An 8-year-old boy had a special birthday celebration at Disneyland on Friday: he became the 1 billionth honorary guest to walk through the gates of the Happiest Place on Earth.
Andres Robles of Arizona, along with his parents Alejandra and Jose, marked the historic milestone by joining Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on the Main Street U.S.A train station at the Anaheim theme park.
The birthday boy helped unveil a new sign that read “Population 1,000,000,000” and posed for pictures while holding the sign, showing off his special status.
A historic milestone is made at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., on Friday, July 3, 2026; The Happiest Place on Earth commemorates welcoming one billion guests to Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. The honorary one billionth guest, Andres Robles, 8, and his parents join Disney Ambassador Oralia Neria Felix to unveil an updated sign at Disneyland park that reads “Population 1,000,000,000”. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
After getting a VIP tour, which includes a visit to Walt Disney’s private apartment, Andres and his parents said they are grateful for the theme park staff to make them “feel special” and create a “top memory.”
“Never came to our mind that this could happen,” Jose Robles, Andres’ father, said. “This is going to be the top one forever.”
Becoming an honorary guest or honorary citizen is no easy feat: guests who display respect and kindness can achieve the coveted status. (Cast members at Disneyland are said to be actively looking for visitors who are kind, polite and helpful to others.)
Those who can answer trivia questions about Disneyland’s history could also become honorary guests.
While the status does not provide perks or discounts, honorary citizens do receive the rare button.
Andres’ special birthday came just a day before the nation’s 250th birthday as the Disneyland Resort makes the 70th anniversary this year.