If you have visited Walt Disney World anytime during the past year, or even if you have not, then you’re aware of the 100 Years of Magic Celebration, which commemorates the 100th birthday of Walter Elias Disney. In addition to the new shows and attractions happening at the four theme parks, one of the key elements of the event involves Cast Member nametags. Ordinarily it has the person’s name and hometown. For the 100 Years of Magic, the hometown has been replaced with a particular Disney memory. Prior to October 2001, Walt Disney World staff had the option of selecting from about 100 broad Disney memories encompassing characters, movies, television shows, theme parks and special events -- from The American Adventure at Epcot to Zorro. It has been an effective and popular conversation piece. That person you are speaking to at Magic Kingdom’s Guest Relations, whose favorite memory is The Haunted Mansion may be yours, too.

It got me to thinking: we all have a favorite, or magical, Disney memory. Why not share it with others? So here is your homework assignment: tell us in no more than 50 words what your one magical Disney memory is and why. You can include your name or remain anonymous. It can be anything Disney past or present. Perhaps it is an attraction at Disneyland. An obscure movie such as The Cat from Outer Space, or the recent blockbuster hit Lilo and Stitch. Was your favorite memory going over to the neighbor’s every Sunday evening to watch Walt on their brand new RCA color TV? Is it one of the many beloved classic characters? Share your memory and you may very well see it in my next essay.

To get it all started, here is my Magical Disney Memory:

The Wonderful World of Disney -- Every week like clockwork my younger sister would ask, "Is Disney a cartoon tonight?" We enjoyed the cartoon episodes the best. And with the mesmerizing opening sequence you knew something special was on the way whether it be animated or live-action.

That is all there is to it. This is going to be a fun project, so let us know.

Have a Magical Disney Memory of your own? Feel free to share it in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums.

Read the first 15 Magical Disney Memories contributed by StartedByAMouse.com readers.

- Essay by Bill Griffiths; Graphic by Matthew Walker

We Were Started By A Mouse Too!  •  When In Cyberspace ... Disney Link Directory  •  

  •  Purchase Walt Disney World Tickets here - DISNEY TICKETS via DWTickets.com  •  

  •  Receive discounts on ORLANDO VACATION HOMES near Disney World from OrlandoVacation.com  •