Disney World & Orlando Unofficial Guide

Anyone who has been to WDW will have many happy memories, but what are the special ones that stick in your mind?  What did you think the first time you went to the Magic Kingdom, have you done something special to celebrate a birthday at WDW, did a Cast Member go out of their way to please you, or do something special for you? Whatever they are, this is the place to share them.

Send me your favourite memories of WDW!

"My favorite WDW memories are from working at the happiest place on earth!  I love thinking of the time I was going through my check in spiel like it was just another check in and the gentleman I was checking in told me that he had been really stressed out after driving 10 hours with 2 toddlers and that I made him feel much calmer, answering all his questions before he even had to ask them.  Or the time I saw this cute little boy in a stroller in the lobby crying to his mom because she was explaining to him, yes, he WAS in Disney, but Mickey wasn't at the hotel.  I overheard his name (Andrew, if I still remember correctly) and went out into the lobby with some Mickey stickers.  "Did you say Andrew?  Mickey told me you'd be coming today and wanted me to give you these and to tell you he's waiting at the Magic Kingdom for you to meet him."  Or the time I was making balloon flowers and two little girls were so excited by them (and so was their mother!) that their mom took their picture with me.  I now reside happily in some photo album far, far away.  But perhaps my all time favorite WDW memory is reading these stories and remembering why Disney exists.  It's for YOU!"

"My very first trip to Disney World was when I was 5, which was 15 years ago. I had went with my parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, my cousin, and my grandparents. There was a ride there that was called the Nautilus, from 20000 leagues beneath the sea...it was actually like we were boarding a submarine and under water...it was so great!"

"my best memory is my wife and i wew at disney world for our honeymoon. our first dinner as husband and wife was at cinderella's royal table. when i made the reservation i told them it was our honeymoon and they said they would help make it special. my wife was called aside and she had her picture taken with cinderella and we were given special wine glasses. to this day my wife talks about our first dinner at disney world. we plan on going again in oct-2004"

"I have so many wonderful memories, but my favorite is from my first visit, in March 1975. During the Main Street Parade, I stood next to a man holding a 2-year-old boy. Throughout the parade, the boy kept saying, "I want to see Donald Duck." Just about every character EXCEPT Donald walked past us, and the boy kept saying, "I want to see Donald Duck." By the end of the parade, I was wishing along with him. And then it happened -- the Disney magic. Donald Duck was at the end of the parade. As the little boy shouted, "Donald Duck! Donald Duck!" it seemed that Donald heard him over the rest of the crowd. Just as he reached us, Donald turned and waved. "Donald Duck waved at ME!" the child shouted. Now it's 30 years later, and I still have tears in my eyes when I relive the magic of that moment." Cindy, St. Louis MO

"The moment happen yesterday (8/19/2003)..my little girl (3) was wearing a Snow White dress (just like the real Snow White). It was Magic Hour at MK and we walked into Snow White ride. All the cast members yelled out "Snow White is here" and lead her on to the ride. The look on my little girl face is priceless. Living Disney through her eyes makes me cry. And to top it off..my little one met Cinderlla. She ran up to her and give her the famous leg hug, only little children know. It is these moments that has me planning the next trip, Right NOW!"

"We just returned from Disney a few probably our 10th trip or so and we had a great time. It was my daughters graduation trip and she had the choice of a cruise or disney and she of course chose disney. It truly is the most magical place on earth and we will keep coming back!!!"

"Everything about Disney is a happy memory....but the highlight must be Reflections of Earth. Stunning music, amazing fireworks....it still brings a lump to my throat when I see it on video. That's why I'm going back next year to savour the magic again!"

"My favourite Disney memory was from my visit with my wife and 5 year old son in 2000. On our final day at All-Star resort my son was in tears as he couldn't say goodbye to Buzz Lightyear as we had a plane to catch. My wife asked a cast member if he could sort a telephone call out - he couldn't but arranged a Buzz soft toy and a message for my son from Buzz which cheered him up. We've been once more since then and are planning another trip in 2004. It's a long way from England but worth it." Derek

"We went to disney in feb2003, and we were picked to be the Grand Marshalls" of the Disney parade!!!We have many special memories of disney, but that one is the most special!! We have the certificate hanging on the wall along with the pictures of us in our "mouse Ears" waving to everyone!!!!!!!!"

"We have been to WDW 62 times and my children just about grew up on the grounds. They considered Mickey, Donald and the others as their "friends" and when at home they always asked when we were going back so they could be with them again. Over the years we have made many friends in the parks and have had cast members come and visit us here in the Philadelphia, Pa. area. It's a grand place where young and old can relax and have some good clean fun." Al, Linda, Puddin, rattle, and snickers

"i remember visiting epcot during christmas. my children were little and santa was a must see! upon arriving at santa's i was amazed that this was every child's fantasy of what santa looks like "the genuine article" after their visit i could not help but stare, trying to look for any imperfection. just as i was ready to turn and leave santa turned to face me , smiled and winked. i don't know about you, but i am a believer @40 years of age!"

"My Name is DJ and I have been going to Disney with my family ever since it opened. Every visit was more memoriable then the next, But I have to say my most memoriable time was when we went October 22nd 2002. I got married then at the wilderness lodge to the most beautiful lady I have ever seen. We got married at the Wilderness Lodge and it was both beautiful and magical. My wife was a real life Cinderella, She was beautiful. Our children and I had the most exciting time ever, and a wedding that will never be forgotten."

"I proposed to my wife in 2000, since we were highschool sweethearts I proposed twice. Once on "It's a small world" her favorite ride in the fron tof the boat. This was very fitting since I am in the U.S. Navy. The second time was at night in Epcot World Showcase Italy, I had her sit by the fountain in the back. This was special because the pantomimes were acting out Romeo and Juliet all around us." JRS, NC

"My favorite Disneyworld memory is from my trip that I took when I was 10. We went the week before Christmas. We booked through a travel agency, and they were supposed to send a confirmation check or something of the like to the hotel we were staying in, The Wilderness Lodge. Well, somehow they never sent this check and we didn't know it. So, we got down to Disneyworld, and tried to check in. The lady at the desk told us that they never recieved our confirmation and therefore cancelled our room. Worse off, there were no open rooms. They promised to find us somewhere to stay. After my dad talked to the manager, who was very polite even though my dad wasn't, they found us a room at The Wilderness Lodge anyways. After settling down, we headed to Downtown Disney for the night. When we returned to our room, there was a big plate full of chocalate chip cookies and a pitcher of milk with an apology note and a stuffed mickey. I had been so upset about all of this, but the cookies really lightened my mood. Disney sure knows how to treat you right!" Jessica, PA

"My favorite Disney World moment was when i went with my friend onto the Haunted Mansion. When we were gettin of the ride my friend dared me to boo ope of the Disney employees so i did. But when we came back the following night when we were gettin on the ride the same lady we booed was there she helped us get into our doombuggy but when we where settled in she went behind the doombuggy and jumped out the other side and scared the living daylights out of us. After we laught so hard we cried. That was one of my favorite Disney World moments."

"I was 8 years old and at my first trip to WDW, it was in June 1996 and WDW was celebrating there anniversary. My Aunt and Uncle took my sister and I on the trip for the birth of my lil sister. My uncle who is a vivid camera man decided that he had to take picture of us and every character he could find and we all had to be in a certain pose. Now the first couple days it was nice but towards the end of the trip is was getting to be a hassle. I mean we were young in Disney its time to feel free. Well we were in MK and was standing in line for the Mad Hatter character and again we heard are uncle's voice to twilt are heads to the left , quit squinting.. and I was getting frustrated and almost in tears when the Mad Hatter took both my sisters and I's hats and made the cap stick up. my face was so surprised and so was my sisters that is was the best picture on earth, and I knew the cast member had whispered something in my uncle's ear and after that the vacation was a breeze!" Stephanie Pennslyvania

"I went to disney in june for my daughters birthday she turned four while we were in the middle of all the magic. She loved being there and it was the first time she had been there. Her favorite ride was the many adventures of winnie the pooh. But what she talks about the most is how she was treated on her birthday, we got her a pin from city hall in the magic kingdom and all day everybody noticed it was her birthday, i think she really likes the attention. Then when we went to dinner at chef mickeys that night she received another pin from mickey and she really liked that because he didnt give pins to everybody she tjought she was special. By the end of our trip before we returned home she was already planning her next trip which we are going in june this year (2003)again for her birthday...." Christina

"In 2000 our family visited WDW for the first time. Our son was six years old and our daughter just nine months. As we waited to enter Epcot for a character breakfast, a cast member approached us and asked if we would like to be parade marshals. Imagine the thrill of being dressed in costume, introduced by loudspeaker to the crowd at the gate at opening, then leading a parade with a small musical band to our character breakfast. --Disney is memories. We plan to return in 2004!"

"Hi I don't remember how old I was but I remember that I was standing and talking to my mom or someone In Sign Language and suddenely, Alice from the Alice In the Wonderland said Hello and How Are You in Sign Language. I was amazed that she knew Signs. I Am Deaf and Proud to be Deaf. I have been to Disney World since 1989 through the 90's and the last time was 2001. My family really Love Disney World. My Dream is to have my Honeymoon at WDW! Not till 2008." Lee From Lincolnwood ILLINOIS

"In 1963, my Father purchased our 1st television. The only show can I remember was "The Mickey Mouse Club." I wanted so despertly to visit Disneyland, but we could not afford to go. All my life I was overwhelmed by Walt Disney and his creations. In 1973 my Father took me to Walt Disney World and we stayed at the Contempary Resort. Sure it was ten years later, but it certainly made up for not going before. I am grown with children of my own now, my Father has long since passed away. Now, everyti m e I walk around the world, it reminds me of the wonderful times my Father and I shared together at WDW. I'm hoping that one day to have grandchildren. And when their Mothers and Fathers walk with them through the parks, perhaps they will remember the times I spent with them at Disney World. Why do I love "The World"? Because it is a place where Families create loving memories together." (George)

"My favorite memories at WDW are still in progress. Every trip I have taken was a great memory from my high school trip in 1972(the first of Sterling High to go to Disney) to my soon to be next vacation this Aug 2002 which we are taking our grand daughter who is 3. This will be my 36th trip to WDW and hopefully many more to come. My husband and I went on our honeymoon (staying at the Contemporary) and that is where he fell in love with WDW too. He surprised me with a trip back to the Contemporary for our 20th anniversary. We are two kids at heart that keeps the magic going." (6/02) Karen from NJ

"My family has always gone to Orlando for spring break, which is the week of my birthday. In March 2002, our neighbors came along, and for my B-Day dinner I chose the 50s Prime Time Cafe. "Dad" serves you, so he seated us and told us some rules like set the table, eat your veggies and ect. We had no idea what would happen if we broke the rules.My neighbor, Mr.D decided to back-talk "Dad" and so he had to put his nose against the wall while everyone "Shame, shame, shame"-ed him. Then "D a d" caught my mom with her elbows on the table for the third time, so she had to sing and dance to "I'm a little Teapot" Then our food came out, I, the B-Day girl had eaten everything except my greenbeans, because they tasted like carrots to me. "Dad" saw that, came over, and told me "One more bite" Then he took my fork and got EVERY LAST green bean on there and shoved in my face. I didn't eat it. "No desert for you!" said "Dad" so as he brought out everyone else's desert, he told me to come over. I thought I'd have to sing. But out came a cupcake with a candle and every sang to me!!! What a way to celebrate tur n ing 13!" (6/02) Blaire

"Just came from Disney World (4/15-4/19) and spent five wonderful but very tiring days. Tried to see everything and we were worn out on day five. Going through security, my backpack was checked first and then when my twenty-one year old daughter was having her camera bag checked, the secuity guard asked if I had a tissue. I thought maybe my daughter was crying (we were stressed and tired by then) if if she had a runny nose, so I started looking for a tissue. The guard explained th a t she had a little pooh on her shirt (she had purchased a Disney World shirt with Tigger and Pooh and she was wearing it). It's the little things along with all of the wonderful big things that makes Disney World a magical place."

"We took my son, age 2 at the time to WDW. He cried as we left each attraction, thinking surely that must be the last great thing to see. As we would enter the next attraction, his face would light up and the problem was solved. However, eventually we had to leave that place and deal with the heartbreak all over again!" Amy, Tx

"On our first visit to WDW in 1999 my 2 daughters were 8 and 4. My 4 year old is Winnie the Pooh mad and couldn't believe it when she, in her words "saw him in the real". She waited in line and got a picture and autograph and I whispered to Pooh bear that he was her favourite. Winnie the Pooh then went after her and picked her up and gave her a hug. Her face was a picture that I will never ever forget. We are returning again this year (our 4th visit) and she is now 7 and still says "t h e real Pooh bear". The wonder of Disney goes on and on!"

"My favorite memory of Disney World was when my husband and I took our daughter back in October 2000, she was 4 years old. We were watching the Magical Moments Parade in MK in front of Casey's Hot Dog stand. As we were watching the floats go by, the float with Cinderella went by and then stopped. Cinderella and the Prince came off the float and picked our daughter out of the entire parade crowd to dance with them. Our daughter was just beaming as were both my husband and I. It wa s a precious moment. We are going back again in June 2002 and this time we will have our son who will be 16 months old and building his own memories. Disney is the most magical place on earth"

"When I was a senior in high school, I had the honor of serving as drum major for my marching band. Every three years, our band took a trip to WDW for the Magic Music Days competition, and, as drum major, I was no less than thrilled to lead my band down that enchanted street. My dad was so proud of me that he planned that year's family vacation at the same time as our band competition at Disney, so he, my mom, my grandma, and my baby sister could watch us march for the mouse. They ha d left a few days before the band did, and they stayed in a seperate hotel than us, so I didn't really see them much... I was so scared they would miss the parade or something... I remember being so terrified when I lined my band up, partly from anticipation (leading a marching band through Disney World is kinda a once-in-a-lifetime event!), but mainly because I was praying my famly would get to see us! Nevertheless, I marched tall, and I was SO proud of that band-- they did great! I'll never forget the pride that surged through my body as we pressed down that street... the sounds of the crowd's cheers, our school's name announced, and my band tooting along behind me was overwhelming. I remember scanning the crowd, searching frantically for my family, and almost by cue, there they were, waving and squealing with pride. That was in May of 2000, and unbeknownst to everyone around him (including himself), my dad was suffering from a rare form of leukemia. He died two months later. I'm now a 20 year old pre-med student, and I miss my daddy terribly... but I'll never, ever forget seeing him standing on that street with little Allie on his shoulders, whooping and hollering for "sissy" leading the band. Years from now, it will, undoubtedly, still bring me to tears."

"I have been to Walt Disney World four times now and am in the process of getting ready for another trip in July 2002. My best memory of being at Disney occcured on my second trip in 1996. It was my sister's birthday and we had secretly booked a character breakfast in Cinderella's castle... she was overwhelmed and i will never forget her face. It was truly magical!!! I can't wait to go back..."

"My favorite memory of Walt Disney World is definately the time I went when i was 5 years old. My family and I were in the Magic Kingdom, and we were about to meet Brer Fox. Well, at that age I had a rather vivid imagination. So, when i walked up to him, I started crying and screaming "He's gonna eat my hand!!!" Well, my mom calmed me down and then Brer Fox picked me up and gave me a great big hug. I will never forget the joy I felt. :-) I love Walt Disney World!!" Joe

"Thirteen years ago, My husband and I took the children there for a Xmas present. What a wonderful 4 days! The looks on the children were priceless. My heart filled with joy and it brought tears to my eyes to finally see the things that we say on the TV finally. I think my favorite memory was the trip through A Small Small World, the children loved it and 13 years later at the ages of 21 and 24 still remember it. Now after all this time my husband and I are returning to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this year, 2002, and I think that shows what an impression you made on us that we are again returning. Certainly recommend for all ages."

"One of my favorite memories at Walt Disney World was during my August 2001 trip. During my second night at the Magic Kingdom, my family and I were walking into Mickey's Toontown Fair from Tommorowland. It was around 9:40 pm and the park was scheduled to close around 10 pm. Since it was an area mostly for little kids, we thought that most of the attractions would be closed. But as we were heading to The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm we saw that one of the characters from A Goofy Movie was riding with some of the other guests. So we quickly ran to get on the line but the character was getting off. Since there was virtually no wait, we decided to all go on. After the first ride, the operaters allowed the guests to ride again because there was no one else on line. Then my family decided that two was enough so we all got off. But before we left the area, I decided to ride once more. This is where the magical memory come in. I came to the head of the line and the re was no one else on line so I got to choose where I wanted to sit. I choose the very front. As I was riding, I felt so special that I was the only one on the ride and that I could choose where I wanted to sit."

"I remember on an E-Ride night during our Feb. '01 vacation my 16 year old brother and I saw a whole bunch of characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Chip, & Dale). My brother and I being big fans of the characters ran over for pictures. My 9 year old sister, who has been burdened with cerebal palsy since birth, however was hesitant. She is for some reason very scared of the characters. Finally she gained enough courage to say hi to Chip and Dale. She got up out of her wheelchair and started headin towards them but then chickened-out about half way there, but Dale had already seen her coming towards him and approached her, she freaked and Dale knew enough to back off and just went over and sat in her wheelchair my dad took my sister to the side so she could watch from a distance and she loved it. She watched with the rest of the crowd as my mom pushed Dale around in the wheelchair. My sister now has at least 1 good memory of the characters thanks to Dale." Maggie

"I'm 15 years old memory of WDW was when i was 4, i was vacationing with my family and we tried all day to find Mickey. The day went by and my parents finally told me that i probably wouldnt see him. i started to cry but then all of a sudden Mickey walked right up to me and gave me a hug and a mickey hat. it turned out that my parents had arranged the whole thing."

"Our first trip to WDW was in 1995 just before Christmas. For much of the previous year, my wife had been seriously ill, and we were using the holiday to recuperate from that. Our daugter, Carrie, was two and a half at the time. I wil never forget her face as we crossed the lake in the paddle steamer towards the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. She saw the castle and said to me "Daddy, Mickey's House!" As we got into the Town Square, she spied Chip nad Dale and ran over before we could stop her and latched onto Chip's leg! Needless to say, the cast members and other guests were great and no fuss was caused by her jumping the line. I still havwe a damp-eyed moment when I remeber this." Iain Wilson, Scotland

"I have been to Disney 7 times, but my favorite trip has to be the one that my sister and myself made alone. She has a family of her own and I am also very busy with my own life, but we decided to have a sisters only trip. We had a wonderful time riding, shopping, eating and relaxing with no kids, husband, mother, etc. The hightlight, however, must have been the Candlelight processional, Epcot's Christmas reading of the birth of Christ. There was a huge choir made up of Disney employee volunteers, a professional Disney singing group and around a hundred high school choir members. Alfre Woodard was the guest reader, and hearing her read the Christmas Story, along with the moving songs, was one of the best moments of my life." Hope, WV

"I would like to share with you my favorite memory of Walt Disney World. I was 20 at the time, with a newborn baby. We went to Disney with my parents and younger brother. My daughter had colic, and not much would quiet her sometimes. One afternoon at Disney, which was a particular scorching day, we decided to go to It's a Small World. No sooner did we get inside the attraction, my then crying baby, looked up at me a smiled for the first time. The music of small world calmed her right down and let mom enjoy her first smile ever. I will never forget that day--even now--10 years later I remember the Magic. I can't wait until my next trip to Disney. Have no idea when it will be but I can't wait!!!" Andrea Hitz

"I was on a high school trip to Disney World, and it was the first night, and we were in the World Showcase at Epcot. My friends and I had staked out the perfect place to view Illuminations in France, while we shared a delicious desert from the little French bakery. We also got to see the Tapestry of Nations parade from Mexico. The music made us so happy. When the park was clearing out, we ran around the maze in England and couldn't figure out how to get out. We thought we'd be stuck in the park all night!"

"I am 14 years old. This was me very frist trip to disney world. i just loved it. My favorite part in the whole park was when ever the magic kingdom was closing and the fire works and things was going on and then all of a sudden you hear the music from "when you wish apon a star" and they tell the story about tinkerbell and the castle and then all of a sudden you see tinkerbell flying over the park. it was the most amazing thing that i ever saw. i tried to get pictres but my gram snaped the last picture when she was tking the camra out of her purse. i wass so mad. that was not the only thing that was amazing in disney, just about everything in the disney world was amazing. At least it was the most amazing thing that i ever saw in the world that i ever saw. if you are reading this and deciding to go to disney go it is worth $200 to get in to all of the parks there. take your kids and have the time of your life. i garuntee that it will be the most amazing place that ! you ever have been to. i promass. i love that place.byes"

"I remember my soon to be fiance waiting for the Magic Kingdom to clear out as it closed so that he could propose to me in front of Cinderella's Castle. We waited and waited for a family to quit taking pictures of each other next to the Walt Disney & Mickey statue, but they kept on and on. In fact we ended up taking several pitcures for them! Finally they left and with minutes to spare as cast members were trying to usher the lagging guest out of the park - he just plopped down on his knee laughing and asked me to marry him! It wasn't quite the romantic moment he had hoped for given all the attention, but I thought it was wonderful - and hysterical! We are of course honeymooning at Disney!"

"I was about 9 at the time... I was on a vacation to Disney World with my parents, brother, aunt, uncle and cousins. Well, we were in MGM-Studios and we had just gotten out of the Indiana Jones attraction. I am sooooo fascinated with the big green dinosaur (that is an ice cream stand) and the footprints in the cement. I told my family that I was going to see the dinosaur and I could have sworn someone heard me. Well, I went to see the dinosaur, then decided to go back to the Indiana Jones ride to meet up with my family again... Well, they were GONE! I was lost, I couldn't find them anywhere. She I went running and crying throughout the park yelling, "Mommy! Daddy! Mommy where are you?" I went back near the dinosaur and a very n ice cast member selling popcorn came up to me and asked me what was wrong. I told him I was lost and he told me that he had just see a lady and her family looking for their lost child, and he stayed with me until my Mom came. What he sayd made me ! feel so reassured that they were not far away. A few seconds later, I saw my Mom - I was soooo relieved - and soooo thankful to the kind cast member who put my heart at ease at one of the worst times of my life! I'll be forever grateful! Now, everytime I think of that, I can't help but smile!" Karen

"I have been to WDW many times living just 90 miles away, but I'll never forget one trip when I was around 6 years old. My parents had bought a yellow Mickey Mouse balloon for me. I had carried it around all afternoon, and I remember being so happy just holding it and looking up at the Mickey ears. I was getting tired of walking, so I asked my dad to pick me up. As he did, I let go of the balloon. I remember it being the worst feeling in the world as I watched the balloon float higher and higher up as I laid in my dad's arms. I started crying for the balloon. I cried a lot, because I loved the balloon so much. About 5 minutes later, Mickey Mouse walked right up to my dad with a yellow balloon exactly like the one I had(back then, they characters roamed around Freely without any cast members by their side. I wish it were still like that, but times change). My dad turned me around, and there was Mickey, handing me a brand new balloon. I thanked him and squeezed his nose. He patted me on the head and walked away. I am now 17 years old and continue to visit WDW on a yearly basis. Every trip has new memories, but that one will stand out in my mind for the rest of my life. It's silly little things like that that make Disney World the Happiest Place on Earth. Todd from Tampa, Florida"

"My family went to WDW this year. I am a senior in high school, and my younger brother is in 8th grade at his junior high school. We both have class rings and are graduating in 2000. Well, in Disney World, we bought autograph books, and got 2000 people to turn our senior rings. Each person who turned the ring-guests, csat members, ANYONE-, also signed the autograph book. We went o the Hoop-Dee-Doo, which I do recommend-and got the cast members, our waaiter, and a bumch of guests there for the show to turn the rings. It is defidently something I will not forget."

"My husband and I were married September 27th 1997 and on the second day of our married life we were on our way to Walt Disney World for our magical honeymoon that we had been saving for the last two or three years!

We stayed at the Grand Floridian and had a wonderful room over looking the water and a great view of the Magic Kingdom. From the minute we got there to the minute we left the service was impeccable. My most special memories were on our first evening there, we ate dinner in the castle and we mentioned to our waiter that it was our honeymoon and he gave us a white chocolate Mickey and Minnie with a wedding motif surrounded by Mickey Mouse glitter which I kept each one and plan to keep them forever. My second special memory was eating lunch at the Crystal Palace and having my picture taken with Winnie the Pooh, I even got a shot of Pooh and my husband Brett. Disney World was the only place I wanted to spend my honeymoon and it was worth every penny!

"The first time I went to Walt Disney World was Christmas of 1995.There were four of us- my husband and I and our sons(ages 6 and 10 then).I had planned relentlessly for about 10 months prior to the trip.Christmas at Disney World was truly magical,but my favorite memory happened at the Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day.We were watching the afternoon Christmas Parade when suddenly my 6 year old son Alex turned to me,threw his arms around my neck and said,"Oh,Mom,I'm so happy!!"The joy in his eyes and that 2 minute hug made it Christmas for me."

"Growing up, we spent our family vacations at WDW beginging with the first trip in August 1973. I have so many wonderful memories of those years. My Dad always took a photo of us 3 kids sitting on the wall in front of the lawn with the giant Mickey head that is at the entrance to MK. I am now 33 and taking my 2 1/2 year old son to WDW for his first trip. It's only been 4 months since I lost my dear Dad and I know that when I get to Disney it's going to stir up so many memories for me. I am really looking forward to taking a photo of my son in the spot my dad always did for so many years." Marie from Chicago

"I celebrated my high school graduation at Disney World with two friends. We made a goal of getting fifty character pictures. The cast members were very helpful. They pointed out greeting areas and they helped us locate specific characters. We ended our vacation with fiftyfive character pictures. It was the most fun I had ever experienced and it was great having my good friends to share it with me. -Thankyou cast members!"

"One of my favorite moments happened in January 1999. My husband and I took our two boys (ages 5 and 3) to see the fireworks in the Magic Kingdom. When Tinkerbell flew right over our heads to start the fireworks, our sons thought that was just the greatest thing the ever saw. For the rest of our trip, we had to watch the fireworks every night so they could cheer Tinkerbell on. One night, she smiled and waved at them. The smiles on their faces will be a memory that will last forever. They still talk about it to this day. We all can't wait to go back!!"

"I have many favourite moments at WDW but one of the best was on my honeymoon in 1997. We had met our American friends during the holiday (whom we met via the Internet) and we stayed at the Walt Disney World Dolphin. My husband secretly hired out a stretch limousine and we went round with our friends in this limousine feeling very important visiting all the Disney hotels with a smile on our face all the time and feeling like royalty.

Also when we were in WDW in Jan 1999 I had ordered Presentations: a gift of a lifetime for my husband. A game was set up where he was handed different pieces of a puzzle as we walked round the boardwalk area and finally he pieced together a puzzle from myself and was presented with champagne, chocolates and various other goodies. It was very different and very special and I felt like we were on honeymoon again." Carolyn (from the uk)

"My First time at WDW was in 1986 I was only 1 year old. I don't remember anything from that vacation but my mom does. We were leaving Epcot and in line for the monarail. My mom was very tired from the day and carring me. One of the monarail attedents saw my mom and knew she was about to collapse from the heat and for be tired. He rushed over to my mom and I and took me out of her hands and sat her down. when the monirail came he helped my mom to a car and sat me on her lap. When we arrive at the TTC there was another attendent waiting there for my mom and I to make sure we made it out of the Monirail and he help us. It's great to know that Disney is so helpfull and nice. I wish Iknew who helped us. If I knew there names i could have got them a thankyou gift or card . BUT ANYWAY, Thanks Disney!!!!" David

"My first and favourite memory was on my first trip - aged 8 in 1983, at the Magic Kingdom. (I'm sure it was this year, but could be mistaken - it's bound to happen sooner or later <G>. We had just watched Country Bear Jamboree, and I asked my mum if she would go and ask the bears if they wanted to come to our house for tea. She said they were too busy, but I pleaded!" - Rachel

"One of my favourite memories of my 1998 trip to WDW was having breakfast in Cinderella's castle, being called 'Princess', & having pixie dust sprinkled in my hair - magic!" - Joanne

"I worked at WDW, and during my first week there, I spotted a newlywed couple in the line for my attraction...they were hard to miss, in "bride" and "groom" shirts and a Mickey ears tophat and Minnie ears veil. I ushered them to the front of the line, and went to see the characters, who like to hang out right upstairs. I got a card, and they covered it with their best wishes. I dashed back downstairs, just as they were pulling in, and handed them the card. As they exited the ride, I couldn't resist following behind them unseen to see their reaction as they opened the card. she turned to him with tears in her eyes, and I had to duck backstage to hide my damp eyes. I don't know how they remembered me, I didn't sign the card, but three weeks later a letter came. It was mailed to the main address, but somehow, trickled down to me. I guess the reason I wanted to post this is to tell our wonderful guests that they make magic for us, even though we are the ones at Disney all day. Thanks to all of you." - J.S. Disney's Hollywood Studios

"In 1998 my 2 girls riding on the bus singing when you wish upon star which wasn't bad for a 2 and 3year old with there minnie ears on can still hear it."

"Out of the many times I have gone to Disney and have experienced many different magical moments. The one moment I remember best was walking down main street we noticed a host of characters surrounded by a group of people. Inside the ring of people where several children in wheelchairs. What I came to realize was that these children were from the "Make a Wish Program." The characters were greeting and playing with the children. What touched my heart was the reaction from the parents. They were all in tears but smiling with joy. Everyone around those children experienced a tender and touching moment. To watch these children's dreams come true was an extraordinary experience for me that continues to bring tears to my eyes. At that moment on I knew it would be rare to find a place on earth that could provide so much joy."

"I was one of the people volunteered to get drenched at the disney-mgm's backlot tour in the first area you go into with the water. i got all decked up in raingear and got put into this little boat. i couldn't hear very well with the hood on and all of a sudden, all this water just came through one of the sides of the boat. it was so much fun, and i recommend for people to volunteer and get into the act!"

Recommend this page to a friend

Visit our Message Boards