When did it all start? When did you catch the Disney bug? A Disney park fan’s first visit is monumental in their fandom. The first visit can define your outlook on the Disney parks, and this is why I have put together a list of the 7 types of people that come on their first visit.
1. A Newborn’s First Visit
Born to be a Disney park fan? This fan has been surrounded and consumed by everything Disney since the day they were born. Typically they have had multiple trips to Disneyland, and/or Walt Disney World before they even knew where they were. Being a fan of the parks probably wasn’t even a choice for this person because going to the Disney parks for vacations is all they knew. Once they grow older they not only know the ins and outs of the parks, but also they typically are extremely nostalgic of attractions, shows, and characters that are no longer in the parks. Predictably, this fan’s parents love Disney, and will encourage their child to continue the family tradition of loving the Disney parks.
2. First Visit As A Child
This fan had parents that waited until their child was old enough to know what the Disney parks were. Usually the parents chose to wait because they wanted their child to remember their first trip, and experience some of the rides. This fan’s first trip might have been limited by their short height due to height requirements on certain attractions, but the memories of riding the attractions they are tall enough for is something they never forget.
3. First Visit As A Teen
Brave and tall enough to ride all the rides, this Disney park fan started going when they, and their parents knew they could experience almost all what the parks has to offer (besides alcohol). Now likely beyond the 54-inch mark, this fan experiences everything from Summit Plummet, to driving a car at Tomorrowland Speedway alone, to the Tower of Terror. Not only was this fan’s first visit when they were tall enough, but also brave enough to ride the attractions that the rest of their family wanted to ride. Their first visit was also when they were reaching the age where they could experience the parks without parental supervision. Reaching milestones of maturity and conquering fears on their first visit to a Disney park at the same time can ironically make this type of Disney park fan feel like they are finally growing up in a place most associate with staying a kid.
4. First Visit As A College Program Student
Studying late into the night at the library turned into compulsively looking into the Disney College Program to get their mind off of school. This fan first came to California or Florida to work as a cast member. Yes, believe it or not there are plenty of Disney College Programers that have never even been to the parks before working at them! Yet, even though they might have never been to a Disney park before, they quickly fall in love with the parks once they step inside the magic. This fan knows the inner and outer workings of the parks right from the get go, and yet this inside knowledge makes Disney an even more magical place for them.
5. The Significant Other’s First Visit
Did your loved one drag you to the parks for your first visit? This adult Disney fan went to the parks begrudgingly the first time. Then, unsurprisingly enough, they fell in love with Disneyland or Walt Disney World. They mistakenly underestimated what going to a Disney park means, but luckily enough for them, their significant other gave them the Disney bug. Oddly sometimes these fans can end up loving the parks even more than the significant other.
6. Parent Compelled Into A First Visit
Deciding to bring your child to Disneyland or Walt Disney World is now part of the American dream. Some adults who had never considered going to a Disney park suddenly think about planning a trip when they have a child. They thought they were going to a Disney park for their child, but little did they know that seeing the joy and happiness that their child had in the park would give them the Disney park bug as well!
7. The Never Too Late To The Game First Visit
In my opinion it is never to late to realize you love the Disney parks. If grandma and grandpa are thinking about joining your family on your next trip, then I say welcome them with open arms. There is so much for everyone to enjoy. The wiser and older Disney fans might like to take it slower, but they sure will notice the attention to detail that other Disney fans might rush right by. And never underestimate the older Disney fans – they might just beat you to your favorite attraction at rope drop.
