What I always loved about WDW and don't really get to experience much out here at Disneyland is the crazy anticipation in getting into Disney property and eventually the parks.
Coming from South Florida, we used to have a 3-4 hour drive -- so already there was some build up just from that. As opposed to my little 45-1hr drive now. But once you got off the freeway, even before you reached Disney property, you could just feel it lurking there in the distance. You'd start to see the signs -- the billboards, the local shops selling all kinds of Disney merch/tickets, and then finally the official road signs. Each one you'd hit, the distance between you and Mickey would grow shorter and shorter until finally... KABOOM, everything changes around you. The touristy grossness all disappears and you're now in what appears to be a forest of DISNEY. Somewhere behind all those trees lies MAGIC.
Once we drove onto property, we'd hurriedly turn the radio on and search for the Disney AM station. Holy crap, we are finally here! We are listening to Disney World on the RADIO. But as close as you think you are, there's still even more build up!!! Parking, tram, tickets, monorail or ferry. SO MUCH BUILD UP!!! By the time you reach the main gate, the excitement has reached a fever pitch.
I used to cherish that entire part of the trip as a kid and still do today, although it's not exactly the same as it used to be when the property was more undeveloped. But to me, it's such a big part of the whole WDW experience.
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