AIME students are joined by their mentors at the program’s final presentation event.

How AIME inspires local students at Disneyland Resort 

As part of Disneyland Resort’s Community Workforce Development Initiative, this annual six-week program gives students a behind-the-scenes look at the operation at the resort, giving them the unique opportunity to refine their business acumen and skill sets while crafting a final, cumulative project demonstrating their learnings from the experience. Additionally, the students are each paired with a mentor at the resort who assist them in all facets of professional development, including everything from discussing goals for the future to providing exposure to different career paths and opportunities to interact with resort leaders. 

AIME students pose in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park. 

The connections formed between the students and their mentors are unequivocally valuable, allowing both mentors and mentees to grow in tandem over the course of the summer program. For many of the mentorship pairs, they see themselves in one another and, in turn, provide wonderful insights while sharing unforgettable memories. 

Meet two stand-out mentorship pairs who found connection in their shared experience, having attended the same high school decades apart! 

Disneyland Resort Content Strategy Manager Corey Collins and his mentee, Anthony, bond over their shared experiences.  

Corey & Anthony — A full-circle mentorship match 

When Disneyland Resort Content Strategy Manager Corey Collins was introduced to his mentee, Anthony, he couldn’t help but feel like history was repeating itself. “Anthony and I went to the same elementary school, junior high and high school — and he even wants to have the same major in college that I had,” Corey said. “From day one, we realized that we had so many things in common.”  

These commonalities laid the groundwork for Corey and Anthony’s connection, building a foundation of understanding and empathy that quickly fostered their respective growth. Given his shared appreciation for Anthony’s interests, Corey went above and beyond to introduce him to cast members in roles that piqued his curiosity, including nurses on-site at the resort!  

Following in a mentor’s footsteps 

“I feel like Corey and I clicked instantly,” Anthony said. “He’s funny but he’s also very informative. He is constantly helping me step out of my comfort zone.” The AIME program has inspired Anthony to be more confident and pursue his interests, pushing him to be more outspoken as he connects with his peers while working on the final project of the program – planning a simulated community event at the resort. And, once again following in his mentor’s footsteps, Anthony aims to represent the model of leadership that Corey has taught him through his work in the final presentation, prioritizing safety and efficiency while researching and planning this event. 

For Corey, a lifetime Anaheim resident, watching local students like Anthony thrive in AIME is an especially fulfilling experience given their distinct similarities, and one he will never forget. “I grew up in Anaheim, I still live in Anaheim today and I decided to raise my family here. I think it’s special to know that Disneyland Resort cares about the community around it.” 

Leise & Jordan — Cheering each other on to success

Casting Services Recruiter Leise Zamora may have traded in her pom poms for a Disneyland Resort nametag years ago, but through her AIME mentorship pairing, she feels as if she is returning to her roots: “I have seen a lot of myself in my mentee,” Leise said. “She’s taken me back; it’s that nostalgia of high school and just thinking ‘Wow, I was her age at one time.’” 

Casting Services Recruiter Leise Zamora and her mentee, Jordan, share their high school yearbooks. 

Both Leise and her mentee Jordan attended Loara High School in Anaheim. But the similarities don’t stop there – Leise was once a cheerleader at this high school and Jordan is currently an athlete on the same squad. This passion for tumbling and cheering united the two, making their bond all the more special throughout the program. As Jordan embarked on unique professional development experiences, including park walks with duty managers and workshops with leaders across the resort, she looked to Leise for inspiration and advice on growing out of her shell.  

“The encouragement Leise has given me throughout this whole program has honestly given me more confidence which I have really enjoyed,” Jordan said. “It’s something I used to struggle with, and she’s really helped me build that.”  

Making dreams come true through mentorship  

In alignment with her growing confidence, Jordan had a goal she aimed to achieve while participating in the program – becoming cheer captain. With Leise’s guidance, Jordan wrote and rehearsed a speech that she presented in front of her teammates and cheer advisor at Loara High School. But before that, Leise used her expertise as a recruiter to ensure Jordan’s public speaking skills were perfected: “I pushed Jordan out of her comfort zone and had her practice the speech in front of my colleagues. I challenged her to do that, and she did great,” Leise said. Thanks to Leise’s support, Jordan achieved her goal and is now captain of the cheer squad!  

With her spirits high, Jordan is not stopping there when it comes to creating happiness in her future. Through participating in the AIME program and connecting with Leise, she has her sights set on her future endeavors – from cheering on the sidelines to cheering others on in the workplace. 

“Whenever I think, ‘What do I want to do in the future?’ I know I want to help people,” Jordan said. “Knowing I can make people happy in a place like this has drawn me more to Disneyland Resort.”  

The post Disneyland Resort Mentors Local Students Through AIME Program  appeared first on Disneyland Public Affairs.

Growing up in Orange County, California, Gerald’s childhood was full of wonder and excitement with The Happiest Place on Earth just miles away. While thrilling attractions and entertainment abound, many of Gerald’s early memories of the resort center around delicious food and beverage offerings that shaped his passion for the culinary world.  

Turning a childhood interest into a Disney culinary internship and career 

“Growing up, food was so exciting to me,” Gerald said. “My friends and family would bond with me over food. Being able to bring my passion for food to such a fun setting like Disney Parks is so exciting.”  

Trying new treats with friends and family at Disneyland Resort kickstarted Gerald’s interest in hospitality and furthered his lifelong dream of becoming a chef. Now, after becoming the first Culinary Leadership Intern at Disneyland Resort, Gerald’s dreams are coming true, serving up magic for thousands of guests day after day as a full-time chef!

Gerald participating in many Disney Programs, including the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World Resort and a Disney Internship at Disneyland Resort.

From Disney Programs to a Disney Internship 

“The Walt Disney Company has given me the opportunity to do what I love to do which is being able to provide stellar guest service and create magic through my passion for the culinary arts,” he said. “Knowing what I do makes guests so happy is a gift.” 

Gerald’s Disney career journey first began in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park working in Food Service. Over the next six years with The Walt Disney Company, his passion for dining inspired him to traverse from coast to coast — from Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. There, Gerald participated in both the Disney College Program and the Disney Culinary Program, which he completed twice to gain a variety of experience!  

Through these Disney Programs, Gerald gained culinary experience at various festivals in EPCOT and Steakhouse 71 in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. He grew as a cook, working alongside his fellow cast members to create happiness in the kitchen and serve delicious dishes to guests from around the world. The Disney Culinary Program taught Gerald about culinary operations across diverse areas of the resort, expanding his horizons as he learned how to prepare unique offerings in various environments. These learnings prepared Gerald for his Disney Internship, where he helped oversee culinary operations in Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort.

Making history as the first Disneyland Resort Culinary Leadership Intern 

The Disney culinary leadership internship was the first of its kind at the resort, giving Gerald the unique opportunity to mentor a team of Food and Beverage cast members. He refined his leadership skills and learned from Disneyland Resort chefs in locations across the resort. These locations included Carthay Circle Restaurant, Lamplight Lounge, quick service locations along Pixar Pier, festival marketplaces and more.  

“I feel very lucky,” Gerald said. “My leaders have been selfless, making sure I grow with the company. They think about the future a lot — thinking about how we can innovate.” 

A Disney career journey comes full circle 

Gerald continues to harness his culinary prowess and grow at Disneyland Resort. He is inspired to continue bringing new ideas to the resort’s food and beverage offerings as a full-time Chef 1 for Park Banquets and Festivals. Gerald is ecstatic that his Disney journey has come full circle – from working in food service at Disneyland Resort to his cook role in the Disney Culinary Program at Walt Disney World Resort to his Disney Internship and new role as a chef at Disneyland Resort. Looking ahead, he certainly believes the possibilities for creative new offerings are limitless. 

“I am looking forward to working with the chefs and back of house team to create delicious and innovative dishes for the yearly festivals we showcase at Disney California Adventure park,” Gerald said. “My lifelong dream to become a chef for The Walt Disney Company has come true. I look forward to continuing to serve the wonderful guests of Disneyland Resort!” 

The recipe for success 

Opportunities for magic making at Disney are endless. And Gerald has found the recipe for success — cooking up happiness for guests and cast members alike at Disneyland Resort.  

The post Disney Culinary Program Participant Becomes First Disneyland Resort Culinary Leadership Intern appeared first on Disneyland Public Affairs.

Tree Assessment Specialist Anne Watson is one of the horticulture department’s talented cast members who play an important role in the appearance of Disneyland Resort. 

Anne’s passion for trees begins… and grows 

For Anne, horticulture wasn’t always part of her career plan. Her goal was to remain in the racehorse business, as she was the director of client relations for a racehorse merchant company. Anne decided to pursue a degree in sports turf management. This led her to discover her love of horticulture, and more specifically, trees.  

Anne switched gears from turf management to horticulture and would eventually gain her arborist certification. She later became the grounds and gardens supervisor at the Getty Villa, a museum and educational center in Pacific Palisades, California, for 13 years. After over a decade at the Getty Villa, Disney reached out to Anne to ask her if she would return to Disneyland Resort. She happily accepted and came back after hiring into the resort as a gardener. 

Anne in front of the dreaming tree, the most recent member of the “Hero Tree” family in Mickey’s Toontown.  

Anne’s role in making magic 

As a tree assessment specialist, Anne focuses on the trees at Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. To keep track of the more than 15,000 trees at the resort, each tree has an annual check-up and is recorded using a numbered tag. As part of a team of “tree geeks,” as she calls them, Anne is responsible for making sure the trees are healthy. 

Disney’s Horticulture Department: Magic behind the scenes 

Horticulture cast members don’t typically work when Disney guests are enjoying their time in the parks. So, it’s easy to overlook the role trees and other plants play in the image of the resort.  

 Anne in front of the Dominguez Palm in Adventureland.

Every tree adds to the immersive atmosphere of Disneyland Resort. But some trees are so important they have their own classification: “Hero Trees,” such as the Dominguez Palm. The historic Dominguez Palm towering over Adventureland near Indiana Jones Adventure has stayed in the same location since it was planted in the late 19th century. 

“I think people may not understand how complicated it can be and how much effort it is to keep the resort looking the way it does,” Anne said. “A lot goes into everything we do here. And not just our team. It’s everyone.

Some of the variety of plants welcoming guests at the iconic Tomorrowland entrance.  

A beloved Disneyland Guided Tour makes a comeback

At Disneyland Resort, everyone can find something to enjoy. Recently, the Cultivating the Magic Guided Tour returned as an offering for guests to learn more about the subtle touches that plants bring. Tour participants even experience a unique ride aboard the Jungle Cruise, but instead of listening to knee-slapping jokes, they learn how types of foliage inspire the feeling of journeying through some of the world’s most treacherous rivers. 

The plants at Disneyland Resort come in all colors of the rainbow! 

A moment of Disney Horticulture appreciation

“I know a lot of it goes unseen,” Anne said, adding, “but one of my favorite things about Disney is the detail, in general, that Disneyland cast members put into this place.”

As Walt Disney said, “It takes people to make the dream a reality.” As beautiful as Disneyland Resort is, it takes many teams, including the horticulture department, to make Disneyland Resort the iconic vacation destination that it is, and it’s thanks to dedicated cast members like Anne for continuing a legacy in splendor and detail.  

The post Disney Horticulture Cast Member Returns to Her Roots  appeared first on Disneyland Public Affairs.

Disneyland Resort cast members mentor local high school students  

Over the last three years, 13 Disney mentors from Disneyland Resort have brought inspiring guidance to students from Katella High School in Anaheim, supporting them during a pivotal point in their life. As part of the resort’s Community Workforce Development Initiative, these cast members were each matched with a mentee, acting as a resource for development as the students progressed through their high school experience with monthly meetings, professional development opportunities, relationship-building activities and more. 

“The growth and bonds formed by the Disneyland Resort mentors and Katella High School mentees over the past three years have been remarkable,” said Brianna Rios, Senior Regional Director of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. “What begins as a relationship between strangers evolves into lifelong connections, fostered by guiding youth to discover their passions and build the confidence to pursue them.”

The magic of mentorship: Disney mentors make a difference  

For Sales & Services Manager Ivy Goodman, mentorship extends beyond the classroom – it’s a lifelong commitment to provide guidance and encouragement for students: “A mentor is someone to look up to for leadership, for grounding and support when needed,” Ivy said. “I have tried to be all of these things to my mentees.”  

Disney mentor Ivy Goodman and her mentee, Alexa, at the Big Brothers Big Sisters end-of-program celebration. 

Ivy and her mentee, Alexa, discovered commonalities between them that kickstarted their mentorship — everything from a mutual passion for show choir to a love for the same restaurants. Over their years-long connection, Ivy provided advice and insights that were crucial to Alexa’s growth throughout her young adulthood, always encouraging her to stay focused and give those around her the benefit of the doubt. As a Disney mentor, Ivy has attended Alexa’s choir performances, invited her to participate in Disney VoluntEARS events and attended her graduation celebration!  

“Alexa’s graduation was so exciting because I don’t have children. To have such a special relationship and to be there to witness this moment in her life was so gratifying,” Ivy said. Though this mentorship program has concluded, Ivy is certain her relationship with Alexa will continue; they even have future plans set to attend Disney VoluntEARS events and celebrate milestones together. 

Disney mentor Ivy Goodman with mentee Alexa as a new high school graduate.  

Disney mentors build bonds through Big Brothers Big Sisters  

Disney mentor Tyler Castro and his mentee, Anthony, celebrate the positive, lasting impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Another inspiring pair, Disneyland Resort Senior Manager of Business Integration Tyler Castro similarly saw himself in his mentee, Anthony. Tyler aimed to foster Anthony’s growing success as much as possible. “There’s a lot going on in the world. I know I can’t fix everything, but any little thing I can do to make a difference for one person, to me, that is important,” Tyler shared. 

Through the mentorship program, what began as a virtual relationship, quickly blossomed into a close bond that developed from mutually learning from one another. Both Tyler and Anthony found neither of them enjoyed being in the limelight, but they pushed one another to take risks to pursue their passions.  

For Anthony, being a mentee to Tyler sparked his confidence, encouraging him to work on developing his own fashion line, attend college tours and apply for a dream leadership program. Tyler, in turn, found inspiration from Anthony’s drive and passion, and applied this to his work as a leader at Disneyland Resort.  

Disney cast members Ivy Goodman and Tyler Castro are honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters as 2024 Workplace Mentoring Program Mentors of the Year. 

Honoring the 2024 Mentors of the Year 

Ivy and Tyler were both honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire as 2024 Workplace Mentoring Program Mentors of the Year for their dedicated commitment to supporting Alexa and Anthony at this pivotal point in their lives. This recognition speaks to the power of mentorship  in championing bright futures and creating a long-lasting impact on students. 

“I was really touched that Big Brothers Big Sisters recognized what I had been doing with Anthony and could see a visible change in him,” Tyler said. “What was more rewarding was that someone could see Anthony’s development through this program. It’s all I can ask for.” 

The final celebration before graduation 

Katella High School participants celebrate three years with their mentors during their Big Brothers Big Sisters end-of-program celebration. 

In their final session together, the group gathered for a celebration honoring their three years together – a bittersweet afternoon full of excitement and joy as these graduates reflected while also looking ahead to the future. As part of the celebration, the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors were invited to attend their graduation ceremonies and take part in celebrating the monumental milestone.  

Disney mentors Emily Wu (left) and Jennifer Santillan (right) pose with their mentees after their graduation. 

Disney mentors continue support after cohort ends  

Though this special cohort has concluded, these relationships formed through mentorship are certainly not over. As the students begin their next adventures, their mentors at Disneyland Resort will always be a source of support, reminding them to “keep moving forward.” 

The post Disneyland Resort & Big Brothers Big Sisters Set up High School Students for Success appeared first on Disneyland Public Affairs.

Kevin Rafferty Sr., Kevin’s father, started his Disney career as a dishwasher at the Plaza Inn and eventually progressed to become an Imagineer for more than 40 years. He helped dream up immersive experiences around the world like Cars Land, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!, and more recently, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway before his retirement. He even contributed a special Mickey and Minnie-themed ear hat to the Disney Parks Designer Collection, a designer collection in which celebrities and Imagineers created unique ear headbands and ear hats.  

A family legacy within Disney 

“It’s interesting to think that without Disneyland, I may not even be alive since my parents met as cast members,” Kevin said. Kevin is living proof that Disneyland Resort brings families together. Kevin’s mother worked at Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and drove guest trams while his father worked at the Plaza Inn, and later, Club 33, at Disneyland Resort. “They would visit each other before and after shifts and hang out in the cast parking areas.”  

Kevin’s family is intertwined not just with Disney, but with the city of Anaheim, too. Both sets of grandparents moved to Anaheim to raise the next generations; and for his father’s parents, Disneyland Resort was a major reason for deciding to make the move during the early years of the resort. 

Kevin’s grandfather, Loren, loved Disneyland so much that he had a 1961 map of the park displayed in his garage. Years down the road, Kevin’s father befriended the map’s designer, Sam McKim.  

Furthermore, Kevin’s mother attended Walt Disney Elementary in Anaheim and even remembers seeing Walt himself, Kevin said. Her childhood house is on the other side of the school.  

Kevin’s family ties to Anaheim seemed to set the stage for him and his father to become cast members, and the seeds of Kevin’s connection were sown when his father started working for Disney. Through his father, Kevin had the privilege of growing up while knowing Disney legends such as Marty Sklar, Jimmy Macdonald and John Hench. “Going down various hallways with portraits of John Hench or attraction posters for experiences my dad created is all very special now,” Kevin said.  

Considering Kevin’s background and family history, it makes sense that he would end up working for The Walt Disney Company. “I grew up going to Disneyland and I have a journalism degree. What better fit than Disney Communications, which I am fortunate to be part of.”  

Kevin in front of the main entrance to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Starting out in a temporary capacity in 2010, Kevin became an external communications specialist at Disneyland Resort. He would later move into a management role, and in October of 2019, transitioned into his current role at Walt Disney Imagineering. Like his father, Kevin met his wife Cortney while working at Disneyland Resort. 

Kevin is no stranger to the work Disney does with the city of Anaheim through family history and personal experience. With Disney VoluntEARS, the company’s volunteer organization, Disney has also sponsored the building of playgrounds throughout Anaheim, such as at Imperial Park, near Kevin’s home, which he was involved hands-on in its assembly. “It made me proud that my employer was enhancing my own neighborhood,” Kevin said.  

Looking forward to a bright future with Disney

Kevin’s career with The Walt Disney Company began in 2010, and 14 years later, he remains with the company because of “a combination of constant learning, great people, love for the Disney Parks and opportunities that most jobs don’t include. I’ve traveled to cities I haven’t been to before and had the chance to do some amazing things.”  

Reflecting on his connection with Walt Disney Imagineering, Kevin said, “My dad was an Imagineer for more years than I’ve been alive, so Imagineering is part of me regardless of working here. Now it’s an even deeper connection. I’ve been so fortunate in my career thus far and – in true Disney fashion – will keep moving forward.” 

The post Former Disney Imagineer’s Son Continues Family Legacy  appeared first on Disneyland Public Affairs.

Making up for a missed milestone

Roel, who graduated from high school in the spring of 2023, was unable to attend his commencement ceremony and Grad Nite because he was undergoing chemotherapy. Inspired by the celebrations he saw around him, Roel wished for a special graduation experience with a touch of Disney magic – which was granted thanks to the efforts of Disneyland Resort and Make-A-Wish. 

“I missed out when I was in high school because I didn’t get that experience. I saw my friends post about it online thinking, ‘Oh, they went to Grad Nite and had so much fun.’ I was just thinking, ‘I wish I could go,’” Roel shared. “Now I will!” 

A magical graduation celebration 

At Grad Nite, Roel’s wish took center stage as he enjoyed an evening filled with thrilling attractions and spectacular shows, along with a surprise private photo opportunity with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in their graduation best. Further adding to the magic, Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort, Jada Young and Raul Aquino Rojas, gifted Roel a special “Class of 2023” Mickey Grad Cap, perfect for creating unforgettable graduation photos. 

Roel pictured with his family, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and

Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort.

Ahead of his visit, Roel’s excitement was palpable. “I can’t wait to ride the Incredicoaster, maybe make a lightsaber, and just have fun with my family,” he said. 

Roel’s graduation celebration at Disneyland Resort was more than just a day of fun; it was a reminder of the importance of marking this well-earned milestone. “I think it’s important to celebrate moments like these because it is a core memory that you will have, and it will motivate you to keep going and recreate that feeling in the future,” Roel shared. 

Make-A-Wish & Disney: Creating magic for decades on end

For more than 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to deliver joy when it is needed most to wish kids and their families around the world. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort, Disney has helped fulfill more than 155,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish, including for kids like Roel.  

Roel’s story is a testament to the magic of Disneyland Resort and the power of wishes coming true, making memories that will last a lifetime. To learn more about how Disney and Make-A-Wish create magical wishes together, visit wish.org/Disney. 

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Kimberley describes her three-year-old son, Lawrence, as an energetic toddler who likes to play. After taking Lawrence in for a routine allergy test in August, she received a phone call the following morning while in the middle of training her fellow cast members at Disney University. Lawrence’s pediatrician informed Kimberley that she needed to bring him to the emergency room at CHOC, right away.  

“The pediatrician told me that all of Lawrence’s levels, both his red and white blood cells, as well as his platelets, were so low that they could not read them at the lab,” explains Kimberley.  “My leader, the cast members that I was training, as well as the Disney University team, all made sure that I could hold it together to call my partner, tell him what I had just been told and safely drive to CHOC.” 

Lawrence finds fun ways to pass the time in his hospital room at CHOC.

Upon arriving at CHOC, Lawrence was quickly escorted to a separate area for further testing. After eight hours in the ER, two blood transfusions and one platelet transfusion, the doctors at CHOC informed Kimberley and her family that Lawrence would need to stay in the hospital for the foreseeable future. Despite this immensely difficult news, Kimberley quickly saw that the staff at CHOC would take incredible care of her son.  

“Lawrence loved the nurses and the doctors,” shares Kimberley. “There’s a Child Life Specialist at CHOC and that was one of the things that I thought was an absolute blessing. They know how to keep the kids distracted and how to keep the parents calm.”  

After a week at CHOC, Lawrence was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a condition in which the bone marrow stops functioning, requiring ongoing transfusions and therapies. From August to December 2023, three-year-old Lawrence received 17 platelet transfusions and eight blood transfusions total. Kimberley explains that she truly relied on her support system during this time, including the CHOC community.  

“All of our family lives out of state so there was no family here to help us,” says Kimberley. “We fully relied on CHOC and my Disney family that I’ve come to know over the years. That’s our tribe. That’s our village.”  

While the journey was incredibly challenging, Kimberley shares one joyous experience that she believes made all the difference for Lawrence.  

Lawrence makes memories with mom Kimberley and Mickey Mouse. 

“After a few months, we got special permission [from the doctors] to bring Lawrence to Disneyland park if we promised to keep him in his stroller with our masks on, wipe down everything we touch and utilize park services like reserved parade seating or the automatic door systems,” says Kimberley. “We did that on a Sunday and when we went in for our labs on Monday, it was the very first time his immune system started having baby red blood cells. I truly think the boost of ‘happy’ helped. I think the people he saw helped.”  

Over nine months since first being admitted to CHOC, Kimberley says she is incredibly grateful for the nurses. “They would always ask how I was doing or just let me cry or let me ask questions 10 times because I didn’t hear it the first time,” says Kimberley. Today, Lawrence visits CHOC a few times a week for regular testing and treatments.  

This year, Kimberley plans to continue showing her support for CHOC by participating once again in the Cast Charity Auction, as well as walking with the Disney VoluntEARS Walk Team at CHOC Walk in the Park 2024 on July 21. She says fellow cast members are also joining the Disney VoluntEARS Walk Team in support of Lawrence and that she is inspired to make shirts to commemorate the day that say, “Love for Lawrence.”  

“I don’t know if the company knows how much of an impact they have through this partnership [with CHOC],” explains Kimberley. “They’re supporting something that saved my son. They’re helping a child live.”  

Whether it be bidding in the Cast Charity Auction, joining the Disney VoluntEARS Walk Team or volunteering at a water station at CHOC Walk in the Park itself, every bit of support from the Disney community brings joy to so many children and their families when it’s needed most – including cast members right here at Disneyland Resort.

The post Why I Support: CHOC Saves the Life of a Cast Member’s Son appeared first on Disneyland Public Affairs.

Navigating motherhood as a cast member  

Disneyland Resort cast member Christian Olano-Bartlett has experienced the obstacles of being a working mother firsthand, which often includes busy mornings, getting herself and her children ready for the day ahead.   

As the child of a cast member herself, Christian grew up experiencing the magic. Now, having worked at the resort for nearly twenty years, Christian is following in her father’s footsteps, having undergone the many stages of parenthood as a cast member.  

“Being a parent is one of the most rewarding and difficult roles that I’ll ever hold,” Christian said. 

At the onset of the Child Care Program at Disneyland Resort, Christian knew she wanted to be a part of bringing support and care to cast members navigating parenthood. From roundtable discussions with cast members, the team assessed the needs of working parents and focused on addressing these concerns through the creation of the program.  

“To have a program that really is aimed at making those challenges a little bit simpler — having cast members feel supported and understand that there are options for them, is something that I knew that I could be really passionate about,” Christian said.  

How the Disneyland Resort Child Care Program works   

The Disneyland Resort Child Care Program aims to assist the many needs of cast members raising a family, providing proactive support for parents across the resort. Anaheim-based full and part-time cast members have the option to choose a child care center from more than 70 select locations and may receive financial assistance through the program. Each step of the way, these parents are guided through the many decisions involved in choosing a child care plan. 

In her current role as program manager of the Disneyland Resort Child Care Program, Christian helps working parents at the resort find balance between parenthood and pixie dust, specifically assisting in the process of obtaining child care. And, for cast members like David Roque Jr., a stage manager in Tomorrowland Retail, the child care program at the resort is his lifeline for balancing work and family. 

A holistic program that helps families grow 

With a schedule that varies between opening, mid and closing shifts, flexibility is crucial for David, who is juggling being a working cast member and a father to two young daughters. Fortunately, the program accommodates his dynamic needs, allowing him to coordinate pick-up and drop-off arrangements with his wife, who also works full-time. 

But it’s not just about convenience for David. He’s impressed with how the program has positively impacted his daughters’ development, from boosting their social skills to nurturing their creativity through the arts and music.  

David expressed appreciation for the Disneyland Resort child care team in matching him with a program that fits his family’s needs. “They come home with their artwork, their finger painting, they learn new dance moves,” David said. “So just seeing that is obviously super adorable to start with, but knowing it came from that team is very fulfilling.” 

Capturing unforgettable childhood moments

Being away from your kids is challenging for new parents, and with the help of the program, there is ongoing communication to capture bittersweet moments and milestones that David would otherwise miss. From his daughters’ crawling for the first time to saying their first words, David never feels like he’s missing out. “It’s like I’m still there, but I’m not physically there,” he said. 

As a manager and a leader, David shares his positive experiences participating in the program and actively promotes its accessibility to his cast members. “I find a way to plug it in for cast members that may need some type of assistance,” he said, emphasizing how great of a resource it is. 

For working parents, the child care program stands as vital support. It’s not about keeping the resort running smoothly; it’s about helping families thrive in all aspects of their lives.  

Learn more about Disneyland Resort cast member and employee perquisites 

The Disneyland Resort Child Care Program is one of the many perquisites crafted to help employees and cast members excel in all aspects of life. For more information, explore cast member perks and benefits, such as tuition assistance, complimentary access to Disney parks and more!  

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Donald, a workforce data solutions analyst, met Nika, an Adventureland cast member, three years ago. After making countless dreams come true for guests and saying “I do” on April 6, 2024, Donald and Nika set off to make their own dream honeymoon come true.

Donald and Nika cruise up to the Disneyland Hotel in style after their wedding reception on April 6.

One wedding, three continents, and 24 days was all it took for Donald and Nika to visit every Disney Park around the world for the ultimate Disney experience. From complimentary admission to nearly every Disney Park, dining discounts, hotel discounts, merchandise discounts and fellow cast member magic, the couple credits their uniquely Disney cast member perks as one of the main catalysts that helped them to celebrate their nuptials in such a special way.

“It wouldn’t have happened without Disney. We are getting a honeymoon far beyond anything that we could have imagined,” shared Donald ahead of their travels.

Donald and Nika showcasing their gifts from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.

The global journey began hours after the couple’s wedding, where the newlyweds kicked off their celebration at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. To make their day even more special, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons stepped in to create some magical moments for the cast member pair. 

“The [Disney Fairytale Weddings] surprises were the absolute best kickoff for the adventure that was about to begin right after the wedding,” shared Donald a few days after returning home from their trip.

The honeymoon park hopping began the very next morning right in Donald and Nika’s backyard. The two cast members set out on a mission to ride all the major Disneyland Resort attractions that are also found at other parks around the world. From Space Mountain to Jungle Cruise, Donald and Nika were determined to do it all.  

Donald and Nika smile for a selfie in front of Jungle River Cruise in Hong Kong Disneyland.

“I’m so excited to ride all of the Jungle Cruise [attractions],” shared Nika before leaving on their honeymoon. “As a Jungle Cruise skipper, to be able to say that I’ve been on all the Jungle Cruise [attractions] around the world is so cool. And I get to lead one back in California!”

Disney Ambassadors Jada and Raul congratulate the couple and send them off with a special bon voyage at Sleeping Beauty Castle on April 7.

In appreciation of the couple’s dedication to making magic, Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort Jada Young and Raul Aquino Rojas met with Nika and Donald on the first day of their honeymoon in Disneyland park. The Disney Ambassadors celebrated the couple with a hand-delivered note from Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, congratulating the couple on their big day and wished them safe travels ahead. 

From there, Donald and Nika set off for a jam-packed three weeks of travels, visiting Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris and Orlando while soaking up every bit of Disney magic each experience had to offer.  

Donald and Nika explore a number of Disney Park offerings around the world.

From making Winnie the Pooh shaped dim sum in a Disney cooking class at Hong Kong Disneyland, to viewing the “Disney Electrical Sky Parade” with over 500 drones at Disneyland Paris, to experiencing the Behind the Seeds tour in the Living with the Land attraction at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, Donald and Nika had the opportunity to make one-of-a-kind memories while truly getting to know cast members in all parts of the globe. The couple was also greeted with a personal note from Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle in Orlando, congratulating them on their special celebration. 

“Every time we saw a cast member, it’s like we met our friends in other places,” explained Donald. “Even if we don’t speak the same language, or we don’t work the same attractions, or even at the same park, everybody’s coming to Disney for the same thing. We’re all still cast members.” 

Donald and Nika smile with the Disney Global Ambassador teams at each resort.

To make Donald and Nika’s celebration extra special, the Disney Global Ambassador team united worldwide to show the couple each Disney Park through the eyes of a fellow cast member. With some Disney Ambassador magic, Donald and Nika experienced all that World of Frozen in Hong Kong has to offer, explored the Castle Club at the Disneyland Hotel in Paris, shared heartfelt conversations with all the Disney Ambassadors and so much more alongside their newest friends.  

“Meeting [Disney Ambassadors Serena and Shannon] in Orlando was really cool,” said Donald. “We had a heart-to-heart where we walked down [Main Street, U.S.A.] and talked about careers and the different things we experienced at each park. They’re both wonderful people and had [many] kind words for us.”

For this cast couple, their wedding and 24-days of theme park magic is just the start of how their lives will continue to grow with Disney.

“I think just by becoming a cast member, I realized all of the opportunities that were available to me. Being able to have this job that also allows me to explore my passions is something I can feel good about,” said Nika. “I really like baking so I asked, ‘How can I do that at Disney someday?’ because I know that I like working there and I know that I like the people. Then I was looking into the [Disney] Aspire program and going ‘Okay, if I wanted to go back to school, [Disney] Aspire is there.’”

Donald and Nika capture their memories on camera at each Disney Park.

With a camera roll full of memories and hearts filled with love, Donald and Nika shared that the magic Disney made for them on their honeymoon journey truly made it an extraordinary trip. They assure that this is just the start of continuing to make dreams come true as cast members and together as couple for a lifetime.

Donald and Nika celebrate the final few hours of their wedding day at the

Disneyland Hotel on April 6.

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A commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at Disneyland Resort

In accordance with The Walt Disney Company’s sustainability goals, Disneyland Resort is committed to eco-friendly initiatives that make a positive difference in supporting the environment and protecting the planet. The Sustainable Food Systems program at Disneyland Resort exemplifies this mission; by growing lower-carbon food offerings, expanding demand for climate-friendly foods and engaging with suppliers, the resort aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food systems by 30% by 2030.  

Disneyland Resort earns fourth SEAL Business Sustainability Award

These commitments to eco-friendly menu offerings and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions recently earned Disneyland Resort its fourth SEAL Business Sustainability Award (honoring Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership). This environmental initiative award recognizes programs that move the needle on environmental progress, pointing toward an eco-friendlier future.  

The 2024 recognition acknowledges the resort’s innovative Sustainable Food Systems program, which includes the Sustainable Culinary Fellowship — a year-long program designed to immerse chefs across Disneyland Resort in the connection between climate and food. Fellows establish an expertise in low-carbon ingredients, menu development, agricultural & sourcing practices and food waste. These chefs have brought fan-favorite, sustainable offerings to the resort, including the Dinoco Blue Cheese Burger at Flo’s V8 Cafe which features a lower-carbon, angus beef & mushroom patty. Early impact metrics indicate that new climate friendly offerings developed by these culinary fellows result in 20% to 80% less carbon emissions in their life cycle than traditional menu offerings. With the creativity of these culinary visionaries, eating sustainably is both tasty and environmentally tactical — a treat for guests and chefs alike.  

Building a more sustainable world

Magic and storytelling lie at the heart of Disneyland Resort — and improving food sustainability comes with embracing the culture and story of food. As The Walt Disney Company continues to work towards its environmental goals for 2030, over 35,000 Disneyland Resort cast members are uniting to demonstrate the power of creating happiness to build a more sustainable world.

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