Remember your first resort (sigh)

[Exp626]

Our first WDW resort was the Wilderness Lodge in 1994. Since then whenever we stay somewhere else, it always feels a little bit like we are cheating on our original favorite. Luckily in just a few days we get to go back to the WL and celebrate our 10th anniversary of WDW and the WL!

 

[SondraD11]

My first Disney resort was in 1988 at the Wilderness Cabins. My boys were 6, 7, and 12. It was a wonderful trip. River Country was open and we all had a great time.

Now, I usually book WL if I can get a good rate or POFQ. In December, I'll be trying POP mostly because of the terrific $55 a night rate. My son who was 6 in 1988 is the one who usually travels to Disney with me these days and his feeling about choosing resorts is "if it ain't broke, why fix it?" I tend to agree which is why we keep coming back to our favorites but still have special memories of FW.

Sondra

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

My first stay was at the Polynesian in 2000. We were only there for a few days, but it's still a sentimental favorite!

 

[beccasmom]

Our first Disney stay was at the Contemporary in June 1981. We stayed there on many subsequent trips until we started to "explore" a little and try the moderates when they opened - Caribbean Beach and the formerly-named Dixie Landings. We purchased into OKW at DVC in 1992 and are extremely happy with it.

The CR will always have a very special place in my heart. I have fond memories of riding the monorail and eating at "Top of the World". We had a relatively quick ride to the MK because there were only two stops then - the Poly and Transportation Center. There was only one theme park then, one water park, Discovery Island and the "Disney Shopping Village". Taking the launch over to Fort Wilderness to see Hoop-de-Doo was a special treat. I loved watching the monorial swooshing through the 4th floor.
I will always remember those days with great fondness.

 

[dreamflight99]

My very FIRST On-Property stay was in the late 70's, with my folks at the CR tower.It was one of the best summer vacations ever! We rode the monorail...dined in the restaurants, and had 10 glorious eves of VACATION together in the MAGIC! My father was an officer in the NAVY, so "family-time" was extra-special. We ALWAYS took summer vacations, and visited wonderful places. But, WDW was always at the TOP of my list. I have stayed @ the CR over the years, but none of the returns ever compare to the images, experiences and memories of my FIRST stay.

As a Wife/Mother...our FIRST FAMILY stay was in 1991 at the CBR! We were crossing the country that summer, and stopped in for a week on property. It was MAGICAL....and DD was only 3+ years young. She LOVED the theming, and the CASTLE pool. She also loved the birds which used to be on the island, the boats (DH took her around the lake a few times), and feeding the turtles bread. We often look back at all the other places we have stayed, mostly deluxe resorts (W/exception to the old DLR....another one of our FAVS). Yet, our FIRST visit...at the CBR, will ALWAYS hold a very special place in our hearts. We have visited EVERY year since...and enjoyed every resort, and moment.


TTFN...DF99

 

[huckster]

very first time was sooo magical we stayed at Poly.. ahhhh next times we really needed to conserve the ole dollar so we stayed at dxl (riverside) we loved it and had money left over then we tried cs not tropical enough for me but nice.. weve been back to dxl (riverside) ever since would like to try Akl. next.. but now were hooked on cruising and cat 11 only comes with mods so back to dxl.. but the poly was wonderful !!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Originally posted by beccasmom
Our first Disney stay was at the Contemporary in June 1981. We stayed there on many subsequent trips until we started to "explore" a little and try the moderates when they opened - Caribbean Beach and the formerly-named Dixie Landings.

The CR will always have a very special place in my heart. I have fond memories of riding the monorail and eating at "Top of the World". We had a relatively quick ride to the MK because there were only two stops then - the Poly and Transportation Center. There was only one theme park then, one water park, Discovery Island and the "Disney Shopping Village". Taking the launch over to Fort Wilderness to see Hoop-de-Doo was a special treat. I loved watching the monorial swooshing through the 4th floor.
I will always remember those days with great fondness.

Ohhh, this does bring back such wonderful memories! Our first stay was at the Contemporary in August 1981, so we have thr same memories of one park and we had one of the early "Park Hoppers - a piece of thick paper with the Castle in the middle and on the back was a box for River Country and Discovery Island.

We returned for a long weekend in March 1982 (or 83?), but would not go to the new EPCOT - took the monorail through, but went back to the Poly - the kids were 7 & 9...oh, no by March they were 8 &10...we also kept going back and forth from the CR and Poly -did not want to try the Golf Resort which was renamded the Disney Inn...we were spoiled by the monorail. Eventually we did try CBR for fun when it was brand new - loved and that became a new (and less costly) favorite for a few yrs..and then on it went...

I hate the new CR decor and wish DTD was still Disney Village - why did they ever change the name?? Disney Marketplace wasn't too great either!!

Thanks for the memories!

 

[minijeanie]

after staying off site for five days, my DH said...this is not magical so we went to WL with our then DD (5) DS(4)...We all thought we had died and went to heaven

The lobby is so breathtaking and the staff were so superb we tacked on 2 extra days because we all didn't want to go home.
I still remember coming back from MK via the boat and walking into the lobby. The cofee bar was set up with hugh chocolate cookies laid out on the table. My daughters eyes lit up...The girl behind the counter asked her what her name was. She said Jylian and the girl said "my name is Jill too"...Here have a cookie on me......
Each and every night Jill had a cookie for my daughter as well as my son.....

Very special memories for all of us.

Great thread....thank you...made me smile

 

[LibertyLover]

I stayed at the CR in 1986 with my godchildren on my first visit to WDW. I still have a fond spot in my heart for it. One of these days we'll stay there again.

 

[foxfire]

It was in the early 80's & we stayed in a villa near a golf course. It wasn't the Treehouse Villas (I don't think) but I can't remember what this was called. I can't believe I've forgotten but I have. Does anyone know what the name was? It seems like it was something tropical.

I do remember we had a wonderful, wonderful time & that trip made me a forever Disneyholic!

 

[susy]

Our first onsite stay was ASMo, Jan 2002. I was nervous because of all the comments on this board, like the "All Smalls", the "projects", etc. We were very surprised. It was clean, wonderfully themed, great pools, the best food court on property, and the towel animals. What a steal for the $49 we paid!

 

[milmore104]

Our first stay was OKW! Of course after that we were hooked and buying time shares. We stayed there for many years (DH hates change!) This was all before our little angel arrived we sold our shares so I could be a stay at home mommy! And now our new favorite Family resort is AKL. our DD won't stay anywhere else! Love this thread it was great to read and remember all of our first experiences!

 

["thegirls"]

Landmark ~

Same story in my house!! Contemporary was our first resort and the kids always beg to go back. I can definitely relate to your husbands wish for the 'easy exit'!!! We really miss that the most when we don't stay there. And also I miss the relaxation of sunning at the pool(the one by the lake) and hearing the water lap against the dock! Soooooooo relaxing.
I am glad though that I made them try all the other resorts and while we picked up a few new favorites, the First resort will always be our Very favorite!!!!!
Hopefully, we'll be back there in 10 days!!!!!!

 

[MomofKatie]

First four visits- from 1973 til 1997- were offsite. Some hotels, and some friends' homes.

First onsite stay was 2002 at CSR. Liked it, but didn't fall in love. Grounds were pretty, but, as it was July, it was crowded-too crowded for me! Wasn't too excited about Pepper Market food court, and the resort was too big for my taste. Pool area was awesome, though! It rained for hours and hours every day we were there, so maybe that affected my feelings about it.

This trip coming up in a little more than a week, we will be at POFQ. Can hardly wait to get there! It sounds like exactly the resort for us.