-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
How big a part is Disney or Disney World in your life?
- Thread starter mergatroid
- Start date
and thanks to those who don't fixate on a busted animatronic or ride effect. Refreshing!
Nick Wilde
Well-Known Member
Disney is life. I live at WDW. I hide in E:E with the feral cats. I steal turkey legs to survive. I found a mobile phone and that's how I go on these forums. If Disney goes out of business I will return to my home planet, and go into a deep slumber until they revive Walt's body, which is cryogenically frozen under POTC, as everyone knows. Then I will return, and I will morph into his body, and overthrow all governments and become the ruler of the Earth. And Disney. Will. Be. Forever.
Victor Kelly
Well-Known Member
When I was a kid, a huge part. When I matured into my teens I still wanted to work for Disney all the way till I got to the college program that got cancelled and Disney told all of us to off. After that, I began collecting Disney stuff, but the greatness and diminished. Now, at almost 40, I still love Disney, but I spend a lot less time reading about Disney and even less time posting about it.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
I'd have to say that it is less of my idle thought then it once was. My first big family trip with my young girls was such a wonderful experience that I was instantly hooked. We went on a very tight budget, but, everything, and I do mean everything, went without any issues at all. Not even little ones.
I day-dreamed for years about someday working at Disney. I was so impressed with the technology that they employed that I was almost star struck. As time went on and my family dissolved by my divorce and marriage of my children, for a brief time, it was probably the single most intense dependance that I had. It really did help me get through a time in my life when I felt that the world was falling down around me. It was pure escapism on one hand and a place to remember back to happy times and great experiences.
That is why, people see me waffle between being a Disney supporter and a critic. I have always only focused on what was there and never on what used to be there. I would miss thing that were gone for sure, but, I never allowed that to interfere with my ongoing fantasy of fun and perceived perfection.
Overall, it has been a very positive influence on me for the past 30 years. It is still my place of choice when on vacation, but, it isn't just because of WDW. It is because central Florida is a vibrant, tourists directed, place with unlimited things to do there. I could never isolate myself on Disney property only, I would leave knowing that I had missed out on so many other equally great experiences. Guess it all part of getting older, but, I felt that way since my mid thirty's, so it's not a new feeling.
I day-dreamed for years about someday working at Disney. I was so impressed with the technology that they employed that I was almost star struck. As time went on and my family dissolved by my divorce and marriage of my children, for a brief time, it was probably the single most intense dependance that I had. It really did help me get through a time in my life when I felt that the world was falling down around me. It was pure escapism on one hand and a place to remember back to happy times and great experiences.
That is why, people see me waffle between being a Disney supporter and a critic. I have always only focused on what was there and never on what used to be there. I would miss thing that were gone for sure, but, I never allowed that to interfere with my ongoing fantasy of fun and perceived perfection.
Overall, it has been a very positive influence on me for the past 30 years. It is still my place of choice when on vacation, but, it isn't just because of WDW. It is because central Florida is a vibrant, tourists directed, place with unlimited things to do there. I could never isolate myself on Disney property only, I would leave knowing that I had missed out on so many other equally great experiences. Guess it all part of getting older, but, I felt that way since my mid thirty's, so it's not a new feeling.
WondersOfLife
Blink, blink. Breathe, breathe. Day in, day out.
I've been going to WDW every single year ever since the year I was born. When we moved towards the bottom of SC, it was just a 5 hour drive, so we would go every other weekend all the way up until I was in 8th grade. Then we moved to the top of SC and now we go once every year. I've been so many times and rode the same rides over and over again, that I've actually started enjoying little things like details and memories since like 9th grade 
I've been a major WDW history freak ever since I can remember. The history of attractions and the theme parks are just so interesting to me. 
So interesting, that my friends wish I would shut up about it when I take them to Disney because they don't particularly care!
The main thing I like to enjoy now is watching my first-time friends reactions to each different attractions and then ask if they liked it or not. I get some pretty shocking answers at the end of the day.. Last trip, my friend Austin and I went to EPCOT, and his favorite thing in the whole park was Test Track, with Captain EO being his 2nd favorite.
I've been a major WDW history freak ever since I can remember. The history of attractions and the theme parks are just so interesting to me. So interesting, that my friends wish I would shut up about it when I take them to Disney because they don't particularly care! The main thing I like to enjoy now is watching my first-time friends reactions to each different attractions and then ask if they liked it or not. I get some pretty shocking answers at the end of the day.. Last trip, my friend Austin and I went to EPCOT, and his favorite thing in the whole park was Test Track, with Captain EO being his 2nd favorite.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
Captain EO?... really get a new friend. I'm just saying...I've been going to WDW every single year ever since the year I was born. When we moved towards the bottom of SC, it was just a 5 hour drive, so we would go every other weekend all the way up until I was in 8th grade. Then we moved to the top of SC and now we go once every year. I've been so many times and rode the same rides over and over again, that I've actually started enjoying little things like details and memories since like 9th grade
The main thing I like to enjoy now is watching my first-time friends reactions to each different attractions and then ask if they liked it or not. I get some pretty shocking answers at the end of the day.. Last trip, my friend Austin and I went to EPCOT, and his favorite thing in the whole park was Test Track, with Captain EO being his 2nd favorite.
I_heart_Tigger
Well-Known Member
I'd say pretty big. I used to travel there as a kid on vacations with my parents. I still travel there on vacations as an adult with friends, family and occasionally by myself. I've got a decent collection of books and movies on Disney. My Christmas tree is all ornaments from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
I used to work at Epcot and I am currently a travel agent that specializes in Disney (though I do book everything) with an EarMarked agency so I talk about Disney as part of my job.
The number of visits would be higher but flights from Canada are pricy and I don't always get enough time off. a few days visit wouldn't be worth the trip for me.
I used to work at Epcot and I am currently a travel agent that specializes in Disney (though I do book everything) with an EarMarked agency so I talk about Disney as part of my job.
The number of visits would be higher but flights from Canada are pricy and I don't always get enough time off. a few days visit wouldn't be worth the trip for me.
WondersOfLife
Blink, blink. Breathe, breathe. Day in, day out.
StarWarsGirl
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
Disney is a huge part of my life. I would say that in my life, there are four major forces: Faith, family and friends, school, and Disney. People may think this is weird, but I really don't care.
I am a lifelong Disney fan. My first trip to WDW was when I was 4 1/2 months old. Since then, we have traveled to WDW 2-3 times per year. I'd say we spend 3 weeks to a month per year in WDW. My parents are DVC members; they joined when I was three. My favorite plush growing up, the one I needed to get to sleep at night, is a Dumbo that I got on my first trip there. I lost my first tooth in AK, and then several others on various WDW trips, as did my brother. My first trip without my parents or any other "adults" was to WDW last January. I feel like when I begin telling a story, it frequently begins with, "When I was in Disney..." We've also done DL twice, Aulani twice (my parents bought there so that they could go every few years)
Even our home is decorated with a lot of Disney. Our basement is themed as nostalgic-Disney. I'm typing this in my dad's office, and above me on the wall is Disney artwork. Even a lot of stuff around our home doesn't look Disney, but came from WDW.
I suspect that as I head into adulthood, I will remain a huge Disney fan. I love other companies and forms of entertainment as well, but there is something extra special about Disney.
I am a lifelong Disney fan. My first trip to WDW was when I was 4 1/2 months old. Since then, we have traveled to WDW 2-3 times per year. I'd say we spend 3 weeks to a month per year in WDW. My parents are DVC members; they joined when I was three. My favorite plush growing up, the one I needed to get to sleep at night, is a Dumbo that I got on my first trip there. I lost my first tooth in AK, and then several others on various WDW trips, as did my brother. My first trip without my parents or any other "adults" was to WDW last January. I feel like when I begin telling a story, it frequently begins with, "When I was in Disney..." We've also done DL twice, Aulani twice (my parents bought there so that they could go every few years)
Even our home is decorated with a lot of Disney. Our basement is themed as nostalgic-Disney. I'm typing this in my dad's office, and above me on the wall is Disney artwork. Even a lot of stuff around our home doesn't look Disney, but came from WDW.
I suspect that as I head into adulthood, I will remain a huge Disney fan. I love other companies and forms of entertainment as well, but there is something extra special about Disney.
Disneydreamer23
Well-Known Member
Its sad to say that Disney Is one of the biggest loves of my life. It comes down to The most important things to me in life is My daughter, Husband, then Disney. I wake up wanting to be there and when I am not thinking about it , I am talking about it, or on this web site!
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
I am a person that has thought that EO sucked from the moment it was shown originally and that the only reason it is there now is because Disney exploited the death of Michael Jackson. Other then that... nobody!
WondersOfLife
Blink, blink. Breathe, breathe. Day in, day out.
mr_braver23
Well-Known Member
We feel in love with Disney when we took our then 5 year old boy 8 years ago. I simply can't imagine not going..... It makes a bad day good and a good one great. So many memories at Disney, I can't list them all.
MissingDisney
Well-Known Member
It's important to me because it's important to my kids. They have great memories there and as of now, it's still their vacation of choice. They'll change, most likely, and the mouse will become second best to something or someplace else and that'll be great too but for now, if it's important to them, it's even more important to me.
I've never loved Disney just because it's Disney. It could be Wallyworld for all I care. I love it because of the experiences and memories we've had there. As my kids are still asking to go, want to see all things Disney (Marvel, Pixar, etc) I guess you could say it's a big part of our family. As such, we have Disney about our home, music, go on websites because it brings back good memories.
I hope to continue visiting after the kids are grown. However at current price increases, not likely. But I will always have these memories. We have quite a few trips in the books, one planned, one tentatively planned and whatever happens from there, we'll see. Enjoy each day.
I've never loved Disney just because it's Disney. It could be Wallyworld for all I care. I love it because of the experiences and memories we've had there. As my kids are still asking to go, want to see all things Disney (Marvel, Pixar, etc) I guess you could say it's a big part of our family. As such, we have Disney about our home, music, go on websites because it brings back good memories.
I hope to continue visiting after the kids are grown. However at current price increases, not likely. But I will always have these memories. We have quite a few trips in the books, one planned, one tentatively planned and whatever happens from there, we'll see. Enjoy each day.
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
I would say it is a very big part of my life.
It pretty much defined who i became.
Definately steered me in a direction i would have not otherwise done had i not experienced some of the things the Company has created over the years, particularly the Theme Parks.
'Disney' to me is Theme Park experiences/Attractions and classic, Traditional Animation.
WED Enterprises/WDI and Animatronic technology i also closely associate with the 'Disney' i feel close to.
I have a great, unwavering passion for those aspects of the entity known as 'Disney' that runs pretty deep.
At age five i was wearing my Mouse Ears daily and my large 'Mickey Mouse Club' pinback button around the house.
The early 70s television version of the 'Mickey Mouse Club' was a early childhood addiction.
Many family photos document this in the early 1970s. No matter what time of year, or what i was doing...i was wearing those two items for about two years straight.
In the late 1970s, i first visited Walt Disney World.
I remember very little about that first visit, except two things -
'The Mickey Mouse Revue' i clearly remember...along with the '1st airplane ride' down to Florida.
It was the fascination with the moving 'cartoon figures' that made the 'Revue' so memorable to me.
I was already heavily interested in puppetry at that age and was fascinated with animating or moving pretend characters...so it is easy to see in hindsight why i so remembered that Show.
In Late 1981 i moved to Brandon, Florida to live for three years with my Mom, and visited WDW again in 1983.
April of 1983, to be exact.
It was then i first visited EPCOT Center in all it's original glory...and it BLEW ME AWAY.
I had just turned twelve a few weeks prior to the visit.
Nothing made more deeply a impression or implanted more eagerly a desire to go out into the world afterwards and 'do something' with what little creative talent i had at the time then visiting EPCOT Center.
The biggest impact was most certainly experiencing the Original 'Journey Into Imagination' Pavilion and it's main ride-thru Attraction during that first EPCOT visit.
The ride portion of the Pavilion had finally opened about a month prior, and you could still smell the freshly painted walls inside the Pavilion.
The ride experience was a life-changing catalyst for me.
One of those incredible moments when the worlds stops and you are so utterly transformed.
I was never the same again.
Bonified life-changing moment.
Pointed me in a direction.
Never looked back !
Here, and EPCOT Center in general, i came away with a feeling of empowerment and discovered i could actually make a difference creatively.
I visited many times in the 1980s and gained even more appreciation for what i was experiencing there and what concepts i was being exposed to.
There was absolutely nothing like it...and i loved it.
Begged my Mom to buy me the (then) expensive large 'Figment' plush from the Centorium for $21.00.
She caved in...and i carried that plush around that day and every visit afterwards for many years.
That 'Figment' plush returned for EPCOTs 25 Anniversary some years ago.
But that's another story....
And so it went on....
Many years later...and many visits to both WDW and Disneyland ....it still empowers and recharges the creative batteries and fires up the mind for me.
WDW has kind of fallen away into the distance now somewhat, but i still keep up on happenings there and have concerns about it's current state and future potential.
Disneyland has become my new 'home' of sorts....delivering a special alternative experience i have been readily enjoying from a different perspective.
Still, WDW and EPCOT will always be a big part of my life.
I never grow tired of learning more about those Parks...inside and out...past and present...and gaining insights into everything associated with it.
It hurts sometimes to see some of the things that have happened over the years, and some of the changes, but it will always be a place i will look to with respect.
A LOT was achieved there long ago...and good things still come forward every now and then.
It pretty much defined who i became.
Definately steered me in a direction i would have not otherwise done had i not experienced some of the things the Company has created over the years, particularly the Theme Parks.
'Disney' to me is Theme Park experiences/Attractions and classic, Traditional Animation.
WED Enterprises/WDI and Animatronic technology i also closely associate with the 'Disney' i feel close to.
I have a great, unwavering passion for those aspects of the entity known as 'Disney' that runs pretty deep.
At age five i was wearing my Mouse Ears daily and my large 'Mickey Mouse Club' pinback button around the house.
The early 70s television version of the 'Mickey Mouse Club' was a early childhood addiction.
Many family photos document this in the early 1970s. No matter what time of year, or what i was doing...i was wearing those two items for about two years straight.
In the late 1970s, i first visited Walt Disney World.
I remember very little about that first visit, except two things -
'The Mickey Mouse Revue' i clearly remember...along with the '1st airplane ride' down to Florida.
It was the fascination with the moving 'cartoon figures' that made the 'Revue' so memorable to me.
I was already heavily interested in puppetry at that age and was fascinated with animating or moving pretend characters...so it is easy to see in hindsight why i so remembered that Show.
In Late 1981 i moved to Brandon, Florida to live for three years with my Mom, and visited WDW again in 1983.
April of 1983, to be exact.
It was then i first visited EPCOT Center in all it's original glory...and it BLEW ME AWAY.
I had just turned twelve a few weeks prior to the visit.
Nothing made more deeply a impression or implanted more eagerly a desire to go out into the world afterwards and 'do something' with what little creative talent i had at the time then visiting EPCOT Center.
The biggest impact was most certainly experiencing the Original 'Journey Into Imagination' Pavilion and it's main ride-thru Attraction during that first EPCOT visit.
The ride portion of the Pavilion had finally opened about a month prior, and you could still smell the freshly painted walls inside the Pavilion.
The ride experience was a life-changing catalyst for me.
One of those incredible moments when the worlds stops and you are so utterly transformed.
I was never the same again.
Bonified life-changing moment.
Pointed me in a direction.
Never looked back !
Here, and EPCOT Center in general, i came away with a feeling of empowerment and discovered i could actually make a difference creatively.
I visited many times in the 1980s and gained even more appreciation for what i was experiencing there and what concepts i was being exposed to.
There was absolutely nothing like it...and i loved it.
Begged my Mom to buy me the (then) expensive large 'Figment' plush from the Centorium for $21.00.
She caved in...and i carried that plush around that day and every visit afterwards for many years.
That 'Figment' plush returned for EPCOTs 25 Anniversary some years ago.
But that's another story....
And so it went on....
Many years later...and many visits to both WDW and Disneyland ....it still empowers and recharges the creative batteries and fires up the mind for me.
WDW has kind of fallen away into the distance now somewhat, but i still keep up on happenings there and have concerns about it's current state and future potential.
Disneyland has become my new 'home' of sorts....delivering a special alternative experience i have been readily enjoying from a different perspective.
Still, WDW and EPCOT will always be a big part of my life.
I never grow tired of learning more about those Parks...inside and out...past and present...and gaining insights into everything associated with it.
It hurts sometimes to see some of the things that have happened over the years, and some of the changes, but it will always be a place i will look to with respect.
A LOT was achieved there long ago...and good things still come forward every now and then.
Last edited:
Daniel Johnson
Well-Known Member
I've always enjoyed disney, more the parks than the movies. I've always lived 4 hours from Orlando, so going to the park was a every other summer. But it wasn't until my then gf, now wife started making it a regular occurrence to go multiple times a year. Its become our get away.
mf1972
Well-Known Member
my family & I went twice in the late 79's early 80's, & again in 89. growing up, I always liked watching Disney cartoons, movies, etc.
went back in 2000 for my honeymoon, & gained a entirely new respect for Disney. gave us a chance to appreciate it more & see the impact Walt has made for millions of people. we've been going back every year since then.
went back in 2000 for my honeymoon, & gained a entirely new respect for Disney. gave us a chance to appreciate it more & see the impact Walt has made for millions of people. we've been going back every year since then.
bethymouse
Well-Known Member
I have enjoyed all of our trips to Disney since 2007. Sadly we did not go this year, and probably will not go in 2015. My Dad passed away June 2014, and my Mom is moving in with us January 2015. I have a new job ( thankfully) but had to get a high deductible health insurance through my husband's job, so the bills are piling up! Life has taken us in a different direction this past year, but hopefully in the near future we'll be able to go back and enjoy Disney World ( perhaps when Avatarland is completed- LOL ).