You finally know your at Disney when you.....

[kbean]

...hear the distant howl coming from the Haunted Mansion.



Your turn......

[GBBT]

hear,"Please stand clear of the doors"!:D

[DisneyLuver91]

....pass under the big Disney World sign! :cloud9:

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

... eat a hot dog at Casey's

[elmjimmlm]

when the guard at the resort says "Welcome Home"...:cloud9:

[LCPZA]

see the castle!

[disneyholic2]

:mickey::cloud9:when the artist at the animation studio asks, who do you want to draw today?:mjump::stitch::donald::goofy::dale::chip:

[Disney4us2]

Board the DME and pass under the WDW sign.

[Mousemates]

when you start seeing the purple background road signs

[ibrowse17]

When we are setting up at Ft. Wilderness, and hear the distant boat horns from the lake:thumbsup:

[ibrowse17]

Or... When we we see the first Disney bus:thumbsup:

[StitchFan#1]

taking the boat from POFQ to DTD

[ransam]

when you're on DME and the movie starts welcoming you to your vacation.

[Jennifer_and_Chris]

When we are on i-4 and start to see the miles countdown to Disney... as in "Walt Disney World 9 miles)... I usually start to gt my camera out.

[Dizneydreamin']

...have a Dole Whip in Adventureland!!!

[Kathy Jetson]

When we start seeing the billboards but I feel the magic as soon as we enter the lobby to our resort:cloud9:

[badkitty]

When you are on the boat crossing Seven Seas Lagoon and you hear the train whistle as you see the castle peeking over top of the train station. Magical! :thumbsup:

[Pete Olsen]

... at the airport, when we see all the Disney bags; Mickey ears; princess dresses and pirate outfits; sleepy kids and tired parents; Disney shirts and hats; and stuffed Mickeys and friends as they are going home as we are heading to the DME check-in.

[olivegirl]

For me it is when our plane makes that last turn and we start to land!!!!!! :thumbsup:

[mickeys_princess_mom]

when you're on DME and the movie starts welcoming you to your vacation.

:high5:

[Georgesgirl1]

...when you drive under the big Disney World sign. :mickey:

[disneymom15]

Walking to get on DME and the humidity hits you.

[cather74]

...smell main street!:cloud9:

[BigWes6]

As soon as we land at MCO

[crazygoalie39]

When we start seeing the billboards but I feel the magic as soon as we enter the lobby to our resort:cloud9:

My thoughts exactly! :mickey:

[caryrae]

When landing and the Pilot says welcome to Orlando and gives a little weather report. Also when we first go outside to get the rental car and you get that first real blast of heat and humidity.

[javamama]

we're on the bus!

[Lakin]

When I'm on the DME bus to my resort and I see the little signs with Mickey Ears on them pointing to different locations on property. :mickey:

[buzznwoodysmom]

....when we have our first night meal at Ohana's, watch wishes from the beach, and take a spin around the monorail line. That's when we know we've arrived!

[hubbyofadisneyholic]

When we walk thru the tunnel under the MK train station and get the first smell of the POPCORN!!!:thumbsup:

[kemps@wdw]

when you start seeing the purple background road signs

:ditto: :D

[Rekenna]

...smell main street!:cloud9:

The WDW smell for me as well, from DME, resort, buses, parks, everywhere on property.

Also, palm trees! We don't have too many of these in Kentucky. I love seeing them for the first time when touching down at the airport.

6 days to go....:mickey:

[Tink#64]

Defintely from the moment we see the Walt Disney World sign & pass under it - we know we're in our happy place! :cloud9:

[fielin]

When we first come out of our room after checking in and putting down our luggage inside. I exit the room, let the sun touch me, take a deep breath, and feel all the stress go away. I'm, finally, at Disney World.

[Joannelet]

The minute we drive into the entrance of our resort. I start to cheer and clap and scream We're HERE!!!! :)

[wildernesslady]

Get off the plane at MCO. I always feel bad for those waiting to board it.

[TheMartellFamily]

The Welcome sign that we drive under on our way to the resort. All I have to say about that is March 16th is when it is going to happen. Not soon enough.

[eandrsmom]

When we drive under the Walt Disney World sign. We all cheer!

[AndrewJackson]

When we are setting up at Ft. Wilderness, and hear the distant boat horns from the lake:thumbsup:

Ditto :thumbsup:

We are staying at Port Orleans this year, but my parents are camping at Fort Wilderness. So, we will be hearing those horns in about 4 weeks.

[Aurora]

When we board the rail shuttle at the airport that takes you from the gates to the baggage claim and you can see the palm trees out the windows. We always say "here's the first ride!"

[LudwigVonDrake]

Driving under the Walt Disney World sign on the DME bus :bus:

[joonyer]

When you get out of your car, taxi or bus at the resort and hear the Disney background music playing from all the hidden speakers.

[Arielfan98]

I see the DME cast members dressed in their uniforms at Orlando's National Airport.

[TheVBs]

The minute we're all checked in and heading to our hotel room. :mickey:

[Carolanne]

For me it is when our plane makes that last turn and we start to land!!!!!! :thumbsup:

What she said :mickey:. Pretty much, as soon as the plane starts to descend into MCO, I consider myself to be in Disney.

(wistfully planning my next WDW trip...I don't think it's gonna happen this year, though).

[bruin1344]

arrive at orlando airport and i really know it when the highway signs turn purple

[crltkcagle]

The first walk up main street and see the first glimpse of the castle! Thats how I know I am back where I belong!

[MadMadamMim]

As soon as I see Spaceship Earth (once I walk through the ticket counters not when I see it from far away although that is very exciting.)

[DisneyHoneymooners]

When we walk through the sliding doors and in to that amazing lobby at AKL :mickey:

[tazlikesrobots]

...have a Dole Whip in Adventureland!!!

Ditto :thumbsup:

[Soph and Han's Mom]

we drive from san antono almost every year...we start to get excited when we get on i75!!

[ILoveLegos]

When I "smell the water". FLorida H2O smells different - in the fountains @ the airport, in the parks, in the shower - ah Disney water! :mickey:

[Eric87]

when you're on DME and the movie starts welcoming you to your vacation.DITTO!

[jpmsrivers]

When I step on the bus taking me to the park...I love the excitement I feel! :cloud9:

[Jennifer_and_Chris]

:ditto: :D

Our last trip, we drove the 2 days down to WDW with the kids. We told them that when we see purple mickey signs, then we are there. Everytime we got the "are we there yet?", the first thing I said was - do you see purple signs yet?

Then the question changed from are we there yet to... "When are we going to see the purples signs?" :blush:

[CU Tiger]

... you are in line at check in and start soaking up all the details around you. Also, the kids yelling "we're here!! we're here!!"

[PlutoPlanet]

Double ditto Dole Whip.

[BigThunderFan]

I get the first chills the moment I see palm trees and all the lakes in the area out the window of the plane.

But the real moment it hits me is when I step into the queue for Pirates and you smell that musty smell from the ride. Not sure if anyone else knows what I mean, but it takes me back to when I was a kid and getting ready to board! :thumbsup:

[Bay Lake]

When the plane turns for the final desent, I try to look out every window I see to catch a glimpse of the Castle or Spaceship Earth. Then it hits me that I am where I belong.
:plane::plane::plane::plane::plane:

[PittFan]

... the video starts to play on the Magical Express Bus !!!! :mickey:

[phillydan]

when you're on DME and the movie starts welcoming you to your vacation.

Ditto:thumbsup:

[oopsadaisy2003]

The first walk up main street and see the first glimpse of the castle! Thats how I know I am back where I belong!

Me too! :mickey:

[jturnage]

Any and all of the above!! lol But I love when I pull into DD and the sign out front of Mickey and Minnie and the perfectly manicured Lawn is a dead give away your not in Kansas anymore.

[gwfx1031]

When we see the airport gift shops

[Iluvpooh]

When I turn on the in room TV!

[linedropper]

When your at the airport and you see the waving glove!

[MrPeetrie]

See the Disney store at the Orlando Airport.

[JoF]

1. Having my fingerprints taken and my eye scanned on arrival at the airport along with all the green forms to be filled in.
2. The Florida "smell" and the humidity that hits you as you exit the plane.
3. Picking up the rental car (which is usually 3 times as big as my car at home) and driving on the wrong side!
4. Driving under the entrance gate to the world
5. And finally walking into Main Street USA - it is always an emotional moment:cloud9:

[Jeniflower]

On the bus to the resort when we start counting Disney ariel toppers on the cars:truck::car::mickey:

[Mousemates]

when you leave the darkness of the entry tunnel under the railroad station and step into a sunlit Mainstreet USA

[EpcotChic23]

The first night when I am usally watching spectro magic or wishes, it hits me.

[Stu29573]

This past trip it was in stages...My wife had never been so that made it even more fun

Magical Moments:

1. Stepping off the plane into the airport and seeing the Disney Store

2. Lining up for DME.

3. When the movie started on the bus.

4. Seeing the purple signs!

5. Seeing the "Welcome Home" sign.

6. Getting set up in our room.

7. Most of all....walking through the train station at MK and seeing the castle!!!:D

[okw2006]

When I get my first Welcome Home from the guard at OKW

[EeyoresBestFriend]

when you're on DME and the movie starts welcoming you to your vacation.

Us too!! And then hearing the new orleans music at FQ !! :cloud9:

[Mitzie]

I just love these kinds of post...for us it is that guys voice on the Disney buses. I know I am there when he tells you to 'step carefully and take small children by the hand'. I love that voice. Makes me smile just thinking about it.:mickey:

[Septbride2002]

For the longest time I didn't really know what it was. For awhile I thought it was when I first step out on my balcony from our resort room at the Boardwalk - and that is pretty close. Another close is the first ride on the tram at the airport. But on our last trip we didn't get to the World Showcase until about the 3rd day in (usually we go there on the first night after checking in) and at that moment I realize - I'm at Disney.

There is something about moseying around the World Showcase with one of those frozen orange drinks from France that says "Disney" to me.

[buzznwoodysmom]

For the longest time I didn't really know what it was. For awhile I thought it was when I first step out on my balcony from our resort room at the Boardwalk - and that is pretty close. Another close is the first ride on the tram at the airport. But on our last trip we didn't get to the World Showcase until about the 3rd day in (usually we go there on the first night after checking in) and at that moment I realize - I'm at Disney.

There is something about moseying around the World Showcase with one of those frozen orange drinks from France that says "Disney" to me.

That's how it hit me too. One year we did Ohana's on our second night because we arrived a night earlier than the rest of our party and it didn't really feel like we were at Disney yet till that night. Our first night tradition of Ohana's, Wishes from the beach and a spin on the monorail were missing and after we did that we were all like "yeah, we are in Disney now".

[Septbride2002]

That's how it hit me too. One year we did Ohana's on our second night because we arrived a night earlier than the rest of our party and it didn't really feel like we were at Disney yet till that night. Our first night tradition of Ohana's, Wishes from the beach and a spin on the monorail were missing and after we did that we were all like "yeah, we are in Disney now".

Ohana's on the first night is a great tradition! :D

[ParkMan]

It's that moment at my departure airport after I've dropped off the car, checked the bags, gotten through security, have picked up breakfast in the terminal for the kids, and am finally sitting at the gate waiting for the flight.

I'm exhausted and have just sat down to catch my breath. I then look up and see all the families in their Disney gear ready. Then I realize I'm going to WDW. After that, it's all downhill.

[QTPie68]

Usually when our limo driver points out that we are going under the big sign across the rode welcoming us. And then we pull up to POP Century and little girls are trying to hula hoop.

[lightyearfan]

without a doubt for me and dw is when we pass the Welcome to Walt Disney World Arch, this is a beautiful thing, then we know we've come back home:mickey:

March trip only a few days away:party:

Victor

[WDW Addict]

Enter the park for the first time :mickey:

[kcrc]

Just echoing the thoughts of others...

- When we step into the Orlando Airport - and that is already familiar to us.
- The tram ride to the other side of the airport (we call it the mini-monorail).
- Finding the ME check in.
- Watching the Welcome video on the bus.
- Passing under the Disney sign.
- Getting out of the ME bus at the door of the Poly, seeing the beautiful plants all around, and knowing that it's all just starting.

[lettripp]

When I see the billboards on the way in. The Tower of Terror billboard is always the dead give away. It is usually a sight for sore eyes since our Disney vacations have recently begun after visiting relatives and driving early in the morning.
:drive:
After the billboards, I would say driving under the arch. It used to also involve listening to the Disney radio station but I feel like I haven't heard that since radio Disney got its start.

In all reality, the realization that I'm at Disney World just intensifies with different makers, culminating in the first moment I see the castle!

[Gator]

Board a crowded bus. I gladly board it the first time. After that....

[2 princes and a princess]

When we hear the song "Main St. USA" while walking down Main St. USA. :D

[garthbarth1]

When we board the rail shuttle at the airport that takes you from the gates to the baggage claim and you can see the palm trees out the windows. We always say "here's the first ride!"

Thats so funny! Thats exactly what we say on the tram...this is our first ride!!! :mickey:

[DisneyorBust]

When we walk into the resort....preferably the Polynesian! That's when I know that I'm back.

[Soph and Han's Mom]

When we hear the song "Main St. USA" while walking down Main St. USA. :D

that is so funny...my older daughter and i love that song and share a laugh whenever we hear it!!

[TikiLounger]

When the informational movie starts playing on the Magical Express. We know we're getting close!

[LoriSan]

we always go to MK first, so I know we are there when we are riding the Disney bus and it makes the left hand turn at the light in front of the Contemporary, and the Mickey Mouse Club music starts to play. :cloud9:

[mouselover93]

when i get my car off the auto train and start driving and see all the palm trees and road signs

[Brooklynos]

When we pass under the Walt Disney World Arch.... but it really starts for me when you hear the music when you get off a resort bus to head towards a park (always Epcot for us) and work is far from my mind. A smile spreads across my face and I know I am worry free for a week!!!! :mickey::mickey::mickey:

Two more weeks and I can't wait!!!

[SillySymphony]

...notice you're humming "Zip a Dee Doo Dah".... and smiling from ear-to-ear !

[SandmanGStefani24]

when im walking out to the rental car lot and see the WDW buses parked/loading. The atrium of the airport gets me excited but when I see the buses I know im there!

[Mickey052501]

When you smell the Florida air and see the WDW signs!!!!

[BashfulMom]

When I have a Dole Whip - Yummy.

[TeamJonasSister]

Hop on to the Magical Express!!! Can't wait. Going in April.

[indytraveler]

When I walk under the Train Tracks at MK and see the castle in front of me.

[LoriMistress]

There are several things for me:


Landing in Orlando Airport.
Seeing the arch way that says, "Welcome to WDW!"
Checking into our room.
Visiting DTD.
Walking through MS:USA and seeing Cinderella's Castle.

[grumpyguy]

i always start to "feel" wdw magic when we arrive at orlando airport and you start seeing all the disney stuff for sale and it just looks like mickey is starting to pop up everywhere.
anticipation really builds when our luggage gets loaded and we're actually sitting on a disney magical express bus and we're smelling actual
"disney" diesel fumes.
but,to more directly answer your question i don't really consider myself at disney world until we pass under the big colorful WALT DISNEY WORLD signs that go across the thruway.
that's when i turn into a kid again:mickey:

[KatrinaJ91]

all of the little things are a build-up of actually "being there"...
it starts with seeing the Florida sign (we drive) and stopping at the Welcome to Florida center and having Florida orange juice! Then when we get on I-4 and start to see the Disney exits. Getting to the resort is a thrill...riding the bus for the first time is wonderful...seeing the Welcome to Disney World sign is exciting...

BUT I am not officially "at" Disney until I walk down Main Street, take in all the sights (balloon seller, castle, train, etc), smells (popcorn, bakery, Caseys) and sounds (that wonderful Barbershop Quartet singing Main Street USA!) This is definitely the moment I feel we are there and I get all teary-eyed...actually I am getting teary-eyed now just thinking about it! I love this post....it has made my snowy, dreary day seem all the brighter! :blush:

[mudpuppysmom]

We're always there when we enter the "front gate"......'Welcome to Disney World'....then DS and I say "WE'RE HERE!!!!"

[Giggy]

Another vote for the purple signs, they featured in a dream last year. I was in my home town of Telford and we were in the car, looking up at the road signs at a crossroad in the middle of them was a purple sign pointing towards WDW. We were heading for a day trip at Disney because my brother was taking part in a show of some sort and purple signs just like the ones in WDW were leading us to it.

I can't remember what sort of route we took except being at a certain crossroad in Telford, going via a nearby town called Ludlow and then through a swampy area where we stopped for a break. Clearly geography isn't my strong point as although Ludlow is in the right general direction for Florida (south-west) there was one flaw in the plan: WDW isn't a couple of hours away in a car, it's a 10 hour plane and a few thousand miles of ocean! :blush:

[Always Goofy]

The WDW smell for me as well, from DME, resort, buses, parks, everywhere on property.

Also, palm trees! We don't have too many of these in Kentucky. I love seeing them for the first time when touching down at the airport.

6 days to go....:mickey:

Yep, me too! As soon as the plan makes the final approach and I see palm trees, I know that I have arrived. However, what me and my oldest son used to do is during the takeoff from home, we would raise are arms in the air as if we were on a roller coster! That is when vacation starts for me to WDW:mickey:

[Darbylew]

First when we see the purple signs, next when
we go through the gates to our resort, most of
all it is walking down Main Street at the MK.
FIRST TRIP 1972
LAST TRIP NOV. 2009 :thumbsup:
NEXT TRIP MAY 2010 :D
AND MANY TRIPS IN BETWEEN :mickey:

[Stu29573]

Another vote for the purple signs, they featured in a dream last year. I was in my home town of Telford and we were in the car, looking up at the road signs at a crossroad in the middle of them was a purple sign pointing towards WDW. We were heading for a day trip at Disney because my brother was taking part in a show of some sort and purple signs just like the ones in WDW were leading us to it.

I can't remember what sort of route we took except being at a certain crossroad in Telford, going via a nearby town called Ludlow and then through a swampy area where we stopped for a break. Clearly geography isn't my strong point as although Ludlow is in the right general direction for Florida (south-west) there was one flaw in the plan: WDW isn't a couple of hours away in a car, it's a 10 hour plane and a few thousand miles of ocean! :blush:

Yeah, that darned Atlantic. Maybe they could build a bridge...:thumbsup:

[DizMom416]

when I am checking into my resort and see my kids watching a disney movie in the lobby with all of the other kids waiting to experience the magic

[cmshelton1979]

Reading all of these has put a smile on my face. I think I know I am there when you go under the Disney World Arch.

I also know I am at DW when I get in my resort room. What really lets me know though, being at Rope Drop at MK and walking in and seeing the castle for the first time!!!! :mickey::cloud9:

[Hendsome]

Go to my resort bus stop and start seeing the park busses rolling in.

[Morpheous]

When I get on the Disney's Magical Express, and the "Welcome to the Disneyworld Resort" video packages start to play. :thumbsup:

[DisneyOtaku]

when you start seeing the purple background road signs

This is the same for me. I just get that magical tingle all over! :thumbsup:

[cinderellagrl]

When I get my first glimpse of the Castle from Main Street. The full effect of the smells, sights, and sounds of Main Street = I"M IN DISNEY!

[MushuGrl]

we always go to MK first, so I know we are there when we are riding the Disney bus and it makes the left hand turn at the light in front of the Contemporary, and the Mickey Mouse Club music starts to play. :cloud9:

Second that!!

[forever a child]

I'm pretty darn happy when I just start boarding the plane for the trip! :cloud9:


:plane:

[GINNY69]

Getting of the plane at Orlando Int'l Airport checking at DME and getting in line to board the bus... 33 days counting...

[finaldynasty]

When my kids begin screaming with excitement when they see the Disney signs, then begin singing their favorite Disney tunes! :mickey:

[MarknTara]

when everybody is smiling at each other! :mickey:

[Pop Centurion]

I start feeling it once in MCO but it really kicks in once the video starts on the ME bus. :mickey:

[Plex]

Jump up and down on the bed in the hotel screaming "WE'RE AT DISNEY WORLD!!!!" WOOOOO!

Yes, there are pictures :secret:

[antngoof89]

When I see the billboards advertising the attractions at Disney I start getting anxious. Nothing like it, but once we get on the monorail and I state "Por Favor Mantangase Allejado De Las Puertas" My father and I quote it every time and at that moment I feel the magic

[RAIDER]

Being ushered in the car parks and seeing the MK / Epcot from a distance :mickey:

[DNS]

....pass under the big Disney World sign! :cloud9:

This is exactly it for me too!

[mjm12000]

The build up starts long before I even leave my house but I finally feel like I am there as I round the corner of town square and see the Castle up ahead, it makes every hair on my body stand on end...electric.

[dragon73]

For me it's a few of different things:

-the tram ride at MCO to the main terminal. It's awesome when it's the 'first ride of the trip' (as we always say), but really isn't as fun when it's the last...
-first night dinner at 'Ohana, although we don't do this on every trip, when we do it seems magical.
-by far the best part usually is heading towards Spaceship Earth from the parking lot when heading into Epcot the first day (always our starting park), breathing a sigh of relief, and squealing with excitement having 'made it again'. I always feel like a 50 lb weight has been taken off my back!

5 1/2 more weeks!

[GrmGrninGost]

See the purple road signs and are actually on Disney property! This is always a highlight of our trip! :mickey: It usually involved photos out the van window and some squealing. (Not necessarily from the kids)

[Scrappy2]

When I arrive at the Magic Kingdom walk down main street, see the castle, and smell the bakery!

[DisNut]

For me....even though we are not there yet, it's when we finally book airfare. We made our room ressies (a bounceback offer) in January 2010. We just booked airfare on 3/17 for October 2010 and I'm already thinking about our "to do/have to do" plans. And it's 7 months away!!

Once we arrive, it's arriving at the resort (POR this time) and just having that wonderful feeling of relaxation and all the fun ahead:mickey:

[bouncer]

from the mouth of DS7: " I have a few favorites. My idea of knowing we got to Disney is seeing the palm trees and getting to the Polynesian and going to the lounge (club level) and eating while watching t.v. and watching the Disney specials in the room." For me it is also the tram at MCO and then once in our room hearing the horn from the boat to MK and the whistle of the train at MK.

[kimommy63]

Thats so funny! Thats exactly what we say on the tram...this is our first ride!!! :mickey:

:mickey: I think a lot of families must say this and not realize how many times those words get uttered every day. Kind of nice.
:blush:

[syndrome]

Before I had kids it was when I passed under the WDW signs on the roads leading to the parks....now it is watching the look on my son's face as we enter the park!

[LoriMistress]

There are a few things that trigger the moment that I'm finally at WDW:

1. Boarding the plan to go to Orlando Airport.
2. Landing at Orlando Airport.
3. Passing the "Welcome to WDW" sign.
4. Checking into our resort.
5. Visiting DTD.
6. Visiting MK for the first time, and seeing Cinderella's Castle.

[ljgirl]

When I smell the POTC ride! It hasa distinct smell all it's own and I love it!!!

[pidge9101]

When you hear: "please gather your belongings, take small children by the hand, and watch your head and step as you disembark the motor coach." :thumbsup:

[MrPeetrie]

Hear the luggage doors close on the Magical Express and watch as the monitors come alive with Disney characters.

[Wannagoback]

....pass under the big Disney World sign! :cloud9:

I have to agree 100% with this one..... But then it is also the most depressing thing to see.....When you are leaving for home....:(

[kurt]

when you get off the airport shuttle & check in at the hotel....:thumbsup:

[wdwvacationeer]

It starts for us when we get dropped off at the Buffalo airport by the time we land in Orlando everyone is all smiles and ridiculously happy. But it really hits when we step foot into one of the parks for the first time of the trip- the sights, the sounds and the smells- then we look at each other and can't believe how lucky we are to have come back!:mickey:

[KingKona]

Hurrying to change into my shorts in the airport restroom before DME pager goes off.:goof:

[KingKona]

And, when we walk into the Poly for the first time, see the tropical plants, hear the waterfall, smell the chlorinated water and stroll up to the Kona Cafe for a coffee--pure bliss and serenity at the same time!

[AdventurerKim]

The build up starts long before I even leave my house but I finally feel like I am there as I round the corner of town square and see the Castle up ahead, it makes every hair on my body stand on end...electric.


This is exactly it for me too!

Ditto! There is not feeling like finally being on WDW property! :cloud9:

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

Getting off the plane in Orlando. Even though I'm not officially at WDW yet, I know it's just up the road.

[paragon]

When I am drinking an ice cold coca cola on the corner in front of Casey's, looking up Main Street.

[goofygirl67]

I get that giddy feeling when I start seeing the exit signs on I-4. I get excited when I go through the welcome sign....for the next week there is no outside world.

[mom2Z&A]

:cloud9:

When I'm handed my KTTK cards from the CM at the resort!!!!!!

:cloud9:

[DunkinNut]

Probably doesn't seem very Disney-esque...but for my family...it's when we walk into The Dolphin and see/hear/smell the big fountain in the lobby. It's like a sea-siren is saying....you are at Disney! LOL

[Dickson Thunder]

While I visit the Atlanta area frequently both on business and personal reasons if I am South of the Atlanta Airport on I-75 I know I am on my way to Disney. That is when I know I have arrived although it is still 7 hours away.

:cool:

[Loweschevy]

To me its when we hit the main gates at the MK.

[vws_and_disney]

For me it's the night before when I can't sleep because i'm to excited. For DW it's when we open the door to "home" and you get the intial blast of ac and the disney smell

[Giselle]

On our last trip we checked into the CSR and went walking around the grounds to see it since it was our first time there. We had a *very* magical moment as our daughter walked into the pool area (which is hidden behind bushes and trees until you actually enter it) and her eyes got so big and and she grinned and just said, "wow!" That was worth the whole trip to see the excitement and joy in her face. Later on that day I sat by the quiet pool in the perfect not too hot/not too cold sunny beautiful weather holding my sleeping baby while my DH and DD swam, and thought, "it doesn't get better than this!"

[finaldynasty]

Sitting down for our first character meal our first evening! :mickey:

[zebradome17]

Although it's not at disney, for me it's when I step out of the doors at Orlando airport and feel the humidity and heat in the air. I know we would NEVER get heat like that in Britain and the fact that I'm in Florida makes me feel pretty close to disney:mickey:

[Villains0501]

When I turn on the resort room TV and see that spokesgirl do the "Top 10 Disney Countdown!"

[lioness8978]

Plane landing: hasn’t hit me yet...
First Palm tree sighting: starting to feel something...
Boarding the DME/DME video: excitement starting to bubble...
Hearing "Welcome Home": Whoohoooooo!

[IrishMickey]

When everyone stops asking "Are we there yet?", I know we are there! :mickey:

[mermaidmarian]

When you find the brick with your name on it at the MK.

[EPCOT84]

Some of my moments, like many of you:

* Seeing all the round water lakes as the plane approaches MCO

* Walking off the plane and into the terminal. The airy bright atriums say "you're here" !!

* Taking the airport tram to the main concourse. It is like you're already in WDW. You know from here on you'll be taking more trams, trains, buses, boats, and monorails !

* Going past Sea World

* Seeing purple highway signs with little Mickey ears as you come on property

* Plopping down in your hotel room. Finally !

For me the real moment is stepping off a Disney Transport bus at the Epcot parking lot, taking in the humid air, walking that nice green shaded area of trees and the sparkle of the concrete as I walk into the sunlight and the monorail station and ticket booths come into sight, I see a monorail glide by, and take in the music playing all around. Ah, that's THE moment that says, I am home ! :cloud9:

* I also get that feeling when I get to the TTC and step onto the ferry boat for MK.

* And finally, the real old heart tugging moment is hearing the train whistle. Now THAT'S a Disney moment for me.:thumbsup:

[finaldynasty]

When you have a huge cupcake from the bakery!

[ANG]

when the guard at the resort says "Welcome Home"...:cloud9:

Ditto. I love hearing that:mickey:

[slegrant]

When we drive under the Welcome to Walt Disney World sign, then look for the first monorail, check into Fort Wilderness open all the windows on our way to the cabin to take in that Disney Air:mickey: then we know we have arrived.

[Gibbs]

I drive under the Walt Disney World Arch and start heading toward POR

[Goofster]

For me its when we arrive at MCO and the airport feels so familiar...the floor tile, the shops, the tram ride and the huge fountain in the atrium with the disney store right there. That's when I feel like I'm 'home' and its going to be a great week away from the outside world! :mickey:

[MushuGrl]

....when Davy Jones tells me that dead men DO tell tales....

[Tigerinvestigator]

For 37 years of my life it has always been seeing the first monorail as we drive onto property! :thumbsup:

[Gibbs]

For us its a build up from the time we leave the house all the way through till we enter the front door of the resort. I guess if I had to point out one particular time during the whole trip, it would have to be when we drive under the Disney World Arch. At that point my son usually "its good to be back"

[tinka]

Skip down Main Street!!!

[Rayles]

It's got to be seeing the Castle across the lake:mickey:

[Love of Disney]

When you pass under the train station at MK and you look down Main St and see the Castle. I always get butterflies in my stomach!!
:cool:

[finaldynasty]

Only a couple of days away and, I know I'm home when I see the little Mickey soap bar in my resort room.

[dismommy]

The doorman at POFQ welcomes my son and gives him doubloons! I love the way they welcome the children it really makes his day!

[Disney Yankee]

... eat a hot dog at Casey's

ditto:mickey:

[Roland]

... eat a hot dog at Casey's

I think it's funny that someone said this.

This is exactly what I do other than take the bus to MK.

I have to have my hot dog with cheese and then 'Let the good times roll!':number1:

[Bethanymouse]

See the monorail pass by as we drive to Poly!

[Rosemickey68]

1. When the plane is descending and the pilot says "welcome to Orlando"
2. Getting on the shuttle that takes you to the other bldg in the airport. We always have thought of it as our first ride!
3. Seeing the purple signs
4. passing through the WDW arch
5. skipping down main street and seeing the castle
6. riding the actual monorail and hearing "please stand clear of the doors"

[Cinderelley]

When I am walking through Frontierland on my way to Big Thunder. I can see Splash Mountain and know that Pirates are waiting for me to my left. Then I KNOW I am there.

The stress starts lifting off of my shoulders long before that though.
1. Starts leaving once we've checked the bags in at the airport.
2. Another load off my mind when we land.
3. The airport monorail whisks me away from everyday worries.
4. Flopping onto the bed in my resort room after check in chases the rest of it away. :cloud9:

[dixielandings]

Smell the Main St. Bakery...and see the Castle. Never gets old.

[SandmanGStefani24]

im so glad this post is still going!

reading what people have to say brings back many memories. I said earlier what let me know I was back at WDW, but I thought of one more. When I take that ride on the TTA either after my 1st ride or while waiting for a fastpass I take it all in, and I know I'm back home! :cloud9:

[WDW&MK]

When the first castmember I see tells me to "Have a magical day" and I think - today, you bet I will :thumbsup:

[tiggerbuddy]

When you hear " Please stand clear of the doors "...Oh, yeah..And STACEY on the hotel TV !!

[caryrae]

For me it's as we are landing at the Airport and you see the Palm trees and the Pilot says welcome to Orlando and gives a weather report. Then when walking off the plane you see all the people with their Disney treasures they bought. Then when driving to the Resort all the Disney billboards you pass along the way.

[thesplashmountaineer]

when stacey is on TV:tv::mickey3:

[EPCOT84]

These are so well written I felt I was there --



-.By far the best part usually is heading towards Spaceship Earth from the parking lot when heading into Epcot the first day (always our starting park), breathing a sigh of relief, and squealing with excitement having 'made it again'. I always feel like a 50 lb weight has been taken off my back!



Hear the luggage doors close on the Magical Express and watch as the monitors come alive with Disney characters.


When you pass under the train station at MK and you look down Main St and see the Castle. I always get butterflies in my stomach!!
:cool:

I ditto them all !

[EPCOT84]

.. and one more ditto:


The WDW smell for me as well, from DME, resort, buses, parks, everywhere on property.

[LandFan]

As soon as we hop on the shuttle at MCO! It's the first ride of the day:D

[disneykid@hrt]

Don't have to hit the Snooze button!! Only place on Earth I can hop right out of bed! :mickey:

[Disneyfirsttimer]

Board the DME and pass under the WDW sign.

:ditto:

[lionprincess9]

When we board the rail shuttle at the airport that takes you from the gates to the baggage claim and you can see the palm trees out the windows. We always say "here's the first ride!"

:cloud9: We always do the same thing!!! Also, when my family and I walk into the resort...my mom, sister, and I always have to wait for my dad to do it because that's how important it is to us!! :tink: :party2:

[plutosnana]

Smell of the gas from the bus, big WDW sign, the smell of the french fries..:blush:
The smell of new plastic.
Lots of smells!

[EJS-Houston]

When the Magical Express Bus turns in to the hotel entrance...and then again when walking through the hotel and hearing the Disney music.

[BoricuaBell]

When you walk into Magic Kingdom and look up across Main Street to see Cinderella's Castle :mickey: :cloud9:

[Laughin' place]

When I was young, the "moment" was when we saw the sign telling us to tune in to Disney's radio station to hear Park info (it was sooo cool, Mickey had his own radio station !). Then it was seeing the "pioneer Mickey" sign leading into Fort Wilderness.:mickey:

[WDWdreamin]

smell the lobby at the polynesian.....:)

[darthmacho]

For me, seeing road signs is a good start, but I think I FEEL like I'm there when I walk through the doors of the resort lobby and start to HEAR the sounds of WDW, such as background music and even crowd murmur...THAT'S WDW to me! :mickey:

[goofy89]

For me I finally feel like I'm back at Disney when I pass under that large Walt Disney World sign and start to see those purple road signs! :fworks:

[Minniemouse15]

When you step in to Magic Kingdom and look down at main street and smell all the food and see Cinderella Castle and see everyone having a good time:mickey::joy::yay::muscles:

[tnpoohbear]

My heart leaps when I drive under the disneyworld sign!:mickey:

[Gibbs]

............when I pass under the Walt Disney World sign.

[azcavalier]

When we hit Orlando traffic, and my wife directs me to the Disney Outlet store. I know, I know....it's not WDW, but it's close. But that is always our first stop. And you can start pin trading right there.

Well, really, I agree with most other posters when they say it's walking into the lobby of the resort and hearing the music. That is WDW to me.

[Mickey91]

...see the purple road signs!!:mickey:

[morebroccoli]

when i hear the train whistle from the disney world railroad. usually before i'm even close to being in the magic kingdom

[finaldynasty]

When you have had a dog at Casey's!!

:mickey:

[crazymousemom]

(1) when I see the first resort bus while we're still in the car and

(2) when I 'smell' the first resort bus when we're getting out of the car to check in.

[KAJUNKING]

as soon as i walk into the hotel lobby

[exvagirl]

...when you can smell the giant turkey legs! :woohoo:

[jnfr2424]

at the airport and you hear that familiar voice on the monorail taking you to baggage claim!

[NewmanFamily6]

See the castle:cloud9:

[KAT1811]

Check in at the DME counter!!!

[valerie923]

When I walk into Magic Kingdom and I see the castle, that's when it hits me I'm there :cloud9:

[PrincessJadesMom]

:cloud9:
When we first come out of our room after checking in and putting down our luggage inside. I exit the room, let the sun touch me, take a deep breath, and feel all the stress go away. I'm, finally, at Disney World.

My thoughts exactly......AAAAHHH. I love that feeling!:minnie::cloud9:

[ravsluvdisney]

The first swoosh sound as a monorail passes by - and the Disney smell....

[JabberJaws]

hear,"Please stand clear of the doors"!:D

^This^

[Figment104]

After thinking about this for a long time I realized that like others it works its way up on me in stages. The big ones are landing at Orlando, getting on the Magical Express, driving under the Walt Disney World Sign. But I truly know I've arrived when I've walked through the doors of the Wilderness Lodge and hear all those wonderful sounds in the lobby!

44 more days! :mickey:

[disneymomma2010]

when we go to mk, walk through main street, and see the castle. Thats when my eyes always tear up, looking at the smiles on my children's face, thinking, we did it, we are here!!:welcome::wave:

2009 pop century
2007 off site
2003 ASM
1998 POFQ

[edhunter28]

when we see the big sign that says welcome to disney world

[Fort Willow]

When you see road signs before entering the Disney property!!:thumbsup: (If you are my Dad it is getting hit in the back of the leg with a stroller)

[xo0ally]

You feel the blast of heat when you walk out of the air port, start driving toward Disney and you begin to see the purple signs and the welcome home arch:mickey:

[MickeysEars]

We go to DTD the day we arrive and it is the smell of Basin as I approach from the parking lot.