I was thinking about this today while listening to the area music for Main Street U.S.A., when I move across the Pacific, land onto Australian ground and reach my new destination, the one place I will truly miss is Disneyland. For me, Disneyland isn't just a theme park, it's a place that shaped the entire way I act, think, and view the world. For one man, Disneyland was his dream, and he worked so hard to achieve it... despite nearly losing everything.

"To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."

Disneyland exceeded the wildest expectations of anyone, it became an instant hit and American cultural icon. In turn it also shaped entire generations of people to strive for their dreams. While a lot of amusement parks are built for quick thrills and fun, Disneyland was built to emulate a fictionalized version of the world. Everything from the Victorian streets of Main Street U.S.A. to the Bavarian town that is Fantasyland, Disneyland suspends reality to make you believe you really are in another place and time.

It's still a year off, but, Disneyland, I'll miss you so much, I can imagine I'll stand at Sleeping Beauty Castle and probably cry my eyes out, but that's okay. Just as I'm leaving the park for the last time in a while, someone else is getting to enjoy the wonder of Disneyland for the very first time... and maybe that person will be inspired like I was to go for my dreams.