So how did it start...

[fireplug]

We took our kids when they were young,and although they had a good time we were staying offsite and would have to leave to go rest and so on. Then when they were older we took them back. We were determined to do a better job of planning and we spent a lot of time doing the disney world explorer cd-rom and with birnbaums. That vacation was the best 'Family' vacation we ever took, the kids still talk about it.and they are now 21 and 25.
DW and I did a cruise and Poly/WL stay and realized we just loved being "home" so we became DVC members and now we are "home" when we go. We will be taking another family vacation in May 2003. Only this time it will include a SIL and our wonderful DGD who will be 4 1/2 when we go. Her Nana and Papa have been teaching her all about Mickey,Minnie and the rest of the gang since she was very little and she is already excited.

Thanks for starting this thread it reminded me of all the good times we have had and will have in the future.

Steve

 

[cotye]

For me it was just after my first trip. Mind you I was 4yo at the time. But during my childhood, I would always try to remember what happened on that trip and have my mom tell me about the trip. Just love looking at the photos from that time. In any case, kept dreaming about going back and I didn't get to back till I was 16 yo! Oh well.

Just that first trip... the feelings associated with it... even though I might be too young to rememebr everything. I was old enough to remember bits and parts of it and just loved that magic about the place.

 

[buggin']

Its all myMoms fault!!!

She had me hooked on Disney movies when I was little, had a stuffed Mickey Mouse that I got then (still have it too) & went to Walt Disney World when I was 6. Ive been a Disney nut since then!!!

Just cant get enough of the place!!!

Maybe one day we'll make it to Disneyland & Tokyo Disneyland & Disneyland Paris. But right now, Im FINE with being able to go to WdW anyday of the week.

Buggin'
Amber

 

[tc]

I lived in San Diego till I was 10. My father was in the Navy, and DL had Military Days where we could go at a discount. I so looked forward to that day. I was never big enough to ride the Matterhorn or SM, but I loved the teacups and driving my own car. I remember shrinking, do they have a Body Wars there? Anyway, I just fell in love. My parents divorced, and we moved to Wyoming. No tv and no money, no chance to go back. After I'd been married for about 13 years, Dh inherited some money from a great-aunt. His grandmother actually gave us the money, and said to do something fun, not sensible (Stephen can be very sensible). We took the money and went to WDW with our girls (then 13 and 11), after we purchased a new refrigerator. It was magical. I have spent every waking moment trying (and succeeding) to go back. I can't get enough. This year for my anniversary, we bought DVC. We'll go back every year (maybe twice) from now till 2042. Stephen doesn't feel the magic like I do, but he says just seeing my happy face is enough for him.

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

My first experience at WDW was a little unusual. As a child I did some modeling (of course puberty set in and things were just never the same!). I did a photo shoot for Eastern Airlines for the opening of WDW. I was flown down very early in the a.m., landed in that old, converted military airport in Orlando, and had my picture taken riding rides with other models dressed in flight attendant (then stewardess) uniforms. I remember the only ride in Tomorrowland being the speedway. It was quite a different experience then. In the evening I was taken back to the airport and flown home. It all started for me with a day trip 900 miles from home!

 

[Figgy]

I was so young the first time that I went to WDW back when it was just Magic Kingdom. For me it has always been what Disney represented a place that I can be an eternal child and no one thinks I am weird for it and it is even encouraged.

The moment that I walk into the front entrance of the Magic Kingdom whether it is at DL or WDW i get this wonderful feeling of the years falling away and the excitement builds. I have such fun and it feels like home to me.

I always loved Disney but my true obsession with going to the parks came after I was married to Britt and introduced him to the parks on our first trip there they year we got married. It was so great to see the way his eyes would get so big. He had never seen anything like it. And now I have fun showing my kids. It never gets old and I never get tired of going on the rides or simply talking to other's who are on their first Disney adventure. I get to share the excitement of their first takes on the parks all over again.

But I guess what it all comes back down to is I am an eternal child and there I get to truly be myself.

figgy

 

[goofyforwdw]

ryanpatricksmom
I am Patrick Ryans mom. love both of those name. My Patrick is named after his grandfathers(Patricks) and greatgrand father more Pats combo and his sister Ryan who did not survive very long in this world.
Brenda

 

[Pig Pen]

My family moved to Florida in 1973, but it was 1975 before I went to WDW.

My boyfriend of 3 months (he is now DH) said "you've never been to WDW?" and the next weekend (in June 75) we were there.

It was pure magic. I remember my awe at the POC, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion. Among my other favorites were COP and If You Had Wings (long gone).

Had an early dinner at the Contemporary - DH had red snapper and I had a small steak (don't remember the name of the restaurant - but I think it's where the Concourse is now).

We stayed for the parade and fireworks - the best I had ever seen. I was only 16 & thought the whole day was extremely romantic!

We now live up north and WDW is our only real vacation destination. People think we are nuts, but they just don't understand and I cannot explain it.