Feeling "At Home" At WDW

[Raineman]

Having recently completed my third ever trip to WDW, I am still experiencing a bit of a WDW hangover, and I think a big part of it is that, by the time we left, I felt very "at home" in the parks. What I mean by that is, I knew how to navigate the parks, know almost all shortcuts and little known areas/secrets-things were starting to feel familiar to me, to the point that, if someone who hadn't been there before asked me any question, I should be able to answer it. Now that I am home, and do not have the parks a short bus ride away, and most likely won't for 2 or 3 years, it feels like something is missing. Does anyone else who does not visit WDW alot, feel like this? It almost feels like I made a new best friend, who I won't be able to see for a long time.

 

[Herdman]

We've always had a hangover after every trip we've made. There is so much buildup in all the planning and preparation, then you go and have an unbelievable time that goes by so quickly, and then you're home and back to reality. We also only get to go every 3-4 years so it's definitely depressing when it's over.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I feel so at home at WDW, I sometimes forget I'm not home.

WDW is home for me.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

We go multiple times a month and it's always depressing leaving at night or even the next day. Granted it's not quite as tough on us as is it for you, but it's always tough to leave. Luckily you have this awesome forum that will keep you in touch with the parks between visits.

 

[belledream]

We go once a year, and the wait and longing makes for a long year. We can never wait to step foot back in the place that brings us such inexplicable joy. It's always hard to leave and it never feels like "yeah, I could go home now" because we could literally sit on a bench for the rest of the day and be so happily entertained. Pictures, music, memories, and dreaming of the future...it's what keeps us going.

 

[Seanual757]

Even being local we miss our home away from home. We head out to the parks 3-4 times a month and stay 3-4 times a year. We purchased DVC last year because we have 3 small children, and a 4th on the way. Our vacations for the next 10+ years will be all Disney. But even a day trip we hate leaving, for me I think it’s because the wife and kids enjoy it so much we get to forget about the daily grind and spend quality family time with each other.

 

[danyoung56]

I've always said my life has 2 states to it - inside a Disney park, and outside a Disney park. I'm lucky enough to visit either WDW or DL every 3 months or so. Disney's getting a whole buncha my money!

 

[Tinkerbella16]

Every single time I leave, I have that feeling.. and it lasts until I book the next trip. It is the only place where I do feel at home, where every trip feels like the first even though I have gone on 23 trips to WDW. My aunt and uncle happened to be there the same week as me in November, and we were staying at the same resort (POR), so we met up a lot in the parks, for a meal and in the food court. My uncle never goes to Disney, the last time they went was when their kids were little. All these years he never understood my love for WDW, until this trip where we were there at the same time. He said "now I know why you love this place so much. You are so happy here, it is like your home." That is exactly what I feel when I'm there, which makes it harder to leave every single time.

 

[Rescue Ranger]

For me, WDW is home. More so than my own "home".
It may sound crazy to some, but that is how I honestly feel. With the exception of one home, I never stayed long in one house growing up and even now. Walt Disney World has been the one main consistent place in my life where I can always return, to experience the same smells, feelings & moments I did all those years ago.

Sure, there have been changes...some for the better, some for the worse, but I always feel at home.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Separation makes the love for anything intensify, that goes for people and places. Once you get a love for Disney and youve experienced a variety of what the place offers you cant wait to get back for more. It doesnt matter if theres a short or long time between visits, that lapse of time makes you ache for what youre missing. Thinking about others having the time of their lives while you sit at home planning, saving and hoping to return is excruciatingly painful. Nothing helps enough except that day you finally get to book the next trip.

 

[KaliSplash]

Wasn't quite sure what this thread was going to be by the title. I was thinking how much I love it when they welcome you home at the Wilderness Lodge. Then there are places in the parks that just feel so at home. Walking along Frontierland at night is one of them. But then, walking down Mainstreet USA on arrival also creates that effect.

But to get to the apparent direction of this thread. I actually develop a sense of dread right before I get to WDW. All I can think of for a bit is that "this time next week or this time Saturday or whatever, I'll be leaving." Fortunately, driving under the gates at the property border cures it every time.

 

[mouse_luv]

Having recently completed my third ever trip to WDW, I am still experiencing a bit of a WDW hangover, and I think a big part of it is that, by the time we left, I felt very "at home" in the parks. What I mean by that is, I knew how to navigate the parks, know almost all shortcuts and little known areas/secrets-things were starting to feel familiar to me, to the point that, if someone who hadn't been there before asked me any question, I should be able to answer it. Now that I am home, and do not have the parks a short bus ride away, and most likely won't for 2 or 3 years, it feels like something is missing. Does anyone else who does not visit WDW alot, feel like this? It almost feels like I made a new best friend, who I won't be able to see for a long time.

Yep, it's almost constant until I know I am able to go back again. It's a separation anxiety kind of longing ache. And to put it nicely--it sucks big time!

 

[fireworksandfairytales]

I'm blessed enough to get to go to WDW every couple of months or so, but I still feel so sad every time I leave. Walt Disney World is definitely my home more than my actual home is.

 

[Matt_Black]

The worst is the first few nights back when you wake up and you realize you're not in your hotel room.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I love visiting Disney World. However, when I come back to reality, I always struggle with Post Disney Vacation Depression.

 

[MadMax11]

We go every other year. Like the first day of school, our WDW trips have sort of marked the time. Looking back at pictures of our kids on these trips...my oldest is now 16. We will go in June...and then the next trip right after he's graduated high school. That's terrifying to me. It all moves too quickly.