Share a Memory that the Parks Inspire

My aunt lives in Lakeland and when I was about 5 my grandmother went to live with her. So every Christmas (until she died) we all went to Lakeland for the holiday. We would always do Magic Kingdom for a day..I remember sitting on i-4 in traffic backed up to Tampa it seemed like! Anyway, I don't remember much about these trips because we only did two but I remember being about 6 and all my aunts, uncles, cousins etc..we so excited to go on Haunted Mansion and I was TERRIFIED. My aunt (from Florida) offered to stay outside with me and we sat on those rocking chairs in front of the candle store and she bought me a Mickey Ice Cream Bar. It was my first one and I'll never ever forget that.
And all my cousins were mad that I had one and they didn't.
She's still around and I usually get to see her when we go but whenever I go to that store I think about her!

My Mom's birthday is a week after mine in September, so in 2009, when we were there for my birthday, we decided to send her a giant Mickey rice krispie treat straight from the park to her office for her birthday!

We went to the Main Street Bakery (I think - it was on Main Street and had giant rice krispie treats!), and they also gave us a Happy Birthday chocolate medallion to put on top! We shipped it right from the park next-day and she was SO excited, and was thrilled to show and share with her co-workers!

Right after the trip, we planned and booked a September 2010 trip to take my and Joe's Moms as a thanks for everything Mom's getaway. They both really enjoy Disney.

In November 2009 my Mom found out she needed heart surgery, so Joe and I arranged to go home and stay with her in PA for 2 - 3 weeks to be there for the surgery and help get her home and into recovery.

The night before her procedure, we rented "Up" and watched it with her and bring some levity to the evening. We had a great time

Unfortunately, Mom experienced major complications during surgery, and passed away 5 days later.

So every time we go by the Main Street place, I remember that and think of Mom (I think of her all the time, but more so then). And that's why Up is my favorite movie - reminds me of that last night we had together. I bought the Up pin set too

Boy, I wish we would have done that trip a few years earlier.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom but what a sweet story and memory. Thanks for sharing

Over the years I have been lucky enough to make many memories at Disneyland and California Adventure.

I won a coloring contest for The Lion King and got to see the movie in a theatre on Main Street before it was released in the theatres.

Marching with my high school band on Main Street and getting to go behind the scenes to learn a portion of the dance done by performers in one of the parades.

Going to the parks for 2 days with Andy and friends for my 23rd and my 27th birthday. At my 27th we ate at Blue Bayou for the first time. It was so fun.

Taking my mom for her first ever trip during Christmastime and seeing her act like a kid again.

All the Christmas traditions Andy and I have created going every year for the past 6 years.

Another awesome trip with my mom... Her birthday is our wedding anniversary and we told her Andy was going to work late and we were taking her out to breakfast for her birthday. In reality we surprised her with a trip to Dland and DCA for her bday. She cried and we all had a great time.

I look forward to all the MANY memories I hope to continue to make at Disney parks.

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*Jennifer Lynn* NDW #38

Check out my blog at Jennifer's Disney Adventures

Lizzy -- what an awesome topic!!

Bella -- Your first Mickey ice cream bar. What a great memory!

JeffC -- I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. The happy memories are so important to hold onto!

Jennifer Lynn -- Disneyland ON Christmas! It must be crazy there! What are some of your traditions?

This memory is more of a recent one that will turn out to be a long one. Everytime I now look at the Mickey Dilley Bars I think of this:

That was my daughters first Mickey Bar. Even walking by that area (the seats in front of the cars you drive) brings those mental pictures back, and ill always remember all of the people who stopped to talk or say how cute and "You got to take a picture!". And let me tell you... her face was covered, but none got on her clothes!

Jeff - you just made me tear up with that story. What a wonderful memory to have every time though!

My memory is kind of a silly one. I went with my family when I was 12 and it was a really great trip because my mom and dad let us help plan it and pick restaurants and everything. We had park hoppers and it was when nothing ever expired. Our last day was the day Rockin Roller Coaster opened (Aerosmith was there and everything) so we went to MGM just to see what lines were like and if there was any way we could get on (we were willing to wait). Yeah...we didn't get on. So we used a whole day pass to go over to Magic Kingdom and ride Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin twice. It was such a waste, but a lot of fun. Every time I ride either attraction I think of that trip.

Wishes will always remind me of the amazing friends I made when we were all on the International College Programme, and in particular is the memory of our last night.

Everybody loved Wishes, so on our final night before we all had to dash back to Vista Way to pack - we decided it was a good idea to leave all packing until midnight before flying out of Orlando the following morning - we all went straight from Graduation in our Mickey-eared Graduation hats to watch the fireworks together one last time. As soon as it ended every one of us - there was quite a large number in our group as well - started bawling our eyes out and running around hugging everyone and blubbering incoherently. Surrounding guests must have been pretty bewildered as to why all these people were suddenly grabbing each other in hysterics when Wishes was over!

Oh we don't go ON Christmas but we go in December when Disneyland is all decorated for Christmastime. We do have a system though, if we go early in December (school is still in) and on a Tuesday or Wednesday the crowds are really minimal.
Some of our traditions are heading right to the candy store on Main street in hopes of getting a Candy Cane, seeing Santa's raindeer and getting our picture with Santa, walking around New Orleans Square at night to enjoy all the beautiful lights... and our favorite.. going to the Blue Ribbon Bakery, I get a hot chocolate, Andy gets a hot apple cider then we scope out a great place to watch the holiday fireworks.

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*Jennifer Lynn* NDW #38

Check out my blog at Jennifer's Disney Adventures

Oh that made me tear up!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What wonderful memories everyone!

I went to Walt Disney World for the first time with my family in May when I was eight. I had so many wonderful times, especially on it's a small world with my dad. . .6 times in a row!

But the one thing I never got to do was go on the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. I was an avid tree climber and was disappointed when the tree was closed for renovations. I never forgot the ride that "got away"

I finally got my chance 18 years later and again in May, on my honeymoon. A life goal accomplished!

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J.P., I'll bet you turned into that 8 yo little kid again too, when your feet hit that first rope bridge going over to the Tree House didn't it.

It sure did mrhub!! I didn't stop smiling that whole trip!

What a great story and pic, J.P.! Thanks for sharing!

JeffC: Thanks. Your story had a lot of impact on me (and several other previous posters), such a touching memory.
I think it's fitting how you watched "Up" together, it's a beautiful story with a great message.