Photo Flashback! Main Street USA - 1979

Main Street USA - May 1979

Cinderella Castle - May 1979

Main Street USA - May 1979

These are two pictures I took in May 1979 of Main Street USA.  The first one is facing Cinderella Castle and the second is looking back down Main Street USA towards the Train Station.  I think you'd have to stay past closing to see this few people on Main Street.  I think in 1979 the crowds were mostly smaller than what you see today.  The view down Main Street has not changed much over the years while the Castle view has changed.

--DisneyDad

Photo Flashback! Like Mother, Like Daughter: Ear Hats Over 30 Years Apart

I guess some things are just always moments you want to capture, like your daughter watching a Magic Kingdom parade.  We've done it again, but these two shots were not planned.  I was looking through some of Dad's old photos and realized the one of me looked familiar.  

Tink watching Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! at Magic Kingdom, May 2012, Age 3

Amy watching the 3:00 parade at Magic Kingdom, May 1979, Age 3

Update: A few readers have expressed an interest in the 1979 Magic Kingdom parade.  Follow the link to see Mickey, Minnie and Donald by the firehouse.

Photo Flashback: Fantasyland Carrousel Then and Now

Then - 1979

Amy~ May, 1979

In May 1979 Amy rode Cinderella's Golden Carrousel in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World for the first time.  In May 2012 we took Tink and Minnie on the same ride, now known as Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.


Now - 2012

Tink, Minnie and DisneyDad~ May, 2012

To me it is a wonderful experience to have taken my daughter and granddaughters on the same ride at the Magic Kingdom 33 years apart.  Amy was 3 when she took her turn on the magical horses.  Tink had just turned 3 and Minnie was almost 1 in this picture.

Now for a bit of Disney Trivia:  The Carrousel was built by Italian woodcarvers at the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1917.  It was first located at the Detroit Palace Garden Park before being featured at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey.   Each of the 90 horses are unique.  It's technically the oldest attraction in Fantasyland and it began its run in the Magic Kingdom in 1971.

--DisneyDad

Team Post: Disney Bucket List

Yesterday, Amy shared her Disney bucket list as a part of the Magical Blogorail. This is a topic the Growing Up Disney family had also been kicking around as a team post idea. So the guys decided to get in on the fun. Below are their Disney bucket lists. Amy's can be found here.

DisneyDad: The thought of a Disney Bucket List is interesting. I’m not the type to make to-do lists. (Item 1 – Make List; Item 2 – Forget where you put the list) Several things on my list are “wishes” rather than things I expect to ever do. I started making my list as I could think of To-Do items then went back and added some that are To-DONE. I could have added some other things that have been done already like: Take my Bride on our honeymoon to WDW (done 1973) or Take my daughter on her first trip to WDW (done 1979). It would take me a while to write down all the special things we have done over the years at WDW. Below are things I’d like to do along with a few that I have already done.

Disney Bucket List

1. Dine at Victoria and Albert’s with my wife (I ate at Chef's Table with my daughter just before her wedding and it was fantastic)
2. Go on the Around the World at Epcot Segway tour
3. Spend the night in the "Castle Suite"
4. Dine at Via Napoli in Epcot
5. Go on the Magic behind the Steam Train Tour at MK
6. Go on the Backstage Magic Tour at Epcot
7. Go on the Backstage Safari tour at AK
8. Watch Illuminations at Epcot from a boat on the World Showcase Lagoon
9. Rent the Magic Kingdom for an after hours dinner event
10. Do a world tour of the Disney Parks
11. Be the Grand Marshall in one of the 3 o’clock parades down Main Street
12. Stay at the DVC Aulani resort in Hawaii
13. Eat a Dole Whip with my grandchildren
14. Have my picture taken with Mickey Mouse dressed as Sorcerer's Apprentice
15. Go on the Disney Dream in a veranda suite (been on the Magic and Wonder)
16. Walk with my Granddaughter as she takes her first steps down Main Street - Done
17. Walk with my second Granddaughter as she takes her first steps down Main Street
18. Stay in a Grand Villa at OKW - Done
19. Walk my daughter down the aisle at the Wedding Pavilion on her wedding day - Done
20. Walk my granddaughter down the aisle at the Wedding Pavilion on her wedding day
21. Buy a home in Golden Oaks
22. Win the Florida Lottery ( OK this one is not Disney, but it's the only way I can afford some of these)

Ridge: Bucket list… usually these are reserved for doing the impossible, improbable, implausible, the questionable, problematic, challenging or just downright wishful things before we die. Of course in this scenario it isn’t my turn to go, but Disney’s time. What if they were to kick the bucket? What are some of the last things we would want to do before the parks, studios, stores, television and all other subsidiaries were to shut down or change hands to someone other than the Walt Disney Company?

(I have no order to any of this. They are simply the first things to pop into my mind.)

1. Take a dinner/fireworks cruise on the Grand One.
2. Take a real cruise on the Magic, Wonder and Dream cruise ships.
3. Stay one last long weekend at OKW.
4. Visit each of the parks. (Around the world)
5. See Walt’s Office at the studios in Burbank.
6. Spend a day at the archives.
7. Spend a day with Bob Gurr.
8. Have 6 & 7 happen at the same time.
9. Have the ultimate fastpass that was good anytime I wanted it and I just walked to the front of the line.
10. Spend a day with Charlie Ridgeway.
11. Drive the locomotives.
12. Take some of the trips with Destinations by Disney.
13. Ride Space Moutian, Rockin' Roller coaster and Expedition Everest with the lights ON.
14. Ride Toy Story Midway Mania as many times as I want.
15. Stay in each of the resorts.
16. Be a Jungle Cruise skipper for a day.
17. Be a Safari driver for a day.
18. Spend the day with Steve Barrett hearing all the stories about hidden Mickeys.

What did we miss that's on your list? 

Team Post: What's the Best Age for a Child's First WDW Visit?

Knowing that not everyone has the luxury of going to WDW every year and have grandparents along to babysit, how old should a child be before you take them to WDW for the first time?

Amy's first WDW visit, May 1979

Amy: This is a question where the right answer varies for each family.

• For families such as ours who are regular guests at Walt Disney World, as long as you are willing to slow down your trip and do the extra work required, you could take a child as early as your next normal vacation time. Personally, I don’t think I’d take a child under 6 months, but I’m in the camp that doesn’t like strangers near my infant. Tink’s first trip was for her first birthday but I think her little sibling on the way won’t make it until later. My children will be around two years apart and two small ones might be a bit much, even with wonderful grandparents and uncle to help. Right now, I don’t know when my husband and I will be ready to brave the World with two little ones. We’ll have to meet the new baby and also see where we are living by that time.

Tink's first WDW vacation, April 2010

• For families that visit once every two or three years, I’d suggest waiting until your child is two or three years old. By that age, everything (feeding, potty breaks, etc.) is a little easier. Airlines do require you to buy a seat beginning at age two but Disney considers under threes as free for park tickets and buffet meals. By this age, children have a few favorite characters and are better able to interact with attractions and shows.

• For those families planning the once in a lifetime or once in a decade trip, I’d wait until your child is at least five years old. Not “so they’ll remember it” as many say because we do things for our children every day that they won’t remember. My reasoning is an extension of the ease factor from above. If this is a rare vacation for you, you’re more likely to want to see and do everything. While that’s even tough for adults, an older child will have more stamina to walk around the park and hopefully a little more patience for waiting in lines.

• And within each of the categories above, you’d just have to judge if your child is ready for the crowds, lots of stimulation, and long days. More outgoing kids might enjoy a Disney vacation at an earlier age than those with a more reserved personality. Tink loves being the welcoming committee and greeting those who have visited her parks.

DisneyDad's first WDW visit, December 1971

DisneyDad: After 2 trips this year with my granddaughter, Tink, when she was 12 and then 18 months I have solidified my opinion on vacationing with a child at WDW. I simply love it. I love taking her around to the parks and showing her around. My wife and I have decided Tink will think Granny and Granddaddy live in a Magical place as she has seen us there more than our home. Having said that, how old should a child be before taking them to WDW? My answer…. “It depends.”


IF you are like us and go to WDW once or twice a year and stay at a Disney Vacation Club property, then it doesn’t matter how old they are. Young children need special attention, regular rest, and a regular schedule on a vacation. So at a DVC property you can do all of that.

– BUT –

IF a trip to WDW is an once-in-a-lifetime event for you and your family, I’d recommend that your child be old enough that they don’t need to nap and they can walk ALL day long without having to be carried. I have seen many a dad carrying an older child with head on his shoulders and feet dangling well below his knees. While you love your child (after all you brought them to the “Happiest Place on Earth”) carrying a child that big on your shoulder every day does not make for a pleasant vacation. The older child will enjoy the trip more and be able to remember the trip for years to come.

Ridge's first WDW visit, June 1991

Ridge: This has been a topic of discussion for a long time. Until we had little Tink to take to the World, I don't know that I would have been bothered to drag a baby around. Now I know it can be done but you are not going to be able to get as much done since naps and schedules are a must. With that being said, I still think that if you are all go, go, go then I would wait until your child or children can walk a full day without a stroller. While strollers have a purpose, they are just a lot of trouble. Parking tends to be haphazard even though Disney has Cast Members working at most of the locations attempting to maintain order. All that said, taking a little one can be done. Just look around in the parks and it is wall to wall strollers. If you want your child to actually have memories, then I would wait until they are old enough to make it thought the park under their own power for the majority of the day. Saying that I have seen a grown man asleep in one of the park rental strollers, they seem extremely sturdy, also seems testament to how the park can wear you out.

-----------------------------
What are your thoughts on this topic? Has your opinion changed over the years?

Photo Flashback - Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse

Amy and DisneyDad in May 1979. This was Amy's first trip up the Treehouse.

Welcome to the Magical Blogorail!



Hi everyone and welcome aboard the Magical Blogorail. We're now embarking on a nonstop return journey to the Main Entrance and parking area. During the trip, we ask that you remain seated at all times and no smoking, please.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist quoting a former monorail spiel. If you’re joining us from Meet the Magic, welcome!



DisneyDad and DisneyMom on
their honeymoon in 1973



Growing Up Disney is a family project. I (Amy) am leading the charge. My brother, Chris AKA Ridge, is our man about town/aspiring photographer. My father, known on the blog as DisneyDad, writes mostly about Disney Vacation Club and is the one who initiated our Disney fascination. My family talked about doing a blog or podcast during our Disney vacation in April 2010. Once we got home, I wanted to share what I had learned about traveling with a small child and started writing. I invited Chris and Dad to contribute and the blog has evolved into a place to share our family’s stories of nearly 40 years of Walt Disney World vacations. We also offer lots of tips related to children and have some great guest bloggers who share their own ideas and experiences.



Amy's first trip to WDW in 1979



Raised as a Disney kid myself, I participated in the Disney College Program in 1997 and was a Cast Member at Crystal Palace. After I began running, the Disney marathon became my goal and I crossed the finish line, earning my Mickey medal, in January 2005. In April 2005, my Prince Charming and I married in Disney's Wedding Pavilion and honeymooned on the Disney Wonder. My dad surprised me with special guests at the wedding reception, Mickey and Minnie! My daughter, nickname Tink, celebrated her first birthday at Walt Disney World and had breakfast with Mickey on the big day. She has recently made her second trip to WDW.

We've had great fun on Growing Up Disney sharing these stories, in more detail, and many others. I hope you enjoy reading them as you prepare for a trip or keep the magic going between vacations. Please explore the site a bit while you are here.

Thank you for joining us on the Magical Blogorail. Please take the journey with us again next month on December 10th when we cover a fun Disney topic.





Here are all the stops along the blogorail:

Beth http://disneymom-disney2010.blogspot.com/2010/11/welcome-to-first-magical-blogorail.html
Chad http://www.daysinthepark.com/2010/11/magical-blogorail-introduction.html
Crystal http://crystalbryanwdw.blogspot.com/2010/11/blogorail-introduction.html
Jenn http://disneybabiesblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/introducing-magical-blogorail.html
Kristen http://cookingwithmickey.info/
Natalie http://meetthemagic.com/2010/11/12/blogorail-come-on-for-a-ride/
Amy http://www.growingupdisney.com/2010/11/welcome-to-magical-blogorail.html

Photo Flashback - Amy & DisneyMom

Amy and DisneyMom about to ride the Train at Walt Disney World in May 1979. I don't think the train cars have changed much since then.

Photo Flashback - E Ticket, May 1979

Amy and DisneyDad at Walt Disney World in May 1979. Note the paper tag hanging from Disney Dad's belt. That is his ticket. While WDW still had the famous "E TICKET," they started experimenting with a ticket to allow unlimited admission to all rides. This was in the form of a paper ticket you wore. Wish I still had a copy of that ticket.

Photo Flashback! Cinderella's Golden Carousel 1979

Mom and I on Cinderella's Golden Carousel in May of 1979. 

This opening day attraction was recently renamed as Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.  For now, it's the jewel of Fantasyland, with its beautifully painted horses, lights and mirrors.  Truly an American attraction, it was built in Philadelphia in 1917 and delighted children in its Detroit and New Jersey homes before being restored and Disney-fied.  The next time you are in Fantasyland, take a few minutes to admire the adornments on its 90 horses.  Then take a ride and feel like a kid again.

Photo Flashback! The Dapper Dans, 1979

Isn't it great that some things never change?  Here are the Dapper Dans harmonizing on Main Street USA during our visit in May of 1979.  The quartet has been performing at Walt Disney World since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971.

I ran across a neat site with pictures of the Dapper Dans over the years.  It's mainly a Disneyland site, but the Florida performers do have a page.  Click here to visit their tribute website.

Photo Flashback! Two Chiefs & Little Miss Sunshine

Amy and DisneyDad posing with the Cigar Store Indian on Main Street in 1979.  We should recreate this with Tink in a couple of years. 

The Indian is still available for photo ops outside Crystal Arts.  This is a pretty popular place to stop for a photo.  Do you have any here?

Thanks to @hifiandy for today's title and @DisneyShawn for answering some questions regarding the Cigar Store Indian.

Photo Flashback! 3:00 Parade, 1979

Magic Kingdom's afternoon parade in May 1979, starring Mickey, Minnie and Donald.

Photo Flashback! Me on Main Street USA, May 1979