For me, it's when they scan the barcode at the Magical Express Welcome area at MCO. That's when I can hear the "pop" sound as I enter the bubble and all things from then on are Disney. It's still the "real world" up until that point.
I also like hearing the official "Disney" voice (Joe Hursh) on the transportation system. That also tell me I've arrived.
For me, it's when they scan the barcode at the Magical Express Welcome area at MCO. That's when I can hear the "pop" sound as I enter the bubble and all things from then on are Disney. It's still the "real world" up until that point.I also like hearing the official "Disney" voice (Joe Hursh) on the transportation system. That also tell me I've arrived.
I agree!! It's like a build up from the moment you get off the little tram at the airport and start following the DME signs....That moment when they check you in and direct you to your resort line....I'll admit, I kind of skip and clap!!
When we go under the arches!
The moment I'm standing next to the MCO monorail looking out the window at the Palm Trees
Yes Kristen! Me too! 
I tear up when we go through the Arches. I really love hearing welcome home. Walking down Main street gets me closer to the sensation but the first time I see Mickey I get teary eyed and know I AM truly in Disney.
When I see the huge sign: WALT DISNEY WORLD
Where Dreams Come True
Then it's real.
For me, it's going under the arches, checking in and seeing the buses and people with their refillable mugs walking around.
"All my life I wonder how it feels to pass a day, not above them but part of them.
And out there living in the sun, give me one day out there, all I ask is one to hold forever. Out there where they all live unaware, what I'd give, what I'd dare, just to live one day out there."
Although I've only went on my first trip, and every sign leading there, and the arches, check-in, DTD and everything was awesome, It really hit me I was at Disney when I spotted the castle from the bus. It was like, "Oh wow. I'm here."
Once we pass the arches! Also love pointing out everything on the way to the resort!
"This Experience Includes: Dark Places and Scary Dinosaurs" -Dinosaur AK
Walking out from underneath the train station , deciding which side of Main Street to go up
Rock
I know I've arrived when i step out the doors at MCO and the warm heat and that familiar smell hits me 
But for Disney specifically it has to be driving there and seeing the first purple signs before going under the wonderful arches 
x
We typically go to Downtown Disney on our first night, so going there starts the trip for me. After a long drive of more than a day from Missouri, it's great to just take a breath and get ready for the amazing days ahead.
A blog and podcast dedicated to Disney and theme parks - tomorrowsociety.com!
When I'm standing on Main Street looking at the castle. That seems to be a common answer, doesn't it?
Love Me, Love My Cat
Walking down main street and seeing the castle
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Like a lot of you it is when I step into the Magic Kingdom and see the castle. I am no longer an adult, I get to be a kid again. It always brings a tear to my eye. All the craziness and stress of every day life melts away and the fun begins. This is always the first park we visit when we arrive.
The arches mean we have arrived but seeing Main Street and the Castle make my heart sing!
The minute that I get off the plane at MCO. To me, this is the Disney Airport and I think it should be reassigned the letters "DIS" because I can't fathom another reason that I would go to Central Florida! (j/k--there's lots of cool stuff there, but for me, relative to Disney...). I get very confused when I encounter someone at the airport (ticket counter, rental car, TSA, etc) who is cold or unfriendly and I become very curious as to why Disney had allowed this behavior to continue...then I remember that I'm not QUITE there yet... 
Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. --Randy Pausch
Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.
I totally have a transcendental experience between the ticket gate and the train station at Magic Kingdom each time. The MExpress bus and arrival at the hotel is nice, but crossing the MK gates and through the train station totally gets me.
First Visit ... 1977!
