Celebrating Year of the Mouse

New Year’s Eve party-goers were blown into 1996 with winds reaching 50 mph. By midnight, the near-capacity crowds at Disneyland looked like wind-whipped survivors of a desert crossing as they huddled around Sleeping Beauty Castle to watch the fireworks.

A few park guests kept warm by cozying up in sleeping bags spread out on the sidewalk. Staying comfortable and imitating Sleeping Beauty weren’t the only reasons for the bags; they also saved spots for friends in the never-ending lines for attractions.

Even though closing time was extended until 3 a.m., the Anaheim park never experienced a slow moment on one of its busiest days. Wearing giveaway confetti-covered hats and blowing horns, park-goers kept the joint hopping for 19 hours.

There was action across the street too. About 3,000 revelers in the Disneyland Hotel’s massive ballroom discoed in the new year.

At $20 a pop, they paid less than the people at Disneyland to party, but they dressed up more . . . in less: Women wore short, wispy dresses, and men approached the holiday with a casual touch--most sans jacket.

There were a few plumed tiaras, and, because the party ostensibly had an Indiana Jones theme, some guys sported “Lost Ark” attire, especially Indy’s fedora. For the most part, the crowd went hatless, even though pointed paper party hats were handed out.