The sign out front read: "'In Service to the Mouse', by Jack Lindquist Book Signing - 1pm to 3pm".  To say I was excited was an understatement!  I arrived around 11:45 to purchase my copy to have it signed.  Even at that early time, a line outside had already begun forming, so I knew I needed to hurry and get a good spot.  The couple that had the very first spot informed me that they had been in line since 9am!  Luckily for me the line wasn't very long, yet.  I jumped in line and started counting my position; I was number 34.  Not too shabby!

The line, of course, grew bigger as time went on.  The only thing keeping me busy (and sane!) was texting Chad who had been at The Resort since 5am, but that's another story (check back later this week for full details!).  As one o'clock got closer and closer, fans became more and more anxious and excited. Then 1pm hit, and nothing happened.  For the next thirty minutes or so, the line never moved.  Apparently, Mr. Lindquist had decided to walk around The Park with his family.  I personally thought that was really cool.  Heck, the man ran the Park for for over thirty years; he had more than earned the right to do whatever he wanted.  I won't go into all the gory details, but the sense of impatience some others showed during the delay wasn't very magical at all.  One has to wonder if they even understood what a tremendous opportunity this was!  For me, it was worth it regardless of how long he decided to make me wait. 

While we were standing there, a man with a headset came through the doors and started inviting people in.  I was stoked!  As I came closer to the door my excitement just got bigger and bigger.  I could see Chad and the Finding Mickey gang cheering me on as I walked into the Gallery.  Once inside I was asked if I wanted to get the signature personalized.  Without hesitation, I replied, "Yes please.", in the best manners I could muster.  They wrote my first name on a post-it to give to Mr. Lindquist for when I got to his table.  I was getting pretty fidgety myself because I could see him in the other room!  So close now!

Finally, he waved at me to come over.  I'm not sure, but I think that the heavens opened up and a choir of angels began to sing at this point.  I made my way to him and with (extreme) nervousness I said, "Thank you, Mr. Lindquist."  His reply?  "Stop that."  The angels went silent and I froze.  What had I said wrong?  Then he continued, "Call me Jack.  Mr. Lindquist makes me sound old."  He smiled, I smiled, and the angels started singing again.

I think I know now why this man became Disneyland's first president.  We took a picture together and I went on my way.  I regrouped with Chad and Finding Mickey outside where everyone asked to see my book and exclaimed over how cool it was. 

When they asked me, "How was it?", there was only one word that seemed right.  I answered, "Magical."