Was it magical for you as a child?

[heart4dis]

How many of you went to WDW as a child? What do you think is the youngest age for remembering the experience on your own (w/o the help of parents reminding you with pix/videos)? Was it as magical as a child as it is as an adult? What was your favorite memory and how old were you?

I dreamed of going to WDW as a child, but my family could not afford it. I went as an adult and was so thrilled--I fell under its spell! I wonder if I appreciate it more because I saw it as an adult...I guess I'm wondering if my children will be either jaded by going as children or if I am now building up their expectations too much (I may be guilty of that!! I gush about Disney.) We're going no matter what, I would just like it to be AT LEAST as wonderful for them as my first time was.

I took my nephew when he was 4 (I didn't have children yet). He remembers because we show him pictures and talk about it. My youngest will be 7 (he'll have his bday at WDW) and I hope he'll remember it. The others: DD11, DS10, DS8...and DS7.

 

[disneyvoice]

I grew up ten minutes away from Disneyland. My family moved from Maryland to California when I was five. The company that was wooing my dad told him to bring me along when he went out for a visit. They put us up at the Disneyland Hotel in a room right next to the monorail and gave us free tickets (they definately knew what they were doing!) I am a total Disney fanatic because of my magical experiences as a child. I remember that very first trip. I always ended up at Disneyland at least once or twice a year as I grew up. Everytime I came home from college, I would bring friends home and we would go to Disneyland. Now that I live in Indiana WDW is closer so I go with my DH every year. I fell in love with WDW my first trip!! Now I can't imagine going to Disneyland anymore because I have been spoiled by WDW. Your kids will love it. Even though I can't remember many specific details about my first trip, I do remember that it was such a very, special place. I remember that I was too shy to go up to Snow White so my dad went and told her that I wanted my picture taken with her. My dad had told her my name so she came over, knelt down and actually said my name!!! She talked to me for quite a while, all by myself since I was so shy. Later on we passed her again and she called me by name and waved to me. It was something so very simple but 25 years later I still remember how it made me feel.

 

[JetMom]

I was 9 the first time I went and it was amazing! I remember stopping in my tracks in the middle of Main street with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes at the sight of Cinderella's Castle. Funny - but I still have the same reaction.

My 3 DS's were 5 , 3, and 3 1/2 at the times of their first visits (different trips).

I know that they had a wonderful time because I was able to experience the magic through their eyes.

They each have a memory or two of their first trip, but it's enough.

My youngest turned 5 last week and he wanted to have his birthday party @ Typhoon Lagoon! LOL
And he has not been to WDW since 10/2001!

He may not remember much, but he remembers Ketch-a-Kiddie Creek!

 

[Barb D]

I went to Disneyland as a child, and yes, it was totally magical. I can still summon the same feelings, and I feel exactly the same way every time I go to WDW. What's odd is that my sister had exactly the same childhood I had, but Disney does nothing for her. I wonder what went into each of our psychological makeups to make us so different about that one issue.

 

[3yL]

My only trip to WDW was when I was 4. It was 1974, and I believe they were in the process of building Epcot, but MK was the only park at the time. I don't remember a lot - I do remember the Dumbo ride, Small World, the Tom Sawyer ride (?). We only have a few pictures of the trip, so that could be why I don't remember much anymore. The one picture we have is horrid though, I'm standing with my grandparents, mouse ears on, and have the poutiest, grumpiest look. I keep reminding myself that we WILL leave the park before any of my kids get that look.