I recently spent a day in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, which is a park I haven't been to in a number of years. I may have been the only one, but walking around the park I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite people in all of history-Walt Disney.
He used to take his two small children to a playground and sit on a bench and think that there should be a place where kids and adults can both have fun. From that one idea, became Disneyland in Anaheim, California and almost 70 years ago on July 17, 1955, he opened that park by dedicating it with these words:
"To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future."
Walt Disney had difficulty getting financing for Disneyland until ABC agreed to produce a show which originally was called "Walt Disney's Disneyland," but went by many other names over the last seventy years. (including "The Wonderful World of Disney)
A friend of his, Art Linkletter, who was a well-known actor on television, turned him down, but volunteered to be master of ceremonies for the opening show. He brought two other actors with him that day, Bob Cummings and Ronald Reagan.(The future California Governor and U.S. President) After the show, Walt Disney asked his friend Art Linkletter if there was anything he could do to show his appreciation for his help. Linkletter, was now convinced that Disneyland would be a big hit, so he asked for Disneyland's camera and film concession on Main St. and for the next ten years he made a small fortune on it.
I've been to Disney World several times as a kid and many times as a parent and this was the first time as a grandparent. It is a spectacular accomplishment that brings joy to around 50 million people a year in Florida. It's an amazing place that often does not look real. The picture below looks incredible, my wife and Cinderella's Castle.
It doesn't matter who you are or what you like, there is something here for everyone. You can see things you've never seen, eat a big turkey leg, watch fireworks, see singing bears, go on slow and fast rides, and have one of the best days of the year with family, friends, or just yourself.
Many years ago, I replied to a famous columnist who wrote a column complaining about the cost of going to Disney World. I answered his column and he replied to me. I told him about my experiences as a father bringing my kids to Disney World and I explained that for some things cost does not matter, but value does.
We don't see excellence enough, but when we see it, we know what it is. You can call Disney World wonderful, magical, or a number of other incredible adjectives, but very simply...it's a place that you can experience excellence and enjoy it forever.
Thank you Walt.
| Thank you for a magical visit. |
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We hope you had an enchanting time during your recent Walt Disney World Resort visit. We sure enjoyed having you as our Guest! And we appreciate you playing a part in creating magical memories for everyone around you.
Hope to see you again real soon. |
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