Why We Do What We Do...

We do it so children can learn without even realizing they are learning.

For grownups, who are children all grownup.

For Walt.

For each other.

We do it because we believe in the family

Because our parks are among the few things in this world that people of all ages, races, creeds, convictions, languages, and physical capabilities can all enjoy at the same time together. We do what we do most of all for them.

Like the young widow from Ohio who is working very hard and doing without the things she needs for herself so she can take her two children to Walt Disney World.

Like the people who gather around the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot and cheer like crazy after the finale of our nighttime show Illuminations - even in the pouring rain.

Like the young boy who is literally spinning like a top with excitement as he waits in line for Splash Mountain after its Grand Opening shouting, "It's open! It's open! It's open!"

Like the President of a giant European corporation who, while riding Space Mountain in Disneyland Paris, holds tightly on to his head so he doesn't lose his hat - his Goofy hat.

Like the Dad who suddenly catches himself whistling "It's A Small World After All" while driving his family back home to Omaha.

Like the College Student who, while visiting Wonders of Life at Epcot, experiences something that sparks in her an interest in the field of medicine.

Like the young girl who can't stop laughing because a giant dog sneezed real sneeze all over her glasses in Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

Like the Viet nam vet who sheds a silent tear of remembrance in the American Adventure at Epcot.

Like the Grandma who is sitting on a bench tenderly humming the melody to "Baby Mine" to her baby granddaughter after allowing the bigger kids to go on Dumbo all by themselves.

We do it for the terminally ill little boy whose greatest wish is to come to Disneyland.

For the mounting anticipation he feels weeks, then days, then hours, then minutes before he enters the front gate.

For the moment he makes the transition from his world to the Happiest Place on Earth.

For his first big smile inside the park and for the magical smile that comes as he lies in bed late that night, closing his eyes and thinking about nothing else but all the wonderful things he did and saw that day.

For that smile. "