Conference koolit::disney

    
    I'm Ed Badger,I work in Merrimack,N.H. Wife, Deb and three children.
    
    first visit to WDW the year it opened.  
    
    OCT '72   WDW [no EPCOT]  stayed at  Howard Johnson's in Kissimee.
    	      Traffic getting INTO WDW backed up 5 miles on 95!
    
    jun '74   Disneyland.  Camped at small campground outside of place.
    
    Nov '76   WDW   Camped first time at Fort wilderness.  Raccoon Lane.
    	      Fort wilderness *used* to have a train to get around instead
    	      of the trams.  quite a nice ride.  Does anyone know what
    	      Happened to the train?

    Feb '82   Stayed in Edgewater and drove to WDW three days.  Epcot
	      open.
    
    Jan   '84  WDW  Fort Wilderness again on Terry Trail.  No train.
    	       first swimming pool open.  
    
    Dec   '86 WDW  Fort Wilderness and again on Terry Tail one space
    	      appart from '84.
    
    Dec   '87 Disneyland with DECUS.  First [of many]Star Tours rides.
    	      Not a lot of fun going here alone with no family!
    
    Nov   '88 Disneyland with DECUS.  more Star Tours! [or was that
    	      Oct?]
    
    Jan   '89 WDW  Fort WildernessBay Tree Lane, 100 loop.  the best
	      possible loop!

    
    Next trip in planning for feb '91 at WDW;  ?Disneyland fall '89
    DECUS?
    
    ed badger
    

    Jerry Boyajian, at the Mill, where I work for EMAS-IS Operations.
    
    Many of you have probably seen me all over the place notes-wise.
    
    I must confess that:
    
    	(1) I've never been to any of the Disney parks.
    
    	(2) Was never that wild about the standard Disney characters.
    
    However:
    
    	(1) I love most of Disney's animated feature films. Favorite
    		is SLEEPING BEAUTY.
    
    	(2) I *especially* love the Disney ZORRO tv show, currently
    		(and perpetually) shown on the Disney Channel.
    
    	(3) I like many of the other programs on the Disney Channel.
    
    	(4) I enjoy the various Disney comics currently published by
    		Gladstone Comics. Favorite is MICKEY MOUSE.
    
    	(5) I'm a collector of the original (late 50's) MICKEY MOUSE
    		CLUB MAGAZINE.
    
    	(6) I used to have a crush on Mouseketeers Darlene and (of
    		course) Annette. :-)
    
    --- jerry

    
    Now "THERE's" a D-aholic (Ed)
    
    Mark Himes, Work in CSSE, Colorado Springs
               
    
    June/74  Disneyland, 1st time disney-anything land. 1 day
    
    July/77  Disneyland, again, happend to be in the neighbor hood
    
    June/82  WDW 1st time. Actually started at the world's fair in
             knoxville, tenn, which was a bust. Headed for Disney-
             world for the first time. Stayed at off-site hotel
    	     and spent 2 days at MK. EPCOT opened two months after
             I left. I knew I HAD to return some-day. This trip
    	     was un-planned so I had no idea what to expect.
    
    Aug/86   Return to WDW, and "well-prepared and well-planned
             Stayed at Polynesian for 7 nights. What a difference
             planning makes !
    
                            
    Aug/89   Heading back for "12-nights" 13-days, staying at
             Polynesian (again). Love that hotel ! Planning gets
             better, funner, and more exciting each time.
    
             (in case someone says "why so long" ?) I wanna do
    	     everything, see everything, as many times as I can
    	     cram in, with some R-R stuck in here and there !
    
    Mark
    
    

    
    Rob 'Galv' Galvin.  I work for the SSMI HQ Site IS Data Center, in Stow.
    
    Well, I thought I was a D-aholic until I saw reply .1!
    
    1977 - Spent 5 days at WDW, camped in Fort Wilderness.  14 years old at
    the time and the greatest time of my life!  They had Space Mountain and
    River Country, at that time.
    
    1987 - 10 years later, I headed back to WDW.  Stayed at a Ramada Inn,
    about 30 miles away.  Did the Magic Kingdom 'thing', but I had grown
    out of it.  So, we spent the rest of the time (2 & 1/2 days) in the
    EPCOT center.  That was great!  More geared to adults without kids.
    
    Hmmm...seen all the movies, all the shows, all the shorts and read most
    of the comics.  Still have a bunch of Gold Key(?) comics and books
    hidden away in an attic, somewhere (hopefully growing in value!).
    
    Favorite ride - Will all ways remain, the Haunted Mansion.
    
    
    Galv

    Scott Fairbanks. I work at pko1 for PSDC.
    
    First went to Dinsney Florida 1980.
    
    Took my wife & daughter last March, stayed in The Disney Inn for
    1 week.
    
    Will be going back to Florida sometime in Spring then hopefully
    to the Calif Disney in June.
    
    The only complatint I would have is I spent $160. a nite to stay
    there and the only time we were in the room was to sleep. This year
    were going to camp out. 
    
    My wife and I also collect anything to do with Disney,
    Movies,magazines,plates,old toys,new toys,etc etc etc. 

    Patrick Sweeney, Software Services, New York City, Securities Industry
    Consultant
    
    1974 WDW with college friends
    1977 WDW with wife-to-be
    1987 WDW with wife and our two children (5 and 1)
    1989 WDW with wife and our two children (7 and 3) (March 28,29,30)
    
    All around interest in Disney, from animation to their success as a
    corporation.
    
    In the late 70's, I lived near Lincoln Center in Manhattan, they had a
    Walt Disney Festival (I believe for the 50th Anniversary of the
    founding of Walt Disney Studios), so I saw every animated from
    "Steamboat Willie" onward.
                             

Marilyn I. Stanley (mis) and work for MIS in Colorado Springs (CXO).
Unless otherwise noted, the trips are to Walt Disney World.

1976 - 3 day including the Fourth of July.  Stayed at Viscount in
       Lake Buena Vista.  This is the trip that really hooked me on
       Disney.  I was able to see most everything in the Magic Kingdom
       the first two days (the first day I got sick with a 24-hour 
       virus that was going around so I left early).  The last day
       was the Fourth of July.  I was absolutely amazed at the crowd
       control techniques that day.  I became hooked for life.

1978 - 1 day in May while visiting other areas of Florida.

1983 - 4 days the end of May.  Stayed somewhere in Orlando.  It did 
       seem to be the pits to have to drive past all the convenient 
       hotels but then it was my own fault for waiting so long to make 
       reservations.  I finally was able to attend the Polynesian Revue.

       This trip was my first to EPCOT.  My initial reaction was 
       disappointing because I was expecting the magic that is at
       the Magic Kingdom.  I also managed to see most of the movies
       one right after the other.  By the time I saw the last one I was
       burned out on movies.  However, I really love EPCOT now.  I would
       recommend that EPCOT be seen prior to the Magic Kingdom if possible.

1985 - 5 days the end of May - graduation trip (Note: I graduated from
       college 14 years after I graduated from high school.)  Stayed at
       the Sheraton by the main gate.

       This trip was really great.  I went with my best friend who had 
       never been to any Disney theme park.  Seeing it thru her eyes
       brought back lots of memories about my first visit.

       I ate at two of the EPCOT restaurants.  The parks had fewer people
       the week after Memorial Day than the week before and the weekend.
       Since EPCOT closed at 8 p.m. we requested 8 p.m. reservations.  It
       was wonderful after dinner.  Most of the people had left, everything
       was lit up.  We really loved walking around with so few people in the
       park.

1988 - 3 days the end of May at Disneyland.  My first trip.  Star Tours
       was great.  Space Mountain is much more tame than Florida.  Several
       rides seemed to be longer than WDW.  The birthday celebration was
       great.  It's amazing how fast the decorations were put up.

1988 - One week in October.  Stayed close to the DEC's Orlando training
       center since that's the reason I was getting to visit.  Since I
       will be going back this year, I purchased an annual passport.  
       (Seven days is the approximate break even point.)  I spent my
       birthday at EPCOT Center.  It was great.  (The people in the class
       were disappointed because the tickets are so much and they didn't
       it was worth spending $28 for the evening.  Also EPCOT closed at
       8 p.m. and the Magic Kingdom closed at 6 p.m.)

       I spent most of my time at EPCOT.  Now that they have the water
       and fireworks every night, I had to wait awhile before I could
       recapture the magic of have the park to myself at night.

       Mickey and gang are now seen at EPCOT.  They can be seen around
       the park dressed in costumes.  I caught Mickey at the American
       Adventure in a colonial costume and Minnie in Japan in a kimono.
       In the afternoon the characters arrive on a double decker bus
       at the entrance of the World Showcase. 

1989 - 2 weeks in June and July.  I'm taking my niece and nephew.  
       My goal is to fulfill some of my childhood fantasies by really
       spoiling them.  I'm also spoiling myself.  We'll be staying at
       the Polynesian Village for three nights, the Caribbean Resort
       for 8 nights (it's better on my budget), and the Grand Floridian
       for 3 nights.  I'm sure I'll hate packing everything up and moving
       but I couldn't afford two weeks at the Polynesian and I really
       want to stay there at least once in my lifetime.

       I'd appreciate any pointers on traveling with a 7 and 8 year old.

       I'm finally going to see the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue.  The Polynesian
       Revue is booked for the first night.  (The kids picked the order.)

       I plan on spending a week at the Magic Kingdom/EPCOT Center/Studio.
       We'll hit River Country and Typhoon Lagoon.  I'm not to sure if
       we'll make it to Pleasure Island.  

       I'm also planning on taking the kids to Sea World, Cypress Gardens,
       Boardwalk and Baseball, and Busch Gardens. 
       
    

    Claude Berube,  Supervisor in Stage 1 Test Engineering in Salem (worked
    on Nautilus and PolarStar 8500, 8700 and 8800 series to you, working on
    unannounced product now) So  far  made  the  following  trips  to  your
    favorite vacation spot.
    
    April 1977 - Did a fly/drive  thru  Delta  on  my honeymoon and spent 2
                 days in WDW 1 day MK and  1 day at River Country.  Stay at
                 the  Holiday  inn  which  was  across Circus World and now
                 Baseball and Boardwalk.
    
    Oct 1982   - Stay off of  I-drive  in a motel I don't remember the name
                 off (real memorable huh?) Epcot  had just opened and spent
                 a total off 6 days visiting old WDW
    
    April 1984 - Learned my lesson and stay for 9 night in a Treehouse vill
                 (the one in the postcards along the canals).
    
    April 1987 - 10th anniversary trip stayed  at  the  Disney  Inn  for  7
                 nights (yes we did bring the little one, he  wouldn't  let
                 us go otherwise ;^))
    
    Currnetly planing to go again in '92 (15th anniversary trip),  dying to
    go  now  but  with  all the construction going on and WDW  history  for
    opening  dates  due  to  everything must be perfect prior to opening, I
    want to make sure all the announce stuff they are going to do is done.

    I'm Becky Mattson, and work at SCA Headquarters in Dallas, Tx. 
    I went to WDW for the first time this past summer, with my 6 year
    old son, my parents, and 12 year old brother.  My parents have been
    out to Calif. many times, but I had never gone with them.  So last
    year they bought a motor home, and decided to go to Orlando, so
    I could tag along with them, and they could also check out Epcot.
     We had a FANTASTIC time, my son and I are both HOOKED, and want
    to go back so bad, we can hardly stand it!  We only spent 1 day,
    at Epcot, which didn't even begin to be enough, so we will definately
    go back, and soon.  
    
    We stayed at Ft. Wilderness, and I highly recommend it.  The only
    thing we didn't much care for was the crowds.  We went in July,
    and the crowd was pretty bad.  I think next time, we go, we'll just
    pull the kids out of school for a week, and go in October.  We were
    told that was the least crowded month.  But, it would be worth it
    for the kids to miss some school, to beat the crowds.  
    
    FYI:  There was a special on TV last summer about Mickey's 60th
    birthday, and they said that WDW in Orlando, is not THE most popular
    vacation spot IN THE WORLD!  I can believe it!

    I've replied to a topic, so I think it's best to sign in.
    
    Anna Ostiguy Bogart.  I work in Marlboro, MA for the HPS/C
    Computer Services.
    
    I've been to Disney World the month that John Belushi died.
    We didn't have any children with us, next time we will.  We
    stayed with some friends at Coco Beach.....
    
    Anna
    

    
     Ok all you other Disney-aholics, I'll intoduce myself. My name
    is George Higgins and I work in MRO3/Marlboro Ma. 
    
     My first taste of Disney was at the 64-65 New York Worlds Fair,
    which my family went to both years. By the the way, I was only
    5 when I went in '64. My memory was that of Lincoln's Address,
    and how my mother improvised a porta-potty while in my seat. 
    I remember there being another Disney releated attraction but
    can't remember it for the life of me.
    
     Last year was my first visit to WDW and am planning to visit
    Disneyland in March. My next visit to WDW will be in June.
    
    George

    
    
    	Well Halllooo Disneylovers!!  I'll have you know that
    	I am a Disney fanatic (as you'll notice below).
    
    	My name is Kim Gallant and I am currently an outside
    	temporary contracting with the DSG group in Westford, MA.
    	(Going on 10 months now!)
    
    	You'll see me here there and everywhere and I usually
    	sign myself..
   
    	Tigg~~  (Which is short for Tigger!)
    
     
   

Another Disney-aholic (is there a CURE for this??)

Went to Disneyland about 6 years ago and fell in love.  Couldn't believe the
cleanliness and general atmosphere of joy and discovery.

Five years ago my husband and I went to WDW.  He was so enthralled that we
spent HOURS in the empty parking lot taking pictures while we waited for
it to open!

Now I want to take my 4-year-old granddaughter.  The urge is overwhelming.
To see the place through her wonderful blue eyes would be pure bliss.
Unfortunately, we have to wait until we can afford to go.   So I read this
file and dream.

Betty Lawrence, DDD

    My name is Colleen Labbee.  I work in the Los Angeles office.  I
    was born and have always lived in Los Angeles, so I am fortunate
    to live so close to Disneyland.
    
    My first trip to Disneyland was when I was three, and I have gone
    an average of two times every year. (I'm 30 now, so that adds up
    to a lot of visits!)
    
    I am also fortunate to currently be working on a proposal for the
    Disney Channel, and have been to the Disney Studios in Burbank for
    screenings, etc. many times.
    
    One thing about going to Disneyland so often...  you know when and
    when *NOT* to go, and where to go in the park when.
    
    Colleen
    
    P.S.  If I can answer any questions, let me know!

    I guess it's my turn...
    
    Jan/Feb 1988 - WALT DISNEY WORLD - first time at Disney, we were
                   hooked!  Came home and added the Disney Channel to 
                   our cable TV and we don't have kids!
    
    Oct 1988 -     DISNEYLAND - HAD to go to DECUS (what a shame) - we were
                   prepared for a letdown (no EPCOT or Chip and Dale
                   breakfast!) but SURPRISE we had a GREAT time, no lines!
    
    Dec 1989 -     WALT DISNEY WORLD - convinced hubby to stay on the
                   property (it was easy once he saw the rates at the
                   Carribean Resort Hotel!)  We are COUNTING the days!
    
    We both agree, this family takes it's vacations at Disney! 
    
    Cathi
     

    
    Not as bad as some of you 'holics!
    
    '75 - Stopped in with the my mother and 2 brothers on our way home
      	  from Miami
    
    '88 - Stayed at the Buena Vista for the Labor day weekend.  Brought
    	  2 little ones and visted the magic kingdom only.
    
    We'll be back!
    
    gog
    
    

		Hello, fellow Disney-holics.

My name is Jay Feeley and I work for ESDP in Marlboro.  I've been to WDW a bunch
of times (the exact number of times I'll figure out as I write this).  My wife
and I pack up the kids and go whenever we have enough money saved up.

	Nov, 1979:	visited Disneyland for a day (oddly enough, I didn't
			know what to expect and didn't like it)

	Sept, 1981:	spent a week at WDW for 5th wedding aniv. just loved it.
			We stayed at the Contemporary.  After leaving WDW, we
			went to Captiva Island for a week - except we left after
			2 days and returned to WDW.

	Dec, 1982:	Went for a week, with 11-month old son (everyone got a
			kick out of him pushing his own stroller around Epcot).
			Stayed at the Hyatt, nice but not as nice... Learned
			that December is the best time to go.

	Dec, 1983:	Went for 10 days, stayed at Ft. Wilderness.  Brought my
			mother-in-law who cooked breakfast for us every morning
			and babysat in the evening so my wife and I could eat
			our Fettuccine Alfredo in peace.

	Dec, 1984:	Went for 10 days, stayed at Ft. Wilderness.  Same as
			last time, except we now had a 4-month old daughter as
			well.  Couldn't have done it without my mother-in-law.
			It is just so great to walk over to the dock for a boat
			ride to the MK.

	Nov, 1985:	We went over the Thanksgiving weekend so we could
			finally get to see the Electrical Light Parade.  Stayed
			for 10 days (7 days just isn't long enough) and learned
			about 2 new things: the Kissimmee Convention Bureau
			offers fall specials (we stayed at the FantasyWorld Club
			Villas for $50 a night - a 2-BR condo with all the
			amenities) and **ANNUAL PASSPORTS**.

	Sept, 1986:	We went for 2 weeks, staying at FantasyWorld again (up
			to $60/night now) - we just had to take advantage of our
			annual passports.

	Feb, 1987:	Went for 1 week on the spur of the moment (without my
			mother-in-law - ouch), stayed at an Econolodge.  We just
			had to grin and bear it.  But we got annual passports
			again.

	June, 1987:	Another spur of the moment trip (my son had had an
			operation and this cheered him up) staying at
			Econolodge.  This one was closer to the main gate so it
			was better, but it was HOT!!!

	Dec, 1987:	Went for 10 days.  We just had to go back when the
			weather was better, and the crowds were down, and while
			are passports were still in effect.  We stayed at
			FantasyWorld again (up to $70/night, but still about
			half of what Ft. Wilderness costs)

	Aug, 1988:	This was for 6 days (w/o kids): it was a free trip we
			got for attending a time-share presentation, and we had
			to stay way out in Orlando.  We bought annual passports
			again, knowing we would be back with the kids.

	Apr, 1989:	We'll be going for 2 weeks, during spring vacation and
			the following week (bummer!!! it was the only time my
			wife could go and we'll be leaving 2 days before the
			MGM studio opens).

So, I guess that makes it 12 times so far with number 13 just around the corner
(counting Disneyland).  BTW, except for the 1st trip to Disneyland, all these
trips have been to WDW. 

HINT:  Annual passports can save you a lot of money on visits lasting more than
a week.  But beware of all the money it will cost you when you go back so you
can take advantage of it.

I can't wait until April...

--Jay

    	Tom Butler 
    	SBO Customer Service 
    	DLB9 in Marlboro
    
    	1986- Honeymoon at WDW atayed at Sheraton World right next to
    Sea World.  I was hooked as soon as I got on the tram in the parking
    lot.  I figured if they were even trying to entertain us on that
    thing, we were in for a treat.  I was right.  We never have been
    to River Country or Paradise Island, and with Typhoon Lagoon opening
    I don't think I'll miss River Country.  The Magic Kingdom is my
    favorite, I like great architecture and MK is full of it.  The
    attention to detail just blew my mind.  I had heard that WDW was
    clean and everthing looked realistic but still I was surprised.
    By the way it was June when we went and it was *Very Hot*.
   
    	1987-  May, still hot.  Went with Wife, 9 year old Sister-In-
    Law and "GULP" Mother-In-Law.  This was a mistake.  My sister-in-law's
    favorite ride was the pool at the Wynfield Hotel.  I just could
    not belive that a 9 year old kid wasn't incredibly impressed with
    WDW.  Well, I guess there are some.  My Mother-in-law, didn't want
    to spend a dime so we ended up eating at a 'nice' restaurant only
    once.  I learned than that even though it's nice to see WDW thru
    the eyes of someone who hasn't been there, make sure they don't
    want to stop to rest every 10 feet, and are willing to wait in line
    at times.  My biggest dissapointment was that I didn't get to go
    in the Haunted Mansion once!! 
    	Oh well, in spite of all of that, I did have a good time.  And
    it didn't dampen my thrill of being in WDW.
    	It seems that the adrenalin just starts flowing as soon as you
    pull off the expressway and start down that long road to the parking
    areas and you start to see that you are entering a land that doesn't
    want to deal with reality, only fantasy.
    
    Tom
    
    p.s.- If you can't tell, I can't wait to go back.

    	Well maybe mother-in-law's aren't so bad.  I guess Jay and I
    were writing at the same time, because I just read his note after
    I wrote mine.  Oh well, at least we both like WDW.  
    
    Tom
    
    P.S.- Jay, does your mother-in-law rent herself out???
    

Well, I'll get another Colodaro registration in here too.

John Indermuehle, wife Elaine (another DECie) and daughter Laura (9).

I work in Marketing for MLDS in CXO and have made a few trips to
Disney locations in the past.

July 80.. Elaine and I with another couple made a marathon drive
to WDW before our daughter was born. Everyone should see it without
kids at least once. Actually, my wife had one kid with her. (me)
Took us 42 hours to drive straight through from Colorado Springs
to WDW with about a 3 hour layover in Beaumont, Tx for a badly needed
shower and change of clothes. Had a great time.

Aug 84.. Vacationed in Ca. and visited DL with our daughter (3.5).
I think it was a little more than she can really remember though.   

Nov 88.. Attended DECUS and attended the DECUS night with Elaine who
came out for the final week. (I have to go early to set-up). It
was something to be in a park designed for @300,000 people and have
only around 12,000 there. Amazing space. We went the following Sat.
and experienced the normal off season attendence. It was a big difference.

Our next trip will be in Jun. when we will be Motor-homming it to WDW.
We have reservation in FW and I am really looking forward to it.
Elaine doesn't know how much ;^)  (Hi Sweetie)

I really enjoy traveling by Motor home, though we have only done it once
to Rocky Mountain National Park. I thouroughly enjoyed it. (even though
I had a very painful back problem).

Laura loves the Disney Channel. Edison Twins, Kids Inc., Donald Duck Presents
and many more. Elaine and I also spent a fair amount of time there.

    Hi All...
    
    David Seagle from Colorado Springs here...
    
    I like virtually anything Disney from "Steamboat Willie" up to circa
    "Mary Poppins", but feel that anything Disney has done movie-wise
    since Walt's death has been below par.  Liked the TV shows, used
    to have a few Disney records when I was a little kid, etc.  Although
    I enjoy the Touchstone offerings I cannot help but feel that Walt
    is turning over in his grave at the prospect of the Disney name
    being associated with anything non-"G"-rated.
    
    Theme parks?  Well...
    
    I used to live in Burbank, CA about 10 blocks from the Disney Studios
    in the early '70s.  That meant my brother and I would hit Disneyland
    at least 4 times a year and often more.  I still get "withdrawal"
    every couple of years and return to Anaheim for another "fix". 
    My current tally is about 32 trips to Disneyland; I can't get enough.
    My brother and I are probably entitled to some sort of honorary
    title or something for THAT many trips (or at least a visit to a
    "shrink").  In fact, if I can get someone to cover for me, I'M OUTTA
    HERE RIGHT NOW!
    
    WDW?  Gosh.  I've "only" been 2 times for multiple day passports
    each time.  What with the MGM Studio thing opening soon I guess
    I will have to make yet another sojourn to Florida in the near future.
    
    Every time I go to one of the theme parks I tell myself "Dave, you
    are older now and it probably won't be as good as you remember it
    and/or you will not enjoy it as much".  I could not be more wrong;
    Disneyland/WDW (for me) become more entertaining the older *I* become.
    
    I find Jerry Boyajian's remark about "I've never been to a theme
    park" bordering on BLASPHEMY and suggest that someone who works
    with him kidnap him and DRAG him to a park IMMEDIATELY.  Jerry,
    you will thank me for this in later years.    ;-)
    
    
    Any questions?     :-)
    
    David.

    I'm a technical writer in the applications documentation group in CUP
    (Corporate User Publications) at Spit Brook (ZK) in Nashua, NH.  I have
    no kids (I live with my Significant Other), but I love Disneyland and
    WDW!  I was happy to move to Nashua, where the cable company offers
    the Disney Channel, unlike the cable company we had before (in Burlington,
    MA).  Imagine not offering the Disney Channel!  Sheesh.

    My first Disney-related trip was to Disneyland in 1981 when I was the ripe
    old age of 24. (Well, I'd been to "It's a Small World" at the NY World's
    Fair in '64, if that counts.) 

    My first visit to WDW was in 1984, when I went to Orlando for my sister's
    wedding. My sister worked as a mime in the France pavilion at EPCOT for
    about three years, so I got into EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom three times
    for free!  Alas, she no longer works there, so now I have to pay for
    tickets just like everyone else.  Also, no more free lodgings in Orlando!
    :-)  At least my Significant Other's parents now live in Sebring, which
    isn't all that far from Orlando (about an hour).  Still, it's fun to stay
    at a WDW resort, as we discovered last Christmas.  One of my dreams is to
    take a Grand Plan vacation at the Grand Floridian... 

    I've been to Disneyland twice - once in 1981, as I mentioned above,
    and the second time in 1986.  The best thing that time was - you guessed
    it - Star Tours!  What a blast... 
    
    Let's see, with our trip to Florida last Christmas, that makes it four
    times I've been to WDW.  Out of those, I've only visited the Magic
    Kingdom once - we concentrated on EPCOT because my sister worked there,
    but I would like to visit the Magic Kingdom again sometime.

							-- Nina
    

    Dave Vaughan, operations supervisor for US/FDC in PKO1.
    
    	Have only been to WDW twice and can't wait to go with the kids.
    
    May 1980	-Went to Orlando with my HS band for a music festival,
    	  	 spent a day and a half in MK, including marching in
    		 the parade, this was a great experience.
    
    May 1985	-Went to WDW on my honeymoon.  I heard that WDW has
    		 become the #1 honeymoon spot in the U.S.  Stayed at
    		 the Viscount in the village.
    
    92 0r 3	 Want to wait for all 3 kids to be old enough to
    		enjoy/remember before we go back(if I can wait that
    		long)  Would like to stay in FW.  Can't wait to see
    		all the new stuff that has opened since I went.
    
    dv
    
    p.s.  re: .21  I see Jerry occasionally and would gladly kidnap
    		   him and take him to WDW if someone would be willing
    		   to provide funds.... :-)

Hi - I'm Peter Karam and I work in the Technical Languages and Environment
(TLE) group, FORTRAN compiler, in ZK, Nashua, N.H.

I have been to both Disneyland (short visits) and WDW twice.

Dec, 1981 - 1/2 day at Disneyland after DECUS.  This was a rushed visit, but
	I was impressed with the cleanliness of the park and the details in
	the attractions and buildings.

April, 1985 - 8 nights at WDW.  Stayed in 2 bedroom vacation villa with my
	wife, 2 children, brother, nephew, and mother.  This was the first
	trip for all of us to WDW.  It was a very worthwhile family endeavor.
	Mom was as excited as the rest of us, and we had an agreement that
	should she get tired, she could always just sit on a bench for awhile
	or take a bus back to the villa and rest.

Nov, 1987 - 4 night at WDW.  This was part of the Premier cruise/Disney vacation
	week.  We added an additional night at WDW.  We thoroughly enjoyed
	ourselves again.

Dec, 1987 - evening at Disneyland during DECUS.  Very rushed evening, but
	Star Tours was worth the wait.

Nov, 1989 - 10 nights at WDW. reservations set at Caribbean Beach Resort

I remember watching Disney with my family when I was growing up and enjoy
watching it now with my our children.  The Disney channel has some great family
entertainment and some of the short segments between shows are informative.

I am such a Disney fan that the node name for my workstation has just
been registered as WDWLD.

peter

	I've lost track of visits to WDW but it's been atleast once a year
	for the last 4. A couple of visits before that. One visit to 
	Disneyland but I may vist there again in April if time permits.

	I'm totally hooked and will go at the drop of a hat. We've driven
	down (from NH), taken the train and flown at various times. We've
	even gone with my mother-in-law. With older people I suggest staying
	on the grounds so if they poop out on you you can just put them
	on a bus back to your accomadations so they can rest. Works for us.

				Alfred

    Hi,
    
    My name is Michelle Simpson, and I am an Adminitrative Secretary
    for the DSM Group in MKO1, Merrimack NH.
    
    I have been to WDW 3 times.
    
    4/81--The family I used to babysit for took me!!!!!
    
    10/83--I went with my parents and sister, Great time of year, most
    	   kids are back in school.  (except the special ones who get
    	   to go to WDW !!!)
    
    4/86--I went with my college roommate for spring break.  
    
    My new hubby and I hope to go next October ('90) He has only been
    once, when they first opened and not everything was together yet!
    
    -Michelle-
    

    Hi there...
    
    My name is Ellen Peltier.  I worked for the Information Security group
    in Shrewsbury.
    
    I went to WDW for the first time in May 1986 with my family.  We went
    the week before Memorial weekend - it was a great time of year to go. 
    The weather was in great (temps in the 80's) and there were minimal
    crowds.  We stayed at the Hi Q on International Drive.
    
    The 2nd time I went was in 1988 - the same week of the year as in 1986. 
    This time I went with my SO and we stayed at the Sheraton Lakeside Inn.
    
    I seem to be getting closer to the Magic Kingdom.  Our next trip will
    probably take place in 1990 - the week before Memorial weekend !  Next
    time we will stay on WDW property.
    
    I love anything and everything about Disney - I especially like Winney
    the Pooh !

    Hi, Joni Silveria -LKG- Littleton, MA 
    I grew up loving Disney and Walt was born in the town next to me
    (Marceline, Missouri) Walt Disney High was our biggest rival.  My
    father even tells me that his mother was a distant relative of Walt's
    wife, but I'm not so sure anyway...
    
    April 77 - went to WDW for two days during my honeymoon.  We stayed
    at a Day's Inn on International Drive.
    
    February 89 -  My husband gave me and my two daughters a trip as
    a Christmas present.  We stayed at the Contemporary (Polynesian
    was booked) and it is a lot more convenient with kids.  
    
    I'm already planning my next trip and can't believe it took me 12
    years to return.  I'll definitely stay in the "World"  next time
    too (preferably Polynesian, Disney Inn or Grand Floridian, although
    the Contemporary was nice too)
    
    My favorites:  Fantasyland in MK and Norway and of course, Journey
    Into the Imagination in Epcot

    
    My name is Dan Thomsen....
    
    I'm hooked on the WDW.
    
    I've been five times between March '75 and Oct '88, and can not
    wait to go back there again.  I've stayed on property and off. 
    The last time I was there we (wife and 2 kids) rented at trailer
    at Fort Wilderness. 
    
    

    
    My name is Debbie Stuczynski and I work for the Networks and
    Communications Group in Littleton, Ma. 
    
    July 75  I went to Disneyland and loved it !  The park was open
             til 1 A.M.  The things I liked the best were Pirates of
             the Caribbean and the fireworks with Tinkerbell.
    
    May 88  I visited WDW for the first time !  It was the best vacation
            I've EVER had.  There are a few more things I liked about
            WDW.  Discovery Island was very enjoyable for me.  I found
            a couple of baby deer in the woods and they let me near
            them to touch them...got a couple of good pictures too !
            I'd have to say though, Illuminations was one of the highlights
            of Epcot.  I thought it was a very impressive show, seeing
            it's done every night !  I don't think I'll have to worry
            about taking too many pictures this time !  My traveling
            companion took 475 pictures !!
    
    Mar 89  Going back to Disneyland !!  Can't wait to ride the Pirate
            again after the disappointment in WDW.
    
    Jun 89  Taking the little one with us this time to WDW.  Even though
            I've been there just recently, I think it'll be new all
            over again, seeing it through the eyes of a child.  We'll
            taking the Camcorder this time !  Should be great !!
    
    

    We are Roberta & Jim (EXIT26) Stratton.  Yet another DECcie couple
    sign in.
    
    We went to WDW for our honeymoon in October 1983.  Favorites are:
    Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Cinderella's Castle and Epcot
    Center (I liked the World Showcase and he liked Future World). 
    
    We would love to go back with our son (4 1/2) some day.
    
    Roberta

                         FRED HYDE
                         FEB '89  WDW & EPCOT
    
    ACO PURCHASING. JUST RETURNED FROM WDW. SAW BOTH THE MK AND EPCOT.
    FIRST TIME THERE AND REALLY HAD A GOOD TIME. STAYED AT THE BEST
    WESTERN ON RT 192 IN KISSIMEE. OFF SEASON RATE WAS $38/NIGHT.
   
    GOOD RES. ON 192 INCLUDE "THE OLIVE GARDEN"(ITALIAN), "CHARLIE'S
    STEAK HOUSE"(STEAKS AND SEAFOOD). KEY LARGO IN "OLD TOWN" NOT TO
    BAD. 

    Hi. My name is John Fratturelli, and I work in the Technical Services
    Organization in ACO (Acton, MA.) as a Senior Test Engineer.
    
    I have been a Disney fanatic for a long time. It started when I
    was 6 years old, when my family went cross-country and we visited
    Disneyland. I believe this initial visit left an indelible mark
    that I still carry with me. Since then, I have visited WDW 4 times:
    
    April, 1976: the Bi-centennial year. 
    
    March, 1985: My wife and I went for 12 days for our honeymoon. 7
                 nights at the Poly, and 4 nights at the Contemporary.
                 I can't think of a better place to spend one's honey-
                 moon. We had the time of our lives. We had a GREAT
                 dinner at the Empress Room aboard the Empress Lilly
                 riverboat in Disney village. The Gulf Coast restaurant
                 in the Contemporary is Very Very good too.
    
                 I have to agree, I relived the experience thru my wife's
                 eyes, and it was like being there for the first time
                 again.
    
    Feb. 1986:   6 nights at the Contemporary. I love EPCOT more and
                 more each time we go back.
    
    Oct. 1988:   5 Nights at the Grand Floridian....The BEST place to
                 stay at WDW. I wish I could live there. We had a fabulous
                 dinner at Victoria & Albert's (albeit very expensive!).
                 One of the nicest things, the pool and jacuzzi are
                 open ALL night long. I'd recommend staying at this
                 hotel above all others.
    
    Right now, I'm working on my next visit, but I'm waiting till most
    of the new attractions are open. It will probably take 2 weeks to
    see everything now!!! I can't wait.
    
    	John F...
    	         

    Hello!  Karen Campbell here signing in from Reading, England.
    
    I visited Disney World for the very first time in September 1987
    with my husband, Shaun.  We were (and still are!!) absolutely besotted
    with the place and can't wait to come back again...
    
    We stayed at the Sheraton World opposite Sea World (another one
    of our favourite places) for a week before heading down to Captiva
    Island.  Our three days spent at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT just
    weren't enough!
    
    From the minute we got there it was pure magic.  The things we adored
    include:
    
    Main Street USA
    Tom Sawyer Island
    Jungle Cruise
    Tikki Birds
    The riverboat...forget the name...
    The magic carpet ride in Fantasyland
    The "golf ball" at EPCOT
    The World of Motion
    The ride where you set off in what appears to be a theatre and then
    it begins to break up and you go riding off into a land of pre-historic
    dinosaurs etc...know the one I mean?
    
    Look forward to reading and contributing on a topic that's
    very close to my heart...
    
    Best wishes,
    
    Karen
    
                                                       

    Hi, Pat Campbell, PKO - Maynard, Software Products Group, Product
    Manager.
    
    I also am a Disney-holics.  My first trip to WDW was for my honeymoon
    in 1976.  We stayed 1 week at the Polynesian and loved it.  Left
    and drove over to the west coast, was bored to death, called Disney
    to see if they would take us back, they did!!!! We stayed another
    4 days in the Contemporary.
    
    Went back every year after that until my son was born in 1981. 
    Then grandma and grandpa moved from New Jersey to Ocala, Florida,
    which conveniently is 1 hour away from WDW.  We have take our now
    7 year old son every year since he was 4.  Our latest visit was
    over Christmas-New Years Week.  We stay at gram's for a few days
    then we headed off to WDW and stayed at the Disney Inn for 2 nights.
    It was wonderful.  I really enjoyed that hotel alot.
    
    Planning our next vacation back for December 1989.  Can't wait to
    see all the new things that will be opening.
    
    

    Hi.  Tony LaPointe, NHO - Nashua, Traditional Products Marketing
    Services, Business Analyst.
    
    Like all I'm also a Disney-holic.  
    
    Trips:
    
    1977 - With some school friends and only for 5 days in April.
    1986 - With my wife and two children, ages 4 and 2.  My wife was
    also pregnent with our third child.  We spent 7 days at WDW and
    then 5 days with my parents in Sebring(1 hr south of WDW) in March. 
    This hooked us all.  A week doesn't go by when one of the kids, 
    including my wife, ask when we're going back.  
    1989 - Planning on an early summer trip to WDW for at least 7 days
    if not more.  If I had my way I'd never come back!!!!!!  To bad
    DEC doesn't put a good size facility in Orlando, it would be heaven.
    

    
    Hi - 
    
    I'm Laura Casey.  I work at the Mill - have been for about 18.6
    months.
    
    Me and my husbands first trip was in April of 88.  We loved it!!
    We are now planning our next trip which will be in June of this
    year...we can't wait...this year we are taking my younger sister
    with us, she's graduating from high school the week before we leave.
    We'll be driving down this year and we plan on spending time in
    a few other states as well.  We're already talking about going next
    year to see the things that will be opening.  It looks as though
    we might be spending our next few vacations there - but do you think
    we mind - *no* way!!!
    
    

    Lynne M. Sigel
    MRO1-1/A65 for fan mail.
    
    Yup I confess that I am a Disneyholic, not to mention a noterholic!
    
    I work in Marlborough Mass as an Adminstrative Secretary for
    Transaction Processing.
    
    p.s  I have to confess that at Disney I loved all the kiddie rides
    like "Flying Dumbo" "The Mad Tea Party ride" and the Carrousel :-)
    
    Lynne S.

    
    "Lower your heads folks, and watch your steps.  Place five only
    per seat, please.  No lap seating. No double seating.  Small children
    to the inside of the tram, adults toward the outside.  Strolers
    and wheelchairs must be placed by your feet on the floor...This
    tram takes guests out to the Magic Kingdom's Main Car Parking Lot
    and the Main Car Parking Lot only.  Sections: Chip 'n Dale, Minnie;
    Pluto, Goofy; Daisy, Donald; Sleepy, Dopey; Happy, Grumpy; Sneezy
    and Bashful.  We do not go to Bus Parking, Handicap Parking, EPCOT
    Center Parking or any of the Resort Hotels. If you want any of those
    destinations, please exit the tram, now and ask your driver at the
    front of the tram or myself at the back of the tram for further
    instructions, we'll be happy to help you.  Those of you on board,
    please sit well back in your seat, and ... we'll be all clear..."
    
     Oops, got carried away...
    
    I should introduce myself...I'm:
    Rich Carini
    graduate Spring '87 - Disney University 
    Presently a Cast Member at WDW but only a CT (Casual Temporary)
    so I can also work for DEC in Hudson, MA (HLO)
    
    been to WDW many times before working for them and to Disneyland
     twice (last time around Christmas).
    
    Any questions about the inner workings that I can answer, I'll be
    glad to...so long as the format is OK with the moderators of this
    Notes file (or send me MAIL...)
    
    Rich

    
    
    Hello!  I'm Tracy Gonzales from the PWB Group in Westford, MA.
    I, too, LOVE Disney!
    
    The first time I took a trip to Disney was in 1980 with my family
    when we ventured out on a 5-week trip around the United States.
    We spent four days at Disney on that trip.
    
    April 1988 - Went back to Disney with my brother and sister (this
    time without Ma and Dad) and had an absolute blast!  
    
    Would love to go again this year but, with my wedding coming up
    in October, I need to save as much money as possible.
    
    Tracy
    
    

    Don Brouillet, CSM (or whatever we're supposed to be called) Component
    Engineering in Northboro.  Wife Kathy, kids Jeff (9), Nicole (8),
    and Greg (almost 4), all confirmed Disney addicts.  I just put in
    a couple of replies, so I guess it's time to sign in.
    
    History of visits:

    1976 - Disneyland, on a weekend during a business trip.
    
    October, 1977 - Walt Disney World, when it was just the Magic Kingdom and
    a couple of hotels, on our honeymoon.
    
    February, 1984 - First time camping in the area, but didn't know
    about Ft. Wilderness at the time, so we stayed at a few different
    places, and spent some time in other parts of Florida.
    
    April, 1986 - Camped at Fort Wilderness for the first time.  Loved
    it.  Weather was beautiful - low 90's and sun every day.  (February
    is a little unpredictable)
    
    Febraury, 1987 - Very busy at work, wife decided she'd take vacation
    anyway.  She drove down, and I flew down the following week to join
    them.  Stayed at a Ramada on Int'l Drive.  Not the same as being
    in the park.
    
    February, 1988 - 2 weeks at Fort Wilderness.  Best vacation ever
    to date.
    
    February, 1989 - in other words, last week and the week before.
    Repeat of last years vacation, 2 weeks at FW, but had an even better
    time.
    
    Next year?  Never can tell.  Maybe we'll take a year off.  But,
    that's what we said last year.

    Eunice Fortin, US Manufacturing Training Center, in MR02.  We've
    only been Disney addicts for 3 years, but after 4 visits in that
    time, we live only for our next visit!
    
    Our first time was in 1986, the Cruise/Disney World Combination.
     I decided on this type of trip because I thought my husband would
    hate Disney, but at least get to enjoy the Cruise.  What a mistake
    that was!  He enjoyed the cruise, but immediately became a Mickey
    Mouse Freak.  Before we left, he wanted to book another trip, without
    the cruise.  We stayed in the Hotel Royal Plaza which is on Disney
    property.  This is one of the nicest hotels there, and the service
    was great.  If you can't stay right on the Monorail line, I wouldn't
    hesitate to recommend this hotel.
    
    Our next trip was in Sept., 1987 at the Contemporary.  We went on
    a package deal and we stayed in the South wing.  This was my least
    favorite hotel, mainly because they were doing renovations at the
    time.
    
    Christmas Season, 1988, Don't ever go during this time unless you
    have a strong desire to wait in l-o-n-g lines (like no other time
    of the year) and see crowds like you didn't know existed!  We stayed
    at the Grand Floridian which is absolutely beautiful, but quite
    expensive.  We had an attic room which overlooked the lagoon.  It
    had a fantastic view!  Because the hotel is the newest,  everyone
    was going there to see it, so there was no escape from the crowds
    at the hotel.  
    
    March, 1989, The Disney Inn.  The quietest of all the Disney hotels.
    We plan on staying there the next time we go.  It is not one of
    the hotels that people go to see because it is slightly removed
    from those on the monorail.  The employees at the Disney Inn seem
    to be trying harder to please than at the other hotels.  We ordered
    room service one morning, and received a phone call an hour later
    to ask us if we had enjoyed the breakfast.  I was really surprised
    by this since none of the other hotels had ever done this.
    
    Next trip - after Thanksgiving but before Christmas season starts!!
    
    I love this notes file!  I didn't know so many of us Disney addicts
    existed!!

    Jeannie Flynn, from Andover (APO). After all these years, Disney
    feels like my second home. Both my sister and brother-in-law work
    in EPCOT for the Disney Corporation. I still get down to Florida
    3 or 4 times during the winter for weekends. Everytime I say that
    I won't go to Disney and EPCOT, I end up there. Disney employees
    get 12 passes a year, good for getting 4 people in at a shot. I
    was able to attend the opening day ceremonies at EPCOT Center. As
    an extra bonus, my brother-in-law has taken me underground Disney,
    and have walked through the park before the sun has come up, with
    not a soul around. This past weekend, I was down at Disney again,
    and this time, my brother-in-law had taken me on a tour of the liquor
    distribution center for all of Disney and EPCOT Center. Also, all
    the warehouses for Produce, and canned goods. It is one incredible
    operation, when you get behind the scenes.

    My sister sends me the DTW of Disney every month, which is entitled
    "Eyes and Ears". I enjoy getting all the latest info. like when
    the latest  attractions will be opening and prices, as they go up..
    up...and up..!
    
    All and all, it's still great to go to Disney and feel like a kid
    again.
    
    
    

    Jeannie,
    
    	Maybe when you recieve these DTW's of Disney you can share some
    of this information with us Disneyholics! It seems like WE can't
    get enough information. And may I add...I would kill to be able
    to walk around the park 'without a sole around'...it would be heaven.

    	One envious person.  JJF
    
    

    Gary Robbins
    ASO (Augusta,ME)
    
    
    October 1988 - WDW.  Stayed in a mobile home in Fort Wilderness.
                   Myself, my wife and two daughters each used up a
                   5 - day WorldPassport.  Still didn't do/see every-
                   thing.  
    
    Plotting next trip as soon as $$ available.

    JJF,
    
    Would be glad to pass any info. that I get from my family who
    are Disney employees. I also have a calendar that Disney gives
    to employees on a quarterly basis. Gives daily park events, and
    times of opening/closing, as sometimes these things change. For
    example, I know when the electrical parade will be on three
    months in advance.
    
    I get all the updated prices also, and also alot of tidbits 
    regarding new attractions and the progress report on them. 

    My office here in Andover has been "Mickey Central" for years 
    now.
    
    Now that everyone probably hates me to know that it's free for
    me to get into Disney and EPCOT, they'll really hate me when I
    tell them that I take advantage of the Disney employee discount
    of 35% of everything and anything, right down to postcards!
    
    If there is anything in particular that you have a question about,
    please don't hesitate to call me or ask in this notes file.
    
    Jeannie
    

    Dave Cohen
    Westboro (WFR1)
    
    
    I am a applications programmer/analyst contractor (19 years, the
    last 5+ years at Digital).
    
    Main claim to fame: Started the base note (6.*) in HOLIDAY_TRAVEL.
    
    WDW trips:
    
    	- April 1977 on our honeymoon. Stayed at the hotel that became the
    	 Int'l Dr Holiday Inn. Then travelled around FLorida for a
    	 while but missed WDW so returned and stayed at the Royal Plaza.
    
    	- Sept 1987 Howard Johnson's on Intl Dr. This time with the 2 children.
    
    	- March 1988 Holiday Inn. With the kids again. This was a result of
    	  moping around on a New England February winter's day, I said
    	  to the family out of the blue "What we need is a little
    	  Disneyworld!" As soon as I said it I knew I couldn't back
    	  out.
    
    	- April 1989 Polynesian Inn. Yep, we'll be going, a longtime dream.
    
    I've got to say, I've never had a less-than-perfect experience with
    anything associated with Disney. (Maybe I have, but have erased
    it completely from memory in the glow of all the good times!)
                
    Personal note: It is absolutely the best place in the world for
    my daughter who uses a wheelchair. Everything is very convenient
    and accessible.  Other than a few rides (20,000 Leagues, Tom Sawyer's
    Island), the whole experience lacks the usual frustrations she
    and her parents face everywhere else. When we go on an attraction,
    an employee takes us aside (usually to the Exit), and then gauges
    how long it would take if we were still in line, and at that time
    escorts us onto the ride with as much assistance as is required.
    Perfect! Thoughtfulness but no special treatment.
    
    

    Dave    

    I suppose as moderator, it's time I registered.
    
    Len Goldberg. I manage the Sales Support and Marketing Group for
    IN-DEC Field Service in Marlboro.
    
    Disney Trips:
    
    1971 - Arrived for my first visit to California just in time for a
           *major* (7.1) earthquake. Spent one day at Disneyland.  I
           was particularly impressed by the cast member who warned me, "no
           dancing please", as I tripped getting off the ride in the
           Haunted Mansion and was jumping around to catch my balance.
           
    1980 - Day in Disneyland with my wife after DECUS in San Diego.
           
 Nov. 87 - 2.5 days in the pouring rain at Walt Disney World, staying
           at the Disney Inn.  Left the kids with Grandma and Grandpa in
           South Florida, so the two of us were able to do ALL of Epcot,
           the Hoop-Dee-Doo, and a couple of hours in the Magic Kingdom for
           good measure. Because of the weather and the time of year, there
           were no lines at all in Epcot, and max. of about 10 minutes in
           the MK.
           
 Nov. 89 - Total of five nights booked in a Ft. Wilderness trailer home
           on a Vacation Kingdom Holiday.  This time we'll be taking
           our twin boys who will be 4, and perhaps our youngest who
           will be 14 months.
           
           
    There isn't a day that goes by that the boys and I don't talk about our
    upcoming trip, look at pictures in the brochures or the Official Guide,
    or practice singing the Mickey Mouse March.  Anticipation is one
    of the best parts of the whole experience.  Reading this conference
    makes it that much better.

    Hi, 
    
    My name is Bill Akins.  I work nights at MRO.  I love Disney for
    several reasons.  Mailny because I love animation and Art (I'm an
    Art Major) and Disney is the best!  I would love to work with them
    someday.
    
    Bill

    
    Sean Reilly - BXB2 (Boxboro), Senior Engineer
    
    Places stayed:  Grand Floridian
                    Contemporary
                    Polynesian
                    Fort Wilderness
    
    Dream:          That me and my wife can live in WDW  :^)   
                    

    My name is Larry Wakeman and I work int he San Francisco Office.  When
    I was a child of six in 1957, I made my first trip to Disneyland.  My
    wife and I also went there on our honeymoon and several times when I
    was stationed at March AFB in Riverside, CA.  When I was in Mississippi
    in 1972, we made the trip to WDW.  Fun conference.
    
    Larry
    

    Hi fellow Disney-holics!  I'm Marge Rainville and I work at the
    CTS facility in Chelmsford and my husband, Paul, works at AKO/Nagog.
    Our first trip to Disneyworld was in 1977 when our daughter, Jennifer,
    was 3 years old.  She is now 15 and we are planning our sixteenth
    trip to Disneyworld during Thanksgiving week of this year.  I CAN'T
    WAIT!!!
    
    We would rather take our vacations at Disneyworld than ANY other place.
    
    

    George Withers
    Software Systems Engineering
    Tewksbury, MA
    
    (now that the *stuff* is done.... :-) )
    
    Have gone a fair number of times to WDW and only once (sigh) to
    Disneyland.  I am going down in June '89 and probably early winter of
    1990 with luck on one of the Vacation Kingdom Plans.
    
    Also I have made all "five year" (ie. 5th, 10th, 15th) aniverseries at
    WDW since our first trip staying at Fort Wilderness (have been there
    twice before and staying there in June).
    
    George
    

    Bob @ MRO1 and Ellen Dew @ MOO  
    Marlborough, MA.
    
    1986  WDW  We used a truck camper at Fort Wilderness, Ellen and
    I, and our 2 boys, 8 and 12.  We spent only five days there.
    
    1988  WDW  We used same truck pulling a trailer, no problems in
    NJ, we did not learn our lesson only seven days, spent the rest
    with relavites.
    
    1991  WDW  Two week minimum.

    Hi, my name is Vinzenz Esser.  I'm working for Field Service (LCG)
    in Munich, Germany.
    
    Disney experience:  1 day at Disneyland in spring 1978
                        3 days at WDW in summer 1987
    
    My family (wife, almost-6-years-old son) and I are looking forward
    to our next visit to WDW this summer (80 more days and still counting).
    This time we'll spend 3 weeks in Florida, half of it in the Orlando
    area, of which 5 days (minimum) will be devoted entirely to WDW.
    I just can't wait to see the Electrical Parade again.
    
    I really enjoy this conference.  Sorry I can't add very much to
    it, but there ain't too much info about Disney available on this
    side of the pond.
    
    Vinzenz
     

My name is Lorraine Madden, and I work with Customer Integration in
Chelmsford (ICO).

My introduction to the Disney parks began in 1973 when my parents and
my two brothers and I took a summer to cross the country in a camper.
We hit Disneyland that summer.

The next summer we went to Walt Disney World.  At first I was disap-
pointed in it.  But understand that I was barely a teenager then, and
in California everything had been so close together!  In Florida, you
"had to walk to get to EVERYthing...."  Now, I wouldn't go back to
D'land because I know I wouldn't like it after all the trips to Florida.

My family hit Florida again in the Fall of '79.  Epcot still wasn't
open then.

There was another trip in here somewhere with my family....

Then in the Fall of '87 (two days after the END  :->  of DW'87) I
went with my husband for three days.

He and I met my folks down there this past January, and we're planning
our next visit for this-coming November!!

Through the years, I've stayed in Kissimmee (never again!  It's inside
the world or I won't go!), the Contemporary, the Polynesian (2 times),
and most recently at the Grand Floridian.

                      M-I-C    K-E-Y    M-O-U-S-E

    Hi,
    I'm Norb McKenna and I'm a Disney fanatic. I have been to WDW twice and
    the thrid trip will be July 89 for 8 days. The anticipation is killing
    me. We have stayed a Fort Wilderness and the Ploynesian (World Vacation
    Plan). This time we are going back to the Ploynesian using the World
    Vacation Plan (I can't imagine going any other way).
    

Dave Cox
Product Manager in CSS in MK1

Disneyland first time in 1957 (yup, that long ago)
Back to DL about once a year when out there on business.

DisneyWorld first time in 1982
Back to WDW about every two years and ALWAYS stay inside.

Disney Stockholder (along with both teenagers) since 1984.


Dave

    
    Steve Owen
    Northeastern Co-Op working at the Mill in Maynard in the Thermal
    Engineering Group.                                  
    
    1976-Walt Disney World, FL.  Drove from NY 
        I was only 7 years old at the time, so my memory is limited.
     	We drove down in a Ford van from New York and Stayed at Fort
    	Wilderness.  I can recall dragging my father on Space Mountain.
    	He claims We both hated it, but my recolection tells me that
    	I loved it, and that he said that so my Mom wouldn't laugh at
    	him.  We saw the bi-centenial parade.  Also went to Sea World,
    	and Kennedy Space Center.             
    
    1979-Disneyland, CA.  Flew from Detroit.
    	We only spent one day in Disneyland.  Even at that age, I knew
    	it wasn't as good as DisneyWorld.
    
    1981-Walt Disney World, FL  Drove from Westboro, MA
    	Great Trip.  Towed a pop up trailer and stayed 4 nights in fort
    	Wilderness and 3 nights in the Contemporary.  Also went to Bush
    	Gardens, Tampa.
    
    1984-Walt Disney World, FL  Drove from Westboro, MA
    	6 nights in the Contemporary.  It was upon Visiting Epcot for
    	the first time that I knew I wanted to pursue Engineering as
    	a career. (Thanks Disney!)
    
    1989-Walt Disney World, FL  Flying from Boston, MA
    	My Girlfriend and I take off on June 17 and will be staying
    	5 nights in the Contemporary. Can't wait!
    
    Favorite Rides in Magic Kingdom
    -Pirates of the Carribean- The most fun I've ever had
    -Space Mountain- I go on the left track 4 or 5 times and then once
    	on the right.  You think you know where the next turn is...
    -Big Thunder Mountain RR- A roller coaster almost anyone can handle
    	(at least that's what I'm tring to convince my girlfriend)
    -The Haunted Mansion- I love the cobwebs.
    
    Favorites in Epcot
    -Spaceship Earth
    -World of Energy (it that what it's called)
    -Mexican Food
    
    Favorites Elsewhere
    -Water Sprites
    -Discovery Island
    -The Fiesta Fun Room in the Contemporary
    -Sitting in Front of the monorail.
    
    Have fun!
    72 Days and Counting...
    
    Steve O
    
    1979- 

    Becky Maue
      One of my favorite childhood experiences was piling the family into
    the station wagon with our pj's and going to the drive-in to see
    the latest summer release from Disney.  Unlike the kids of today,
    I got the privilege to see movies like Mary Poppins, The Jungle
    Book, Bedknob and Broomstick, Song of the South, Cinderella, and
    Sleeping Beauty, among others larger than life on the sliver screen,
    which somehow made the fantasy even greater - now days, seeing it
    on tv just doesn't seem the same.
    
    I have only been to a Disney park once - last October, with my sister,
    her husband & his brother.  We stayed at the Polynesian for 7 nights,
    and went to everything in MK & Epcot that was open.  The only things
    we missed were Thunder Mtn (what I really came for), the Hall of
    Presidents, and Maelstrom (in Norway).  Those attractions were closed
    for repairs.  I missed the Hoop-de-doo revue on our last night when
    I got the flu, but saw everything else.
    
    I wasn't a real fanatic about Dissney until I after my visit, but now
    I'm hooked.  My favorite ride was Peter Pan's ride in MK - the
    ride stopped momentarily over "London" - at that moment, looking
    down on the city below, I could almost feel as though *I* was flying
    just like I felt when I was 4 and saw the movie.
    
    From that time on, I saw everything with the appreciation of an
    adult, but enjoyed it like a child.  After that, each time I passed
    a wishing well or fountain ( there were lots of them ) I threw in
    a few of those new pennies they use at all of the concesions to
    make change, and wished I come back for a longer stay soon.
    
    I'm definitely going back soon, just to see London again, & MGM
    & River Country too!

    Hi! My name is John Ames and i am a Disney-holic.
    
    Just found this note on monday and got so excited that I was able
    to convince my wife that it was time to go to WDW again.
    
    Made reservations last night for the first week in october at th
    Contemporary with the world vacation plan.
    
    My wife and I have been going to WDW regularly since our honeymoon
    in Oct.'78. Took our last trip three years ago with our three year
    old son. This trip we will also have our one year old daughter.
    
    THIS FILE IS GREAT!!!!
    
    That's all,
    
    JA
    

    Hi everyone,
    
    I'm Bill Bruner and I'm a programmer/analyst with the APPIX group
    in Northboro.  
    
    I've just discovered this file and unlike other notesfiles that
    I use "SET SEEN/BEFORE=YESTERDAY" when first entering, I feel I have
    to read each and every 985 unseen notes.
    
    My wife and I have been to WDW 3 times.  First time was on our 
    honeymoon.  Second time was a last fling before the baby came and
    the last time was when my daughter was 3 or 4 and my son was on
    his way.  I enjoyed myself each time, but I don't think my wife
    enjoyed walking around being pregnant and all.
    
    I've seen the 10th and 15th year anniversary celebrations and hope
    to go back with the whole clan to see the 20th anniversary.  
    
    By the way, anyone know when the 20th anniversary special begins?
    Jeanie Flynn, you should know right?  

rep to <<< Note 23.63 by FRAGLE::BRUNER "Stats" >>>
    
>    By the way, anyone know when the 20th anniversary special begins?
>    Jeanie Flynn, you should know right?  

    If the  past  5  year  interval  are  any  indications,  then  the 20th
    celebration should run from October 1 1991 thru September 30, 1992.
    
    Claude, whose been  to  the  5th (April '77), and 15th (April '87) year
    celebrations, missed  the  10th  by  2  months  (November '82) and also
    planning for the 20th (April '92)

    

    
    Pete Tewhey
    I have read every note in this file (a first) so I ought'a sign
    in.
    
    Experience:
    
    1984
    
    One week at Thanksgiving.  Stayed in Kissimme, at the Fiesta.
    
    1988
    
    One week at Xmas.  Stayed at the Grosvenor.
    
    1990
    
    One week in March planned.  Contemporary is first choice.
    
    [hopeless Mickeyphile -- my workstation node name is MMOUSE]
    
     o o 
      O                    

                      
    
    			
   

    Ken Stumpf
    
    I am determined to live in Florida someday.  Hopefully I won't be old
    and gray when I finally make it.  My wife and I, along with my son, try
    to make it to Sarasota every spring.  It's about 120 miles from
    Orlando.  Our last trip to the magic kingdom was in July.  Man, was it
    packed.  Over an hour wait for all the good rides.  Let me tell you,
    there are plenty of other things I'd like to do in Fla. in July than
    wait in line.  It was great nonetheless.
    
    Really looking forward to experiencing the MGM studio.
    
    
    -ken

    My name is Joel Tomyl and I am an Operations Analyst in MRO3.  I
    worked for The Walt Disney Company  from February 2, 1986 - August
    15, 1986 and again from December 26, 1986 - January 26, 1987.  I
    Vistited the parks as a guest in March of 1987 during Spring Break
    and again in April 1988 for a week.  I am hoping to return either
    in September or October of this year so I can see the new Disney
    MGM Studio Tours park.
    
    I was on the Walt Disney World College Program working in Magic
    Kindgom Custodial from February to mid-May of 1987.  The College
    Program was an opportunity for me to work at the world's greatest
    theme park were I could gain experience for my ultimate goal - opening
    my own theme park, something along the lines of a Six Flag's type
    of theme park.  
    
    While on the College Program, I lived at Snow White Village, 4567
    Seven Dwarfs Lane, Kissimmee, FL.  When I wrote to people they thought
    I was joking with the address.  As part of the program, I was required
    to attend 10 seminars, one a week, for 3 hours a pop.  In the seminars,
    they talked about the parks, finance, marketing, entertainment,
    resorts, merchadise, food, employee relations (I'll explain that
    one later) and Disney philosophy.  I learned a lot during these
    seminars, but I spent quite a bit of time in the video library watching
    films of events, specials, and conceptual explinations of the
    attractions.
    
    After the College Program ended, I switched to Future World Attactions
    in EPCOT Center.  I worked at the Land Theaters which is comprised
    of the Kitchen Kabaret and Harvest Theaters.  I even managed to
    receive collge coop credit since Future World was considered
    technically oriented like my major of computer science.  I love
    the excitement of working in the park environment.
    
    I loved working for the company, and I would like to return.  They
    have many positive points to working there, but there are negative
    ones too.  Tigg~~ mentioned the Disney Look.  Always having the
    Disney smile even when the guest is totally wrong.  And, the pay
    is low.  But, I loved working with my fellow Cast Members and meeting
    people from all over the world and this helped to balance out the
    experience of working there.

    Hi! My name is Paula Von Rosendahl and I am in sales in Parsippany
    NJ.
    
    I have been to Disneyland 3 times and to DisneyWorld 7 times over
    the past 15 years. I have only once stayed inside the park, on my
    honeymoon. I plan to visit WDW in December after the CSO Executive
    Seminar.
    
    I have found going in mid MAY and early Dec. cuts down on the lines.
    If you must go in the summer go early in morning, take a rest or
    go swimming in afternoon and come back at around four. It cuts the
    lines. Also in MK see fantasyland after little kids are asleep.
    
    I have a daughter who is almost two. I can't wait until she is old
    enough to go.
    
    My favorite attractions are in MK, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Bear
    Jamboree, and Haunted Mansion. In Epcot, US, French Bakery, and
    all the other exhibits in front.
    
    I have not seen Living Sea since it was not up in my last visit.
    I also have never been on the Matahorn since it was down on each
    trip to CA. and the last time I was pregnant and could not go on
    it.                                                    
    
    Thanks for keeping this notes up. I love it!!!
    

    	I guess it's about time I signed in.
   
    Tom Butler Jr.	SBO Customer Service DLB9/D7
    
    First trip to WDW was honeymoon in June 1986, we stayed at the Sheraton
    World next to Sea World.  The hotel was excellent and I would recomend
    it to anyone.  We had three days at MK/Epcot and it wasn't enough.
    Since it was our first time in Orlando, we also wanted to see Cypress
    Gardens and Sea World and all of the other stuff in tha area also,
    so we never did get to see Fort Wilderness and River Country etc.
    
    Second trip to WDW was May 1987 with Mother-in-law and 9 year old
    sister-in-law.  They were both pains in the posterior.  My
    sister-in-law must be the first 9 year old in history that wanted
    to leave WDW to go back to the pool at the hotel.  We stayed at
    the Wynfield Inn right near Sea World, the hotel was clean and had
    a nice pool, but it wasn't nearly as good as the Sheraton World.
    Anyways, we only went for 5 days so we still haven't seen River
    Country etc.
    
    Third trip, don't know, whenever the Wife and I catch up from buying
    our first house (probably in 30 years when they rename the Contemporary
    Resort to the Golden Oldy Inn).
    
    Tom

    I'm signing in.
    
    Cindyrose Newfell.  BXO Sales Senior Secretary
    
    My first trip to WDW was May 1988.  We stayed at the Quality Inn
    on International Drive.  It was clean and neat.  We had a three
    day pass to Disney and I loved every minute of it.  At first I did
    not want to go but as soon as I got down there I fell in love with
    WDW.  After I got back I kept thinking about going back.  
    
    The second trip was May 1989.  We stayed at the Grosnevor Hotel
    in the WDW Village.  It was very nice but I want to stay next time
    in the World.  We have a special commerative 4 Day pass to all 3
    theme parks.  It was GREAT!
    
    I should mention that both trips were part of a Crimson Travel package
    deal.  I thought they did an excellent job despite some comments
    I have read in this file.  I will grant that I have heard from other
    people that they are not on top of things like they should be, but
    despite everything they were very good.
    
    Back to DisneyWorld (I wish I was there now), I love it.  I watch
    my VCR tapes of Disneyworld and EPCOT all the time.
    
    I am in the planning stages of another trip to WDW for April 1990.
    This time I am staying in the World, maybe the Disney Inn, or the
    Carribean.

    This is Mike Scopa, Tech Writer up in the Image Systems Group in MK2.
    
    Back in 1975 my wife and I decided to take a trip to Disney World. Of 
    course back then with neither mortgage nor kids we could plan for it a
    month in advance and go through with it.
    
    Well we took a 3-day, 4-night trip down in the Fall. We stayed at
    TravelLodge in Lake Buena Vista. We got down there on a Friday night
    and I recall the disappointment when we were told that the Park closed
    early evening after Labor Day. Needless to say, it was a
    Mega-frustrating night.............if I slept at all.
    
    Well we had a grand time spending about 12 hours at the park the first
    two days. Even though only the Magic Kingdom had been built at that
    time there were more than enough attractions to fill the day.
    
    I recall seeing and hearing about something called "Epcot" and how it
    was in the planning stages. Those few days down there were great but it
    just didn't give me enough Disney.
    
    We returned for 7-days and 8-nights the following year. This time we
    went down in mid-June. I was asked why we went down in the Summer when
    it was hot. I wanted guaranteed good weather and you can't get that in
    the Winter. Also, I wanted the full effect of the park and all it's
    attractions.
    
    This time around we were smart....we went to the big attractions when
    the Magic Kingdom opened up....while Minnie and Mickey were dancing
    down from Cinderella's castle we made a beeline for the Haunted
    Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, or whatever we so wanted.
    
    The food was great, the attractions and the atmosphere so invigorating
    it seemed our energy was boundless. Of course Sea World, Busch Gardens,
    and a few other attractions were also part of the trip but nothing came
    close to WDW.
    
    The most vivid memory I have is on our last night standing above the
    park right next to the train station about 12:30-12:45 A.M. when the
    park is getting ready to close.
    
    We just stood there watching, couples, kids, families walking down Main
    Street USA...walking to the sound of very melancholy music over the
    amazing sound system the park has.
    
    The music seemed to say, "Thank you for coming...don't forget to
    remember the good times you've had here." But also it seemed like the
    park was sad that many who were exiting were not returning the next day
    but were heading back to reality...going home.
    
    The music was also seemingly asking, "Will you come back again?"
    
    We looked out over Main Street and sighed, "Who know when we'll
    return!"
    
    It's been a long 13 years...but we'll be returning as a family...in
    1990........yes WDW I'm coming back.
    
    Knowbody ever really recognizes they're a Disney-holic until you
    experience, you really can't say visit, WDW.
    
    I thought it was great then.......I cannot imagine what it will be like
    when I return next Summer.
    
    MS

    
    i've replied a couple of times, so guess i should be official. i've
    been a disney-holic for decades, and the older i get, the worse
    i get. since moving to san diego from southern illinois, i've gotten
    worse because at least i'm close to mickey's west. been to WDW only
    once in '78, and will go again if i ever get back to florida. it
    has so much more outside of the magic kingdom, but being an hour
    and a half from disneyland makes up for not having epcot, 'cause we
    can really go almost anytime, so having a season pass makes sense
    out here. i'm going again for 2 days next week when the nephews
    come for a visit, and it should be a real trip with them because
    they are 4 and 6 and never have been. 

    i think i'd like to start a new topic in here on the private club
    at disneyland (club 33) because i haven't seen anyone even mention
    it and i'm not sure they have anything like it at WDW. anyone know?
    
    --gayle . .
            \_/
    

    
    	This is Leo Cloutier, a tech writer with the DECforms Group in
    	ZKO2. 
    
    	I first went to WDW with my wife and 8 year-old daughter in the
    	summer of 1987 (during 4th of July week). We stayed for 7 days
    	and 8 nights outside the park at Susse House just across I-4
    	from Boardwalk and Baseball (great motel, super-reasonably priced).
    	
    	Although the temperatures consistently ran in high 90s to the
    	low 100s, I had the time of my life. There were scary moments
    	to be sure -- my daughter passed out while we rode the 
    	raft back from Tom Sawyer's Island and we had nowhere to
    	run nor any way of knowing if it was the heat or something
    	more serious. It turned out to be the heat, and from that
    	point on we were very careful to keep her out of the sun
    	as much as possible.
    
    	Despite all that, there are experiences and images that will 
    	forever be burned into our memories about that first time --
    	the look on an 8 year-old's face at the first glance of the
    	Electric Light Parade; the sheer excitement of Laserphonic
    	Fantasy over the World Showcase on the 4th of July; the thrill
    	of Space Mountain and Thunder Railroad; the welling up of 
    	patriotism while watching the American Adventure at Epcot;
    	the food, the cast members, the sounds, the smell, the 
    	cleanliness of the park; all of it contributing to the
    	dream of a lifetime.
    
    	Although I've been one other time for one day (alone the following 
    	year), I strongly doubt anything will even approximate the sense 
    	of awe and wonder of that first time. 
    
    	We're hoping to spend 3 weeks or a month down in central Florida
    	a year from this fall after my folks move down there. Until then,
    	I can only listen in envy to all the trip reports and experiences
    	of others as the experience the newest attractions in WDW. 
    
    	I don't know specifically who set up this conference, but rest
    	assured that you've tapped into some of the most revered and
    	relished moments families or individuals can share, and most 
    	of us delight in sharing them in this kind of forum. 
    
    	--Leo

    	AND yet another Disney-holic!  I'm Mary Ann Hodges, Information
    	Management Consultant for HQ Sales Support in MKO2.
    
    	Oct, '85 - I have an old boy friend to thank for introducing
    	us to Disneymania.  (Us was me and my daughter (now 15) at the
    	time; US is now the two of us PLUS my non-Digital husband!)
     	He and his 2 boys just older and just younger than my daughter
    	were going and since I wanted to be with him . . . we went
    	along!!  LOVED IT!
    
    	Sep, '86 - The OKLAHOMA SOONERS (#1 in the nation) are playing
    	the Miami Hurricanes (#2 in the nation) in a REGULAR season
    	football game (the Sooners are my second love!)  So we take
    	my parents and go to the football game and since we're in
    	the state, might as well show them WDW . . . the Sooners lost,
    	but the rest of the trip was PERFECT!!!
    
    	Jun, '87 - I take 9 people (spanning 3 generations!) to WDW
    	as Christmas present.  5 days with my parents, my daughter,
    	my brother and sister-in-law and their 3 kids!!!  It was
    	perfection, hot, crowded and wonderful!!!  We stayed at 
    	Contemporary.  Previous trips were Polynesian (Lagoon View-
    	probably my favorite so far!) with parents and off-site condo
    	with old boy-friend (more economical but NOT nearly so exciting!)
    
    	Jun, '88 - WDW again, this time my daughter and I (now 14!)
    	with a friend and his 14-year-old daughter . . . girls were
    	a pain; but trip was still wonderful!!!  Stayed at the Vacation
    	Villa resorts (2 bedrooms upstairs, Murphy-bed (fold down from
    	wall) downstairs.  Right across the lake from Empress Lilly
    	which is lit up at night and was the view from our condo; this
    	is my 'other favorite' of the places we've stayed so far!  This
    	trip was also on the Gold-Key plan; wonderfully convenient since
    	girls could go their separate ways and have meals paid for!
     	Friend played golf, they all LOVED the water sprites.  Gold-Key
    	is definitely GOOD VALUE, but is still LARGE out-lay of money;
    	you can 'get by' on lots less money and still do things if you
    	pay as you go . . . but I LOVE the convenience so will probably
    	tend to do future trips with Gold-Key or now GRAND plan.
    
    	Feb, '89 - WDW AGAIN; this time with fiance (who is now husband!)
    	and daughter's best friend.  This trip was probably the biggest
    	disappointment.  We caught the COLDEST weather they'd had in
    	Florida in 3 years and IT WAS MISERABLE!!!  We wore all the
    	clothes we'd brought every day and bought MM sweatshirts and
    	still FROZE!  Left the park EARLY every day; never got to see
    	Illuminations because we were so cold.  Stayed in trailer at
    	Fort Wilderness.  This was NOT right for us; VERY little storage
    	room, certainly NOT enough for 2 teen-agers PLUS 2 more adults
    	to unpack for a week.  Then when my to-be inlaws joined us for
    	2 nights, it got EVEN more cramped!  Having said all that, it
    	is still Disney Magic; the couple of logistical type problems
    	we had, were dealt with quickly and graciously!!!
    
    	Apr, '89 - Digital sent me down on business (HONEST!!!) and
    	so I went a day early and stayed a day extra.  We stayed at
    	the Buena Vista Palace (which is a Disney Property!)  BEAUTIFUL
    	hotel, great buffet breakfast every morning overlooking a
    	lake.  Since it was a Disney property, we could visit the
    	Disney/MGM studios while they were still 'rehearsing'.  We
    	also bit the bullet and went to Epcot just for an evening,
    	even though it meant paying full price (and OF COURSE, it was
    	worth EVERY PENNY!)  I actually bought a 5-day passport, because
    	I KNOW I'll be back . . . . 
    
    

    
    
    Hi, my name is Sarah Webber and I work in the Corporate Design Group
    in Maynard (the Mill).
                                                         
    I too am a Disney-holic.  I have been to WDW twice (see note 129)
    in the last 4 years and I hope to go back this fall to catch the 
    new attractions.  I absolutely love the atmosphere in WDW.  I don't
    have a care in the world when I am walking around the parks.  It
    is so relaxing and joyful to enter a different world that is clean,
    crime free and full of imagination.
    
    The information in this note is fantastic.  I am so glad that there
    are many more Disney fanatics out there.
    
    Always dreaming of Disney,
    Sarah                       
    
                  

    Phil Bancroft - Network Security
    Took wife and kids to WDW in 1972, kids are grown now, so it is
    about time to go back before grandchildren are around to ask me
    to take them.  

    
    Hi, Kevin (Le Gerbil) here.
    
    Been a disney fan for a *long* time, going to WDW this September
    with a loada friends, been reading this and loadsa otherfiles for
    hints tips etc.
    
    I'll let you all know what I think when I get back.
    
    Le Gerbil

    Hi, Jerry  (Witman) here,
    
    My wife and I have made annual *pilgrimages* to WDW since it's opening.
    
    We visited EPCOT while it was underconstruction and have souvenier
    tickets from the opening of EPCOT
    
    We still have some A-E tickets from the early days.
    
    We have been on two MKC Gold Key vacations and stayed at the
    Contemporary Hotel each time.  The first time in the A-frame the
    next in the garden wings.  We much prefer the A-frame.
    
    I jokingly remark that I could no longer afford the trips so I
    relocated to Florida.  
    
    We're annual pass holders and get to the parks about once a month.
    
    

	My name is Jacqueline Stamatien, I'm a Senior Software Consultant 
	in the Connecticut district.  I live in West Haven, Ct.  I'm married
	(husband Jim), have one daughter (Jesere, born 5/30/82), and my
	mother (Jennie) lives with us.  I have 2 Golden Retrievers (Erik, age 
	9.5, and Taffy, age 13.5, I had another Golden, but he died 11/87 at
	age 10), 1 Schipperke (it's a dog, her name is Maggie and she's 10), 
	4 goldfish, and my dog Erik recently acquired a baby bunny (wild 
	rabbit, about 2 weeks old when we got him).  We have a sailboat 
	(we purchased in June 1988), and we spend some of our time in the 
	summer there.  But it's WDW where we go on winter vacations now 
	(all vacations before, since 1986).  We have annual passports to WDW, 
	they are good for unlimited visits over the course of the year (this 
	is our second set of passports).  We got the Disney channel when it 
	first became available in our cable company).

The following are the details of all my family's visits to WDW:
    
  4/84	First visit to WDW.  Only visited the Magic Kingdom.  Jim was in
	Florida on business (not Orlando) for business and Jesere and I 
	flew into Orlando Thursday night.  I spent Friday at WDW, and Jim 
	was at the hotel on Friday when we came back.  We spent then 
	Saturday and most of Sunday at the Magic Kingdom.  We stayed at
	the Holiday Inn in International Drive.  Loved WDW and decided to
	go back again.

  8/86	Having not taken any vacation in 1985 (and feeling fairly burnt out)
	I decided to take a two week vacation.  That included 4 full days at 
	WDW (3 days Magic Kingdom, 1 day Epcot) with Jim and Jesere.  Then I
	drove to Miami (with Jesere, Jim flew back to Ct) and spent 4 full 
	days there, then flew to San Juan and met my mother who had flown 
	there the same day Jim returned home (someone had to take care of the
	4 dogs), for 5 full days there.  The rest of the 2 weeks were days
	spent traveling.  While at WDW, we stayed at the Cedar Lakeside Inn
	in Kissimee.

  5/87	Decided to try traveling by car to WDW.  It took 2 days traveling (in
	each direction).  Jim, Jesere, my mother-in-law, and I went on this
	trip.  We bought our first annual passports.  Spent 4 days this time
	(2 Magic Kingdom, 2 Epcot), liked Epcot a lot better this time.  Went
	to Sea World for one day, decided that was not worthwhile.  But now 
	with the passports I had more motivation to return.  We stayed once 
	again at the Cedar Lakeside Inn in Kissimee. 

  8/87	Drove again.  This time with my mother and Jesere.  Spent one day 
	at the Cypress Gardens (my mother's choice), and one day at WDW (both
	Magic Kingdom and Epcot).  It was very hectic.  Then I drove to
	Miami to visit my friends.  We stayed once again at the Cedar 
	Lakeside Inn in Kissimee. 

  1/88	We decided we did not wanted to drive in the winter.  Because of all
	the recent airplane accidents I did not want to fly.  So we went on 
	the train.  It took 24 hrs from New Haven station (changing trains in
	New York).  We got there Sunday at 1PM.  We checked into our hotel,
	then went to Epcot.  We went to either Magic Kingdom or Epcot every
	day until the next Saturday.  Saturday we left the park before 6PM
	and went to the train station for our 8:30PM train.  It was a great
	trip (just about enough WDW).  We stayed once again at the Cedar 
	Lakeside Inn in Kissimee. 

  4/88	Drove my mother and Jesere again for a 5 day visit.  Spent 3 days 
	in Epcot and 2 days at the Magic Kingdom.  Caught the chicken pox
	while there (two weeks after my trip, which matches the incubation
	period for chicken pox, I came down with it).  My daughter then 
	caught the chicken pox from me.  We stayed once again at the Cedar 
	Lakeside Inn in Kissimee, since the change of hotel-chain ownership
	we felt that the hotel had gone downhill, decided not to stay there
	on future visits.

  1/89	Jim, Jesere, and I flew for a week visit.  Got our new passports (they 
	had been renewed before the other ones expired, but the expiration
	date on the new ones are set for one year after we had our new
	pictures taken).  Once again we went to Epcot on the evening of our
	arrival, and went to WDW every day including our day of departure.
	This time we spent a day in Fort Wilderness.  I think I'd like to stay
	there one of these times.  As for our hotel, there was a deal from
	AAA with the Sheraton Lakeside in Kissimee ($49/night), so we stayed
	there instead.

  4/89	My last visit to date.  Once again drove my mom and daughter for a 
	5 day visit.  Spent one day at Fort Wilderness and Discovery Island.
	Spent one day at Cypress Gardens.  Spent two days at Epcot and one
	at the Magic Kingdom.  Stayed at the Confort Inn Maingate in Kissimee.
	Was satisfied with the hotel accommodations.  I want to go again.

  7/89	My mother and daughter flew to St. Cloud for two weeks (visiting 
	relatives).  They went one day to the new MGM studios, one day to
	Epcot, and one day to Magic Kingdom.  They also visited the Kennedy
	Space Center.  My mother was unimpressed with the MGM studios.

  1/90	Maybe Jim, Jesere, and I will go again.  I'd like to stay at the
	Caribbean Beach Resort.  We'll see.  I'd have to renew my annual
	passport, they pay for themselves after a 6 day visit, so I'll 
	probably do it.  WDW -- here I come again!!!

    Joan Parker
    Independent Software Vendor Group
    MRO4
    
    Went to WDW for the first time in 1982, just in time for their 10th 
    anniversary celebration.   I thought it was the greatest place on
    Earth.  I have never been anywhere else where as soon as you walk
    through the gate you can feel like a kid again.... and the feeling
    doesn't leave you for a very long time.
    
    On the first trip, I ended up buying 2 weeks at a time-share resort in
    Orlando....kind of an impulse buy, but I'm certainly not sorry.
    
    Went back again with friends a few months after EPCOT opened.....it was
    super!!   I though EPCOT was absolutely the best!!    Stayed at my
    timeshare condo, which was great too.  My friends were so impressed
    they ended up buying 2 weeks themselves.
    
    Have been to Disneyland twice in the last few years, as I was fortunate
    enough to have been in the area on business.  First time there it was
    Disneyland's 30th anniversary.
    
    I'm going back to WDW on Oct 21, and I can't wait.  Will be staying
    again in the condo.  I've had this trip planned for almost a year, and
    I can't believe its almost here.  I've got my plane tickets in hand and
     *I AM PSYCHED*.
    

I work in the LES ECAD group.

Well, I guess I have to admit that my wife is right, I am a Disney-holic.
We have 3 children ages 2,6, and 11.

May 78 - First trip to WDW. (Wife 7 months pregnant with first child.)
	 Not quite hooked yet. Day Inn on Beeline Expressway.

Spring 84 - Second trip to WDW. (With a 5 year old and a 1 year old)
            Still not 100% hooked. HI Q Quality Inn International Dr.

April 88 - Third trip to WDW. (With a 9 year old, 5 year old, and a 1 year
           old) 100% hooked. HI Q.

April 89 - Fourth trip to WDW. (With a 10 year old, 6 year old and a 2 year old) 
	    Hilton In Maingate.

June 90 - Plan to stay in WDW hotels this time.

WDW is the only place that I know of where everyone can be a kid again
at any age. We plan on going back every year. There always seems to be
something new to do or see.

Doug

PS We've found that Peidmont Airlines (now US Air) offers very nice
   travel packages at the lowest prices. For something different we
   may take Amtrak down next time.

    I have put my 2 cents in on more than 1 occasion so I quess it's about
    time that I sign in.
    
    My name is Bill Kumpel and I work as a project specialist for the
    disbursement center in PKO.
    
    Although I have only been 4 times my wife used to go with her family
    every couple of years. In fact she was at the park the day Space
    Mountain opened and was selected at random as they entered to the park
    to be one of the first 50 people to ride on it. (note: that was the
    only time she has been on it even though they have dropped the speed of
    the ride since it opened).
    
    
    I became a Disneyholic after my first trip in January 1986. Booked 5
    days in a trailer at FW and stayed 9. Still did not see everything due
    to ages of children 1 1/2 and 5 years. The little one lacked the
    stamina to go all day. Missed half of World Showcase. Kids not overly
    interested. (SURPRISE)
    
    Trip 2 was in November 1987. This time we stayed 7 days at a FW
    trailer. This is a great place to stay if you have kids. Took side trip
    to Sea World and did most every in WDW twice. No crowds, good weather. 
    
    Trip 3 was in May/June 1989. This time we were supposed to stay outside
    the park at a Days Inn for 8 days. (note: this trip was won on a radio
    contest. We prefer inside the park.) Due to POOR accommodations we
    checked into CBR instead. CBR is a great place also. Highlight of trip
    was Typhoon Lagoon (we went second day it was open) and MGM. Also saw
    Main St Electrical Parade and Illuminations for the first time. That's
    one of the disadvantages in going off-season. Line are short but you
    miss some of the bennies.
    
    Trip 4 was in August 1989. 8 days at Quality Inn Plaza on International 
    Drive. (This was to make up for poor accommodations the first time)
    Still prefer inside the park but when someone else is paying one can't
    complain to much. This time rolled all our multi-day passports into an
    annual and bought annual River Country/Discovery Island as well.
    Because we had just been we were able to pick and choose when and what
    we wanted to see. Because we went the last week of August the parks
    were not crowded at all. Nothing longer than 15 minutes EXCEPT Dumbo's
    Flying Circus. (I know but the 5 year old insisted)
    
    Buying annual passes was a blessing because to get our moneys worth we
    have to plan a trip before the end of next August. Early February and
    late August sound like a couple of great times to go.
                                     

    Well, I've been entering a few things here and there so I
    guess I'd better sign in.  My mother got me hooked on Disney.
    We used to watch his show on Sunday nights.  Mom always wanted
    to take us kids (and dad) to Disneyland but could never afford
    it.  I got psyched when WDW opened but mom still couldn't
    afford to take us.  Well, now I'm reliving my childhood.  I've
    been five times in the past six years and if all goes well, I'll
    be going back in May.
    
    August 1984:   Went on a Crimson Travel package with my husband to
                   be.  The package included a three day passport.  We
                   immediately bought another three day passport.  Spent
                   one day at Sea World, one at Cypress Gardens and six
                   at WDW.
    
    August 1985:   Went on an American Express package for four days.
                   The package included staying on the property which
                   was much better than the Crimson Travel package.
                   The package included a three day passport which we
                   were able to upgrade to a four day passport for free
                   as part of a promotion.  This was our honeymoon or
                   sort of since we had been married for a few months.
    
    June 1986:     Went on the World Vacation package for five days and
                   four nights.  It was great.  This time we brought
                   my 20 year old sister and my kid brothers (9 and 10).
    
    August 1988:   Went on the World Vacation package for eight days and
                   seven nights.  We took my other sister, her husband,
                   our 15 month old niece and our 8 month old daughter.
                   It was kind of rough but we had a great time.
    
    October 1989:  Made reservations for six nights, ended up staying
                   eight nights and getting annual passports.  This time
                   we went as a family, just my husband, daughter and
                   me.  It definitely was our best vacation ever.

Okay, I've caught up with all the notes, so I guess it's time to
be counted....

I'm Joanne Jensen, of Semiconductor Manufacturing Personnel in
Hudson, Mass.  My husband, son, and I are all under the spell of
Disneymania.

Earliest memories are of "It's a Small World" at the New York
World's Fair (pretty impressive for a 5-year-old), "Mary Poppins",
and seeing "Fantasia" at Radio City Music Hall in 1978 (pretty 
impressive, even for an 18-year-old).  

Watching the Disney TV show on Sunday evenings, with those clips 
of Disneyland and WDW that they used to tease you, made me determined
to go there someday.  I have, and now I'm hooked!

Trips have been:

	October 1977 - A one-day visit to Disneyland, with my parents.
	Took the guided tour.  Got to ride Pirates of the Caribbean,
	but missed the Haunted Mansion, so I had plenty of incentive
	to go back.

	January 1983 - My husband and I made our first pilgrimage, and
	it was like being kids!  We drove down from Massachusetts and
	stayed 10 days at the EconoLodge on 192.  Arrived a few days
	after New Year's and had beautiful 65-70 degree weather the 
	whole time, no lines, and saw the Electrical Parade.  EPCOT was 
	brand new.  The hook was set after this trip!

	Dec'83-Jan'84 - Our most disappointing trip.  Took a one-week
	tour with International Weekends during the Christmas/New Year's
	week.  Our plane arrived and departed from the Tradeport terminal 
	at Orlando Int'l, we had to go to two car rental agencies before 
	we found the one the tour company had made our reservation with, 
	stayed at Save Inn on the east side of Kissimmee -- about 30 mins. 
	from WDW.  The weather was frigid (averaged about 40 degrees), the 
	crowds were huge, but WDW was beautifully decorated.

	We spent New Year's Eve at the MK (in 25-degree weather!), got an 
	obstructed view of the midnight fireworks from Liberty Square, and 
	endured a 2-hour traffic jam to get back to the motel.  Oh well,
	it's my most memorable New Year's Eve, anyway.  But it did convince 
	me that	we'd have to go back and overshadow the less-than-perfect
	memories.

	Sep-Oct'85 - A one-week tour with Crimson Travel.  Stayed at the
	Quality Inn Plaza on International Drive.  We left Boston the
	morning after Hurricane Gloria hit!  The weather was super (80+
	degrees), with a quick thunderstorm every afternoon or evening,
	and we went swimming in the motel pool at 10:00 every night.  The 
	crowds were light.

	May 1987 - A one-week trip we arranged ourselves.  Stayed at the
	Days Inn on Int'l Drive (next to the Beeline).  This was our son's 
	first trip to WDW...  I was five months pregnant.  (He nearly 
	jumped out of the womb when we went to the film at the Living Seas.)
	The 90-degree weather was a bit too much for me.  Finally got to 
	Discovery Island and the Hoop-Dee-Do Review.

	November 3-11, 1989 - Yes, I'm still recovering.  Took the plunge 
	and did the Vacation Kingdom package (plus 3 extra nights) at a Ft. 
	Wilderness trailer home (2238).  Now our son is hooked!  We took
	him to the Character Breakfast on the Empress Lilly and also had
	two dinners at the Contemporary Cafe with Goofy, Pluto, Chip 'n Dale,
	et al.  Weather was around 85 every day, and the crowds were bigger
	than I anticipated, especially at MGM.  Still trying to decide how
	I feel about the Dolphin and Swan resorts!  Walked around Pleasure
    	Island one evening.  

	The tears are welling up, so it's time to sign off...  :) :)

	j.

    Ken Hobday
    Software Development Technologies
    
    We've never been to WDW although I've been to Disneyland numerous times
    (DECUS's in Anaheim and once as a child).
    
    We're currently planning on a weeklong trip to WDW in November, 1990.
    We'll probably stay at the Polynesian unless we can get a decent rate
    at the GF.
    
    This conference has been invaluable in understanding how to plan our
    trip.

    
    	              < DEMENTED LIMEY DISNEY-HOLIC! >
                      
    
    NAME: Andy Whitaker
    JOB:  Unit Manager (Software Support Unit)
    
    I've been to Disneyland twice (but Florida 3 times).
    
    Last went in September last year to look over some houses 
    in the Kissimmee area (Meadow Woods, Landstar Homes development
    if you are familiar with it).
    
    The prices are sooooooo good (compared to dear old Blighty), so
    we (my girlfriend and her sister and mum), have got together and
    bought a home there......how's that for getting hooked?
    
    Look out for the adverts for rental in the Holiday_Residence file!
                                                                      
    
    
    First time I went to the MK, that's all there was (EPCOT was finished
    a year later), still remember the feeling when I first stood and
    looked down Mainstreet towards the castle (for the sake of decency
    I won't include my verbal reaction here!)
    
    Went again last May/June with two friends.......two weeks in Orlando
    staying at the Fantasy World Villas development, then one week in
    a villa on the coast (New Port Richey).
    
    REALLY enjoyed both trips, but with all the additional attractions
    of EPCOT and MGM, last year's visit was 10 times better than the
    first. With all the latest new stuff like Body Wars & Star Tours,
    it looks like our next trip (June 16th, just been to the Amex travel
    agent at our Reading HQ to book it!), will be even better. I only
    hope the aging Whitaker heart, lungs & legs are strong enough to
    cope.
    Fingers crossed that the builder finishes the house in time!
    
    
    I've only just discovered this Notes File (shame on me!), but it's
    already proving enjoyable & useful, THANKS & regards to all
    contributors.
    
    
    Cheers,
    
    
    Andy
         

Hi, my name is Linda and YES, I love Disney too!

I was a "mouseketeer" in the '50's (very young at the time), my mom had my 
mouseketeer ears for a long time - don't really know what happened to them.

I love all the animated features, have the videos for the grandkids to 
watch:  Sleeping Beauty, Pinochio, Cinderella, Bambi + others (I'm just a 
kid at heart)

Finally got to WDW with my "significant other" in October of '87 - went for 
18 days - he'd been before and is a great planner.  Although we didn't 
stay on WDW, we stayed at an Econo Lodge, reason being "cost" + we spent 
all our time on the road.... we got a 3-Day pass that time 1 day spent in 
Epcot and 2-days in MK.... NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR EITHER.... RODE EVERY RIDE 
THAT WAS OPEN.... except Space Mountain - I was chicken... and 20 Thousand 
Leagues Under the Sea was closed for repair.  Rode Haunted Manson 3- times, 
had the same Ghost for a passenger - rode Thunder Mountain - 6 times.   We 
also went to Bush Gardens, Sea World (next to Epcot - my favorite), Cypress 
Gardens and then spent the last 7 days at Daytona Beach - recuperating!

My second trip was last October - again with my "significant other" and 
another couple.... we took 3 weeks this time (the couple with us only took 
2 weeks and wished they had stayed).  I wanted to get a 5-day pass, but the 
others wanted to only get a 4-day pass, that was a bummer... BUT, took our 
Video Camera (anyone want to see 6 hours of vacation time).  We went to MK 
for 1 day, Epcott for 2-days and MGM Studio for 1-day.  I loved MGM but the 
others weren't empressed - but then I'm into movies, especially Disney, but 
all kinds - they had some great rides there.  The only piece we didn't get 
to was the Animation Tour - we did everything else.  Also, while in Epcot 
they opened the "ride thru the human body" for 1/2 day as we were there 
prior to it's Grand Opening... so we did go in that pavilion - it was 
FANTASTIC - asked some of the workers how it compared to Space Mountain 
(which I had decided that I wanted to go on and it was CLOSED for repairs) 
and they said it was much worse!!!   It was a great treat.... if you get 
there - by all means - go on it.  There was also another ride but it wasn't 
open at the time.  We also went to Lion Country Safari and Sea World on 
this trip and the last 8 days were spent again at Daytona Beach - 
recuperating.

Well, that's it for now.   My favorite rides are 'Haunted Mansion' and 
Thunder Mountain and we did get to go on 20 Thousand Leagues.  While riding
in the Haunted Mansion we got our favorite passenger for the 3rd time
but not the 4th...

The parade was great and I can relive it on video as well as the fireworks 
at Epcott - love Space Ship Mother Earth....


When I move to Florida (someday) I will definately get an Annual Pass for 
EVERYTHING....

Linda

    Tom Stern, VMS instructor, customer training, Los Angeles (LAO)
                               (site code currently in transit)
    
    Having had the benefit of growing up in Los Angeles, I've lost count as
    to the number of times I've been to Disneyland (I went there for 
    graduation night, among many others).  The last trip to Disneyland
    was December 1988.
    
    WDW trips:
    
    	8/86 -- On my way to the WorldCon in Atlanta.  Most noteworthy
    		incident occurred when I was on the Jungle Cruise, wearing
    		a Disneyland 30th Anniversary T-shirt.  I was so familiar
    		with the patter that I was (sub-vocally) mouthing the 
    		punchlines along with the guide.  He thought he had spotted
    		a "shopper," and got exceedingly nervous.  Boy did I buy 
    		stuff.
    
    	7/87 --	Ed Services Excellence Award.  Award ceremony for that
    		year's top 10% instructors was held at the WDW Conference
    		center.  This was the year the Snow White coins came out.
    		Boy did I buy a lot of stuff. (This was also the year I
    		bought my house).
    
    	7/89 --	On my way back from an awards ceremony in Bermuda (I must
    		be an addict if I left Bermuda to go to Florida).  Most
    		noteworthy discovery on this trip was finding out WHY the
    		Econo Lodge on Orange Blossom Trail was so cheap (It was
    		the only building on the street that didn't have the word
    		"Nude" or "Topless" in front of it.  The directions should
    		have included the phrase "Turn left at the third hooker").
    		Needless to say, I didn't stay there.
    
    	Current source of Disney stuff for my house (Which is decorated in
    	Disney) are the Disney Stores.  During the last three weeks I have
    	been in seven stores in three different states (Five in southern 
    	California, last week in Annapolis, and this week in Scottsdale).
    	I plan to hit them all eventually.
    
    	Major differences noticed between Disneyland and WDW: besides the
    	size, is that Florida's Space Mountain is a lot more fun than ours.
    
    	Although I haven't been to Disneyland in over a year (I will be
    	hitting it sometime this year), I used to know it well enough to 
    	give tours blindfolded, so if you have any questions, I'll be glad
    	to do what I can to answer (Though I'm sure many, MANY folks can do
    	that as well as I).  If I can help send mail to:
    
    SWAM1::STERN_TO (Tom Stern @LAO)  -- ALLIN1
    SWACUS::STERN --VMS mail
    
    tom

  After avidly devouring the contents of this conference over the last few 
  weeks and submitting a couple of queries I reckon it's time I formally 
  signed in.
  
  My name is Robin Kay and I work as an EIS project manager for the UK North 
  Region based in the Warrington sales office. My first and only trip to WDW 
  was in March 88 when I spent 2 weeks in Orlando followed by a weeks R&R at 
  Cocoa Beach. I was accompanied at that time by my wife Linda and our 3 kids 
  17 years, 15 years and 13 weeks. (Even Project Managers occasionally 
  mis-plan).
  
  Now that my eldest is away at college and the next one is actually working 
  for a living my wife and I are sneaking away with the baby (now 2). We 
  leave for Orlando on March 23rd and are staying for 2 weeks. I will of 
  course submit a visit report but cannot promise it will be up to recent 
  standards.
  
  Robin  

    
    John Sutton, Commercial Languages & Tools; formerly of Low End
    Diagnostic Engineering.  Family includes my wife Laurie (we'll
    be celebrating our eight anniversary this year), daughter Deanna
    (4yrs, 6 mos), and son Timothy (1 yr, 10 mos).
    
    Trips and Disney-ish things include:
    
    '64-'65 World's Fair: I was 3 or 4 at the time, so memories are fuzzy,
    but I seem to recall _It's A Small World_, _Hall of Presidents_, and
    the _GE Carousel of Progress_.  Seeing them on a trip to WDW was like
    having a flashback...
    
    June '82, honeymoon:  We stayed at the Polynesian for 4 nights.
    Epcot wasn't open yet, but you could see the "golf ball" on the
    horizon.  Memories include MAJOR sunburns...we went to River Country
    one day and weren't thinking of Florida vs. New England sun.  Left the
    Poly and stayed in a Days Inn for our last couple days (we'd tried to
    extend our stay at the Poly but it was booked solid )-: ).  Learned
    a lesson about advance planning and WDW.
    
    March '84:  Part of a package, we stayed at the Sheraton Lakeside after
    a cruise;  one day at MK, one day at EPCOT.  Memories of the rental car
    breaking down on the Florida Turnpike halfway between exits 20+ miles
    apart...and being rescued by a couple from Tempe AZ we'd met on the
    cruise (we'll never forget you, Monty & Denise!)
    
    Jan/Feb '88:  Stayed a couple nights at the Sheraton Lakeside again;
    this time with our then 2.4-year old (Deanna).  One day at MK...cold
    and WINDY!  But Deanna had a great time, and talks about it to this
    day.  Left the Orlando area to spend a week with the in-laws at their
    winter place down by West Palm Beach.
    
    March '90:  Yup -- T minus SIX DAYS!  We're booked for 4 nights at the
    Disney Village Suites... can you say ANXIOUS?
    
      -- John

Sign-in waaaaaaaaaaay over due.

Bill Starkgraf  Sales Support, LA Gov't District, Culver City, CA (LAO)

Disneyland Visits:

    Feb 73,  Dec 73,  Nov 78,  Dec 85 (DECUS), Mar 88, Feb 90

Walt Disney World Visits:

    Aug 84

Now that I moved to Southern California,  Disneyland will be a more
frequent place to visit.  Living on the east coast hasn't stopped me,
for 5 of the trips were from the east, 1 from Albuquerque, and 1 from
So. Cal.  I have been thinking of the season pass.

    Another Disney-holic.
    
    My first trip to Disney was in 1972 to Disneyland.  I was only 11 so I
    don't remember specifics.  I remember we stayed at the Grand Hotel
    which was located across the parking lot from Disney.
    
    My next trip was in 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982,
    1983, 1985, 1986 (honeymoon), 1988 (Disneyland), 1989 (twice), 1990 in
    March and I have another trip planned for September.
    
    We have stayed at many different places.  Each time we go down the one
    we want is full and we have to choose other accomodations.
    
    I can remember staying at the Contemporary South my first visit, the
    Polynesian my second and several after that.  Fort Wilderness
    campground the 2 times we drove our motorhome, Contemporary Tower on
    our honeymoon, Disney Inn (when it was the Golf Resort), the other
    times I have stayed in Disney Village Hotels or on International Drive.
    
    When in Disneyland in 1988 we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel.
    
    I have enjoyed all of my stays and I am looking forward to my trip in
    September.  My parents are also planning a trip in Jan-Feb,1991 and
    staying at the Grand Floridian, they have asked me to come along and I
    think it is necessary that I oblige them.  Gotta love it.

    Only a minor Disney-addict here......
    
    MY first trip to DW was when my friend & I were 
    wild & single and went to stay on Daytona Beach 
    during Spring Break of "84"(I think)
    Anyway, 6 mths of planning this trip, and we arrive
    in Florida the only week they have ever had rain for
    FOUR consec. days!!!!!
    But we made it to DW on the first sunny day, at 8:00am
    sharp when the gates opened.  We raced ahead of *thousands*
    of kids to be the first in line on Space Mountain.
    We had a ball!  DW is definitely for *big* kids!
    We spent two days there.  Epcot didn't open until that fall.
    
    Next trip was with Fiance and in-laws-to-be @ "86"?,  Not that fun,
    but we did see Epcot, (I was disappointed, expectations were
    too high.) 
    Next trip was 1988, weather was beautiful, In-laws live in
    FL during our winter, so we went to visit.  We cased DW,
    Hubby, me & in-laws.  This time we had a blast....even got
    Mom-in-law on some rides.  Scared the heck out of her, but she
    had fun, too!         
                                                 
    Next trip in a year or two, We want to see the MGM studio.
    
    Lynne (Who_has_her_ears)

    Hi there!
    
    John Flanagan up here in ULTRIX land.  I'm getting very excited
    about my first trip to WDW in 14 years.  Back in 1976, Space Mountain
    had just opened.  Now, with EPCOT and MGM, I'm really getting psyched.
    Even bought Birnbaum's book on WDW.  Great stuff and now I'm
    twice as psyched.  I've got my 4-day World Pass and I'm set to go.
    We'll be staying at the Marriott Orlando World Center.
    
    Only 3 days to go!  We leave Friday [5/25/90] morning.....
    
    
    John
    

    I'm new to this, so I guess a good place to start is by introducing
    myself.  My name is John Campbell (no relation to the soup), and I've
    been a DEC Temp during the summers for the last three years (during the
    rest of the year I attend college, so I guess I'm a fairly young
    Disney-holic).  This summer I'm at IND.  I'll start with my trips to
    Walt Disney World, which I sincerely do believe is the "World's
    Greatest Resort!"

    November, 1971:  The resort had just opened a month before and I was
    only four at the time, so I don't remember much, but my mother tells me
    I loved it.  We stayed at the Fort Wilderness Campground Resort in our
    own camper.  That, unfortunately, is all I really remember.

    June, 1980:  This trip I remember.  Space Mountain had opened since the
    first time I went and I can recall going on it roughly 5 or 6 times (my
    mother, however, insists that it was over a dozen).  This time we
    stayed in the Contemporary Resort.  Epcot was under construction and we
    could hardly wait to return when it opened.  One thing I remember (and
    if anyone knows anything about this, could they please comment) is that
    what is now Discovery Island, was once Treasure Island.

    November, 1983:  Epcot center is open!  I was very impressed with it. 
    That year we stayed outside the World in a timeshare condo in Daytona
    Beach as guests of the owner.  The first thing we learned is that
    Daytona is not a short little drive to WDW as the person at the condo
    said.  Though we loved the beach (and early November is a great time of
    year because there are few crowds at the beach, and also, at that time,
    in WDW) we really wanted to be closer to the World.

    November, 1984:  Back again.  This time we stayed at a hotel (and I use
    that term loosely) in Orlando.  We decided day-one that we were going
    to spend as little time as possible in our hotel, so our first day at
    WDW we brought five-day world passports and spent the entire week in
    the World (leaving only for brief 8 to 9 hour periods to return to our
    hotel to sleep).  

    November, 1986:  Returned when we found the ideal lodgings.  We
    invested in a time-share condo 1 mile outside of Disney property in St.
    Cloud called Westgate Vacation Villas.  What a great investment!  Now we 
    have a week in November just 1 mile from WDW every year!  They even get 
    the Disney Channel!  To give you some idea of how close we are, we
    timed the drive to the Magic Kingdom parking entrance, just over 6 
    minutes! 

    November, 1987:  Returned to our condo.  This year we drove down (24
    hours none stop) and needed a day just to rest up from the drive.  This
    visit one of those truly magic moments happened that could only
    happen in WDW.  It was our second day in Epcot, and we were doing World
    Showcase.  We had just ducked into the cafe in France for a
    mid-afternoon snack and to avoid a sudden shower.  The rain lasted for no
    more than 10 minutes and when we left the cafe, it was sunny again.  On
    our way over to the Great Britain pavilion we were awe-struck by a
    sight that stopped us in our tracks.  Over the sky of World Showcase,
    and disappearing somewhere behind the Germany pavilion, were two
    breath-takingly beautiful rainbows.  If you have any doubts on the
    spectacular nature of this scene, we have pictures (thank the gods for a
    full role of film in the camera).   

    November, 1988:  Another visit to WDW, and again we drove down.  The
    Grand Floridian Beach Resort had opened that summer and we couldn't
    wait to hope the monorail over to it and get a good look around. 
    Anyone that has seen it will agree that no combination of words can do
    it justice.  This year I took a friend from college.  It was his first
    time and it was great playing tour guide.

    November, 1989:  Latest visit to WDW.  We did it all.  Disney/MGM
    Studios was new and we really looked forward to it.  This time we went
    the week of Thanksgiving and for the first time, we encountered those
    crowds others have warned us about.  Never, never go the week of
    Thanksgiving.  During this visit we had  another one of those moments
    of pure magic that seem possible only in WDW.  It was the Wednesday
    night before Thanksgiving and we were eating a late dinner in
    Narcoosee's at the Grand Floridian when there was a sudden commotion. 
    The waiter quickly arrived on the scene and informed us to go to one
    of the windows.  When we looked out, we saw (I'll do my best to
    describe it) a great ball of fire blazing into the heavens from behind
    the Contemporary Resort.  We had almost forgotten that the space-
    shuttle was going up that night and had never imagined what a
    breath-taking sight it would be.  I remember for that at least five
    minutes after it disappeared into the dark night sky there was total
    silence in the restaurant and no one could bring themselves to leave
    the windows (the gods were not with us that night and we didn't get
    any pictures).  Narcoosee's is now our favorite restaurant.


    I have never been to DisneyLand, but hope to go sometime after I
    graduate in 1991.  My family has already arranged my graduation gift,
    so they tell me, and I wonder what it could be.  I have seen every
    Disney (and Touchstone for that matter) movie and loved the Little
    Mermaid.  I goes without saying that I also loved all the other
    animation classics, expect for Alice in Wonderland (never did care much
    for Alice as I did for the characters in the other movies).  		
    	I think I'm such a fan of Disney, because of the way the company 
    (company seems like such an inappropriate word, Disney is more a living
    entity) keeps Walt's dreams alive.  After all, isn't Disney's business
    dreams?  Enough said.  Don't want to bore anyone.  But one final note,
    when I was reading these, someone asked in their intro, if there was a
    cure for being a Disney-holic.  Personally, I hope not.  I rather go
    though life with this wonderful infliction.

    John (always-wishing-upon-a-star) Campbell 

    Mike Morin, PTG in HLO.
    
    Let's see, I've been to disneyland 12 times since 1973, and WDW in
    75,78,and 85.  Haven't been to Disneyland since February 1990 and won't
    see WDW until August 6,1990.  
    
    Favorite moment has to be Hoop-Di-DO review, or maybe President
    Reagan's second inaugaration celebration in 1985.  
    
    Married fifteen years this year, one son Nick age 11 and one daughter
    age 8 named Audra (I'm also a fan of the old "Big Valley" tv show).
    
    My son is planning all day to day activities for this years week at
    WDW.
    
    This is the first time we are not staying inside the park.  We're 
    staying at the Hilton at WDW village.  I hope it's as much fun.
    
    Mike
    

    
    Hi!  My name is Melissa Panto and we're leaving for Disney in
    10 days!!!  My husband, his 7 1/2-year old daughter and myself
    are driving down.  My husband and I went in '87 and we loved it!
    
    Can't wait to go again!!!
    
    

    Name:  Pat and Scott Campbell
    Child:  1 son Ryan - will be 9 in August
    When:  August 30 - September 4
    Where:  Carribean Beach Resort
    How:  Flying with frequent flyer points, free!!! best way to go
    How Long:  Leave Aug 18 - return Sept 5.  Sometime with mom and dad in
     Ocala, 4 days along with Hubby at Marriott Sawgrass in Vedra Beach
    playing golf (free with Marriott points). 3 nights Marriott Orlando
    International drive (free with marriott points) then Disney for 5
    nights.
    
    
    CAn't wait  41 days and counting..............................

Hey Bill, you've just finished an intense prototype using C, RISC/
Ultrix, and OSF/Motif!  What're you going to do next?

I've stuck my nose in this conference a few times, so I'll introduce 
myself:

Bill Abrams, Consultant at the Rochester, NY, Application Center for 
Technology (ACT.)  Wife, Diane.  No kids yet.

Resumes submitted for your approval:

BM (Before Marriage):

Spring 1978	Bill, School Trip to Disneyworld (DW).
Spring 1980	Bill, A Bunch of us college kids in a beat up VW Bus drive 
    		to DW.

1966		Diane, Age 6, Disneyland.
1972-1977	Diane, 5 trips to DW with family.

AM (After Marriage):

Sep 1984	One Week at DW, stayed at Sheraton Lakeside
Oct 1985	Another Week at DW, stayed same place
May 1987	Two days (was supposed to be a week! Trip interrupted)
    		Stayed at the Horizon Inn, $25 a night.  Not bad, 
    		though.
Mar 1988	A week at DW, stayed at the Ramada Resort on the 
    		Parkway.
Apr 1990	We sneak in an extra day on a visit to parents near 
    		West Palm Beach to fly out of Orlando, so we can 
    		preview Typhoon Lagoon and see the Carribean Beach
    		Resort.
September 5-13, 1990 Going to DW to stay at the Contemporary for 8 
    		glorious days.  I go on vacation in 2 hours, we fly to
    		Orlando on Wednesday morning...  Can I count minutes 
    		now?  Notes will be kept, and a full trip report will 
    		be filed upon return (watch note 183.last on Sept. 17 or 18).

To whet your appetite (or maybe mine),  here are a couple of 
highlights I would have written for trip reports in years past:

Spring 1980.  Five of us drive a beat up VW van non-stop for spring 
break.  We stay at a friend's apartment.  She and her two roommates 
are all Disney cast members.  She is a Mickey Mouse!  There's 
something strange about watching the Main Street Electical Parade 
knowing Mickey's a she...  and worse when you meet up with Mickey on 
the street and HE gives us GUYS bear hugs.  "What's so special about 
them?" a nearby mother complains.  On the drive home, the cable to our 
accelerator pedal breaks.  It's Sunday.  In New Jersey. We're **** out 
of luck.  Wait, no, we pull a tie cord out of a sleeping back, hook it 
to the throttle arm in the engine compartment, and run it around the 
side of the car to the front pasenger.  We drive the rest of the way using 
two drivers:  One to steer, and operate the brake and clutch; one to 
give it gas.  Hilarious.  Every move must be called out: "Prepare to 
downshift! Clutch! Shift! Gas!"  It worked.

October 1985.  We are watching a clever remote controlled robot in 
Futureworld, which apparently can "see" things around it (I think it
had a camera) and would talk to passersby.  It also wore a baseball
cap to make a little more friendly looking.  We watched it argue with
a man from Delaware that Massachusetts is the birthplace of the nation.
The man's argument was that Delaware signed the Constitition first and was
the first state. The robot was beligerent.  I wanted a classic picture of
the monorail passing Spaceship Earth.  I waited and waited and waited, and
no monorail came for 20 minutes... it must have broken down.  I turned
my back, and Diane said why don't you take a picture of that monorail.
Yes, it knew I had given up and fixed itself.

March 1988. Diane and I are eating breakfast in the cafeteria style 
restaurant in Epcot Center (Gads! I don't remember it's name.  I'll 
call Diane, she has the Birnbaum book... It's the Stargate.) Suddenly, 
the room is full of characters.  At one point, Pluto sits down 
opposite me with Diane.  I grab the camera, Pluto puts his arm around 
Diane, Great!, ready, aim, click! And Pluto wraps his huge paw in 
front of Diane's face so that only he will be in the picture.  Best 
picture of the trip, I might add.

By the way, this conference really works.  I will be meeting up with another
noter who I just happen to have worked with quite a bit in the past. I
learned from the sign-in note that Laurel Aroian and family will be there at
the same time!

I'll be back with a fix for everyone in two weeks...
Bill

    Gee Bill, I didn't sign in yet!!  Guess I better now!!
    
    I'm Laurel Aroian.  I work in Westboro.  My DEC-mate is Rich and have 2
    children, Kelsey (F), age 2 1/2 and Phillip, age 1.  Yes, I drive a
    station wagon, have a home in the suburbs with a fence, but do not have
    a dog!!!  
    
    Disney history:
    
    November 1976 - Age 16, went with parents.  Stayed at Days Inn (?) in 
                    Kissimee.  Afraid to go on Space Mountain!!
    
    April 1989    - You can figure the age!  Spent only a couple a days in
                    Orlando w/my hubby and Kelsey (15 mos) while hubby was
    		    on a convention.  Stayed at the Stouffers (convention)
     		    at Sea World.  Went to MK 1 day - did character
    		    breakfast at the Poly in the early AM.  Kelsey was
    		    afraid of the characters and most of the rides (even
    		    the Merry-Go-Round!).  Not easy with a toddler who
    		    needed a nap!!  Didn't go on Space Mountain - 4 1/2 mos
    		    pregnant!
    
    Sept 9 - 14  -  Going in 5 more days w/ hubby, 2 children and
    		    Mother-in-law.  Staying at the Disney Village Villas
                    for 3 nights and at the Carribean for 2 nights. (We
                    we going to stay at the Stouffers because hubby is
                    on another convention there - but changed to stay
                    in WDW!!)
    
                    Made reservations for the Hoop-dee-do and Mickey's
                    Tropical Revue at the Poly.  Can't wait to go
                    to Pleasure Island w/out the kiddies!!!
    
                    Meeting up with Bill Abrams when we get there!
    
    		    Probably still will be afraid to go on Space Mountain!
    
    Trip report will follow, hopefully, before the 1991 trip reports are
    out!!
    
    Laurel

    Hi!  I'm reasonably to the company (June '90), but not to being
    a Disney fan.
    
    My history of visits would be entirely too long.  I go to Disneyland
    with my son or friends at least 3 times a year and I've been doing
    so since I was a small child.
    
    It's got to be one of the best places on the earth.
    
    Haven't made it to Florida, but I hope to someday.
    
    
    
                                    L.J. Shortt
                                    San Jose, CA

Joey Hanlon CSC/CS

Well, I haven't been to Disney as much as everyone else, so I guess you'd
say I'm a new Disneyholic...  It all started two years ago when we decided
to get away for a long weekend (husband - Mark, son - Brent now 6).  We
had never been to DisneyWorld and thought it might be fun, since Brent
who was 4 at the time was really into Disney movies.  We spent four nights at
the Carribean Beach.  Needless to say we had the time of our lives, and 
started saving immediately to go back last year, which we did for 10 days.
Now we are wanting to go back this fall and bring the folks who are getting
on in years and have never seen anything Disney.  In the past two years I have
managed to latch onto Disney sweatshirts, watches, shoelaces, movies, ANYTHING
Disney.  I can spend an entire evening going through Disney brochures and
have a great time.  My husband thinks it's hilarious, as this has never been
like me.  I started reading this notes file a couple months ago, and I
have to say it has been wonderful!  I don't get to read it often, but 
it's great knowing there are others out there as crazy about Disney
as I am!

    Well, it's my turn to sign in...
    
    I'm a classic Disneyholic.  My husband and I have been going to WDW 
    every other year since our honeymoon 1980.  My last trip was May 1989.
    It is by far the best vacation spot on earth!  Our plans right now are
    not to return until November of 1995.  Our first long dry spell ever.
    I'm not sure we'll make it but we're trying to keep control!
    We took my son at 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 year old and it was not worth it at
    2 or 3.  That is why we do not plan on going until 1995 - that is when
    my daughter will be 5 years old.  (Although it has been suggested to me
    that we go without her before that) Hmmmmmmmmm....
    
    Well,  hope to talk to you all again soon.
    
    Kathy Jette
    MKO1-2/E12
    TNSG - The New Software Group
      

Just realized that I'd been participating in here for years but had never
signed in.

I'm Jack DelBalso, a S/W Eng. Supv with Continuing Software Engineering in
TNSG at ZKO.

I was a "charter member" of the Mickey Mouse Club, having joined when it first
hit TV in the 50's (at which time I was madly in love with Karen).

My first trip to Disneyland was in '60 with my folks, followed by returns in
'68 when I attended USC, and '82 and '85 for DECUS. Disneyworld and I first
became acquainted in '73. Then I took my kids in '80, and made another trip
piggybacked on DEC business in '83. It's been over eight years now since
my last trip and I'm achin' to get back there again.

-Jack

    I'm Jean Burzynski, a Business Systems (Finance) Consultant in
    Westfield.
    
    I'm not sure if I'm really a DISNEYHOLIC or just a VACATION-HOLIC (at
    this point, we seem to have been to DW, Hawaii, or taking cruises over
    the past few years, budget permitting).  But, Disney is definitely in
    my top three favorite vacation destinations.
    
    As best I can remember the trips in the past:
    
        Jan. 1971 - Disneyland for a few days, as part of a 2+ wk. trip to
                    CA.  This was the first REALLY big vacation that the
                    family had ever taken (and I was already a SR. in
                    college!).
        Jan. 1978 - approx. 5 days; stayed at one of the Holiday Inns (and
                    didn't like it at all!)
        Oct. 1980 - approx. 5 days, again; stayed at the Orlando Hyatt
                    (much nicer!).  Took my 2 yr. old niece (what fun to
                    see everything through her eyes; and, being Oct., there
                    weren't many kids around, so she was a real center of
                    attention!)
        Aug. 1983 - 4-5 days, 5 of us; stayed at Orlando Hyatt (they were
                    doing contruction, and there were other problems, and
                    we were really not happy AT ALL.  I took one of the 
                    comment cards and used it to get the address to send a
                    letter with a whole list of issues.  Got back a
                    response from the home office; eventually got a short
                    note from the NEW MANAGER, and a check refunding the
                    full amount of our stay!)
        Aug. 1988 - in Florida for 10 days, with 5 at Disney; stayed at
                    one of the Villas (it had a different name, then).
                    Just managed to miss MGM, TL, and PI.  Look at all the
                    new stuff to see on our next trip.
    
    I'll be signing in for the trip we're planning in 1992.
    
    I've been reading this file for quite a long time.  It's one of the
    very best!
    
    Jean B.

I am Dave Gregory; signing in and simultaneously leaving read-only mode...

Have a wife, Lori and three children; two boys Jordan, 9; Jonathan, 6 
and a girl, Shannon, 2 yrs. We live in Portland, Oregon ('in the burbs
actually) and I work in the Portland field office as a customer service
engineer. (FYI: I grew up in Rhode Island, joined the Navy, saw the world and
settled in Oregon, since '79).
                           
Much thanks to all for the excellent information. It should really add to the
enjoyment of any trip to Walt's world.

{It all started with the setup} line:  "... Ahh, ya know, I do have to use this
frequent flyer mileage up, and it can ONLY be used in the continental US...
Where do you suppose we can fly to...."  Only two tickets... just us!

So now it is booked for early in October, '91.  Just the two of us.  Got the
MKC card and booked 5 nights at the CBR and got a reserv for the Hoop-Dee-Doo.
Never stayed on site before, and are looking forward to that. Never been to the
HDD, either... (again, thanks for the good info).

As a family, we visited WDW in July of '87. Met another family there from the
Washington DC area (where we once lived), and stayed for about 5 days. Visited
Epcot/MK. Stayed off site, at a Days Inn. Our boys were then, ages 5 and 2
(yrs). Just about the same ages as our friends children. It worked out well, at
least partly because we allowed each family time with itself (apart from the
other family).

Shortly after being married, my wife and I visited WDW in '78 for about one
day. This was pre-Epcot days. We just visited in passing. Nothing real
special...

I also visited in '73.  The US Navy let me out for a day to visit Mickey..

As a family, now with an additional girl (then 2 yrs), we visited DisneyLand 
in June, '90. With the kids then being 8/5/2, I think it takes quit a bit of
planning to really have a great time. You get to visit DisneyLand, and the best
part of the trip for them is using the hotel pool... My kids aren't really
interested in the thrill rides {something about having taken the oldest <then
5> on Space Mtn...). Just because they are tall enough DOESN'T mean that they
should necessarily ride... 

Nevertheless, we are looking forward to getting away for a few days by
ourselves.

I would like someone to respond, in the appropriate place, with information
about what is so special about being on mainstreet when it opens. I mean,
generate some interest for me, otherwise I may bypass the MK altogether... well
we may succomb to BTMRailr'd and SMtn.

Speaking of the MK, that is where our character breakfast is. In TomorrowLand!
It seems that the character breakfast is just a method of luring people into
the MK, instead of Epcot or MGM. Am I wrong about this? (I hope so..)

Another side note: It was also amazingly difficult to book a United flight, mid
week even, to Orlando, mostly due to the Chicago-Orlando leg being booked.  As
it turns out the dates of Oct 8-Oct18th are booked for the WDW-Oldsmobile PGA
tournament. No golfing in WDW on those dates. I don't think we would have
anyway.

There. I've done it. Entered the note and exposed myself. I must be on the road
to recovery... :-) !!

-Dave

I just found this file a couple of weeks ago, shortly after making the 
reservations for our next trip. Thanks to everyone who has contributed. I have
alot of reading to catch up on.

The Young family:
	Steve - I work for the USIM&T Technical Integration Services group in 
                DDD.
	Kathy - My wife. Part-time secretary for a legal firm.  
	Adam  - 13 year old son.
	Beth  - 10 year old daughter

Previous trips:
	Apr. 1966 - Disneyland (1 day) Drove from Mass. with my parents.
                    Admission was with old A,B,C coupons. Required alot of
		    sole-searching to decide what to spend the tickets on. 
	
        Feb. 1972 - WDW (1 day) Bus tour from Tampa/St. Pete (Myself and wife
                    of 1 month after driving down to Florida with my mother and
		    her boyfriend.) Crowds were phenominal 'It's a Small World'
		    was the only ride we got on, after a 1 hour wait, every 
                    other line was much longer and we only had 6 hours in the 
                    park, but walked around alot and enjoyed the atmosphere.

      Summer 1974 - Disneyland (1 day) Wife and myself. No crowds. Saw and rode
                    everything at least once.
        
	Feb. 1982 - WDW (1 week) First trip for the kids (Adam was 3 Beth was 
                    9 mos.) Spur of the moment trip on a package tour that was
		    booking the last seats on the plane cheaply. Stayed in 
		    Kissimme.

	Feb. 1985 - WDW (10 days) Pulled our new camper down. First time 
                    staying on site in Fort Wilderness. Will never stay off-site
                    again.

	Apr. 1988 - WDW (10 days) Again pulled camper and stayed at FW. Met with
                    3 other neighbors who flew down.

Planned Apr. 1992 - WDW (10 days) Will drive down with one of our 
                    neighbors who is also pulling their camper down.

    Can't say when I'll be visiting WDW this year, but I felt it
    only fair to sign in!
    
    My son got a job last month at WDW in Orlando.  He's going to be one of
    the folks being Goofy as you travel around the parks.  (Also Tigger,
    Captain Hook, Ballou and a couple of others.)
    
    I'll be down at some time before he stops working for them.
    
    Alison

    Just re-signing in.  I havn't been in this conference for a long time,
    but, with a new, less taxing job, I'm back.  Also, my wife and children
    are forcing me to take them back again this year.  
    
    Tony

   Wayne Toye signing in.  Work in Services Marketing in Stow (OGO).

   Have benefitted from reading and extracting notes for a while.  Since 
   we (wife Joan and our sons Daniel & David) will be going to WDW this 
   summer - see Sign-In 1992 WDW Visitors note, I will be a contributor 
   as well now.

   I have been to Disneyland - 1984 while at Fall DECUS.  None of us have
   ever been to WDW.  

   At this point, Joan and I are busy planning for the summer.  Thanks to
   all the great information in here, this - dare I say - task is soooooo
   much easier.  Needless to say, we are all extremely excited !!!!!!!!

    	Yahoo!!  My Wife is trying to get her boss, who travels alot much
    too much to ever use all of his frequent flier miles, to give up a
    couple of tickets to Orlando as comp for overtime she's been putting
    in!!  She's not crazy about going back to WDW (would prefer a beach
    vacation in the Carribean....go figure) so I would go with my little
    brother (19 years old).  
    	If this flies I may be headed to sunny WDW before the fall!!!
    
    Tom

    Sharon Richford signing in as "disney-holic".  I haven't been to
    Disney World since '86 but love it just the same.  I have a huge
    collection of disney tapes from animated to live ones, posters,
    mugs, books, clothes, etc... anything disney!   

    Ted Koch - NJ Account Group Senior Technical Consultant
    
    May 1980 - Wife & I
    
    Dec 1984-1991 Wife, daughter, & I
    
    We go every year, the benefit of owning a timeshare week in Vistana, 3
    miles from Disneyworld.

Me : Raghavan N. Srinivas
Work : ACMS TP Group

Prior visit : As a poor student in Aug 1990, wondering how in the earth was
one day insufficient for Epcot Center. Realized with a shock that it was
already 6:00 PM and had the world pavilions untouched (obviously had no tips
on how to avoid crowds).

Liked most : Spaceship earth (first ride), Space Mountain (first car), 
             Indiana Jones stunt spectacular

Next visit : As a poor DECcie from June 11th to 15th. I am flying US Air from
Boston and my wife is flying NW from St. Louis (she still goes to school :-( ).
Staying at Days Inn (near airport). Planning to visit Epcot, Universal & Sea
world. Might be a toss up between Busch gardens & Magic kingdom.

Like to do : Splash mountain, if its open & if the coin favors Magic Kingdom.

I have been picking a lot of tips from this group.

    Rose Pollaro signing in as a Disneyholic.  I've been to Disney 5 times
    with my sister and our family but this October will be the first time I
    will go with my new husband.  Yes, we are doing WDW for our honeymoon. 
    It is the first visit for him, so I hope to make him a Disneyholic too. 
    Oh I can't wait!!!!
    

	Bill Morrison, Capital Accountant with the Eastern Mass. Financial
	Management Center.  I don't use the conference much but I'm learning.
	My wife used this conference prior to our 1990 trip.  I'll attempt
	to add our past experiences when/where applicable. 
	

July 4th 1976 - Bicentennial year with "America on Parade".  Stayed at Hilton
                 Gateway on U.S. 192 in Kissimmee (4 days).  

July 1977 - Again at Hilton Inn Gateway US 192 (3 days).

June 1978 - International Drive at the High Q, now the Star Quality (5 days).

November 1988 - Honeymoon.  5 days 4 nights at the Contemporary resort, 
		North wing, Lake View.  MKC Vacation Kingdom Holiday package.  
		
July/August 1990 - We decided to try covering  everything this trip.  8 days 7
		   nights at the Polynesian Resort, Lagoon View.  MKC Vacation
		   Kingdom Holiday package.

 ????????? 1993	   For 5th Anniversary, or for any reason.  Still in the 
		   planning stage as to were to stay, # of days, ........

    After being a read only noter for the past 2+ years, and asking Mr.
    Scopa his advice on WDW locales, I think I'm overdue and should sign in...
    
    My name is Mark Stevens and I work in MK01 in the U.S. DECdirect
    organization. I'm married with a daughter 14 and a son 5.
    
    My Disney experience is like so many before, growing up watching Walt
    on Sunday nights, going to the movies to see Mary Poppins, Jungle Book,
    right up to now taking my kids to see Aladdin and visiting the Disney
    Store every time we go to the mall.
    
    My first visit to WDW was in March of '87 for the 15 year celebrataion.
    I was a Disney fan before, but this was an experience that changed my
    life. It actually changed our family life too. 
    
    My wife and I returned in October of '89 without the kids. It was again
    a wonderful time, but we decided right there we wouldn't come down
    without them again.
    
    So, we came back again in October of '91 and for the first time stayed
    at the Carribean Beach Resort. It was our first time staying in the
    park and it made it all more enchanting. IMHO it really enhanced the
    Disney experience.
    
    Back down in early November of '92 again we stayed at the CBR and it
    was every bit as good. SplashMountain was now open and after 4 or 5
    runs, I was wet but in heaven. The only drawback was my son was still
    too short. He did manage to get up on his tiptoes and make it into
    Big Thunder Mountain railroad though!
    
    Well now we're planning another visit in April of '95. Again we'll stay
    at the CBR, but we are planning a stay of at least 11 days.
    
    This is a terrific conference. Especially on cold, snowy days while
    humming When You Wish Upon A Star and dreaming of Illuminations.
    
    Mark

    I will be making my second trip in two years in Saptember and i have
    a question..?   Would you say that your other trips to Orlando/Disney
    were as good as the first.
    
    Anby..B

    Andy,
    
    I don't think so. I think for most people the first trip is the best.
    
    However, I'm sure you'd get arguments from many people who would say
    their second trip was better because they had a better handle on the
    area and knew what to do....learned from their first trip.
    
    I think each trip has it's own personality and comparing the trips
    may not be a healthy practice.
    
    Mike

    Hi Disneyaholics:
    
    I have been on and out of this note for over a year now, so I should
    sign in.
    
    My name is Katie Schmidt, I have been married almost 5 years, worked
    for Digital for that long, and have a 2.5 year old son.
    
    My Disney experience is different from most because every (yes every)
    family vacation has been to Disneyland.  I have been every year from 
    1970 - 1986 for one week in October.  These were great vacations.
    
    Since my parents moved to Florida, I have been back to WDW twice.
    
    The first time August 1992, and then May 1993. My son was only 11
    months for the first trip, but we thouroughly enjoyed ourselves.
    I decided to take my husband the second time, along with my parents, 
    we had a better time.  I think we did because we were all together.
    
    My brother works at the Studios, so I get to hear all of the 
    inside happenings at WDW.   
    
    Well, I love disney everything.  Especially the movies.  Actually the
    movies that most people feel aren't Disney's best.  Like Oliver and 
    Company, the Rescuers, etc.... mostly because they are the ones that I
    grew up with.
    
    I have really enjoyed this notes file.   I am glad it is here.
    
    
    So, if you ever would like an inside scoop on something at WDW, I am 
    happy to ask my brother for you.
    
    Our next trip, November 1994, my sister will be 10, and I think I
    should be there for a special birthday celebration.  I can't wait.
    
    We are also planning a trip to Disneyland for Christopher's 3rd
    birthday.
    
    Katie Schmidt
    Palo Alto Operations
    

    
    Hi Kids!  (<-- My best electronic Mickey impression)
    
    Tim Theo here, to be two in October and off to Disney for the
    Honeymoon.  Jess and I have been working with Mr Scopa (thanks Mike)
    to make the trip "the best it can be".  
    
    For the most part I'll be read only, but I promise to provide a 
    trip report.  
    
    TTFN
    
    Tim Theo

    -.1
    
    Hey, congratulations, Tim!!  Best wishes to the two of you!
    
    But, hey, this is the sign-in note.
    I'm Marty Gingras.  I work in ZK3 as a software engineer for MSC.
    I don't believe I've noted in here before until yesterday.  
    Ken Kuscher told me it was required when planning a trip to WDW.
    
    My family (one wife, two daughters) and I are going at the end of
    April.  I'll spend a little time over the next few weeks perusing the
    file for tips and information to help us plan.
    
    I don't know if we qualify to be Disney-holics.  We have the Disney
    Channel and a couple dozen Disney films on tape.  My wife and I
    travelled to WDW about 12 or 13 years ago, but taking our 10-year-old
    girls should give us a whole new perspective on it this time.
    _Marty

    >>>My wife and I travelled to WDW about 12 or 13 years ago, but taking
    >>>our 10-year-old girls should give us a whole new perspective on it
    >>>this time.
    
       Marty, you have no idea. I'm not sure what blows people away more,
       going for the very first time, or returning after 10-15 years.
    
    Mike

    re -1
    
    Hello,
    
    	I'm Kathi LaFrance, work in CXO.  I hadn't been to MK in 10
    years!!!  My husband, our 3 yr old had been to CA Disney twice.  I was
    surprised at how crowded and how much I remembered!!
    
    	This time I got to see MK through my daughters eyes.  I can still
    hear the squeals nad laughter.
    
    Kathi

   Hi!

   I'm Terza L. Zane, very soon to be Terza L. Z. Ekholm.  My husband-to-be,
   Greg Ekholm, and I, are getting married in Duluth, Minnesota on July 4,
   then we're flying to Walt Disney World July 5th for our honeymoon.  We've 
   signed up for the Romance package at the Polynesian, and I don't know
   anything else about it.

   Greg was there about 9 years ago.  I was there the year it opened and
   haven't been back since!  I expect to bowled over by the changes that
   have occurred since then.  The last time I was there, the only part of
   Epcot visible on the horizon was the "golf" ball.

   We're greatly looking forward to this trip!

   I've enjoyed "catching up" in this conference.  Thanks to all who have
   written in here.


   							Terza

Hi,

My name is Geoffrey Clements and I work in SHR3. I never went to any of the
parks when I was a kid. Some how my dad managed to convince us that it wasn't
worth it. I finally went to Epcot while I was on a buisiness trip. I had an
OK time.

My wif is a total Disney freak. She has gone something like 20-25 times.
(Almost every year.) For our honeymoon we went to Walt Disney World and stayed
at the Grand Floridian on the grand plan. They use the word grand because it
takes alot of them to pay for it. We stayed for a week and it was THE BEST TIME
I'VE EVER HAD ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. I'm converted.

We are planning our next trip. Not this year since my wife had a baby 12/31/94.
But probably Nov/95 so that Jessica can enjoy herself too.

geoff
elwood::clements

    
    
    Hi!  My name is Karen Marois and I think it's about time I sign in. 
    I've been reading this file about a year now and I'm leaving for WDW
    this afternoon!
    
    My family and I have been to WDW every year for the last ten years,
    twice a year.  We just love it!!!!!  We will be gone for two weeks
    staying in Ft Wilderness.  There is no place like it in the whole
    world!  When any of us think of vacation we think of Disney.
    
    Well I'm off to see M I C K E Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Karen

    
    Hello!
    I'm Angel.
    I've only been to Disneyland once when I was 8 but it was the
    greatest vacation I've had.
    If I was old enough I would have been a Mouskateer. My dad 
    started a Mickey Mouse collection for me when I was little
    and Mickey is still my favorite.
    Hopefully when I get married, Chris will take me back there
    for our honeymoon. Who knows, he's not as hooked on Disney
    as I am. But we both watch all the movies on a regular basis.
    
    Well, gotta go! 
    
    Angel K. Hurd
    cxo1
    Small Form Factor

	Hi!  My name is Laura.  I've been popping in and reading tidbits of this
file for three years now.  The first time I went to Disney was in 1974, and
have been back for four more one week trips since.  A few years ago we bought
a timeshare in Kissimmee, and I'm really psyched to read about the upcoming
25th anniversary - we'll be there to celebrate week 1 with them, the first week
of Oct, 1996!

	One thing in here really bewilders me, the trip reports.  I can't help
but wonder if a camcorder or taperecorder is on 100% of the time with some
people, or do you just have photographic memories?  The first few times
I went, I was constantly taking pictures, and missing alot.  Now I just go and
have fun!!

	I'll still be mostly read only, just wanted to say hi!

	Laura

    Here's a short story....
    
    Yesterday (15-Aug) I went to Camp Sargent (YMCA) in Merrimack to pick
    up my two sons.  It was about 5:30, give or take.   A nice young lady
    met me to check out my ID and allow me to sign out my sons.  She
    noticed I was wearing my Digital badge, and asked "Gee, do you work
    for Digital in Nashua?"  I replied, "Yep, at the SpitBrook Rd 
    facility".  To that she replied, "Gee, my dad works there, do you
    know him?".  Now, at this point in a typical conversation, a
    name gets rattled off to you that you MAY recognize, but many times
    not.  In this case, the answer was obvious, and it also shows 
    the fact that one of our moderators has a serious identity problem..
    
    "Yea, My dad is Mike Scopa.  He's the Disney-holic at Digital"
    
    Gee, Mike.  Do your kids ALWAYS blindly introduce you with this
    disease?  :-)  Of course, I mentioned I have heard of you in this
    notes file, and we chatted for a minute.  But given your daughter
    had no idea what I did for Digital, it was interesting that the
    disney-holic tag would be the catch line!!
    
    andy
    

    Yep...that'll by my opening line at my Adult Education Course.

    That's OK Mike, you have lots of company! I wonder if we should design
    our own "12 Step Program"?
    
    Step 1 - View this  notesfile daily.
    Step 2 - Keep a countdown calender.
    Step 3 - Vist your local Disney Store at least once a month
    Step 4 - Watch the Disney Channel (I like Disney InsideOut).
    Step 5 - View the verious WEB sites.
    
    You get the picture.
    
    
    Phil