The Disney legacy may have started with a Mouse, but the joy and wonder that is Disneyland clearly started with a man named Walt. I could write reams about Disney, his past and his accomplishments, but you already know those stories (and probably many more than I do!)

What continues to amaze me is the incredible staying power of Walt’s vision for Disneyland. From the beginning ideas for Disneyland, he had a clear picture of what he wanted this theme park to be. He knew what he wanted people to feel when they were there. He knew that he wanted families to enjoy it together. He knew that it should be a respite from the outside world. This vision was so clearly articulated and executed that 45 years later, we all still enjoy Disneyland because we feel good when we are there, we can enjoy it with our children, our parents, our grandchildren and our grandparents. Finally, we can still enter the gates of the Magic Kingdom and be transported to a time and place where we were carefree and the stress and strife of daily life can’t touch us. This is why we return again and again, to relive the magic and introduce it to the ones we love.

Our readers continue to share their appreciation for this man with an unwavering vision, and allow his accomplishments to inspire future generations.

very time we go to Disneyland, we stop at the “Partners” statue and pay homage to Walt. Usually all that is involved is standing near the statue and saying very quietly “Thanks Uncle Walt.” We enjoy Disneyland so much, that we want to make sure to thank the man who made it possible.

t may just be coincidence, but when we stop to thank Walt, the lines are shorter, the people are nicer, and the food seems to taste better. The last time we forgot to thank him we got stuck on It’s a Small World for 20 minutes. Creepy, huh?

Thanks, Uncle Walt!

—A.H.

ne tradition is to always to into the Main Street Cinema and watch Steamboat Willie and a few other of the cartoons running. It’s always a way of teaching my children how Walt started with humble beginnings and built a strong business. And if they applied themselves to their studies they could achieve at least as much.

t was very disappointing to us this last trip when we found the Cinema at WDW had been converted into another store selling Pooh stuff.

—WHN

s a former Disney Store Cast Member, a father and a husband, there is nothing in the world that has given our family so much pleasure than the time we spend in the wonderful world of Disney!  

ive years ago, I left the Disney Store and moved my family to Utah.   We have been passholders since the very beginning and still travel to Disneyland four to six times a year, with a trip to Walt Disney World every two years.

know there are many who feel the same, it is a mind set, and a door to joy and the good things life has to offer. We place Disneyland at the top of our list!

— the “C” Family

y tradition has always been to get to the park early (usually on Saturday) and eat at the character breakfast at the Plaza Inn. I just enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy the small children and their sense of wonder at seeing their favorite Disney characters in real life.

t always reminds me of my younger days in summer spent at Disneyland when everything was magic. Never mind that I am 31 years old now and supposedly grown up. I just never have to be when I go to Disneyland, and for that reason alone, there is no place like it anywhere!

—A.R.

I would love to hear your family's Disney traditions, please drop me a line at either:

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— Allison