I've been helping my mother go through old photos, and realized that my upcoming December trip to WDW is 21 years from the date of my first trip. (Which I took while my parents were down visiting me from RI in my new Florida home.)
I've seen a lot of changes since then, both at WDW and personal.
Only 2 parks, and EPCOT was brand new. Resorts? Contemporary, Polynesian, Disney Inn, Tree House Villas, and Fort Wilderness. We stayed offsite, as it was still a short, relatively uncrowded drive.
Wine and beer could ONLY be purchased in the sit down restaurants (or attached bars) at EPCOT. Not at counter service or kiosks. I remember when we first visited Universal, how surprised we were by the availability of beer!
The food and beverage choices were much more limited. I was pregnant on my second trip (4 months later) and was limited to milk and water. My vegetarian SIL had to pack her own lunch, as there were no options except at full service restaurants, and only by special request to the chef.
There was still bus service around the world showcase, which alternated with the boats. I don't recall any fireworks at EPCOT on my earliest trips. I think Illuminations started a couple of years later.
EPCOT was open from 9AM to 10PM, and ALL areas were open.
The MK was open until 7PM during the week in Dec; later on the weekends. It was open until midnight every night in the summer season.
They still had the heavy duty steel and vinyl strollers with the extended footrest and awning. It was sturdy enough to place light packages on top. You think strollers are dangerous NOW? These guys were lethal!
You could still purchase a 2 day pass, and each day was stamped as you used it. APs required a trip to GS for a photo and lamination. I still have some old ones.
CBR was originally built as a value resort. It was the AS and Pop Century of it's day.
I've gone on long enough. I'll let some of the other oldtimers (guests for 15 years or longer) chime in now.
I've seen a lot of changes since then, both at WDW and personal.
Only 2 parks, and EPCOT was brand new. Resorts? Contemporary, Polynesian, Disney Inn, Tree House Villas, and Fort Wilderness. We stayed offsite, as it was still a short, relatively uncrowded drive.
Wine and beer could ONLY be purchased in the sit down restaurants (or attached bars) at EPCOT. Not at counter service or kiosks. I remember when we first visited Universal, how surprised we were by the availability of beer!
The food and beverage choices were much more limited. I was pregnant on my second trip (4 months later) and was limited to milk and water. My vegetarian SIL had to pack her own lunch, as there were no options except at full service restaurants, and only by special request to the chef.
There was still bus service around the world showcase, which alternated with the boats. I don't recall any fireworks at EPCOT on my earliest trips. I think Illuminations started a couple of years later.
EPCOT was open from 9AM to 10PM, and ALL areas were open.
The MK was open until 7PM during the week in Dec; later on the weekends. It was open until midnight every night in the summer season.
They still had the heavy duty steel and vinyl strollers with the extended footrest and awning. It was sturdy enough to place light packages on top. You think strollers are dangerous NOW? These guys were lethal!
You could still purchase a 2 day pass, and each day was stamped as you used it. APs required a trip to GS for a photo and lamination. I still have some old ones.
CBR was originally built as a value resort. It was the AS and Pop Century of it's day.
I've gone on long enough. I'll let some of the other oldtimers (guests for 15 years or longer) chime in now.
