• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Meet Ashley
  • Contact
  • Latest Instagram Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Giveaways

With Ashley And Company

Entertainment, Geek, and Travel Site

  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Marvel
    • Star Wars
    • Movies
    • Film Reviews
  • Film Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Disney
  • Travel

When Did It Start For You? #WDIS4U #DisneySMMC

July 8, 2015 By Ashley 17 Comments

At Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we watched a video from D23 showing people sharing their answers to the question- When Did It Start For You? 

I get asked a lot: have I always been so into Disney? The answer is yes! Thinking back I remember hugging on a stuffed Mickey while watching VHS tapes with the old castle logo and music that started each movie. I memorized the songs and performed them for my grandmother and grandfather, attempting to also dress the part. 

Then when I was 4, my family went to Walt Disney World for the first time. They say you shouldn't take kids that young to Disney. Kids that young won't remember anything! I can tell you I don't remember everything, but I do remember feeling that anything was possible while staring up at the castle. It was pure magic for me, it was real, my happy place where everything was made right and it was all there in front of my eyes.

Walt Disney World 1989, #WDIS4U, #DisneySMMC

Walt Disney World 1989, #WDIS4U, #DisneySMMC

I had decided at a young age I wanted to work for Disney. As a character, as a singer, as an artist, you name it. Or they could make me a Princess I was flexible. Then I saw Pirates of the Caribbean and I added Pirate to my list of possible job opportunities. 

Seeing Dumbo fly still sticks in my mind. I remember waiting patiently in line because guess what kids, FastPass + and Magic Bands did not exist! When it was finally my turn I jumped into Dumbo and took flight. The ride might have been short but it felt like I was never coming down. 

Walt Disney World 1989, #WDIS4U, #DisneySMMC

Another favorite of mine as a kid and something I still ride about 10x now as an adult is Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.

filename-1-Walt Disney World 1989, #WDIS4U, #DisneySMMC

Looking at this picture makes me want to find horse 33 on my next trip!

Walt Disney World 1989, #WDIS4U, #DisneySMMC

It wouldn't be a trip to Disney without seeing a parade. Standing there on Main Street U.S.A was where I first saw Mickey Mouse in the fur. My mom says I squealed and begged to run up and give him a hug. My little mind couldn't understand how that could have been an issue. So I waved and waved and cheered for Mickey and Minnie. 

Walt Disney World 1989, #WDIS4U, #DisneySMMC

And then I promise you, Mickey waved back to me. Right then and there I knew these memories would be with me a lifetime. 

Walt Disney World 1989, #WDIS4U, #DisneySMMC

1989 is when it started for me. From that day forward, with each visit to the park, movie, song, or new character I went further down the rabbit hole and into the world of Disney. It is a place where dreams are celebrated, magic abounds, and everyone can feel like a carefree kid again.

I was reminded of that when I last visited my grandmother, who has always been my rock and is now starting to lose her memory. I was telling her about being invited to DisneySMMC and how excited I was. Although I do not know how much of what I was saying she understood she said she was happy for me. Then she squeezed my hand and pointing to my Minnie Mouse phone case said “it's Minnie, you love Minnie.”

grandmother's love

I carried that moment with me to Disney. And when I saw Mickey and Minnie in the Festival of Fantasy parade I teared up, thinking of her and how much she loved Disney too and that somewhere in her mind she still remembers.

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, #DisneySMMC, #DisneySide, Festival of Fantasy Parade

For me Disney is not just a company or a place, it is a feeling of happiness, a best friend, beautiful memories, a lasting impression of joy.

When Did it Start For You? Join the convo on Twitter #WDIS4U

 

I was invited to the 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I paid a conference fee to attend and received discounted & complimentary items from Walt Disney World and their sponsors. I was not asked to write about my  experiences at the conference. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Conferences, Disney, Featured Tagged With: Disney D23, Disney World, DisneySMMC, DisneySMMoms, Walt Disney World

Previous Post: « Take Tennis Lessons at Your Court with PlayYourCourt!
Next Post: My Summer Vacation Tips To Be Ready for Anything »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for Rebecca BryantRebecca Bryant

    July 9, 2015 at 8:57 am

    disney has always been a huge part of my life since I was small. Then when son came along I couldn’t wait to share it. We are a disney family for sure.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for JeanineJeanine

    July 9, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    We’ve never been to Disney. When I was a kid I was all about everything Disney. I can’t believe I haven’t been able to take my kids yet. It makes me sad, but hopefully one day.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for HeatherHeather

    July 9, 2015 at 4:32 pm

    I will have to pull out my old pics. So sweet that you and your Grandma share a love for Disney. I wish mine were still around.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for BriBri

    July 9, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    I have never been to Disney World but I thoroughly loved Disney through all of the movies and TV shows.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Liz MaysLiz Mays

    July 9, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    This is so sweet. The Disney SMMC is such an awesome opportunity for lifelong Disney lovers!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Mama to 5 BLessingsMama to 5 BLessings

    July 9, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I am a native Floridan, living in Florida all my life only a hop skip and jump away from Disney. I have always loved Disney since I was a tiny tot! Hooked every since!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for LoraneLorane

    July 9, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    My love for Disney started with the Lion King and just the Disney Channel in general. It is truly the happiest place on earth

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Lois Alter MarkLois Alter Mark

    July 9, 2015 at 10:07 pm

    I love all these photos. Many of our family’s fondest memories – and best pictures – are from our yearly Disney trips.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Laura funkLaura funk

    July 9, 2015 at 11:07 pm

    Great photos! Love your grandmas sweet sentiments. I think my obsession started when I was little and I do not even remember. I hope I did that for my kids too! First trips at 3 and 6 weeks old ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Stephanie @CopyKat.comStephanie @CopyKat.com

    July 9, 2015 at 11:15 pm

    I enjoy going to Disney. It brings up lots of great memories. I loved reading about your early memories and the special times with your grandmother.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for CensieCensie

    July 9, 2015 at 11:40 pm

    So fun. Great memories. My dad saw Disneyland being built. I woudl love to take my kids and parents to Disneyland soon.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Carol BryantCarol Bryant

    July 10, 2015 at 12:44 am

    As of this writing I have yet to take a trip to Disney so I loved seeing it through your lens. What happy memories here!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Dawn McAlexanderDawn McAlexander

    July 10, 2015 at 3:49 am

    That’s a real touching story about you and your grandma. My love with Disney was a little more recent. Until I went there for the first time a couple of years ago, I didn’t realize just how much fun I would have!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Terri Ramsey BeaversTerri Ramsey Beavers

    July 10, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    Disney IS a feeling of happiness and that’s what I’ve felt on my trips there. We haven’t been in about 4 years and it’s time to head back now that the grands are older.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for MarianaMariana

    July 10, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    For me it started in 1996, when my grandma gave me a trip to Disney World for my 16th birthday. I’ve gone back 5 times since.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for A Penny Filled PantryA Penny Filled Pantry

    July 12, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    I know exactly what you mean! I LOVE the feelings that Disney evokes! I think I have more fun as an adult at Disney, because everyone there is so pleasant! But it definitely started for me when I was little!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Debbie DennyDebbie Denny

    July 13, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Disney started for me when we used to sit and watch Wonderful World Of Disney. Then each movie added. Finally I saw the castle the first time and I was speechless. Still am every time I see it/

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

Meet Ashley

Avatar for Debbie DennyAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
Read More โ†’

Trending Now

  • Bad Batch Season 2 Episode 5 Easter Eggs Bad Batch Season 2 Episode 5 Easter Eggs & Breakdown
  • Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers Easter Eggs 150+ Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers Easter Eggs You May Have Missed
  • Sword Art Online Progressive Scherzo of Deep Night Review Sword Art Online Progressive Scherzo of Deep Night Review

Footer

Ambassador

Hershey Sweetest Families 2020

My Favorites

Sword Art Online Progressive Scherzo of Deep Night Review
Bad Batch Season 2 Episode 5 Easter Eggs Tallneck Robot Horizon Zero Dawn
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Scarlet Bond Review
Bad Batch Season 2 Episode 4 Easter Eggs
My Dad the Bounty Hunter Fun Facts
Bad Batch Season 2 Episode 3 Easter Eggs

Copyright © 2023 ยท With Ashley And Company