Favorite childhood memory

There are so many but the most powerful is; my daughter was around age 8 or 9. She had read that there was a white pony that was “Cinderella’s Pony”. After several days of not seeing this pony a very helpful Cast Member told us visitors could go to “the stables” located near Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. We took a boat from MK over to Fort Wilderness, got directions, then walked to the stables. There another friendly Cast Member took us to the stall where the pony was, got the pony out and let my daughter pet and hug “Cinderella’s Pony!
This old school, tough guy football coach had tears in his eyes as I watched the sheer joy on my daughters face! In that moment I became a devoted WDW fan for life!

I've always loved Disney. But when my oldest was 4 and his sisters were 2, I decided to take him only to Disney. My sister (with her 2 boys) and my Mom came along. Seeing Disney through his eyes created The Magic that has lived with me ever since. That was 16 years ago.

The magic of feeling that you really were going to another world in the first visit at a young age.

Jeff;2516170 wrote: There are so many but the most powerful is; my daughter was around age 8 or 9. She had read that there was a white pony that was “Cinderella’s Pony”. After several days of not seeing this pony a very helpful Cast Member told us visitors could go to “the stables” located near Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. We took a boat from MK over to Fort Wilderness, got directions, then walked to the stables. There another friendly Cast Member took us to the stall where the pony was, got the pony out and let my daughter pet and hug “Cinderella’s Pony!
This old school, tough guy football coach had tears in his eyes as I watched the sheer joy on my daughters face! In that moment I became a devoted WDW fan for life!

Brought tears to my eyes just reading about it.

magicofdisney;2516171 wrote: I've always loved Disney. But when my oldest was 4 and his sisters were 2, I decided to take him only to Disney. My sister (with her 2 boys) and my Mom came along. Seeing Disney through his eyes created The Magic that has lived with me ever since. That was 16 years ago.

Does he still take trips with you? Trips with my kids were awesome when they were young, but I find them even better now that they've grown up.

baldburke;2516176 wrote: The magic of feeling that you really were going to another world in the first visit at a young age.

Yeah. I remember waiting in line for 2 hours to get into Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland when I was young (back in the E-ticket days. Yeah, I'm old.) Once I got in there though, it was so real. I even wanted to grow up and live in the "house" with the old guy on the rocking chair.

My 2favorite memories of our girls going to WDW when younger-

First trip for Stephanie when she was 18 months old. She got sick about 5 days before our trip, was in hospital 3 nights and was released 24 hours before we boarded plane. I was really nervous going on trip but she did great the entire week. she loved the characters. She was especially excited to see Tigger at Chef Mickey’s. He motioned he wanted to hold her and she just melted into his arms and wouldn’t let go. He happily held her for at least 5 minutes and I got some really cute pictures.

Another trip when the girls were around 4 and 8 it was pouring at the MK during a morning visit. Streams of water was flowing in Fantasyland and our shoes and socks were completely soaked. We managed not to get too wet dodging the rain between downpours except for our feet. Arrived at our lunch at Cinderella’s castle a little early. No one was in greeting Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. The girls had about a 10 minute private greeting with the 2. They talked and sang and it was just so much fun!

Cinderelley;2516201 wrote: Yeah. I remember waiting in line for 2 hours to get into Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland when I was young (back in the E-ticket days. Yeah, I'm old.) Once I got in there though, it was so real. I even wanted to grow up and live in the "house" with the old guy on the rocking chair.

What was the Hall of Presidents like with only 20 presidents?

I have no childhood memories!! :( My first visit was when I was 41 years young.

Also, no kids, so I'm shut out on that as well.

Keep 'em coming so I can live vicariously through your recollections!!!

PopPhan;2516224 wrote: I have no childhood memories!! :( My first visit was when I was 41 years young.

Also, no kids, so I'm shut out on that as well.

Keep 'em coming so I can live vicariously through your recollections!!!

Better late than never!

Katzateer;2516214 wrote: My 2favorite memories of our girls going to WDW when younger-

First trip for Stephanie when she was 18 months old. She got sick about 5 days before our trip, was in hospital 3 nights and was released 24 hours before we boarded plane. I was really nervous going on trip but she did great the entire week. she loved the characters. She was especially excited to see Tigger at Chef Mickey’s. He motioned he wanted to hold her and she just melted into his arms and wouldn’t let go. He happily held her for at least 5 minutes and I got some really cute pictures.

Another trip when the girls were around 4 and 8 it was pouring at the MK during a morning visit. Streams of water was flowing in Fantasyland and our shoes and socks were completely soaked. We managed not to get too wet dodging the rain between downpours except for our feet. Arrived at our lunch at Cinderella’s castle a little early. No one was in greeting Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. The girls had about a 10 minute private greeting with the 2. They talked and sang and it was just so much fun!

Those are such special moments.

texas211;2516221 wrote: What was the Hall of Presidents like with only 20 presidents?

I don't know. I haven't stopped in there since it was only one president. :P

I'll meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.

 

PopPhan;2516224 wrote: I have no childhood memories!! :( My first visit was when I was 41 years young.

Also, no kids, so I'm shut out on that as well.

Keep 'em coming so I can live vicariously through your recollections!!!

My daughter says I act like I'm 4. You will have many stories to tell after October. :P

There are so many good ones to choose from, I had to think about it for a bit.:wait:

Probably the best is (and bear with me on this) is my first trip in '71. It was Christmas Day & after opening presents the night before & getting up really early to arrive before rope drop, we headed out for the drive to MK (it was the only park in '71). The slow buildup Walt & the Imagineers planned worked perfectly on me. We first saw the green highway signs pointing right to Walt Disney World. Next, the signage change to Disney colors. Then the ticket booth for parking. The tram ride! The purchase of the ticket books! (NEVER enough E-Tickets!) :rolleyes: Then walking down under the train station & coming around the corner in Town Square to see..THE CASTLE!:cloud9: I honestly believe that it was in that moment I became a lifelong Disney Geek.:mickey: I still, to this day, never get tired of that view. The park was open until 1AM that day, and we stayed for the entire time.:clappy: As we were driving back, my mom asked how I liked the whole thing, and I yelled out "This was the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!":joy: Chuckles & smiles from mom & dad.:thumbsup: