Walt,

I know it sounds cliche, but I truly feel that everything I need to say to you could be said in one simple sentence: You have changed my life.

You have opened new doors of opportunity, expanded my imagination beyond belief and sparked a wanderlust in me.

I think it is very fair to say that my life and the lives of many people are different because of the world of Disney. I have not met a person today who does not know your name and while I know that was not your goal whatsoever, it is obvious that you have indeed left a lasting mark on the child in all of us.

From the time I saw my first Disney film or first visited the parks, you have helped create memories that, for me, are unforgettable. There is truly something special about your work.

You led thousands of people to believe in magic and fantasy. You replaced the harshness of reality with hope and prosperity. You saw the good in the world that continues to lead us toward a great, big, beautiful tomorrow.

They say home is where the heart is and when I walk into the world of fantasy that you have created, I am home.

Each time I walk down Main Street, U.S.A., my heart skips a beat and butterflies flutter around in my stomach. Thank you for creating this amazing feeling of overwhelming happiness and pure joy. For the hard work and faith that brought to life the beautiful lights of Cinderella's castle and the fresh vanilla scent of the ice cream parlor. For the brilliant mind that allowed perfect balance between tradition and innovation throughout the entire kingdom.

Thank you for this escape.

Thank you for creating laughter and smiles.

Thank you for fantasy.

You had a special mentality that believed in possibilities. You could have given up. With many critics and difficult experiences, it would have been easy to put aside this dream. Thank you for refusing to do that. Thank you for not putting down your pen after the hardships you faced. Without your persistence, there would be no Mickey Mouse.

Your imagination has sparked the ideas for the movies I have obsessed over, cried through and dreamed of. You have created a long lasting legacy throughout your team that continues to animate bravery, love, heartbreak, friendship and hope. Thank you, to you and your team, for using these talents to awaken the dreamer in all of us and encouraging us to see beyond everyday reality.

I am so proud to be a part of your work. As a guest, a film viewer, a cast member, an Imagineer or a fan, we all contribute in different ways to help keep your dream alive. As you said, imagination has no age and dreams are forever. It is truly a wonderful thing that no matter how old I become, I can still be a part of this fantasy. Whether I am three-years-old or 103-years-old, your work will always make me feel like royalty.

Through your imagination, you have inspired me to live my dreams and truly believe that with a little faith, trust and pixie dust, anything I work toward is possible.

Thank you for creating the magic that will live on with me, always.