Those are both great, @Marlin Perkins and @fkurucz. They made me realize - I used to go to the park at least once a year with my family growing up until I was at least 10, and I can't think a single specific memory I need to ask my mom - maybe she can jog something.
Our visits to the park back then were few and far between. It might be easier remembering specific events in that case. My memories with my own kids kind of blend together into one long adventure.
One of my favorite times is when my daughter was picked to participate in the magic show back in the ranch area. She got to float in midair, and it was so fun to watch. Another special memory is when my husband went back to the hotel (sorry Dear) and me and my two kids ran from one roller coaster to the next trying to fit in all of the rides my husband doesn't like to do. The lines weren't bad, it was a cool evening, and we were all in good spirits. Good times.
One of many special moments was when my tiny little son (now 13 years old) was picked out to play Jafar in the little show they used to do in Adventureland. Not sure if they still do this show or not...but he was so excited that he got picked to be in the show.
>>>"You know, it's your job to steer."<<< My grandson was dressed as Indy one year. The cast members all made a big fuss over him and always got him into the drivers seat. (There was no line and I think he rode it 5 times.) He took the job very seriously and would get so mad at the other passengers for looking into the eyes of the idol and forcing him to save everyone.
These have been so fun to read! Mine would have to be my own proposal/engagement at Tomorrowland Terrace with the help of Suburban Legends AND the first trip ever with my daughter just a few months ago. Both of those times were really special. My favorite meets were the ones in 2003. I missed the 50th meets but those ones in 2003 were so fun and helped lead me on a path that would land me in California and gave me some lifelong friends.
Cool topic! Not only do I have a favorite memory, I actually have photographic evidence of the event. It was the summer of 1990, and my second visit to Disneyland. I was playing snare drum in the Blue Devils drum corps and got to perform in Town's Square. It was my first (but hardly my last) Disney performance. We rocked the house. The coolest part was entering the park from backstage—kinda like walking from the real world straight into Toontown with no transition to speak of. Good times.
Very cool! I didn't realize that DCI went to DL. It's a shame that DL rarely gets anything other than a high school band these days, and when they do it's never publicized very well so it's easy to miss. That's also an interesting configuration you guys had; I think it's the only time I've see the drumline in front of the winds instead of in the back
The west coast corps do, from time to time. But as you mention, it's rarely publicised and easy to miss. When DCI championships was in Orlando it was easier to enjoy, with the Epcot parade and all that. But of course. How else could everyone see our awesome stick work?
I was actually in Orlando for the DCI finals one year (2003, maybe? I think the Blue Devils ended up winning that year), and I had completely forgotten about seeing them in Epcot. I'm not sure exactly what route they took, but I know they wove through Future World and made a pass under SSE, but I have to assume they also made their way around World Showcase. As best I can figure, it was probably close to a 2 mile parade route. It's no Rose Parade, but that's still a pretty impressive distance! Are you sure it wasn't to cover up how the Blue Devils always play comically simple music, but do a great job of keeping it clean and finding ways to distract people from noticing just how easy it really is? Granted, I'm way too square myself to play swing that clean, let along march to it, but most of the Blue Devils shows I've seen are nowhere near the level of difficulty of other corps (at least from a brass/marching perspective). They're just so freaking clean that it's impossible to overcome Edit: Despite being a member of the self-proclaimed "Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe", I don't think any of us actually believed that we were especially good. Our music and marching abilities were serviceable enough, but we specialized in doing shows with a lot of crowd appeal, not any technical difficulty. Then again, we weren't out there winning "world championships" either
This is my favorite adult memory. Due to my oldest daughter going to Hawaii with her father when I took the younger ones to Disneyland in the 80's; this was the first time we had all 5 kids at Disneyland together. It was Christmas Day and my oldest son HATES drops. I got him talked into it for my Christmas present and the picture did not turn out. I literally begged Jerry to do it again and promised to forgo Mother's Day gifts for 10 years. He did it again. And to commemorate it.........
Too adorable. My daughter, unfortunately, hated her first trip on BTMRR. She would be a teenager under the influence of peer pressure before she would try it again.
Here's one of my favorite pics. My two kids our last trip. Sitting on top in the front of the Storybook boats.