I Feel Like My Disney Vacation Begins When... - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Several months ago, someone wrote into the WDW Today podcast and asked each member to identify the sight, sound, smell, experience, location, etc. that triggers the "Aahhh, I'm finally at Disney!" moment for them.
One of them said, "I don't feel like I'm at Disney until I smell Rome burning in Spaceship Earth." I liked that one!
For me, it's entering the lobby of our resort for the first time and hearing the music and taking in the theming. And, now that we're DVC members, hearing "Welcome Home!" The whole experience just lifts a weight off my shoulders and puts me at ease.
What about you? What is the thing for you that truly signals that your vacation can begin?
Great question!
I think for me it's a little bit when arriving at the hotel, but mostly when I enter the hotel room!! It's such a giddy feeling, just knowing the rest of my vacation lies directly in front of me. Of course, once I head back out the door and to the first park of the trip, that's a good one too.
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Well I feel like my Disney vacation begins when I book the thing! I've got something to look forward to then! (And I love planning every step of the way).
But when you get off the DME bus...well there you are!
For me, I get that I'm in Disney feeling once I walk under the train station at the MK and I'm on Main Street USA. And luckily with Abby wanting to go to a park our very first day even if it's at 6 pm at night, I get that our first night because MK is always our first park.
For me, it happens while riding the buses. I love hearing the recording that comes over the speaker welcoming me to the Walt Disney World Transportation System. I love it when they tell me to sit back and relax. That's when I truly know I'm at Disney.
I also love it when they say "Welcome Home". It makes me teary.
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I like it as soon as I drive through the Mickey Gates. I just love seeing Mickey and Minnie.
This post made me laugh, as it reminded me of our October 2010 trip. It was the first trip for my neice (5) and nephew (3). As we passed under the Mickey Gates in DME, Dnephew saw the big "M" and said in an oh-so-excited voice, "Mom, look! We're going to McDonalds!!"
For me, I get the "I'm in Disney" feeling after we get to the DME center at the MCO airport. Just knowing that everything from there on out is in Mickey's hands... bliss!
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"Esprits et fantômes sur vos fièrs destriers, Escortez dans la nuit la belle fiancée." -- Madame Leota in Phantom Manor, DL Paris
For me it's when I'm on DME and that video with Mickey and the gang starts playing. Partly because I associate Disney with the guy who does the voice over and seeing the rides and characters tells me I made it!
This is one of the greatest threads ever! I look forward to everyone's answers!
For me, I'm not sure I can pinpoint it. Although I sure will be more aware of it this December. For now, I'll say coming out from under the train station and seeing the castle at MK. We always go there the night we arrive. I get so choked up! I'm sure there are moments before that make me feel as if the vacation has begun, but that is my answer for now.
What makes it a true Disney vacation is that arrival at the resort with a big "Welcome home", getting our first park map even though I have needed one in over 15 years, and the first ride on Spaceship Earth. It calms my senses and lets me know I am right where I belong.
For me its after we are all checked into our resort and we are finally on a bus to the first park (always MK!). Just sitting there on the bus relaxing, knowing I am in the Disney bubble makes me have the feeling of "Aahhhh, I am finally at Disney."
On the shuttle at the airport when the announcement comes on, "Welcome to
Orlando... It really hits home when we drive under the "Welcome to walt Disney World" sign. Walking under the railroad tracks at MK always gets us misty eyed
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It's such a giddy feeling, just knowing the rest of my vacation lies directly in front of me. Of course, once I head back out the door and to the first park of the trip, that's a good one too. 
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