Disney. There are so many things associated with just that one word. Happiness, childhood, fun, sunshine, happily ever after and, most of all, magic. So what exactly makes Disney so magical?

1. We grew up with it.

Many of us have been Disney fans since before we can remember. Disney has been there with us every step of the way from the time we were babies to now when we're trying to figure out how to be adults, and through every step, Disney has continued to show us some magic.

2. Disney characters are the kinds of people we want to be.

All the heroes and the princes and princesses are super awesome people, and it's not a bad thing that we always wanted to be like them. Disney helped raise me to want to be a good person, to be kind and hardworking like Cinderella, to be adventurous like Ariel and to be strong and brave like Mulan. With so many awesome characters to pick from, you can never go wrong in choosing a Disney role model.

3. Disney gives us something to believe in.

At the end of every movie is some type of happy ending, and in the end, isn't that what we all want? Disney taught us to fight for what we believe in so we can have that happily ever after. In real life, it's not quite that simple, but it's definitely a good place to start.

4. They bring magic to life.

Disney works so hard to make the magic real. Every young child, teenager, adult and senior can spend their time in a Disney park or cruise or whatever and they'll let it go, at least for a moment, to believe in that magic. If you've ever been to a Disney park, you know what I'm talking about. You get to enter their world and talk to the real-life characters. You get to see all the worlds they have created. It's impossible not to believe when that is all your surrounded by.

5. Magic is real.

Well, kind of. The magic of Disney sure is. Maybe we'll never have a Tinkerbell by our side to sprinkle some pixie dust on us so we can fly. Maybe we'll never have a magic genie to grant us three wishes. What we will always have, though, is Disney. We'll always be able to walk through their magical gates and be transported to "a whole new world."

Disney magic, truly, is the ability to get you out of your head and your day to day life. It's something that's fun to believe in. It's recognizing that one part of your heart that will always be a child filled with wonder. It's adventure, mischief and mistakes. It's bravery and respect. It's kindness, love and joy. It's Disney.