Originally Posted By sjhym333 Since we see the same people posting in this section, it sometimes feels like a family...with all the good and bad that implies. I assume that if someone is following this and other Disney websites on an ongoing basis, you are all big WDW fans or Disney theme park fans. I KNOW that some of you feel passionate about Disney parks. So my question is...what is your WDW history? What happened in your past that has made you the fan you are today? I think it would be interesting to hear the stories of how we all became bound to the thing we call the Walt Disney World Resort.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip My first visit to WDW was in 1991. I was attending a conference in Naples FL and decided to take my wife and kids along and fly into Orlando and then rent a car. We only had two days there and very little money. We bought no souvenirs on-site and ate as little possible. We stayed at an off-site hotel, had breakfast at McDonald's, a bowl of soup for lunch at Cosmic Ray's (called Tomorrowland Terrace back then), and pizza in our hotel room at the end of the day. Our first day we went to the MK and went to Epcot on the second. Epcot especially blew me away. When we returned home I constantly read and re-read the park guide books... back when they had actual guidebooks with a photo and description of every attraction instead of the fold-out brochures they use today. I knew I wanted to return and started saving everything I could for my next visit. In 1994 we went again, this time a one week trip staying on-site. It was a totally different experience than staying off-site and made me a fan for life. I've been to WDW every year since then, some years a couple of visits. I've been there more than 25 times... I've lost count.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 I'll start I grew up in NYC and I am old enough to say that I remember the 64-65 NY Worlds Fair. My mom was a stay at home mom and she loved the fair. We went a lot! So my first Disney theme park attractions were the original COP, Small World, Ford and Illinois (Great Moments with Lincoln) No trip to the Fair was complete without a visit to those 4 attractions. My dad has since given me all his slides he took from the NY Worlds Fair. I remember being mesmerized by those attractions. My dad loved Florida and he used to get Orlando Magazine. When WDW was being built (and again when EPCOT was being built) Orlando Magazine ran a monthly article with pictures about the construction. I remember thinking this place was going to amazing. In 1970 our family took a road trip to Florida...heading to Miami beaches. All the way down I kept haunting my dad about stopping at the Disney Preview Center (the bldg still stands in Lake Buena Vista). I think mostly to shut me up we stopped. I remember seeing the preview presentation including the model of the resort. There was also a gift shop. I still have what I bought there plus I kept all the Orlando Magazines. In 1971 we made a return trip to Florida...again to Miami. I haunted my dad for days about going to WDW but he was kept saying no. THEN one day I saw that our hotel in Miami was running a one day trip to WDW that included transportation and a one day ticket. I pleaded with my dad to take us but he was set against it. However, my favorite aunt was on the trip and she decided that she wanted to see WDW and she was going to take me!!! After a 3 hour bus trip we arrived. My first memory was taking the monorail over to the MK. A site that still amazes all these years later I might add. We spent the day in the park. We did Small World, Country Bears, Haunted Mansion and we waited for 45 mins for the Hall of Presidents (can you believe that). We also did the Jungle Cruise and a couple of other things. We went back to Miami and I was hooked. We visited a couple of more times. When I became a college student I made a couple of more trips on my own and finally I couldn't stand it anymore...I had to be there all the time. So I packed up my new wife and our new baby and we moved to Orlando on June 30, 1982. On July 5 I started working at WDW. I had an amazing Disney career (another topic completely) and that is how I became a WDW fan.
Originally Posted By hopemax Growing up in the North West corner of Washington State, basically as far away from WDW as you could get while being in the continental US, going to WDW was always a big dream. I didn't actually get there until September 1995 when I was 19 years old. My parents had talked about going for the opening of the Studios, but because of uncertainty with my Dad's job it didn't happen. I think the WDW trip came about because I went to DL on a spring break trip earlier in the year, and that got my Dad re-interested in Disney (he was a big Disney fan from the years when he was stationed at Camp Pendleton during the Vietnam war). I was barely home from that before my Dad asked, "So you want to go to Disney World?" Duh... I wish I could remember more of that trip because it was the only one with World of Motion, original Universe of Energy and original Figment, before the Disney Marketplace became Downtown Disney, etc. But the parts I remember are the things still there. We went back for the 25th anniversary, and then I went on my honeymoon in 1998. In 1999 my Mom started working for the Mouse, and so we started doing more frequent trips because they became much more affordable. My parents moved to Florida in 2005, so now it's basically where I go when "I want to get away." Although, since Harry Potter opened, it's less about going to WDW as going to Central Florida to see friends and family, and maybe do a bit of Disney while I'm there.
Originally Posted By disneymusic Being from Louisiana has it's ups and downs. But a lot of times the downs dominate. Disney was always an escape for us. I wasn't a true Disney fan until about 10 years ago. It really hit me that WDW was just a place of pure happiness. It was my escape from the reality that I didn't always like in Louisiana. I am also a music business student and I love seeing how the parks operate. What Disney and Orlando represent to me is my escape. Anytime I'm feeling down or that life isn't always going to plan, I know Disney will always be there to welcome me back to the magic; to welcome me home. And that's why I'm the Disney fan that I am.
Originally Posted By rhodisney My Disney history started with the TV series the Mickey Mouse Club in the 60's. DL was still new and WDW hadn't been made yet, so we all watched Bobby and Annette and dreamed of being one of those cool kids. Then on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. Disney's Wonderful world of Color would come on NBC ? (I think I remember the Peacock logo). (This was wayyyy before any such thing as a Disney animated movie video was made!) So that's how we got to see Mr. Walt and hear his distinctive voice and see him as a person and animal lover, animator and storyteller before he was an amusement park genius.
Originally Posted By rhodisney Part 2 My first introduction to the park was when just MK was built in Florida, I don't think Epcot even broke ground then..maybe 1974 or early 75. I remember there being ticket books, and the haunted mansion was an E probably. The brick ,walkway to it hadn't been laid yetand I remember walking up to it on dirt. (They'd never have that happen nowadays, everything has to be pristine for an opening!) Five years later I went to Disneyland, and man was it a lot smaller! Five years later I won a honeymoon trip airfare,WDW tickets,rental car and hotel accom. at the Days Inn somewhere by the Orlando airport. And I kept going every 5 years after that. I am a big landscape and grounds person. I also like the architecture and the efficiency that the parks are run, their attention to detail is impecable.....and a good roller coaster never hurts!!!! That's just a few of the reasons I've come to love WDW. Now I have grandchildren that I can't wait to show it to.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost sjhym333, if you were coming down from NY to Miami Orlando was quite a jump out of your way. I suspect that your Dad had already planned on stopping there all along. Parents think they are sooooo clever.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 For me it started in DLR in 71, I was a baby. My mom would take me and my sister all the time. Then in 97 my DH and kids moved to Oklahoma. I started working at our Disney store in 02 because I needed my Disney fix. In 03 we started going to WDW. We love it so much that we go every other year. I was pregnant with my DS the first time we went. He is now 9 and we are going again next year. He thinks that everyone goes as much as we do. I know it's not a lot for some but we go when I have saved enough money to go and that way we don't use credit cards. Disney is all of my happy memories, even when things were not so good, Disney was and still is. It is a magical place and a great place to work. I'm now at our Disney outlet and I couldn't be happier than working for the mouse.
Originally Posted By KatieKate123 When I was a little girl around 4 years old I went to Disneyland because I lived in California. Then we had a huge Disney break, and I did not go until I got into High School. My band went as a band trip, driving the 16 hours to Florida and spending a week in the World. That was an amazing experience, because I was there with my friends but I did not visit again until my oldest daughter turned 5. My mother decided to take her to WDW, and invited me to come along. That was such a special trip, and it brought along my passion. Seeing Disney through my daughter's eyes (both of theirs was so magical) My youngest who was 4 at the time, got so excited seeing tinker bell fly down from the castle. They truly brought out all of those small things, that do not seem so big. It was so sad to leave the World at the end of the week and so I decided to go back the following year. We are again planning a trip to the world for this year. This will be our 5th trip. I truly can not stand the thought of being in Florida and not In the World for the whole week but they want to experience discovery cove, and visiting winter so I guess I will have to live with only 4 days.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn My first visit was 1972 when I was in a stroller. Been back every year since then until 2002. I grew during the birth and growth of EPCOT Center (and yes, I still use the word "Center"). That place inspired me to become an engineer. I took a break to see the rest of America (baseball parks, national parks, etc.) I visit Disney once every 4 years now. Actually split between Universal and Disney.
Originally Posted By dizneed What a thread! My first trip was in 1973. I had a paper route, I was 13 then and there was a contest at the time, if I signed up 20 new customers for 13 weeks, (thanks mom for working really hard on getting those customers for me) we would win a trip to Florida for three days, One day at Disney and one day at Sea World, all inclusive. No parents just us paper deliverers (accompanied by some lucky chaperons though). We flew out from Montreal to Florida via Delta air lines. We spent our first day at the Magic Kingdom. I remember Main Street, The Haunted Mansion and eating a hot dog and fries at the Crystal Palace. A side note, I had also learned about the effects of gambling so to speak, a boy had been given 100.00$ spending money from his parents (a lot of money in those days, especially for kids our age) and he had spent it all on the first day on pinball machines. By the time we hit MK the next day, he hadn’t a penny left for souvenirs. I had met my wife to be in 1980 and she had never been to Disney World. Finally in 1988 we drove out to Florida from Montreal (25 hour drive) for a couple of weeks. We had bought four day passes and did two days of MK and two days of EPCOT….glorious. Since that year we’ve been blessed enough to be able to go once to twice a year, mostly driving back & forth. Our first daughter was born in 1991 and our second daughter was born in 1995. For their first 16-17 years, we spent our vacations at Disney every year. It was kind of our annual Griswald Family Vacation but not nearly as many weird things happening to us. LOL! Oh what beautiful memories of those trips. Since we were on a budget every year, that’s why we drove, flying was just too expensive, we stayed mostly off site. I remember the Days Inn on HWY 192 (1989) great clean rooms then. A night’s stay was 9.95$ with a coupon and when you stayed 3 nights or more you got 10.00$ of gas. We’ve stayed on site only once, and it was in 2000 at the Movies resort for two weeks. It was a great experience but three times the price of staying off site, but no regrets. Suffice to say that we’ve witnessed the rise and fall of a great many things at Walt Disney World over the years. Our next trip is planned for this September on site at the Caribbean Beach with the dining plan (funny how hindsight works…). Thank you for allowing me to share, it was kind of therapeutic. Have a great day everyone.
Originally Posted By Princessjenn5795 I have much more of a history with Disneyland than with WDW. I grew up, and still live, near Seattle, so Disneyland was the park I went to as a kid, the first park I took my kids, and the one I will probably continue to go to most often. I did not actually make it to WDW until last year, and I am going again in a couple of weeks because my husband has a convention to go to nearby in Orlando. I love WDW, but not nearly as much as I love DL, probably because all of my Disney memories are there.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I love DL for it's walk-ability. I love parking my car at a DL resort hotel and not having to get in a car, bus or tram for the rest of the week. My memories are at WDW and most of those involve my late wife. Although I still enjoy WDW, it will never be quite the same for me even though Ann also enjoys the Disney Parks. We are making our own new memories on the Disney Cruises. My late wife never wanted to go on one since she did not like being out of the sight of land when on the water. Ann and I love them, and are going on our fourth Disney Cruise next September for our third anniversary. We previously went on our honeymoon and 1st and 2nd anniversaries.
Originally Posted By Daannzzz Living in Californian all my life I went to Disneyland for the first time in 1965 and then many times after. Always wanted to go to WDW since it opened. I read articles and such and was quite excited about it. In the meantime life, work and friends all took time and I was less interested aside form the fact that I didn't see how I would have the time or money to get to Florida. I also developed a fear of flying so I always said when I get 2-3 weeks off in a row I would drive to Florida. I saw a few items on the Disney channel but I was under the impression that World Showcase was across the lake from the Contemporary resort. I didn't know about all the hotels and new little about the parks. Year after year this went on until in 1975 I had 4 weeks of vacation a year and the funds and my friend finally talked me into going, not with him, he wasn't interested. I was going to go alone. He bought me the 1996 Unofficial Guide to WDW and thus began my fascination. I planned on going and getting a cheap motel in Kissimmee, but boy was I wanting to stay onsite, and not at the All Star either. We were used to paying $35 - $39 at Anaheim motels so Disney's "Moderate" resort rates were outlandish to me. Needless to say I paid for a moderate resort in May of 1996. My older sister came with me and we had an awesome time. I will never understand people who say they are afraid to go to WDW because it might ruin Disneyland. What??? By the following year I was staying at the Wilderness Lodge and the Yacht Club. In 1998 I did 3 days at the Grand Floridian. So much for the thrifty values that had been instilled in me by Ma and Pa. I still love going to WDW. Have been 14 times since 1996.
Originally Posted By LuvsDsnyTrips ok...here goes.... Living in the Pacific NW...I go to Disneyland twice a year....it never gets old and for me.....I love it more than going to Disneyworld. All of my children love Disneyland and know the parks so well...that they need no direction for anything in the parks... My first trip to Disneyland was in 1998....with friends and my children... We had no idea where to go and I remember standing around alot that week and just watching people go by us....looking back...it was kinda funny. Did not know anything about dining reservations.....but, did know that I would have liked to been able to get into Blue Bayou..... Like I said....looking back...we were totally unprepared for how big the park was and how crowded.... As for Disneyworld....been twice...both at Christmas time...2006 and 2012. Parks were decorated....not to crowded...stayed onsite...loved the free dining last trip... Going to Disneyworld is more like a vacation for me...than Disneyland.. I seem to go commando style at DL.... We loved it....but, Disneyland is "home" for me. Have never tried a cruise and probably will not...(I know myself well enough to know I would not like seeing alot of water)
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 For me I have always loved Walt Disney World ever since I knew about it when I bought one of my 1st books when I was about 12yo. The Art of Walt Disney and it showed The Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Hotel. I'm 51 now and have been to the World over 12 times in 31 yrs.as of this month June 2013. My 1st visit was in 1982. I had just finished the 1st year of my 25 yrs. career in Television and Radio. It was my 1st paid vacation I had ever had. I was 20yo. And I went to the bank and got my 1st ever bank loan of $1000.00 cause I knew if I was gonna go I was going to do it right the 1st time. It was in June of 1982 . I think I was packed at least a month before I left. I'm a person that just like to have that part of the trip done. But it makes the excitement of going on a REAL Vacation. Yes, I had gone to Dallas 2 yrs. before to Six Flags . But this was to be my 1st grown up vacation and the 1st of many by myself. So I got to the travel agent. And I was so excited to go and get all the brochures and the info I could. I tried to get a room at The Contemporary. But I kept calling it The Contemporary A-Frame Hotel to the agent. Who became my agent for 10 yrs. But she kept looking in the brochures and it didn't say that. It had pictures and I was going by the name. So instead I stayed in the Official Hotel Village and stayed at the Travel Lodge the 1st hotel that you see on the right as you go into the entrance. I flew into Orlando took a Greyhound bus that traveled that route and I though I was an international traveler all by myself and very confident and proud that I was real GROWN UP. I check in got my package from the hotel clerk he told me all about the services and I went to my room and looked out and could see out toward the MK. But could not see the castle. But I did see construction from my room for the newest hotel. Which was to become the Buena Vista Palace. It was great day. I was finally there. I was at the one place I always wanted to visit. Outside of family vacation. Which my dad alway wanted to go fishing. I hate fishing. But theres a long and funny story about that. But anyway I was excited and went out that night to the Denny down the road and ate a late night breakfast ansd afterwards went back to my room ready for my 3 days at Disney World and The Magic Kingdom. Day one I get up early and get to the Transportation and Ticket center already had my 3 day pass it showed a value of $38.00 dollars for 2 day at the MK and one day at River Country. I take the Monorail thru the Contemporary and that was it for me. I was finally here. I ride thru and actually see the things I saw in the book I had and was like a kid again. I get let off at the MK and I walk under the train station . And I'm so excited to just stand there and see Main Street and just take it all in. Every bit of it. I rode every ride that day. Starting with Space Mountain. I saw the commercials in 1975 on TV about it and for me it was like seeing the future . I rode Big Thunder Mountain. It had just been opend few yrs and it was so great. Watched the 10 cennial parade and took in a much as I could. Rode 20.000 League Subs. Then decide to take a rest and walked over to the Contemporary and had lunch there. Then when back for the rest of the night. Next day I go back and finish what I didn't;'t do the day before .Went in to the movie theater and the was getting to look and see the Special Oscar Walt got for Snow White. And they were showing the Movie Walt made about EPCOT CENTER. I never got to see the special when I was a kid and I was hooked . Walked out of the showing and the cast member was giving out preview passes to see the construction. I took the monorail over to the site and as it came around the bend there it was Spaceship Earth and we stopped at the station and they gave us a presentation of what was to be opened in a Oct of that yr. I came back to the transportation center took the rest of the day at MK and saw the Electrical Light Parade and I was just so happy. I didn't have a care in the world . Because I was at WDW and happy. I had just seen the future being built and I knew I wanted to come back and see it and I do 3 yrs. later. The last day I took the bus to River Country and just enjoyed it and it met all my expectation. I had fun just go old fun. I could see the Contemporary and I knew one day I would stay there eventually and it's on my bucket list. The next day I get back to Orlando airport to take the plane ride home and on the way back from Dallas we flew in over a thunderstorm and I got to see lightning from the air. It was the best tip of my lifetime up to that time. I have been many times and always had a great time except one time. But it wasn't Disney fault. But to this day. I will never ever forget that trip. I have been many places and last yr. I got to go to Hawaii for 8 days. And that was always one place I wanted to go and see and do. My next big trip is back to Orlando. But not staying at Disney. But will go one day to the studios . But my next big trip after that will be for their 45th anniversary. I have made a trip to every anniversary that WDW has had . And I don't plan on missing the 45th. And this time. I plan on staying at The Contemporary in a room that overlooks the MK and watch the fireworks show from my balcony and relive being 19 yrs. old again and looking through those 19yo. old memories as I did looking throughout the eyes of a 13 yo. did when I first saw the pictures in that book. One other note outside of seeing Wonderful World of Disney on TV. I never ever got to see a Disney Movie till I was much older and my special connection for me and Walt is a sad one. He passed on my 5th birthday. But I knew one day That Dreams Come True! And In 1982 they did for me and have ever since then.
