Spending so much time as a child at Disneyland had an impact on me that is hard to put into words. I won't go into corny descriptions of the images that flood my mind when I recall those days, but it was a magical time in my life - and a lot of that magic came from Walt's park in Anaheim. Growing up in Southern California in the 1970's was a special time and place, and it's difficult to explain to people who weren't there. It was so much fun to have places like Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World and all the other theme parks we were privileged to use as our playgrounds. The sense of fantasy and play I had during childhood days was heightened and enriched by the time I spent at the park. Who could ask for a better adventure than riding Walt's Jungle Cruise, journeying into Nature's Wonderland, riding an "atom-mobile" thru Inner Space or diving to Atlantis on the Submarine Voyage. Even though three of those four Disneyland attractions are long gone, I still feel that indefinable "Disney magic" when I visit the park. And with attractions like Indiana Jones and others, I think that I will continue to feel the magic. I didn't realize it at the time, but these rides and the people who created them became very important to me. So much so, that I eventually sought out a job at Walt Disney Imagineering - and was lucky enough to be part of the team creating a new park in Japan - Tokyo DisneySea. I can't help but think, that there is some kid in Tokyo who will experience the magic of that park - and maybe follow some of his dreams into reality too. Here's wishing Disneyland another 45 great years!

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When I was a kid, I was kind of the scaredy cat type that had to be forced on E-ticket rides like roller coasters. I was about 7 or 8 and my mom told me that I couldn't get out of going on Space Mountain because we had Early Bird Admission and so we didn't have to wait in line. I sat there playing with the breakfast that was included with early admission and not wanting to eat a thing. Then all of a sudden, Mr. Smee came out of the back and directly to me. He fed me my breakfast and made me drink my juice and gave me a big hug so I wouldn't be so scared. Once I got on the ride, I loved it!!! Mr. Smee had given me the courage to overcome my fear. The last time I went after that was in 1990 for the 35th anniversary when I was 9. I went again in August 1999, 9 years later and I still adore the park. The last time I went, in February, 2000, I got a picture of Mr. Smee and it will always be cherished. Disneyland was always and will always be a part of my memories of summer and my dreams for the future.

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My Disneyland memories are spectacular. I visit Disneyland every month because my family has been working with Disneyland for the past 25 years and also my father was working there before. I have so many wonderful memories every time I go to Disneyland.It makes me feel happy and that I'm in a fantasy world where imagination and fantasy come true in this magical park. My favorite memories are seeing all the new parades from Disneyland when they opened I have seen so many wonderful parades come and go at the park and every time they leave Disneyland I have a tear in my eye. Memories from The Main Street Electrical Parade, The Lion King Celebration, The Hercules Victory Parade, Light Magic and The Mulan Parade - these parades provided me with a magical experience at the park that I will never forget. Disneyland is truly magical and I hope it will continue to provide guests from all over the world with a magical experience when they come to the happiest place on earth.