When was your first visit to the World?

[MisterPat]

July 1972 -- Day Trip from Daytona Beach. That's me on the left.

First time with DW, March 1988 when we were dating in college.

First time with DD's when they were each 6 months old: July 1996 & July 2000.

 

[TaxiLab]

We went at the beginning of December in 1971, just after it opened. I only remember the giant Christmas tree by the train station, but that might be because of pictures. I think my whole family (mom, dad, sis and bro - I'm the youngest by 13 years) went, but I don't remember. My dad always liked to tell the story that he told me if I asked to be carried we would leave immediately. Finally, on the way out at closing, I asked if he would carry me now. He said I had been so good he couldn't say no

 

[PrincessMe]

July 1988. I was 14 and my Grandmother took me for 5 days at the Grosvenor.

 

[agavegirl1]

1982...I was a young mom of two DDs ages 7 and 3. My DH (at the time) and I, had an opportunity to use my BILs Northwest Airlines perks and fly "Non-Rev" for $100 pp round trip to anywhere in the lower 48. DH had a sister in West Palm Beach. We stayed with her. We drove over before sunrise with my MIL and went to the Magic Kingdom. I loved the fact that the characters "roamed". My youngest DD, who was kind of shy, was charmed by Mickey wanting to hold her hand and walk with her. It was my first ride on Space Mountain and that is how I like to start my MK days now. RD to SM.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Summer 1977. I was 15. My brother was in the All American College Band that summer. We stayed at the apartment complex that they were putting the band up in. I remember having to use tickets for the attractions. The band members would get free tickets every week and the other band members would pool theirs for whoever's family was coming that week. I thought it was cool because those tickets were good for any attraction, "A" through "E". My future BIL wouldn't ride the Skyway because he was at a park once when the cable broke and the cars fell. We grew up going to Astroworld and were stunned by the MK. It was so nice.

 

[jw50]

For me it was March, 1972 and for my wife was May, 1972 (for grad night, before we met). I was in the AF stationed at Homestead and made many day trips in 72-74 with a one night stay at the CR in April 1973 (just drove up on a Friday night with no reservation and got the last room due to someone being late getting there).

 

[wdwrich]

Wow! When I started this thread, I had no idea that I would get to read about so many happy beginnings. Thanks to all who took the time to share their stories. For those who haven't yet posted about your first visit, please do so!

 

[darnheather]

1979, I was five. I don't remember tons about Disney. I do remember the drive down because my dad had put a camper top on the back of the truck and rigged up a phone between that area and the front and we kids fought over who got to ride back there!

I also remember him talking to others on the c.b. radio about the coming Epcot.

And finally, I remember going to Busch Gardens in Tampa on the same trip. I had a sun visor which blew off into the monkeys. The monkeys had a great time trying on my hat, stealing it from each other, chewing on it, etc. While I stood crying my eyes out. Someone eventually went in and got it but I refused to ever wear it again.

 

[wdwrich]

I remember going to Busch Gardens in Tampa on the same trip. I had a sun visor which blew off into the monkeys. The monkeys had a great time trying on my hat, stealing it from each other, chewing on it, etc. While I stood crying my eyes out. Someone eventually went in and got it but I refused to ever wear it again.

1979- same year as my first visit. That's a great story about your visor and the monkeys, though you didn't think so at the time for sure!

 

[LBIJim]

Spring Break 1980 with a few buddies. Went to Disney on the way to Ft. Lauderdale. Only MK was open, but I suppose Epcot was under construction. I vaguely remember seeing a model of the proposed Epcot somewhere either inside or outside the gates of MK.

First ride was Space Mountain. Ate dinner in the castle; I think it was King Stefan's Banquet Hall at the time.

I remember the A-E ticket books, as well as buying booklets of additional E tickets. I don't remember the basic admission charge; I'm guessing about $12, which included that first book of tickets.

Parking was 50 cents. Took the monorail to the park and the boat back to the parking lot.

Stayed off-site on 192 a few miles away. That road was only two lanes wide, and there were still vast areas of undeveloped land between it and Disney.

Jim

 

[sweetTexasgirl]

It was May of 1999. I went on a Florida vacation with my dad's side of the family, we were actually going for a wedding in Miami and spent a couple of days in Orlando. We only spent one day at the park going to Hollywood Studios.

 

[darnheather]

Summer 1977. I was 15. My brother was in the All American College Band that summer. We stayed at the apartment complex that they were putting the band up in. I remember having to use tickets for the attractions. The band members would get free tickets every week and the other band members would pool theirs for whoever's family was coming that week. I thought it was cool because those tickets were good for any attraction, "A" through "E". My future BIL wouldn't ride the Skyway because he was at a park once when the cable broke and the cars fell. We grew up going to Astroworld and were stunned by the MK. It was so nice.

I'm sure that's how you/he remember it, but that never happened. Snopes

 

[darnheather]

1979- same year as my first visit. That's a great story about your visor and the monkeys, though you didn't think so at the time for sure!

I laugh over it now because it is such a vivid memory. Wish I still had the visor!

 

[darnheather]

I am not exactly sure of the date of my first trip, but this photo was taken in 1980 when I was 3, and my mom said it was my second or third trip. Mickey sure was short back then! To put it into perspective, he is standing next to my aunt who was 12 at the time (and the guy in the photo is my grandpa)...

That outfit you are wearing in red I had in green!

 

[darnheather]

Reading through this thread has triggered a few more memories. I remember having dinner and watching the electrical water parade through the windows. No idea what the restaurant was. I do remember the tickets (or could have been a two day passport) because my father was so scared of losing them. I left my lanyard on the tea cups and had to run back to get it. I remember going on 20,000 leagues and the strong smell of chlorine.

Thanks everyone for the great memories!

 

[wdwrich]

Anyone remember dining on the Empress Lilly? I have a penant from there.

Yes! I believe they once held character breakfasts there, and also there was a high-end steakhouse on board. The more stories I read on this thread, the more my memory gets refreshed!

 

[smitch425]

That outfit you are wearing in red I had in green!

I LIVED in those things everyday until I was probably 6 or 7, and now they are making a comeback!

 

[DisneyDiva8401]

1987, I had just turned 3 (mom told them I didnt turn 3 till the following month). Don't remember much except being scared of the big bad wolf, meeting futuristic/space Mickey, buying a Donald Duck hat, going to sea world and riding in dolphin strollers.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

Since this thread isn't about theme parks planning, I've moved it to the Theme Parks Community board.

 

[kinaaaaaa]

I was 8 (now 26) and my mom lost me for a bit. Im going in September and hopefully won't get lost again.