3 Generations of Disney Magic
Join us as we explore Disney through the eyes of three generations! With over 54 years of hands-on Disney experience, we’re here to share our favorite tips, tricks, and must-do moments to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation. Whether you’re traveling with little ones, teens, or grandparents, we’ve got something for everyone to make your next Disney trip unforgettable.
How It All Began…
In the spring of 1971, a young Steve B. (aka Dad, That Papa, That Military Guy) visited the Walt Disney World Preview Center, eager to catch a glimpse of what the future held. Surrounded by photos, concept art, and models, his eyes sparkled with wonder. This marked the beginning of his lifelong love for Disney.
Steve’s family continued their Spring Break tradition throughout the seventies, making regular trips to Central Florida, with a day at Magic Kingdom always on the itinerary. A huge fan of the Apollo Program, which was in full swing at the time, Steve’s favorite land was naturally Tomorrowland!
Steve would go on to join the U.S. Air Force. Then, after finishing his enlistment, Steve relocated to Orlando and began working at Walt Disney World. He worked at the Tomorrowland Terrace (now known as Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café). During this time, he met Tracy in the Air Force Reserve, and they soon married.
After three years working at Disney World, Steve had the opportunity to fly with the Air Force and was stationed at several stateside bases over the years. Their love for Disney remained strong, and there were many vacations to WDW. Over time, as Steve helped many friends plan their Disney trips, he decided to start the Military Disney Tips website to support the military community in 2008.
Tracy (That Nana) grew up in Florida and had her first trip to Walt Disney World in 1972 with her grandparents. Over the years, she returned multiple times with family and friends, attending special events like marching with her high school band in the Tenth Anniversary Parade at the Magic Kingdom and attending Grad Night. After meeting Steve in the military, they married, spending the day after their wedding at EPCOT. Countless cherished memories have already been made at WDW, with many more to come.
In the 80s, That Disney Family was graced with two new little Disney fans. Throughout the 90s, the family enjoyed countless single-day Disney trips, creating magical memories with their little Padawan and Princess. Meanwhile, the future son-in-law was getting his own Disney training… but Heather (That Little Princess) would take care of his full Disney training later. 😉
The 2000’s brought big changes for That Disney Family. They enjoyed a few multi day trips together before Will (That Star Wars Guy) did an enlistment in the Air Force, then relocated to Central California, too far away for regular Disney World Trips… He still enjoys the occasional trip to Disney with the rest of the family though.
Meanwhile, the family kept up their multi day trips with Heather (That Little Princess) and even occasionally took along family and some of Heather’s friends. Heather became a seasoned Disney traveler and vacation planner.
Steve and Tracy gradually shifted toward couples only trips. They found that to be a much more relaxing pace, enjoying EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, taking in the sights and flavors of their favorite park
In the mid-2010s, That Disney Family’s original Princess, Heather (That Disney Princess) met her Prince Charming.
Steve (That Prince Charming, That Sports Guy, That Beer Guy, That Get Your Money’s Worth Guy) began his “forced” love of Disney during the planning process for Heather and Steve’s wedding. While agreeing to have the wedding at Disney was a dream come true for Heather, little did Steve know that it would lead to a lifetime of visits and him becoming the experienced “That Guy.” A title aptly bestowed upon him by the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
That Family grew again with the marriage of Steve and Heather in 2016. The ceremony took place at the picturesque Sea Breeze Pointe on Disney’s Boardwalk, followed by a magical fireworks dessert party at Disney’s Grand Floridian.
A year later, That Family expanded once more! The third generation to experience the magic of Disney began with Princess Emmalyn (That Older Sister, That Brave One, That Donut Lover). From the age of one, Emmalyn has enjoyed Disney at all stages of her life.
In 2020, the third generation was completed with Princess Madison (That Younger Sister, That Sweet One, That Ice Cream Aficionado). Starting her Disney adventures at just seven months old, Madison has experienced the magic of Disney at every age.
Over the years, we’ve become seasoned Disney travelers, embracing the magic with all ages—from babies to grown-ups, to grandparents—and cherishing every moment of our family adventures.
Besides this site, you can find us on:
And find That Military Guy at MilitaryDisneyTips.com
