Walt Disney ... An American Icon

Pat, 57, Basking Ridge, NJ

As a sociology major in college, I was required to write a term paper about the person I felt had a major influence on American society – I chose Walt Disney. There are presidents, senators, athletes, movie stars, religious figures, and foreign heads of state that obviously have had major roles in the development of our society, but Walt's vision has impacted us beyond most.

The environment he developed transports us from our everyday lives into a place filled with fun. We can't help but lose ourselves in his fantasy world and just feel good. His foresight and creativity were unparalleled and I would bet there isn't a family in our country that hasn't been influenced by Disney ... how lucky for us!

Family Lives on at Disneyland

CJ, 58, San Clemente, CA

 I can remember going to Disneyland for the first time around age six. Wearing my coonskin cap, I was selected to lead the band down Main Street, U.S.A. What an everlasting wow!

My family, with Grandma and Grandpa, saved and planned every year and returned on the third Wednesday of August every year from 1956. The excitement bubbled and exploded as the time grew nearer. It was easier to sleep the night before Christmas, than the night before Disneyland. It was a day the whole family spent together, something that never happened unless we were going to Disneyland. Quality time, enjoying each other's company, sharing each other's joy. Breakfast at Aunt Jemima's, dreaming and hiking on Tom Sawyer's Island. And, oh, those Autopia cars, getting to drive a car ... another wow. Each ride had its own memory, each Land its own experience with the family.

Then in the 1980s it was my time to be the mom, and take my kids to the Happiest Place on Earth. The excitement of taking them was as big and bold as it was when I was a kid. And the dream never got old, the experience never died.

Today my grandparents have passed on – my mom too. Nobody lives in the same home, not even in the same neighborhood. Disneyland remains the only place I can visit to relive the wonderful memories of my childhood. To smell the smells, and touch the places where we all had such good and endearing times together. When I miss them, I don't visit a cemetery, I visit Disneyland. It still brings a smile to my face, and I still get that twinge of excitement as I enter the Happiest Place on Earth. Thanks Disneyland!

The Fauna Boat

Jenny, 18, Redwood City, CA

On my last trip to Disneyland with my family, I remember a magical experience. We went on the Storybook Land Canal Boats and had a "magical" time. The Cast Members directed me to sit on the step of the boat where everyone's shoes touch, so I just flat out said "I need to sit on the other side of the boat – I have O.C.D. and can't sit there." The cast member completely understood! She even said her brother has O.C.D. too. So we waited for the next boat – and it was the Fauna boat! Fauna is one of my all-time favorite Disney Characters.

The ride had to stop for the fireworks show, so we got to see them while in the boat. The whole time these little girls on the boat were making sort of a running commentary – it was really funny. When one of them heard the huge crack and booming noise of the fireworks she said, "I thought the Civil War was over!"

Birthday Saved

Heather, 34, Viola, IL

Since my husband was attending a conference in Orlando, we made plans to spend some time together at Walt Disney World. It just so happened that the conference was scheduled during my son's 8th birthday. Of course, we let him choose how he spent his birthday while at Disney. Out of all the attractions, he wanted to play golf at one of Disney's courses so we made reservations at Oak Trails. Unfortunately, our trip took place during Tropical Storm Fae – it pretty much rained the entire time we were there. Needless to say, the golf courses couldn't be used.

Although golfing was out, we didn't let the rain spoil all our fun. We went to Disney's Hollywood Studios and were on our way to see the "Star Wars" show, when a Cast Member wished our son a happy birthday (he had a birthday button on). He asked if we were going to Star Tours and we said we were going to watch the show first. He led us to a great spot to watch the show and, wouldn't you know it, my son was chosen to attend the Jedi Training Academy. He may not have been able to play golf, but another of his wishes came true – he got to battle with Darth Vader, something we couldn't plan if we tried. It was truly a wonderful birthday for my son!

A Very Special 21st Birthday!

Michelle, 23, Santa Rosa, CA

In April of 2008, I celebrated my 21st birthday. I had been to Disneyland many times, and since I'm a huge Disney fan, my parents wanted to make my 21st birthday special and we planned a trip to Walt Disney World!

Just being there was amazing enough. We stayed in a beautiful Contemporary Resort Hotel room, complete with a balcony and a perfect view of the Magic Kingdom, where we watched the fireworks display many times. We visited all of the Parks, took in all the shows, and ate at so many amazing restaurants. On my birthday we ate at Cinderella's Royal Table – the restaurant in the castle itself!

I felt like a princess and was having the best time of my life. Thinking that the trip itself was the most special birthday gift EVER, I wasn't expecting anything else. Little did I know, my parents had a huge surprise in store for me.

After we finished eating dinner, someone from the restaurant came over to our table and started talking with my family and asking if we were having a good time. While we were talking with the man, our waitress came out singing Happy Birthday with a special dessert that my parents had secretly ordered. It was a chocolate mold of Cinderella's glass slipper filled with chocolate mousse, which sat on a slice of angel-food cake with strawberries and blueberries all over! Even the plate had "Happy Birthday Michelle" written around the edge in chocolate.

After the shock wore off, I noticed a ring box on the table. When I opened it, I was overwhelmed to see a stunning diamond ring. I started to cry because I was so happy. I couldn't believe they pulled off such a huge surprise. Thank you so much Cinderella's Royal Table, everyone at Disney, and Mom, Dad, and Joseph for making my birthday so special. It's one I will never forget!

Annual Trip to Disneyland!

Irene, 47, Los Angeles, CA

My parents worked very hard all year to make sure we (I was the oldest girl with three younger brothers) always made our annual trip to Disneyland every summer. Mom would wake us up early and dress us in outfits she bought especially for the occasion. We made sure lemonade on Main Street was always our first stop.

My fondest memory as a little girl was watching Mary Poppins with her umbrella move across the sky – I was amazed and completely convinced she was real. And who could forget the fireworks that lit up the sky or watching the parade and naming all the characters? At the end of the day, our last stop was browsing through the gift shops ... those wonderful memories will live on forever!

Toontown Strengthens Family Pies

Christopher P., Sr. Staff Writer, Disney Online Studios, North Hollywood, CA

Driving through the desert, I'm a cartoon pig throwing pies at robots with my nephew, who is a cartoon dog ... hundreds of miles away. It may sound ridiculous, but that's the point – after all, this is Toontown!

My wife is at the wheel of the car, and we're heading home to Los Angeles. I'm in the passenger seat on our mobile laptop, playing Toontown Online with my nephew Hunter, age 10, who we parted company with hours ago back in Phoenix. Hunter and I had been playing Toontown together for the past two days, throwing pies at evil robot Cogs, racing karts, dueling on the mini-golf course, and playing Trolley games. When it came time for my wife and I to leave, Hunter and I didn't want to stop – and since Toontown is an online virtual world, we didn't have to. As my wife and I cruised down the highway, Hunter and I continued our fun, just like when we were together. And though we fought side-by-side against the Cogs, when it came to kart racing, he beat me handily. This is probably why, even though I work on the game, he has more Laff points than me.

Hunter and I still get together online to play, but there's been one big change – now we're joined by my wife and our niece Skyler, Hunter's sister, a family reunion of cartoon animals. It's a great way to keep in touch, because as we all know, the family that throws pies at evil robots together stays together!