Walt Disney is my Childhood Hero. His ultimate Vision was to build Disneyland, “the happiest place on Earth”, against all odds and obstacles.
Walter Elias Disney (1901-1966) was an American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur. He was only 65 years young when he ascended to the ultimate “happiest place“.
Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California in July 1955. As a small boy, I was mesmerised by the futuristic golf ball structure, EPCOT (“Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow”). Years later as a MBA college kid, I was able to enter in the interior wonders of the futuristic golf ball.
As a film producer, he holds the record for most Academy Awards won (22) and nominated (59) by an individual. He was presented with two Golden Globe Special Achievement Awards and an Emmy Award , among other major awards.
My first visit to “the happiest place on Earth” in Anaheim was in 1981. I have since returned there several more times, with my family. Since my first Anaheim visit, I also checked out the Orlando, Florida (Disneyworld, EPCOT), Tokyo (Disneyland, DisneySea), Paris and Hong Kong resorts.
In 2018, Walt Disney World was the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an average annual attendance of more than 58 million. The resort is the largest single-site employer in the United States, the flagship destination of Disney’s worldwide corporate enterprise.
Do google Walt Disney and his amazing achievements.
My used Nevada February 2006 “WLTDSNY” license plate (above image).
“Disney Meets Dali” (above image).
I first caught sight of this Walt Disney meeting Salvador Dali image as a young lad. It showed me the possibilities of meeting your heroes when you yourself has attained what you set out to achieve. Achiever meets Mentor Achiever.
This worn-out image of Walt Disney meeting Salvador Dali is pasted on my Filofax page, is a constant reminder to aim high, dream big and make all your dreams a reality. And hang out with your legendary Heroes. Do explore the “Hang Outs” gallery section of this websight.
Lunch with Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and his beautiful family (2018) at Coffee House in Woodstock, USA (above image). A high point of my Life – sharing a humbling meal with my Teenage Heroes, now considered my Friends.
On 23 August 2025, at 10.15pm (my time), as I was reading the latest Blondie article, “Blondie Refuse To Vanish” in Paste magazine, I decided half-way through reading to give Chris Stein a catch-up call. We spoke for a few minutes and then I went back to finish reading the article on my friends. A earned privilege I will never take for granted. Like Walt Disney, Blondie, strived and thrived, against all odds .
Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse metal statue (above image). This statue is titled “Partners” as inscribed on the statue base. I bought it decades ago at Disneyland, Anaheim for US$131. The statue is a reminder to go fervently after your dreams and make it happen, against all odds and obstacles.
May you Make All your Dreams (dream BIG) come true and get to meet your Heroes!
