Although Mickey started making regular appearances at Disneyland in 1961, it was sometimes a challenge to actually find the big guy. Sure, you could see him headlining the daily parade down Main Street, but getting a personal hug or picture came down to pure luck.
That all changed in 1988. In celebration of Mickey's 60th anniversary, a whole new land was added to the Magic Kingdom. For the first time ever, Mickey's Birthdayland provided an opportunity for Disney Guests to meet Mickey Mouse at a specific time and place.
The highlight of Mickey's Birthdayland was the "Minnie's Surprise Party" show, after which Guests could go "backstage" and meet Mickey in his dressing room. Birthdayland and the show were only intended to be temporary additions to the Magic Kingdom, but the concept of having a designated place to meet Mickey turned out to be a huge hit. When the birthday celebration was over, the land stuck around, changing to Mickey's Starland (and later Mickey's Toontown Fair).
In 1993, Mickey's Toontown opened at Disneyland, bringing a west coast opportunity to meet the mouse in the Movie Barn out behind Mickey's house. Today, any Guest visiting a Disney Park around the world can have the chance to get a little face time with Disney's biggest star.
Although those greetings have become far more structured and scheduled over the years, Mickey does still occasionally get a chance to "pop up" in the parks and surprise his fans with memorable one-on-one moments. Meeting Mickey Mouse has become a right of passage and a quintessential Disney Parks experience.