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Dick Van Dyke recalls a nearly secluded visit to Disneyland.
The Mary Poppins actor, 99, and his wife Arlene, 54, hosted the Van Dyke High Tea, a charity event to raise money for the Van Dyke Foundation for the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum currently under development.
During a Q&A session at the event, Arlene recalled two years ago when she was celebrating her birthday at a Dream Suite at a resort in Anaheim, California. At one point during the trip, her husband wanted to get some fresh air on the balcony, so he went outside and slowly waited to see how long it would be before people realized they were there.
“I said, ‘Let’s just go outside and see if people notice.’ And it was so cute. I was filming it and I said to him, ‘Wave to that guy.’ Wave to that person.’ He was totally excited,” she said.
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After spending time on the balcony, Dick wanted to explore the park and try some of the rides, his wife recalled.
“So we thought a wheelchair would be the best way to get him around,” she said. “No one noticed him because everyone was looking up or on their phones.”
She added that he was able to enjoy six attractions, including his favorite, Radiator Springs Racers.
“We went all over the place and went on six rides. I got to go around with him, which was very special. His favorite ride was the Cars ride. He loved the Cars ride,” Arlene added.
Dick exclaimed that while he had a great time in the park, he still couldn’t go completely unnoticed.
“A little girl came up to me and said, ‘Dip and dyke,'” he joked.
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Vandy High Tea was produced by Chris Isaacson Presents and hosted by Stu Szostak at Dick and Arlene’s mansion in Malibu, California, known as “Vandy Manor.”
During the event, guests enjoyed a variety of snacks, including ‘Fitzwillie Fizz’, as well as sandwiches and desserts from Monroe’s Catering.
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A social media post promoting the event reads: “This unique and intimate afternoon gathering celebrates the life and career of Dick Van Dyke with Arlene Van Dyke and special guests.”
According to the post, guests also enjoyed live performances by “The Vantastics, Dan West, Lovely Dove, and more.”
