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.

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.

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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Brian with first HOLA Readers Disney VoluntEARS Jeffrey Johns at

Orange Grove Elementary 

Reading has been a cornerstone in Clara’s life ever since she first arrived in Southern California from Guatemala as a child and discovered how it helped her learn English. Understanding the profound impact that reading can have on a child’s life, Clara dedicated herself to giving back to her Anaheim community. As an enthusiastic Disney VoluntEARS member and a compassionate Disneyland Resort cast care associate, Clara has woven education and empowerment into the fabric of her everyday life. 

“I’ve volunteered at many events in the community over the years, but I am most proud of my time with HOLA Readers at Orange Grove Elementary School. It makes my heart happy inspiring students to reach their fullest potential,” said Clara. 

Clara’s son, Brian Alvarez, has embraced his mother’s altruistic spirit, not only by volunteering in his spare time but also by following in her footsteps as a cast member at Disneyland Resort. Over the past five years, Brian has served as an Entertainment Costuming cast member while pursuing his degree in Computer Science at California State University, Fullerton, through the Disney Aspire program, which offers eligible employees 100% tuition paid upfront. 

Clara and Brian present at HOLA’s Cinco de Mayo celebration at

Orange Grove Elementary 

“Thanks to my mom, Disneyland Resort has always been a significant part of my life. It’s a place that not only sparked my imagination as a child, but has also become the center of my professional journey now that I, like my mother, am a cast member,” Brian shared. “Everyone is familiar with how special it is to be a guest, but being a cast member has been an even more rewarding experience.” 

As Clara and Brian continue to inspire those around them with their unwavering dedication and passion for learning, their story serves as a testament to the enduring magic of Disneyland Resort and its commitment to education and community enrichment. From Clara’s founding of the HOLA Readers program to Brian’s dual journey as a cast member and Disney Aspire student, their shared legacy illustrates the boundless opportunities for growth and fulfillment that await at Disneyland Resort. In celebrating their journey and the countless lives they’ve touched, one is reminded that the true magic of Disneyland resides not solely in its attractions but in the transformative power of its people. 

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Celebrating a beloved Disney chef 

State Assemblymember Phillip Chen shared further details on Chef Gloria’s selection for this prestigious honor: “Chef Gloria Tae is a culinary visionary, barrier breaker, and inspiration to all. Her artistry in the kitchen and trailblazing spirit redefine excellence and empower others to reach new heights. Chef Gloria’s dedication and talent have made her a standout in her field.” 

To further add to the surprise, Chef Gloria’s family and friends secretly joined in the celebration to experience this honor by her side. Fellow cast members from Club 33 and 21 Royal, along with leaders from across the resort and at least a dozen other members of kitchen staff, from sous chefs to stewards were also in attendance – all coming together to celebrate Gloria. 

California State Assemblymember Philip Chen giving Chef Gloria her recognition.

“I am totally surprised, over the moon and happy. This is totally unexpected, so I’m in a bit of a shock, but I feel so honored,” Chef Gloria said. “I’m proud to know that I’ve been able to lead my teams successfully. I always strive to be there for my teams because I know my success is due to them.”

Chef Gloria thanks her family, especially her mother, for instilling a strong work ethic in her and for showing her how to navigate life as an adult. She also shared that her friends and family play an important role in her success by helping her to decompress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to her award, Chef Gloria also received a gift from the Club 33 team, bestowed by Operations Manager Christopher Moran. He gave her a special knife with a penny on top of the box and shared that she will need to buy it back to stay true to Irish tradition, which requires recipients of knives to purchase the item back to avoid severing the friendship.

Christopher Moran presenting Chef Gloria with a special knife.

Chef Gloria’s journey 

Before she was chef de cuisine at Disneyland Resort, Gloria Tae was born in Seoul, South Korea before moving to Southern California as an infant. Her passion for cooking started from a young age, inspiring her to leave her undergraduate studies early to pursue her culinary interests. 

Instead of following a traditional path of attending a prestigious culinary school, she opted to forgo a formal culinary education and rely solely on the valuable hands-on experience gained from years working with experienced chefs at the Disneyland Resort to build her decades-long list of skills. 

Chef Gloria’s lasting impact as a

Disney Chef 

Among the celebration attendees was Chef Andrew Sutton, the culinary director of Disneyland Resort Hotel Operations. Without hesitation, Chef Gloria credited Chef Andrew as her mentor, and said she has “learned a lot from him on how to be a great leader.” Chef Gloria also thanked her fellow cast members for helping her succeed. 

Starting at the resort in 2001, Chef Gloria’s resume includes experience working at a selection of well-known restaurants in Disney California Adventure park such as Napa Rose, Carthay Circle Restaurant, and the Golden Vine Winery before joining the team at Club 33 and 21 Royal. 

When asked if she had advice for her younger self, Chef Gloria would remind herself to “just keep on plugging along” during the early days of her culinary journey, adding “the bad days are fewer than all the great days you’re going to have, so always keep at it.” 

Learn more about Club 33 and 21 Royal 

Club 33 and 21 Royal are revered fine dining options at Disneyland Resort known for their upscale ambiance and gourmet cuisine. Club 33, a particularly luxurious offering, is actually a private dining membership club — and Disneyland’s location is one of several around the world. Others are located at Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort. 

21 Royal, a similarly luxe experience, offers fine dining within a private home nestled centrally within Disneyland Park. 

Both located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, Club 33 and 21 Royal offer a luxurious experience, complete with an exquisite multi-course meal with impeccable service. As a crucial member of the culinary team at these prestigious establishments, Chef Gloria harnesses her expertise and passion to serve up unforgettable dining experiences. 

The post A South Korean Disney Chef’s Surprise Honor appeared first on Disneyland Public Affairs.

Robert’s work as a food and beverage concierge in the hotel lounge introduces him to numerous guests each day, and his consistent effort to bring a magical experience has been proven to go beyond a short-term stay. 

“Robert has been a part of our Disney experience for the past 10 years,” a Disneyland Hotel guest shared in a hotel feedback survey, adding, “He is an absolute joy. Everyone is brighter, more upbeat and more helpful when he is there. His presence is that infectious! We love him and continue to return because of our interactions with him.” 

Surrounded by fellow cast members and leaders, Robert was gifted a personalized illustration celebrating him as a “Service Champion.” 

Guest compliments from the past half decade described Robert as “especially helpful,” “very welcoming” and kind. Many of the compliments shared positive feedback about the guest service they experienced at the hotel, concluding with a fitting nod to “especially Robert!” 

Positive comments about Robert’s contribution to the Disneyland Resort showcase how even the smallest moments can have a larger impact. “He is an amazing representative of the Disney spirit,” read one comment. “He went above and beyond to make our family vacation the best. Robert made us feel like family,” said another guest. 

During his over 25-year career with the resort, Robert has had a prominent impact on hundreds of guests and cast members alike. In his role as a food and beverage concierge, Robert creates a magical experience for guests by serving food and drink items, keeping the area clean, along with answering questions and providing recommendations to make a vacation destination feel like home. 

Beyond the recognition and compliments, Robert insists that his magic-making is inspired by the cast members who surround him, and his successes at the resort are thanks to the larger team at work. 

Guests can recognize cast members for the great work they do by leaving a compliment on the Disneyland app. To send a compliment, navigate to the bottom of the menu screen and select “Cast Compliment,” or search “Cast Compliment” in the search bar. 

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In 2002, she became an official Disneyland Resort cast member. She was thrilled to have her first Disney VoluntEARS opportunity at the Shea Center, a therapeutic horseback riding facility for those with disabilities. Little did she know, eight years later she would be back at the center, not with Disney VoluntEARS, but with her son who was born with disabilities as well as a rare genetic disorder.

Providing meaningful support

There is no guidebook for navigating the extreme complexities of raising a child with disabilities, especially for a single working mom, balancing a job with the full-time demands of care. The heartbreak realized when you can’t build the same childhood memories you made with your parents. The celebrations of accomplishments that most would take for granted. The difficulties in seeking the right treatment. 

Accessing medical care was an ongoing challenge due to the types of pediatric specialists Jennifer’s son required and the medical services that were necessary over a long duration of time. Attaining this necessary care seemed like an almost insurmountable task until she gained access to a dedicated nurse case manager through her Disney benefits. This was pivotal in gaining the right access and authorizations and removed one less hardship in seeking care for her son.

“When I sit back and look at my journey in life and raising my son, Disney has been by my side the entire time.” It’s presence in each milestone, hardship and triumph – especially when it comes to her son.

Transforming adversity into positive action

Growing up, one of Jennifer’s favorite pastimes was playing on swing sets. She dreamt of sharing that sweet memory of being able to swing with her own son. This was difficult since many of the local parks did not have accessible swing seats. After driving many miles and locating a park that could accommodate her son, swinging next to him for the first time became one of her most cherished memories.

Around  the same time, she learned that Disney was working to enhance and update play spaces in Anaheim and felt compelled to share her story. Disney listened, and Jennifer became part of the committee that helped build a fully accessible play space at Barton Park, including a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round and braille panels for children with vision impairments. Most importantly, the playground included an accessible swing seat so that other families could experience the joy that Jennifer and her son felt. She was presented with the Walt Disney Legacy Award for her contribution, inspiration and partnership on the Barton Park playground project as well as her dedication to her role and outstanding leadership. 

Disney’s lasting impact

There are countless other ways Jennifer credits Disney with helping her in addition to providing critical legal benefits for future planning around her son, and the support from her leadership and flexibility.

Disney benefits and support have helped her continue in a role she loves as a manager of financial accounting, while at the same time being a dedicated parent. “There is no doubt: Disneyland Resort has woven a magical, undeniable path of moments that in one way or another, in time, revealed their purpose – on not only my life, but my son’s life.”

Jennifer’s next goal is to help her son, who is currently sixteen, fulfill his life-long dream – a dream of one day selling churros at Disneyland park. There is no doubt, with her love and fierce determination – and perhaps a little extra pixie dust sprinkled along the way – she will help him achieve this.

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