Twins' Eighth Birthday

Tammy, 47, Biddeford, ME

 

It all started with a flight credit we had to use by November 2010. I was trying to think of a trip that would not be too expensive, just because it was last minute and not preplanned. We decided we would bring our twin boys to Disney World for their eighth birthday ... and it was the best birthday and vacation we have ever had! The boys had their Happy Birthday pins and the staff was wishing them Happy Birthday. At every restaurant we went to they brought them cake, cupcakes, or ice-cream sundaes.

We stayed at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and they put balloons and chocolate cake in our room, so it was there when we got back that night. When we went to the Crystal, Pooh and friends gave each of them a birthday card. When we ate at the Swan, Goofy and Pluto did a conga line with them leading all around the restaurant!

This was truly the most magical vacation and birthday I could have ever given them. Thanks, Disney World.

Born to Be a Disney Fan

Elaine, 54, Danbury, CT

 

I was born December 5, 1955. I have always been a huge Mickey Mouse fan from the day I was born. How do I know this? Just look at my birth date. There is quite a bit of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse trivia there. I believe in fate, and that things happen for a reason.

I can't tell you the number of times I have been to Disney World, but every time I go, I feel that same rush. I am this big kid who feels the "Magic" every time I step off the boat or the monorail. I am turning 55 and I am hoping I can make it to Disney World for my birthday. Now THAT would be the best birthday ever!

A Child's Belief is Magical

Sandy, 69, Tampa, FL

My son Chris made up his mind before leaving home for Disney World that his very favorite character, Peter Pan, would shake his hand. That didn't seem impossible, but his dad and I didn't want him to be disappointed and warned him that maybe we wouldn't run into Peter while we were there. We should have saved our breath, as that was all he talked about the whole day. Around every corner, he was sure Peter Pan would be waiting to shake his hand.

The whole day passed with no handshake, and now it was time for the nightly parade. Both kids were tired but insisted on sitting on the curb and watching – and of course Peter Pan was still going to shake Chris's hand. As the parade passed, here came Peter Pan dancing down the street, smiling. He headed straight to my son, bent down, shook his hand, and danced on. My husband and I stood in amazement and Chris looked at us like "That's what we came for."

A dream really is a wish your heart makes. I've been to Disney many, many times since then and always remember that wonderful moment 41 years ago when a child believed.

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!

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.

Cinderella's Castle

Jazmin, 26, Old Bridge, NJ

When I was a child I dreamed of going to Disney World, because I really wanted to see Cinderella's Castle. I loved the movie and I never knew the castle existed. My parents were never able to take all of us (six children), so I had to wait until I was an adult and could pay for myself. I finally went this past April and I can't begin to explain how wonderful Disney World was. The castle was so beautiful and it was the best experience of my life. I can't wait to visit again! Everything about Disney World is beautiful and magical -- and the park employees are so friendly. We went for 11 days and I must say those were the best 11 days of my life. My fiancé loved it and he thought he wouldn't because he said it would be just for kids, but now he can't wait to go again. Thank you so much Disney for the wonderful experience and beautiful memories. See you soon!

Princess Pinkie Promise

Princess Pinkie Promise

Mary Ellen, 41, Easton, PA

We made our first trip to Disney World in 2007. On our last day there, we happened to come across Wendy signing autographs.

Our daughter Katie, age 3 1/2 and a huge "Peter Pan" fan, was thrilled to have a Wendy chat with her as so far, all of the Disney Characters we had met were quiet. Wendy asked if we had seen any of the Princesses, and we had not. She was kind enough to tell us where we could find five Princesses all in one place. We were so excited! Wendy then also asked Katie to do her a special favor. She whispered in Katie's ear, and then asked her to "Pinky Promise" to take her message to Cinderella. Katie had never heard of this very special promise, but shook pinkies with Wendy, and off we went on our mission.

When we found the Princesses in Toontown, we waited first to see Cinderella, where Katie delivered her important pinky promise message ... "You're it! No tag backs!" Oh the giggles! Katie then was the messenger between Princesses to pass on the "It" status.

It was so memorable to her (and us!) to have that Princess status for the day, and years later, the Pinky Promise is still the one promise that can never never be broken.

Best Bridesmaids Ever

Crissy, 32, Waterford, CT

 

About three months before getting married, my bridesmaids surprised me with a long weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. Before I knew what was going on, they sent me on a "Pirates of the Caribbean" scavenger hunt around town. The local stores, fire department, and even my family and friends were all involved. I scoured the town for clues, and then found out I'd be leaving that morning for my girls weekend! We ate at Cinderella's Castle, went to every Park, and had the most fabulous long "bachelorette weekend" a girl could ask for – I have the best friends ever!

Engagement Ring

Brandon, 22, Binghamton, NY

My family has visited Walt Disney World four times and loved every second. On the fifth trip, something special happened that trumps all the previous trips combined. In July 2007, we went for seven days and invited my fiancée to come along with us. I had already proposed to her the year before, but without an engagement ring. Two days prior to the trip, my mother gave me the engagement ring that my dad had given her 27 years ago.

We all took the train down from upstate New York. My fiancée slept in the chair next to me, while the engagement ring was safe in my pocket. We arrived in Orlando, Florida, 27 hours later and made our way to the hotel. That same evening we went to Magic Kingdom to ride a few of the attractions and watch the fireworks show.

During the first few blasts of fireworks, I held my fiancée's left hand while removing the ring (still in its box) from my pocket. Her eyes were already sparkling from the flashes of color and light in the sky. When I opened the box to show her the ring, her eyes magically lit up even more as I slipped the engagement ring onto her finger. We'll be married in 66 days!

Disneyland by Candlelight

Betty Ann, 47, Whittier, CA

When is Disneyland even more magical than it is every day with its princesses, castles, Fairies, fireworks, and mystical mountain range? When you see it by candlelight!

One day, my church choir director announced that we were auditioning for Disneyland's Christmas Candlelight Processional. Even though I had never heard of this "Candlelight" thing before, it combined three of my favorite things: singing, Christmas, and Disneyland.

We passed the audition, memorized all the music, and before I knew it, the day had arrived. After spending hours practicing, I found myself processing through the Magic Kingdom after dark in formation with hundreds of fellow choristers. Singing jubilantly and holding my candle aloft, it dawned on me: "I am a Disneyland spectacle! People are looking at ME with rapt attention while I walk down Main Street! And I'm not even a princess! Wow!"

Family Dreams

Liz, 38, Petersburg, IL

 

When my husband and I celebrated our honeymoon at Disney World, I don't think we had any idea how much happiness Disney would bring us through the years. We have watched the kids grow up in our many trips to Disney. From the first Dumbo ride until our youngest was tall enough for Rockin Roller Coaster, each moment has been special!

This summer, we had a dream trip. On our first day at Epcot, my son wished for a Dream Fastpass. An hour later, each of us was presented with a Dream Fastpass -- it was our lucky day! On our last day, we wanted to open the Magic Kingdom and make a full day of it. We got our wish by being chosen the first family and throwing out the confetti to open the Magic Kingdom with Mickey and the gang. I will never forget my children's faces as the train we were riding with all of the Characters rounded the bend to the thousands of people waiting to enter the Magic Kingdom.

Disney has made many of our dreams come true in the last 15 years ... I can't wait to see what else can happen in our future visits! The kids are counting the days until we come back!

A Winning Birthday

Marilyn, 75, Germantown, TN

 

Just before Christmas of 2007, I was notified that I had won the Disney Vacation Club Once Upon a Time Sweepstakes. What a surprise – especially since I had been going to Disney since 1956, when I had the pleasure of meeting Walt Disney himself.

This was an all-expenses-paid trip for six with a stay in Cinderella's Castle, and we planned the trip so that the Castle stay fell on the night of my 75th birthday. I had all of my family with me – and the Disney Vacation Club and Mickey made it the best birthday I have ever had, with birthday cake, flowers, a glass slipper and crown, and even a card from Mickey.

I made reservations to celebrate my 76th birthday at Walt Disney World. I have been doing this for 20 years, and hope I have a few more to celebrate!