Robert Downey Jr. recalls getting busted for 'smoking pot' on first trip to Disneyland

ANAHEIM — Robert Downey Jr. kept the audience laughing while receiving his Disney Legends Award at the D23 Expo Friday.

The "Iron Man" actor riffed about his first Disneyland experience as a youth, which included getting busted for smoking pot on the gondola ride..

"Here's a bit of trivia. My first time to Disneyland, I was transported to another place, within moments of being arrested," Downey Jr., 54, said from the podium.

"I would like to make amends to whomever had to detain me for smoking pot in the gondola without a license," he continued, joking that he knew "a pot smoking license is not in any way attainable" for the gondola or any ride at Disneyland.

The once-troubled star didn't give the specifics of when the incident took place. But he noted the Disneyland staff who processed him after the incident where incredibly friendly. He was returned to a very disappointed trip chaperone.

"I’ve been sitting on that shame for a while," Downey Jr. said with a straight face discussing the past incident. "Anyways, that’s a load off."

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Downey Jr. did get truly grateful discussing his role as Tony Stark in "Iron Man," which Disney CEO Bob Iger credited for "launching the Marvel Comics Universe." Downey Jr. called the role "a great gift" and thanked the fans in attendance at D23 for "making it possible."

His speech left even legends struggling to follow.

"It’s really hard to talk about your first Disneyland experience after what Robert said," said "GMA" broadcaster Robin Roberts, who was also presented with a Disney Legends Award Friday.

Former Mouseketeer Christina Aguilera, 38, was visibly emotional on stage receiving her Disney Legends Award. Aguilera kicked off the event at the D23 fan expo by singing a stirring version of her "Reflection" from the "Mulan" soundtrack.

"This is way cooler than a Grammy," said Aguilera, a five-time Grammy winner of her new honor. "I love this, it's so special. I'm like, shaking. I’ve been holding back tears all day."

Aguilera talked with reverence about her time on "The Mickey Mouse Club" along with fellow superstars Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. She called it a "special time" when she was accepted for her singing talent.

"This is my life’s work. Disney has been part of my life story," she said.

"Lion King" star James Earl Jones, 88, was not able to attend the event in Anaheim, but accepted his Legends Award with a short video played at the D23 hall.

"Thank you and may the Force be with you," said Jones, the voice of "Star Wars" Darth Vader, in the video.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney 'Legend': Robert Downey Jr. recalls getting busted on gondola