The Happiest Place on Earth

‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’

-Walt Disney

‘Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.’

                -Walt Disney

‘The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.’

                -Walt Disney

I recently had the pleasure of spending two days at Disneyland.  It had been awhile since I had been to the park, and I had never been as a father of young children.

We had a priceless experience.  When you are there experiencing the excitement and energy with children, there is nothing like it.  Watching my daughter’s face during the holiday parade is a vision that I will never forget.

In order to provide such a wonderful experience, there is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.  Every detail of every single character, ride, and attraction is meticulously kept up and extremely well done.  Even the background images and accents are flawless.

This amazing execution is not done by accident.  Ever since the beginning of the park, every employee is called a ‘Cast Member’.  If you are sweeping trash on Main Street, USA, do you think it helps to be called a ‘Cast Member’ rather than a janitor?  Of course it does.  It is an overt reminder that their job is an integral part of the overall show.  Every Cast Member knows that they are in a performance, and that they are providing an entertainment experience.

Disneyland is what happens when people are united by a strong vision and passion.  These people then go above and beyond to deliver this vision.  The result is generation after generation returning to create memories that last a lifetime.

 Walt Disney created Disneyland from an idea.  There was nothing like it when he first began his planning, and everyone thought the park would fail in the first year.  Instead, he created the happiest place on earth.  Everything first starts with an idea.  In the words of Walt, Quit talking and start doing.

Kyle C. Ryan