I have so many great memories of Disneyland past and present. I will never forget the fondness I had as a small child getting to visit once a summer with my entire family of parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It must have been hilarious to watch our family walk down Main Street USA ... fifteen wide with our summer outfits, cameras, and sunglasses on. You see them everyday at Disneyland and it's still a wonderful site.

But my favorite memory as a child has to be my fourth birthday when Wally Boag called me onstage at the Golden Horseshoe Revue and made me a balloon dog. How did he ever know it was my birthday!? Never mind that my dumb cousin popped the balloon later on the Columbia. It was a great first impression of Disneyland. I knew then that I wanted to work there.

There have continued to be many years of terrific memories from a different perspective. The satisfaction of seeing Guests exit from the Indiana Jones Adventure after ten years of effort. And recently, with the opening of Tarzan's Treehouse, it was a treat to see many opinions change from frustration to happiness. What a privilege to have contributed to the legacy in a small way.

Disneyland still represents the happy place it always has been. I still have the pixie dust and excitement walking down Main Street USA. No matter what our background or connection to the park it still holds the same magic it always has for all of us. Attractions may come and go. Decisions will sometimes be questioned. But through it all Disneyland survives as an American icon. I am so proud to be a part of her history. Here's to Disneyland and the many fans and staff that continue to love her. See you at the park!

Happy Birthday Disneyland!!