Dear Walt Disney,

Thank you so much. You brought so much magic and happiness into this world. Not only that, but you brought me my childhood. You have instilled hope and imagination among the world. Children and adults alike have been touched by your work. On some of my darkest days, I have been able to make it through simply due to watching your movies.

Your stories encourage friendship, family, hope, love, dreams and so much more.

I recently spent a day at your parks and came back feeling refreshed and happier than ever. Just being in the environment that you helped create brought tears of happiness to my eyes. I saw people from infant, to adult, to elder forget about their worries and have an amazing time. I saw myself and my friends relax and not think about any of the bad things in the world.

I know that you'll never know the impact you have had on this world, but I wish you could. You've given the entire world things to bond over. You've given us a safe place to go where everyone is happy and carefree.

During my day at the park, I saw so many magical moments. As little kids met their heroes- whether that be Cinderella, Donald Duck, or Mickey Mouse, I could see the life in their eyes. It's as if at that moment, they could do anything. It's an incredible feeling seeing that, and remembering being there yourself. I recall meeting Pluto when I was only 3 years old, and he took my signature book and signed it on top of his head. It will always be such a magical moment that I remember.

Through your work and inspiration has come so many things that you probably could have never imagined. Every night there are firework and projection shows at your parks. Currently, the show is called Happily Ever After. As the area before the castle filled up, I was excited to see the fireworks and projections. However, I was not prepared for the depth of this show. It made me incredibly emotional, and tears were definitely shed.

The show features many Disney and Pixar characters in the projections. It brings back so many memories and happiness as you watch it. While playing 'You'll Be In My Heart" they show scenes of characters celebrating and hugging, and I bawled. Halfway through, Mufasa appears in the projection and speaks. 'I Can Go The Distance' begins to play and they show triumphant moments from many of the movies. I immediately got emotional. This is one of the incredible things that you have made true for many people. We see the incredible endings to your movies and we know that we can do anything.

Walt, the point of this letter is to thank you. For your incredible mind, and what it has given us, which is so much more than awesome movies.

Love,

A life long Disney fan.