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HTanner
11-16-2008, 10:31 PM
We had this experience on Saturday at Disneyland that got me thinking: when did you *first* feel the Disney magic?

I remember for me, it was a trip - back when they still had tickets. My brother wanted to go on Big Thunder (it had just opened), but we only had one E ticket left. So, I told him he could go. He made me promise to wait with the CM at the front of the line. A few minutes later, still seeing me there, she asked what I was doing - and I told her the situation. She told me to wait a minute, made two phone calls, and next thing I know, a cowboy-costumed CM is escorting me through the Big Thunder line to my brother - for a free ride! And, he gave us more E-Tickets! It was so Disney. I hadn't asked, it wasn't a problem, but they just knew it would make a child happy.

This weekend, I got to see the magic start for my daughter. She is 3 1/2. Recently, she has fallen in love with Cinderella. The entire first day in Disneyland, she talked about Cinderella. Cinderella invited me here, she's my friend, Cinderella wants to have tea with me... o.k., so adorable from a 3 year old. But, I was afraid if we didn't see Cinderella, it would break her heart.

End of the first day, we are at a show in DCA - drawn to animation. There is singing and dancing, and at the end, you can meet a character. Well, sitting there, in the last row, all of a sudden, we see Cinderella come on the stage! Natalie about jumped out of her skin - she was clapping so hard and her eyes were so wide. And then, Cinderella left the stage and exited the theater!!! Oh, no!

Next thing I know, Natalie grabs my hand, pulls me to my feet, and starts running, yelling "Cinderella, wait! Cinderella!!!"

Poor Cinderella, we stalked her all the way to the Animation Building. But, I couldn't stop - I have never seen my daughter run so fast.

Well, when Cinderella saw this force of nature coming towards her yelling her name, you might imagine, her eyes widened in surprise. I said, "Oh, Cinderella, you are Natalie's hero." She turned to Natalie, grabbed her hand and just started talking to her. I've never seen my daughter so dazzled by something. Then Natalie ran up and gave her the biggest hug I have ever seen and said "I love you, Cinderella!"

Yes, I cried. I'm crying just remembering it.

It was truly magical. She told everybody about it all day. Her dream had come true. Simple as it was, it came true. And she believes that Cinderella is her friend and wanted her there so they could meet and give each other hugs.

Any other magical stories?

oregontraveler
11-17-2008, 06:36 AM
Mine's not as good as yours. Jan. 2003, in O.C. for a cousin's wedding. We
spent a day at DL for my nephew's first visit (3 1/2 at the time) It was all about him that day, getting that chance to see DL thru his eyes was the best. And I've been making annual trips since then, last visit before then was 1990.

love4mousetx
11-17-2008, 08:04 AM
My family was visiting the PFF and had gone through it about 15 times in 3 days just so that our youngest dd could see jasmine. She even wore the costume each day so that when she finally got to meet her they would match. It was our last day there and no Jasmine and the little one was sadden just a bit, but we thought we would give the PFF one more shot. We got there shortly after it opened stood in line got the the front and asked the CM if they knew who was in there and she could only see two of the Princess, the one that she could not see was the first one so I just prayed it was Jasmine. Our turn came and we let the little one go first holding back our older daughter, and I thought she was going to go crazy. That is right it was Jasmine, she told her how she had been here over and over and never saw her and that she so badly wish she would have worn her costume just one more time. It was magicial the Photopass people took about 10 pictures of her with Jasmine and the rest of the day that is all she could talk about. I loved though how her sister let her have the moment with her princess, plus that visit we got lucky cause it a changing time for the princess and we ended up getting not only Jasmine, but Mulan,Fairy Godmother, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty. We are headed back in less then a week and now she is dying for Tinkerbell, although still has a love for Jasmine I think that will be the top. Plus this visit is all about Birthdays, and Holiday with family..

HTanner
11-17-2008, 08:36 AM
My family was visiting the PFF and had gone through it about 15 times in 3 days just so that our youngest dd could see jasmine. She even wore the costume each day so that when she finally got to meet her they would match. It was our last day there and no Jasmine and the little one was sadden just a bit, but we thought we would give the PFF one more shot. We got there shortly after it opened stood in line got the the front and asked the CM if they knew who was in there and she could only see two of the Princess, the one that she could not see was the first one so I just prayed it was Jasmine. Our turn came and we let the little one go first holding back our older daughter, and I thought she was going to go crazy. That is right it was Jasmine, she told her how she had been here over and over and never saw her and that she so badly wish she would have worn her costume just one more time. It was magicial the Photopass people took about 10 pictures of her with Jasmine and the rest of the day that is all she could talk about. I loved though how her sister let her have the moment with her princess, plus that visit we got lucky cause it a changing time for the princess and we ended up getting not only Jasmine, but Mulan,Fairy Godmother, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty. We are headed back in less then a week and now she is dying for Tinkerbell, although still has a love for Jasmine I think that will be the top. Plus this visit is all about Birthdays, and Holiday with family..

They have the new Pixie Hollow area near the castle - - I think Tinkerbell is always there, but we didn't check it out, so I don't know for sure.

Isn't it great to see the magic through their eyes? It makes the magic happen for me all over again.

tnkdyer
11-17-2008, 10:31 AM
HTanner, your story made me cry too. Thanks for sharing!:)

D15
11-17-2008, 10:50 AM
Though this wasn't when the magic began, it was certainly a confirmation of it for me :)

We visited the parks as an extended family several years ago with four generations in tow- my grandparents, parents, siblings, and my nieces/nephews. We had an age range of 4 to 76!

On our second night, we staked out places early for water-front views of Fantasmic! - only I, one sibling, and our parents had seen it before. My grandpa (representing the age 76 up there) was reluctant to see it- he had a "get in as much as you can" mindset, and couldn't see how wasting hours waiting for a half-hour show (especially while sitting on the ground, horror!) could possibly be worth NOT getting on a bunch of rides while crowds were tied up.

Regardless, we sat, and waited, and finally it was showtime (grumbling and all) and that first note started... we were there. And just before the Mark Twain came out, as Tinker Bell flew across the screen of water and that wonderful Fantasmic! score played, I stole a glance to my right.

There it was- the same look on the faces of my nephew at 6, my brother at 16, and my grandpa at 76. It was enchantment, awe, wonder. They really felt it- they GOT the Disneyland magic that day. Their faces were colored with the lights from the show, and I couldn't help but cry as I watched them watching, as they never once looked away. That was a moment that I will honestly never forget.

And of course, grandpa it might not be too bad to "try and see it again" the next night :D

HTanner
11-17-2008, 12:14 PM
HTanner, your story made me cry too. Thanks for sharing!:)

Thanks. It was just such a magical moment. I don't even think I can describe it in such a way to give it justice. But, it made me love my daughter even more - and I already felt like I loved her as much love as there is in the world.


Though this wasn't when the magic began, it was certainly a confirmation of it for me :)

We visited the parks as an extended family several years ago with four generations in tow- my grandparents, parents, siblings, and my nieces/nephews. We had an age range of 4 to 76!

On our second night, we staked out places early for water-front views of Fantasmic! - only I, one sibling, and our parents had seen it before. My grandpa (representing the age 76 up there) was reluctant to see it- he had a "get in as much as you can" mindset, and couldn't see how wasting hours waiting for a half-hour show (especially while sitting on the ground, horror!) could possibly be worth NOT getting on a bunch of rides while crowds were tied up.

Regardless, we sat, and waited, and finally it was showtime (grumbling and all) and that first note started... we were there. And just before the Mark Twain came out, as Tinker Bell flew across the screen of water and that wonderful Fantasmic! score played, I stole a glance to my right.

There it was- the same look on the faces of my nephew at 6, my brother at 16, and my grandpa at 76. It was enchantment, awe, wonder. They really felt it- they GOT the Disneyland magic that day. Their faces were colored with the lights from the show, and I couldn't help but cry as I watched them watching, as they never once looked away. That was a moment that I will honestly never forget.

And of course, grandpa it might not be too bad to "try and see it again" the next night :D

Your story gave me goosebumps. I can totally see that look on their faces....

KDCartoons
11-17-2008, 03:16 PM
I have sort of told the story about my boys first trip to DL before, in another thread, but that trip was my first with my wife, who'd been before but only when quite young. That trip before was with her folks, and was less than pleasant from how she tells me, so going with me and the boys was her time to actually enjoy the parks.
Now, my own moment came that trip during the Parade of Dreams--loved the spectacle of that parade, the music.....thoroughly entertaining.
But later that night, we decided to see Fantasmic......found a by RoA and waited.
Now, I'm not good sitting on the ground, its uncomfortable for me and I prefer to dangle my legs over something. I gave it a try though, and was just too uncomfortable, so I sat a bit further away from my family on the edge of a planter near the main walkway.
The show starts......and its classic Disney entertainment. Thoroughly enjoyable.
The first show ends and the crowd starts to break up.......and my family couple up the steps to me......and boy are they chattering.
I see my wife's face and she is just lit up, her eyes flashing, and the biggest grin I've ever seen.
She is totally jazzed, .....beyond jazzed,literally vibrating with excitement. She goes " Wow......that was just.....WOW!"
She could barely get the words out. After some rough times, it was a gift to me to see her so enthralled and captivated. That was the power of Disney Magic right there.

So of course we waited around for the NEXT show, and got to see the fireworks, which dazzled all of us even more. I can completely relate to the awe and wonder of that show and of Disneyland itself, its very special and very VERY magical.

newhdplayer
11-17-2008, 07:59 PM
I thought this thread was about November 4th, 2008.:fez:

HTanner
11-17-2008, 08:30 PM
I love these stories. The magic is always what set Disney apart to me. It is what makes me return over and over again.

ChurroGirl
11-17-2008, 08:37 PM
So I dont have any children but I do have a fiance and sometimes I wonder!
But my story is from our first chirstmas together in the park, it was last year.

We had never experienced Christmas in the parks before and were so very excited.
With the tree, the lights, the garland, and all it was just a magical time for us.

During our stay we didnt know about the "new" fireworks for the change of the seasons, we thought that they were all the same. Well let me tell you the surprise on our faces and on his in paticular when they werent.

The magic, and the spectacularness(if thats even a word!) of them. I will never forget the look on his face during them.

Then, right after the fireworks a little voice came over the speaker system,
" Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish it would snow!" And the tears of joy and excitment that came bursting out of FDH was something I have never seen before. It was amazing. Words can not remotely express the coolness of that moment.

I cant wait to do that again with him when we are on our honeymoon on the 1st.

"Wishes...."

HTanner
11-17-2008, 08:50 PM
So I dont have any children but I do have a fiance and sometimes I wonder!
But my story is from our first chirstmas together in the park, it was last year.

We had never experienced Christmas in the parks before and were so very excited.
With the tree, the lights, the garland, and all it was just a magical time for us.

During our stay we didnt know about the "new" fireworks for the change of the seasons, we thought that they were all the same. Well let me tell you the surprise on our faces and on his in paticular when they werent.

The magic, and the spectacularness(if thats even a word!) of them. I will never forget the look on his face during them.

Then, right after the fireworks a little voice came over the speaker system,
" Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish it would snow!" And the tears of joy and excitment that came bursting out of FDH was something I have never seen before. It was amazing. Words can not remotely express the coolness of that moment.

I cant wait to do that again with him when we are on our honeymoon on the 1st.

"Wishes...."

Awww... yay for you! I remember taking my husband when we were dating. He had never been to disney as a kid - he thought he would be bored. Well, he fell in love with me and Disney at the same time. :)

DisneyFunFamily4
11-17-2008, 09:18 PM
I went to Disneyland as a kid, I remember the hall of presidents, country bear jamboree and my favorite was the electric light parade, I am so happy that they have brought it back, my girls love it. And since we've had our kids the disney magic continues and thrives. There are two specific moments that stick out in my mind.

The 1st was when my DD2 was getting ready to turn 3. we were at DL for a week prior to her B-day and it was the last day of our trip and the day before her B-day. Her favorite character of all times is Snow White. THis was back when the princess would come out by the castle and you wouldn't know who or when or where exactly they would be. We had seen SW the day before over by her wishing well and got pic's and all that fun stuff. SW took her time w/ DD2 and talked to her and asked her questions, and DD loved it. We had gotten DD2 her Happy Birthday pin at City hall that AM, and as we were walking by the castle we saw SW again and DD2 wanted to go see her. Well SW gives my DD a huge huge and say's "EMily it's so good to see you again today, why didn't you tell me yesterday that today is your birthday?" My DD was so thrilled, she had a grin from ear to ear.

We were a DL for 4 days for our annual holiday time DL trip and we stayed at the PPH, We were down in the lobby looking around in the gift shop. Santa came out w/ his elf, the elf discretely asks DH what our kids names are, so when DD4 and DD7 come out of the gift shop santa stands up and says "Ashleigh, Emily, there you are I've been waiting for you." they were both so excited and the ran over to him and gave him a great big hug and proceeded to tell him all their Christmas wishes. It was such a cool moment... And the elf let us know, again discreetly, of what the girls were asking for...

One thing that I think is truly magical is sitting on Main street w/ your family watching the fireworks, that is always a magical moment for me, and that's what DL is all about.....

HTanner
11-18-2008, 08:46 AM
I went to Disneyland as a kid, I remember the hall of presidents, country bear jamboree and my favorite was the electric light parade, I am so happy that they have brought it back, my girls love it. And since we've had our kids the disney magic continues and thrives. There are two specific moments that stick out in my mind.

The 1st was when my DD2 was getting ready to turn 3. we were at DL for a week prior to her B-day and it was the last day of our trip and the day before her B-day. Her favorite character of all times is Snow White. THis was back when the princess would come out by the castle and you wouldn't know who or when or where exactly they would be. We had seen SW the day before over by her wishing well and got pic's and all that fun stuff. SW took her time w/ DD2 and talked to her and asked her questions, and DD loved it. We had gotten DD2 her Happy Birthday pin at City hall that AM, and as we were walking by the castle we saw SW again and DD2 wanted to go see her. Well SW gives my DD a huge huge and say's "EMily it's so good to see you again today, why didn't you tell me yesterday that today is your birthday?" My DD was so thrilled, she had a grin from ear to ear.

We were a DL for 4 days for our annual holiday time DL trip and we stayed at the PPH, We were down in the lobby looking around in the gift shop. Santa came out w/ his elf, the elf discretely asks DH what our kids names are, so when DD4 and DD7 come out of the gift shop santa stands up and says "Ashleigh, Emily, there you are I've been waiting for you." they were both so excited and the ran over to him and gave him a great big hug and proceeded to tell him all their Christmas wishes. It was such a cool moment... And the elf let us know, again discreetly, of what the girls were asking for...

One thing that I think is truly magical is sitting on Main street w/ your family watching the fireworks, that is always a magical moment for me, and that's what DL is all about.....

I love that!

Last year, we were at DL for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we, of course, visited Santa at Big Thunder Ranch. My kids did NOT want to sit on Santa's lap - who was this guy in the red suit? (They were only 2 and 4 at the time). Anyow, Santa was GREAT with them - finally got them interested in talking when he began discussing what his favorite cookies were - - chocolate chip. Afterwards, my son INSISTED we buy a whole bag of cookies for Santa that night... it was too cute.

When people ask me why I love Disney so much, its hard to make the "non-believers" understand. Its because of the magic - moments that can't be manufactured. The kindness shown. The way their staff goes above and beyond and is so thoughtful - particularly to children. Its an understanding of innocence, hope, and wonder.

Why wouldn't I want to immerse myself in that world?

DisneyFunFamily4
11-18-2008, 10:18 AM
When people ask me why I love Disney so much, its hard to make the "non-believers" understand. Its because of the magic - moments that can't be manufactured. The kindness shown. The way their staff goes above and beyond and is so thoughtful - particularly to children. Its an understanding of innocence, hope, and wonder.

I totally know how you feel, I have "non disney" friends say to me all the time.." Your going to DL again? didn't you just go?" they just dont understand. i'm glad my BFF understands....

tnkdyer
11-18-2008, 10:37 AM
We are so excited to be taking some of our "non-believing" friends with us to Disneyland in a couple of weeks to celebrate Christmas together. They have two little girls, ages 2 and 5, and I am hoping that they will experience the magic that keeps us coming back time and time again! :D

HTanner
11-18-2008, 10:38 AM
I totally know how you feel, I have "non disney" friends say to me all the time.." Your going to DL again? didn't you just go?" they just dont understand. i'm glad my BFF understands....

They really don't get it. I mean, I am happy pretty much every moment in DL. Even when I am cranky, I am having fun - which sounds weird, but its true. I have fond memories of Disney that sustain me.

tnkdyer
11-18-2008, 10:49 AM
They really don't get it. I mean, I am happy pretty much every moment in DL. Even when I am cranky, I am having fun - which sounds weird, but its true. I have fond memories of Disney that sustain me.

I remember when I found MousePlanet and I was thrilled because I had found other people who "got it"! I told my husband "There's a whole bunch of people who feel just like us!" :D

JennyN
11-18-2008, 11:57 AM
There are so many magical Disney moments, just walking through the turnstiles makes me want to cry. HTanner I'm with you, even when I'm cranky in Disneyland I'm happier than if I was anywhere else.::D

dlfansx4
11-18-2008, 03:06 PM
I actually have two different stories about the Disney Magic for our family (I'm sure there are a lot more but these two came to mind immediately after reading this thread).

First, when my daughter was about 3, we took her at Christmas time. She was never into the Princesses as much, but her favorite character always was (and still is) Dumbo. She proudly wore her Dumbo costume all afternoon and evening. When it came time for the parade, she was in awe at all the characters but was amazed to see Santa sitting high up on his sleigh. Then just as he passed, he looked down and saw her. He waved and said "Merry Christmas Dumbo!" That was the highlight of her day, that Santa had spoken to her personally.

Second, when my son was 4, we were on one of our many Sunday morning trips. Our first stop for him is always Casey Jr (he is a train fanatic). Well that morning, Casey Jr was not running but they thought it would be running soon so my son refused to leave the line. My DH stayed with him while I took my DD on a different ride. He spent a good 1/2 hour entertaining the CMs with his knowledge of trains, even singing the entire Casey Jr. song. Well, this really impressed one CM who admitted that even she did not know the words to the entire song. Since the ride still had not opened while they were there, this wonderful CM took my son (and DH) around fantasyland and walked them up to the front of a couple of rides. Then when Casey Jr. had opened again, she took them back there so that my son could ride it right away. Once we rejoined them, she offered to take all of us on another ride. I was amazed at the time she spent with us and the special treatment that she gave my son.

KatieJay
11-18-2008, 06:03 PM
In my baby book under "Firsts" my Mom wrote: "First laugh- 3 months old, riding in stroller down Main Street, Disneyland" So I'm going to go with that being when the magic began for me:)

tnkdyer
11-19-2008, 08:13 AM
So I've been trying to think of when we first felt the magic of Disney. We have had so many magical, amazing, wonderful experiences there...(which is why we are SO addicted to Disneyland and probably need some sort of intervention from our friends and family)!! But I think the MOST magical moment we have had was last November when our family was asked to be the Grand Marshals of the parade. We didn't win the dream suite....it was a night when I think Miley Cyrus was there for the holiday parade filming and they needed the suite for something else. But they still needed a Grand Marshal and some of the dream squad asked us to be it. It was SO exciting for our family. You would have thought we had won the lottery or something. We have three daughters and seeing them get to experience it was unforgettable!!!

FunAuntSherry
11-19-2008, 10:34 AM
i was only a year old when I saw Disney on Parade (pre-Disney on Ice) and again when I was almost 2. For a few years - I thought that WAS Disneyland. I yelled at the top of my voice "Lickey Mouse!" trying mightily to get "the" Mouse's attention.

I've been in love with all things Disney ever since.

It was unfortunate that we were never able to go to one of the parks when I was a kid. My first trip was when I was 23. My friend and I had gone to Cali for another reason entirely and I was adamant that I wouldn't go all the way from Utah to Cali and not visit Disneyland---what was I a schmuck?? We went in July. We went for ONE day. I opened and closed the park with NO breaks, no rests. I didn't get enough but that was all I was going to get. I was SO like a little kid. My friend still marvels at the memory of me bounding this-a-way and that.

We've learned our lesson and we now savor the experience by going for about 5-days each time (a few exceptions have been made to that rule, but not many)

Klutch
11-19-2008, 01:10 PM
One of my uncles claims the magic began for him literally on the day the magic began. His story goes that he and a few buddies snuck into the park on opening day, were caught and were also the first guests to see the inside of the Disneyland "jail". He says he had a great time on that day.

I'm not sure if I believe him, but it's a good story nonetheless.

4lilmonsters
11-19-2008, 01:23 PM
"THE MAGIC OF DISNEY" for us was during my daughters Make-a-Wish trip in 2005. She has always been fascinated by the Princesses of Disney, but her absolute favorite is Cinderella. Due to our Wish Granter moving mid point during the planning of her wish, no special time had been set up with Cinderella and Shaylee was sad about it. We started out with breakfast w/ Minnie and Friend, and saw the Fairy Godmother, who noticed Shaylee's Make-a-Wish badge and made a point to tell Shaylee she'd heard that she was going to be there, and she'd be sure to tell Cinderella (pretty typical thing I figured).

We then hit the Snow White ride, the Pinochio ride, and of course DUMBO! Now, before we left to go to Disney, the boys (at 8 and 10) swore they were too old for anything "Dumbo" ......however their opinion of that changed when they saw it! THEY LOVED IT! Then we headed towards Snow White's Castle and found Shaylee's DREAM PRINCESS...CINDERELLA! She was walking to the castle to do pictures and autographs, and her paige was telling the kids around her they'd be at the castle in about 5min for pictures and what not, but when they saw Shaylee Cinderella stopped everything she was doing and got down and talked to Shaylee and her sister Narissa, then she took their hands and walked over to the castle with them. This mommy was more than a little sniffly about that! She than sat down on the ground, in her dress, and spent atleast 5min talking to Shaylee about what she was wanting to do at Disneyland, telling her how proud she was of Shaylee and how she is so strong and brave. Shaylee was in AWE.

It was one of the most amazing things to watch. This young lady made Shaylee feel like the only child there, she took time to actually TALK to her, and you know? Not one person waiting (and there were many) comlained about the extra time she took. To me, that completely was the magic of Disneyland. We have a picture of that moment, and the photo itself is amazing. We photoshoped the background, so that its blurry because that is how it was during that moment - the whole world stopped and went away and all that was left was that amazing time of Cinderella and Shaylee.