Gainesvillain
Well-Known Member
Agreed. Also, pardon me if there is a post devoted to this question, but when did Disney change the name of the park from EPCOT to Epcot? I just noticed ~4 years ago, but it may have been earlier.
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.What are your memories of your first time!! thanks Jakeman
- Thread starter eliza61nyc
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Agreed. Also, pardon me if there is a post devoted to this question, but when did Disney change the name of the park from EPCOT to Epcot? I just noticed ~4 years ago, but it may have been earlier.
GeoDonJac34
Well-Known Member
Our first trip was in 2003, our son was four years old. We arrived at All Star movies late afternoon, and decided to just get something to eat and hang at the resort. The next morning we woke our son up and asked if he was ready to go, meaning to Magic Kingdom. He was visibly upset and almost in tears when he said to us " I don't want to leave Disney". He thought the resort was Disney and we were going home.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
It changed in 1994. It started as Epcot 1994 and the following year Epcot 1995. If I remember correctly after that it was just Epcot. The entire mission changed at that point, but, the change happened more gradually after that. It pretty much has reached it's mission, but, is slowly changing again.
It was 1977 and I was 11. My mother(driving force) wanted to go and I was not happy about it, my brother (14) said is sounds Ok to him. At that time I thought WDW (MK only) was basically main street and shops and some kiddy rides. We stayed off site and I thought it was cool, I liked river country and SM, POTC and mostly the food. This was the first time the family went somewhere for vacation (other than visiting family).
I used to laugh, every time I took the family to WDW, my youngest always asked 'where are we eating' as we entered the park. I know what you are thinking, we are not an obese family LOL...
I used to laugh, every time I took the family to WDW, my youngest always asked 'where are we eating' as we entered the park. I know what you are thinking, we are not an obese family LOL...
jayhawkmickey
Well-Known Member
My first visit was when I was ten in 1982/83. EPCOT Center had just opened and the lines around spaceship earth went around 5-6 times and the wait was hours long. Imaginations upstairs was incredible for a creative ten year old boy, and I was mesmerized by the jumping fountains outside. The 3D movie at magic journeys blew my mom away and I still remember her reaching out for the objects. I can close my eyes and picture myself standing under the new monorail station and watching the cars go right over my head. The only things I remember about Magic Kingdom was the haunted mansion and seeing the finale of the fireworks from the ferry boat on the way to the car. Oh, and the awesome Davy Crockett rifle that I still have in the attic.
John park hopper
Well-Known Member
My first trip (day trip) was in May of 1972 had just been discharged from the service 22 years old. The only park at that time was WDW MK. I was most impressed with the monorail and how clean and new everthing looked. I can remember entering the park and looking down main street at the castle thinking to myself what a change from where I had been the year before.
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TheJonesys
Active Member
Our first visit was in 1992, I don’t remember much except a cow called Minnie Moo, walking round Mickey and Minnie’s house, it being a bun fight to meet characters and being really excited to book dinner at Epcot via a TV screen talking to a cast member. Our next visit was in 1996 and the castle was a cake 
August of 1994 and my wife and I were going with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and my three nephews. My three nephews begged me for months to go but I had no interest. I had been to Cedar Point and Kings Island a handful of times, how could WDW match up to this I thought.
So I reluctantly agreed to go, we reserved a room at the Contemporary, it was a wing room.
We drove from Michigan and the car ride there was awesome, we played football as we crossed each state line.
When we finally arrived at WDW, wow, I was amazed at just the sheer size of the place. When we finally went to the parks, I was constantly blown away. The biggest difference I found between WDW and other amusement parks was that most of attractions were either stories or thrill rides with a story. Very few were just wham bam thank you ma'am. These were long vibrant rides that were just amazing. The length of the rides just blew me away.
I have visited Cedar Point a few times since than and it just seems cheap. Don't get me wrong, I love a good thrill ride, but it only lasts a moment and it is just the thrill.
The funny thing about my first time in WDW, Space Ship Earth was closed and it wasn't until a few years later that I realized that there was a ride inside of it. I thought it was just the symbol of EPCOT at the entrance to EPCOT.
So I reluctantly agreed to go, we reserved a room at the Contemporary, it was a wing room.
We drove from Michigan and the car ride there was awesome, we played football as we crossed each state line.
When we finally arrived at WDW, wow, I was amazed at just the sheer size of the place. When we finally went to the parks, I was constantly blown away. The biggest difference I found between WDW and other amusement parks was that most of attractions were either stories or thrill rides with a story. Very few were just wham bam thank you ma'am. These were long vibrant rides that were just amazing. The length of the rides just blew me away.
I have visited Cedar Point a few times since than and it just seems cheap. Don't get me wrong, I love a good thrill ride, but it only lasts a moment and it is just the thrill.
The funny thing about my first time in WDW, Space Ship Earth was closed and it wasn't until a few years later that I realized that there was a ride inside of it. I thought it was just the symbol of EPCOT at the entrance to EPCOT.
networkpro
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
After they built Celebration
they figured out rather quickly they didn't want to deal with local politics.
Gainesvillain
Well-Known Member
I was wondering if this real experimental prototype community of tomorrow had something to do with it.After they built Celebration
Ricky Spanish
Well-Known Member
My first trip was in the mid 80's.
My buddy and I were part of our high school spring break trip to WDW.
But, at the last minute, our school refunded our deposits.
One too many people backed out of the trip!
We still wanted to go, but his Mom wouldn't let two teenagers go to Florida solo.
My Mom stepped up.
She took us and my little sister on spring break.
What was supposed to be 5 days at WDW turned into 3 days on "The Big Red Boat" and 4 Days at WDW for the same price.
Heineken and Mai Tais on the boat( we were reminded that there was no drinking age on international waters. Whether or not that was true, I don't know.)
Nassau, The Bahamas!
Met tons of girls at WDW.
My mom didn't find out about the drinking until we were back at home, almost got kicked out of the house!
But it was a great trip.
We still talk about it
My buddy and I were part of our high school spring break trip to WDW.
But, at the last minute, our school refunded our deposits.
One too many people backed out of the trip!
We still wanted to go, but his Mom wouldn't let two teenagers go to Florida solo.
My Mom stepped up.
She took us and my little sister on spring break.
What was supposed to be 5 days at WDW turned into 3 days on "The Big Red Boat" and 4 Days at WDW for the same price.
Heineken and Mai Tais on the boat( we were reminded that there was no drinking age on international waters. Whether or not that was true, I don't know.)
Nassau, The Bahamas!
Met tons of girls at WDW.
My mom didn't find out about the drinking until we were back at home, almost got kicked out of the house!
But it was a great trip.
We still talk about it
wdworlandlover
Active Member
My first visit was in March 1972. I was 6 years old. The Magic Kingdom was the only park there at the time, of course. I remember walking up Main Street and being in awe of the castle. I also remember the characters wandering around. The Aristocats were there, and my brother and I had our picture made with them. He was 2 yeas old, and was especially fascinated with Donald Duck. As Donald squatted down to his level, my brother stuck his head in Donald’s bill, trying to figure out what was in there. The main thing I’ll never forget is walking up the street and feeling something tap my shoulder. It was Captain Hook’s hook. It scarred me for life. Lol.
CptRon
New Member
The exact year and my age at the time are estimates, but I seem to recall Space Mountain as still being built at the Magic Kingdom. So, maybe late 1974? I was around 11, and I am the oldest of four heathens. My always intrepid mother took us all, by herself, bless her heart. My youngest brother getting seasick on 20,000 Leagues is family legend. Also, it rained heavily, so we got brand new Mickey sweatshirts to change in to. I thought that was the neatest thing ever! There were books of tickets then, so we had to carefully choose rides. I never wanted to leave the Swiss Family Treehouse. PoTC and the Haunted Mansion inspired a love of Disney imagination that has me decorating my yard in tribute every Halloween.
winstongator
Well-Known Member
Mine was a while back. Somewhere between 84-88. I know I went when I was 12 in '88 with my grandparents, but have limited memories. Memories of the trip with my parents was seemingly endless lines, terrible heat, fighting over how much merchandise and food cost (me and my brother wanting stuff, my dad not wanting to spend that much), how short the rides were relative to the time waiting in line. I did enjoy the cabin we stayed in - either Fort Wilderness or Hyatt Grand Cypress Villas, maybe somewhere else.
My core memories of WDW, high costs, long lines and arguments kept me away from the parks for almost 20 years.
Fast forward to visiting with kids (and my own $ to spend as I saw), and at last I see the light. I've done 29 trips of varying lengths the past 5 years and every one has been special. We did the Trattoria al Forno character breakfast for the first time, and got some great PhotoPass shots in DHS in front of the Falcon - there's more new stuff coming in the future. There have been a lot of new things to experience after a long hiatus, and the future holds many new attractions too.
Fall of 1972 first trip exploring Florida after leaving St.Thomas because of political unrest. Landed in Miami, rented a car and drove to Kisseme where we stayed in a brand new Holiday Inn located next to a rodeo stadium. That's when you bought colored booklets to use in each area and when you ran out you bought new tickets very similar to the Jersey shore boardwalk. Great adventure from Miami to the new Disney we had heard about and over to Tampa when English was the 2nd language. I really don't recall specific details about Disney except the Monorail and how futuristic it all seemed but it was certainly special at the time. The rodeo on Saturday night was also pretty exciting!
SteveAZee
Premium Member
First time was summer of 1973 (I was 13). We took two trips over from Daytona Beach, one during the day, and then discovering the misery of August heat and humidity, a trip for the evening the next day. I was struck by two things... how amazing the design and attractions were, and also how miserable it was (for me) to deal with the heat, humidity, and crowds (LOL in retrospect). When we got home, I became obsessed with the idea of going back, but 'doing it right', and learning everything I could about vacation planning to WDW, which continues to this day.
The one I can remember the most is at River Country.... Probably 5-6 years old... My parents were setting up and I ran to the slides... I went down the slide but wasn't strong enough to get back to the exit... The life guard had to jump in and drag my dumb butt out... Dad was running behind me but crazy kids...
Skipper Sam
New Member
In 1966 my dad could not afford very many e-tickets