Tag Archives: Disney Memories

Walt Disney World – My First Visit

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My First WDW VisitSo much has changed (and is changing all the time) at Walt Disney World since my first visit nearly 25 years ago.  I though I’d share some random thoughts and memories from that very first trip so long ago – and how I feel about Walt Disney World today.  In case I haven’t told you lately – Thanks for stopping here and reading this blog.  Your visit(s) mean a lot to me…more than you know.

Back BACK back…..a long (really long) time ago…

Growing up, we traveled a LOT.  I was the baby of the family; the youngest of four.  My dad worked for an airline, so we flew free and often.  Of all the places we went, I clearly remember visiting Sea World in Orlando in the early ’70’s – why we didn’t visit Walt Disney World, I’ll never know.  I’d always heard about it and vowed to get there someday!  I can vividly recall a neighborhood friend who was lucky enough to visit Orlando right after Walt Disney World opened – she described Haunted Mansion in such elaborate detail!  I was amazed that something like that could possibly exist.  When I eventually rode it for the first time, I could not believe how my memories of her stories matched the actual ride precisely.  Later, when my big brother got old enough to travel with his friends, he went to Walt Disney World and entertained me with explanations of how the tickets worked and that E-ticket rides were the best!

Flash forward to the late ’80’s….

Among the many things I fell in love with about Raymond when we met was that he had Tying the Knot 1989visited Walt Disney World several times, loved it, and couldn’t wait to go back.  This was clearly a relationship meant to be!  We met, dated for a few weeks, got engaged and were married less than 10 months after we met.  As a newlywed, happily in love, I wondered, “Now could I finally go to Disney World?”  Sort of.  We both had work committments that made taking time off for a real honeymoon impossible after our September wedding, so we planned a delayed trip for February.  We’d visit Walt Disney World and also take a cruise on The Big Red Boat (precurser to Disney having their own cruiseline).  Little did we know that by delaying the honeymoon, baby #1 would be on the way already by the time we went.

Raymond was so excited to show me everything he loved most about the Disney parks and hotels.  We stayed at the Grand Floridian, which we thought was heavenly.  I remember what a huge splurge it was and how luxurious those fluffy white robes were.  I felt so grown up!  I remember it rained while we were there and how happy we were in our ponchos running around Magic Kingdom.  Every single minute was magical.

Hats in Epcot's Mexico PavilionLife got really busy after that.  Six years went by before we found the means to make it back to Walt Disney World again – and by that time, the two of us had become four.  The memories of the first visit that seemed almost too good to be true were suddenly surpassed by new memories that were even better!  This Disney couple had become a Disney family!  Our children loved Walt Disney World every bit as much as we did and the die was cast – this was how we wanted to vacation!  And how we would, every chance we got.

Time flies when you’re having fun!  I can’t believe we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago.  Our children are somehow, incredibly, 19 and 24!  There was no way we could let this occasion pass without just the right celebration.  In 8 short days, Raymond and I will embark on what I’ve been referring to as our “Walt Disney World, Bay Lake Tower, 25th Anniversary, Alone-at-Last Extravaganza”!  We know we are going to have a magical, wonderful time…we always do.

What do you remember most about your first Walt Disney World visit?

If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your Disney vacations when the kids grow up, click here.

 

Shorts Saturday: What Made Me Smile Today

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http://magicalfamilyadventures.blogspot.com/p/shorts.htmlThis week’s Shorts Saturday, a blog hop hosted by Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere , is going to be quite a challenge.  The subject:  What made me smile today – is pretty easy since I smiled a lot.  The hard part is describing it in 50 words or less.  FIFTY!  Yikes.  I’ll do my best….here goes:

It’s cold and dreary out.  Winter’s still going strong, but I can always count on my husband to know just what we need.  We’re starting our evening off with a glass of wine and online shopping for Disney travel posters.  Perfect reminder of summer and our last Disney cruise.  DSCN2986

Shorts Saturdays – My First Disney Memory

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Shorts Saturdays, inspired by the Disney Shorts, is a “question of the week blog hop” hosted by Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere, with each prompt using a limited number of words.  Today’s prompt – Earliest Disney Memory in 100 words or less.  Not sure I can do it, but I’ll give it a try!

My earliest Disney memory dates back to around 1969 – when I was a very little girl.  I must photohave been enjoying a prolonged Sunday afternoon nap.  So long, my mother felt it necessary to actually wake me up.  I must have given some sleepy resistance because I distinctly remember the gentle words she used to draw me from slumber – if you don’t wake up, you’ll miss Wild Kingdom and Wonderful World of Disney.  Of course, that was all it took.  Sunday night was the very best TV night of the week!

Do You Have a Disney Lucky Charm?

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IMG_2100Do you have a Disney Lucky Charm?  Whether you’re superstitious or not – I cannot be the only person who has woven a love for Disney into everyday life by occasionally (or everyday) carrying around a “lucky” Disney talisman or favorite Disney item of some sort.

Maybe a pressed penny from the Magic Kingdom has found its way into your pocket.  Perhaps a certain Donald Duck sweatshirt seems to help your team win when you wear it.  Maybe you’ve adorned your ride with a Nemo antenna topper or a Tinker Bell window decal.  Are you keeping time with a Mickey Mouse watch?  Could be you even have a candle that smells just like the Karamelle-Kuch!  Cup o’ morning java in a Goofy mug?  Personally, I’ve been known to tuck a particularly favored Disney pin under the lapel of my suit before making an IMG_2512important presentation at work.

Even though, to the non-Disney people around us, they might seem like common souvenirs – silly even.  These objects are powerful symbols to us!  They represent all the happiness and magic – the wonderful moments we’ve experienced on a Disney vacation.  Perfect memories waiting for us to revisit anytime we like.  For me, they also act as motivation…day-to-day life throws an unexpected challenge?  I can make it!  I’ve been ridiculously happy and I will be again!  I’m going to Disney World!  Why do we have countdown clocks and calendars we start using hundreds of days in advance of our next Disney vacation?

IMG_2511In case of emergency, break plastic.  I have a Donald Duck Pez Dispenser.  Even though I got it as a Fish Extender gift 2-and-a-half years ago, it’s still in the wrapper.  I carry it in my lunch bag everyday, but I hope I never have to open it.  I’m saving it for an emergency.   What kind of emergency?  The kind of dire – I’m-a-woman-on-the-edge – sort of moment.  You know – stressed, tired, sad, frustrated, and angry all at the same time – you’re at your wit’s end and feel like the world will never be right again.  That’s the moment I’m waiting for!  So far, so good – but if you ever see me flipping back Donald’s head and taking a bite of candy – turn around and RUN!

What are your most meaningful Disney objects?  I’d love to see pictures and have the stories and memories that go along with them.  Please share and I’ll post your special Disney lucky charm right here at Living a Disney Life.