I remember my 1st visit to Disney. I was 31 and not terribly thrilled to be going. I was in a pissy mood getting to the Magic Kingdom and was convinced I would have an awful time. Walking into Main Street, I noticed how clean everything was - but I was still going to have a terrible day. Half way up Main St, I smelled the cookies and could hear music. It really was very pretty, but I was probably going to have a terrible day. At the end of Main Street I looked up at the Castle in the bright sunshine and began to think it might be an okay day, but there wouldn't be anything for an adult to do. After seeing a couple in their 60's getting off Snow White, I figured I would give the place a chance. After flying over London in Peter Pan and waving hello to Nana by her doghouse, I was hooked. For the rest of the day my eyes must have looked like Mr. Toad's after he was run over by the motor car. Can't explain it - but Disney has made such a deep emotional connection that continues to this day.
Best moment to explain it: In '96 was there for the 25th. Waiting for the Anniversary parade to begin, we were standing next to a lovely little girl and her mother. The girl kept asking if there was a chance she could see Cinderella in the parade because she was her favorite. The mother kept telling her that if she was - she would hold her up so she could see her. Well - the parade started and after a few minutes along comes the float with of all people - Cinderalla on it. It stops right in front of us. The CMs and Cinderella come out to pick people to join them in the parade. Cinderella comes over to this sweet little girl who had only hoped to see Cinderella and takes her by the hand. I will never, ever forget to look of joy and wonder on that little girl's face, or the tears of joy running down her mother's face. I'm actually tearing up as I type this - remembering again that moment. It's a sweet magic that exists in Disney Parks that I keep going back again and again to savor.