OK ... doing the math on my Disney trips has opened my eyes to my "problem."
First visit to Disneyland ... 1972 when I was 6, and honestly, the only think I remember is Pirates. And that may be because my parents bought me the ride book.
First visit to WDW ... 1975 when I was 11.
We stayed off site in Kissimee somewhere. I recall how much bigger that park seemed than DL, but not too much else. We only had a couple of days at MK after doing all the normal for the time Central Florida and Space coast stuff.
WDW ... MK in 1978
We actually went down for a quick visit when our local college football team made the Tangerine Bowl in 78. MK was an afterthought on that visit and I think we only spent the morning there for the bowl game parades. That was the first time I remember riding Space Mountain ... like four times in an hour. My parents were less impressed than I.
WDW in 1982 ... MK and Epcot between Christmas and NYE
It was a big deal because Epcot had opened that fall, but it was PACKED that Christmas and I honestly wasn't all that impressed. My Dad had built a hotel in Winter Park and we stayed there and visited some family in addition to WDW
WDW in 1995 with my parents, wife and 2 children
First time we stayed on property (Contemporary) and the first trip for my own kids. By now the whole resort was grown out with Studios opened up and much of the value and mid-priced resorts either built of being built. My kids were 4 and 2 and staying on the Monorail made it great for tag team touring while they took their afternoon naps. THIS is when the bug really hit and I credit it to both having my own kids at the parks and staying on property. We've never stayed off site since.
WDW in 1998 with the same crew
Stayed at the Poly and made it for the soft opening period of Animal Kingdom ... which was really cool. This trip, I think is when my daughter caught the Disney bug.
WDW in winter 2002 with the same crew
My Mom talked everybody into doing a land/sea trip on the
Disney Cruise lines with a long weekend at the Poly. Never really got the cruise thing and I remember our trip down was majorly impacted by a big winter storm screwing up multiple airports. The kids loved it though.
WDW in Dec 2003 with the wife and kids
Quick trip once again for an NC State bowl game. Stayed at All Star Music and spent a couple of days in the Parks since we were in the area.
WDW in summer 2008 with the wife and kids
My Daughter's choice for her last High School vacation. We stayed at Poly again, by now I was hooked and that as well. Everybody fell in love with the Tower of Terror and Exp. Everest
Planning to come back with the wife and kids this May, first stay at AKL ... and who knows from there. My daughter has an interview with Casting and is contemplating a job in the World.