I've Come All This Way ...

Nancy, 61, Annapolis, MD

 

Disney World has always been one of my "laughing places" since my children were little. The first time we went, our oldest daughter, Tammie, was seven and our middle daughter, Lisa, was four. Of course, we had the big build-up of what we were going to do and who we were going to see and their excitement just grew and grew.

The day finally arrived. We walked into the Magic Kingdom for the very first time. There stood Main Street and Cinderella's Castle right in front of us. Mickey Mouse himself was walking in from a side entrance. My four-year-old let go of my hand and ran straight to him, hugging his legs as far as her little arms could reach, and said, "I've come all this way just to see you!"

This was a moment my husband and I (and probably Mickey himself) will never forget and it was the beginning of many beautiful memories of Disney World to come!

Family Ties to Winnie the Pooh

Peter, 54, Naples, FL

 

My grandmother, Jesse Milne, was a cousin of the author A.A. Milne. She came to the United States from Great Britain early in the last century and settled on the Northern plains. I am proud of this heritage, and glad that the story of Winnie the Pooh continues to bring joy and happiness to countless others. I want to thank the Disney Company for making this iconic character come alive and not fade as so many others have done.

Surprise Ride Saving our Day

Jim, 43, Acton, MA

 

 

Our story took place in Disney World two years ago when me, my wife, and our two daughters (along with friends and their son) were trying to get to Disney's Hollywood Studios on time to see the late showing of Fantasmic.

Our schedule was very tight, and we arrived at the transportation center just as our bus was leaving. As we stood there fully deflated, one of the employees approached us and asked what was wrong. As we explained our plight, he listened but then walked off, seemingly indifferent. To our amazement, a luxury motor coach pulled up two minutes later and the same employee told us to board the coach and that the driver would take us to the Studio! We were all stunned and grateful for his help. What an awesome Disney representative – we made the show with time to spare!

Making a Mom's Day not so Lonely

BethAline, Daytona Beach, FL

 

I bought my first Disney pass when I turned 40 and my son was still in a stroller. We traveled from Daytona Beach to Walt Disney World at least once a month by ourselves to enjoy a day away from all duties and obligations.

One day I sat down in the Magic Kingdom to relax and enjoy an Itzakadoozy and watch the passing crowds. As my son could not yet talk, I was a little lonely that day. Of course, I dropped my ice cream wrapper and tried to catch it as quickly as possible, but a passing Disney Cast Member stopped and got it for me, making a friendly remark that perked up my day. That helpful contact made me realize that I was not truly alone and I felt a warm fuzzy feeling that I associate with Disney World to this day.

That friendly encounter gave me a reference point. Now I make it a point to wish button-wearing people a "Happy Birthday" and enjoy talking to park Guests about the best parts of Disney – where to eat, great rides, where to make sure you get a Fast Pass, and other important information that makes a Disney day the most magical. Walt Disney World is home to me and my son and we always have "happy hands" when we drive through the entrance! A little kindness has gone a long way.

First Disneyland Visit

Carol, 53, Ronkonkoma, NY

 

As a long-time fan and a more than 20-time visitor to Walt Disney World, I finally got to visit the "original" Disneyland last month. My husband and I loved the intimate feeling of the Park.

We took the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour. Our tour guide was wonderful and explained so many little-known facts about how Disneyland came to be and Walt's thoughts during the process. The jungle cruise is different but so much fun, and I have a new appreciation for the Tiki Birds as well! California Adventure Park was wonderful too.

I can't wait till the next time I can say, "California Here I Come!"