vandergriff4 said:
I know. I just can't believe that number of people that come to Disney World and have no clue what it is.
That all of us certified Disneyphiles had, at one point, our VERY first visit to WDW or DL?

I wager most of us weren't nearly as well informed about the parks, attractions, etc. on that very first visit as we are now.
Let me tell you my experience. My DH went to Disney as a child in the 70s, of course it was just Disney World then (oops, MK, LOL

). His parents took him and his brother the week of July 4th. Of course it was hot, crowded, DH's dad complained about prices (both parents were blue collar workers). I never went as a child (see siggy, below) and, while I loved the Pooh stories and characters, didn't get some people's fascinations (obsessions) with Disney. When my daughter was about 2 years and 8 months old, she developed a fascination with killer whales. We have a little savings and decide to fly down to Sea World....in JULY. I was totally opposed, but DH insisted. We were flying down on Monday, had plans for Sea World for Tuesday, free day Wed., home on Thurs. Our hotel near SW is a dump; website pictures were taken approximately 1962. Tuesday at SW is HORRIBLE. There is not much to do, it is sizzling hot, I am absolutely MISERABLE and don't care who knows it.

The next day, DH says he wants to take us to the MK. At this point I'm just along for the ride; we go. You know what? At MK, it was just as hot, far more crowded, we were getting stroller nips on our ankles every few feet. We spent most of our time in Fantasyland since DD was so young. DH rode Space Mountain and I wouldn't; I was chicken.

We didn't see a single character. Didn't have a plan of attack for rides/shows/attractions. DH could barely get us around with a map. Lines were long. I was sweaty. Guess what? I had a WONDERFUL time!!

We went back to our dive hotel midday to rest and came back and closed the park down. This was just before Wishes, I think, so it was the old fireworks show. I was in tears...the Disney magic had me.
Now, I am the one that everybody thinks is weird b/c I won't go anywhere but WDW when I have a few days and a little extra $$. I am the one that people ask for advice on hotels, touring plans, tickets, etc. We don't get to go nearly as much as we want but we have come a long way, baby. I can relate to that person who doesn't know the names of rides, or what attraction is where, etc., because I have been that person before!
One day we'll get to welcome them to the DIS boards with their Disney love and enthusiasm, as well.
