Today, Sunday 5th December 2010, would have been Walt Disney's 109th birthday. Not an impossible feat by today's standards (I know a lady who is 102).


 
But sadly Uncle Walt didn't stay with us that long, and left his legacy to his millions of fans world over to continue to enjoy "as long as there is imagination left in the world".



People often say things like "I wonder if Walt would have liked this?" or similar such statements. Fans often criticise the current state of the company, and some of the things that have been done in recent history. But we have to remember that ultimately Walt wanted one thing - for people to enjoy themselves.



Walt Disney was not a young man when he built Disneyland, in fact he was starting out in his theme park adventure when most people are considering retiring. Walt was young at heart, and just wanted to share his enthusiasm for all things magical with family, friends and fans across the world.



So when people say "would Walt have approved?", I think he probably would have. The five Resorts, Cruise Line, Stores and countless other offerings all aim to do one thing - to help make the magic real for people across the world.

And I think that is the best birthday gift of all for Walt. The knowledge that his legacy is felt across the globe, and not that one park might be better than another.



Happy Birthday Walt, here's to many more years of making dreams come true across the world.



From your biggest fans, Dan and Jon.