Every day, cast members at Disney Parks around the world make magic happen for guests. Since 1955, they have been a crucial part of the Disney experience. Many of these magic makers end up working at the Disneyland Resort for years. As years turn into decades, they are honored by The Walt Disney Company with a celebration of their service anniversaries. These start at a cast member’s 10th anniversary. They continue every five years after. At each of these milestones, cast members are honored with incredible engraved, personalized statues or plaques. They are also invited to attend a milestone service celebration. There, they are recognized for their dedication with the ultimate Disney party!
Some of these magic makers have spent decades of their lives bringing joy to guests and inspiration to those around them. Recently, a Disney Experiences Service Celebration was held at Disney California Adventure. After which, Disney shared some stellar cast members who attended and were honored this year. Check out some of their stories below!
10 Years of Service – Mickey Mouse, “Traditions”
Those who are celebrating 10 years of service receive a Mickey Mouse plaque. It continues to honor the tradition that Walt Disney started decades ago when he handed out plaques at the very first service awards celebration. Felipe Castillo Almazan Jr, a photographer with Disney Photo Imaging who celebrated 10 years and earned his Mickey Mouse plaque, said, “To me, as a Disney cast member for Photo Imaging, tradition is creating and capturing timeless memories for all guests.”
15 Years of Service – Castle, “Magic”
When cast members reach the milestone of 15 years, they receive a Castle statue. This represents the magic that cast members create for guests around the world. These were recently updated at different Disney resorts around the world to include all of the local castles. Kate, an accessibility associate coordinator who celebrated 15 years and earned her Sleeping Beauty Castle statue, said, “To me, magic is what makes the imaginary feel real, what lets us step out of time and into a story. Magic can be as big as the fireworks or as small as a smile.”
20 Years of Service – Simba, “Vision”
When a cast member reaches the 20-year milestone, they are given a Simba statue. This represents the bravery and resourcefulness they face when meeting new challenges and results in visions of endless possibilities. Andy Lavadia, a nurse at Disneyland Resort who celebrated 20 years and earned his Simba statue, said, “My vision for my role has always been to remain positive, exude optimism, display professionalism and show respect to every guest and cast member I interact with.”
25 Years of Service – Tinker Bell, “Pixie Dust”
At 25 years, cast members receive a Tinker Bell statue. This statue represents the pixie dust that helps cast creat Disney magic. It lifts up the spirits of those around them! Rita Burns, a workers’ compensation manager who celebrated 25 years and earned her Tinkerbell statue, said, “I always strive to bring that special pinch of pixie dust to every interaction I have with our cast members; they deserve magic, just like our guests!”
30 Years of Service – Jiminy Cricket, “Conscience”
At 30 years, cast members are given a statue of Jiminy Cricket. This represents the importance of character and integrity that has contributed to the company’s success. Steven Barnett, a sales support & services manager with Disney Vacation Club who celebrated 30 years and earned his Jiminy Cricket statue, said, “Let your conscience be your guide’ has always been a mantra I have lived by throughout my Disney career. Once you take that leap of faith and trust yourself to make choices with your heart, the head will follow, and it is always the best decision for everyone in the end.”
35 Years of Service – Pinocchio, “Innovation”
When cast members reach 35 years of service, they are given a Pinocchio statue. This statue represents the company’s dedication to high standards of innovation. This is much like the innovative animation achievements that are found int he movie Pinocchio. Gina Nassar, a manager with Communication Events who celebrated 35 years and earned her Pinocchio statue along with her husband Al, said, “I’ve found the most success when blending our amazing cast members with experience, new ideas and passion – this is how we innovate, drive meaningful change and shape our future.”
40 Years of Service – Donald Duck, “Humor”
A Donald Duck statue is given to cast members when they reach 40 years of service to the mouse. This statue represents the humor that is the cornerstone of Disney entertainment. Laura Iwasaki, a cast member with Global Information Security who celebrated 40 years and earned her Donald Duck statue, said, “Here at the resort, humor is about having fun. Aside from work, there is a lot of fun to be had with cast events, celebrations and day-to-day enjoyment with your fellow cast members.”
45 Years of Service – Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, “Teamwork”
At 45 years of service, cast members are given a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. This represents the extraordinary teamwork that led to the success of The Walt Disney Company in the entertainment industry. It is a reminder that working together can lead to achieving the impossible. Dale Janish, a sound mechanic who celebrated 45 years and earned his Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue, said, “I believe the most important step in any project is to gather the team around a common goal; we’re at our best when everyone is informed and working together.”
50 Years of Service – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, “Achievement”
Cast members who reach 50 years of service receive a statue of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Just like Snow White marked the groundbreaking in the realm of storytelling by being the first animated feature film, reaching 50 years of service also marks an unforgettable achievement. Mark Surface, a Parking Operations host who celebrated 50 years and earned his Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs statue, said, “Achievement to me means the growing-up and responding to various changes within the Disneyland Resort while also maintaining a special magic, no matter where I may have been placed within my fifty-plus years.”
55 Years of Service – Personalized Portrait with Characters
At the milestone of 55 years, cast members are truly incredible. The service statues they receive aim to showcase how extraordinary and unique these individuals are. They show Disney characters all looking at a portrait of the exceptional cast member. This year, Bob Sendzik was honored with this statue for his 55 years of service at the Disneyland Resort. Now retired, Bob returned to celebrate this milestone.
The tradition of celebrating milestones with plaques and statues is one that began with Walt Disney himself. It is a physical recognition that cast members are truly the heart of The Walt Disney Company and deserve to be honored. This is a tradition that continues 70 years after Disneyland first opened and will continue on into the future.
What do you think of these different milestones and the statues that accompany them? Do you have a favorite? Do you know someone who has been given any of them? If so, thank them today! Share your thoughts, opinions, and gratitude in the comments below!
