Some very special and magical families work for Disney. These families have a legacy of being in service to the mouse. One of these families of cast members surrounds Ref Aguayo, an ager/grainer cast member. He began his career at Disneyland in 1975. Decades later, he has been joined by other members of his family as they help make The Happiest Place on Earth! even more magical.
On Monday, Disney shared the story of Ref and his family. Check it out here:
A Cast Member’s Family Legacy at Disneyland Resort
When guests visit Disneyland Resort, they are transported to different lands – lands of tomorrow and fantasy, of rustic country roads and weathered space metropolises.
Ref Aguayo, an ager/grainer cast member, would tell you that the magic in the details and stories behind each and every structure in these lands are what makes this transportation possible. His brush strokes are visible across Disneyland Resort, including passing his craft down to his children, who are also cast members and have now left their own artistic marks.
Ref in his early years as an ager/grainer at Disneyland Resort.
Ref’s Esteemed Role as Disneyland’s Ager/Grainer
Ref’s journey as a Disneyland cast member began in 1975 and is as unique as the role he now holds. Following along in his father-in-law Frank’s footsteps, he started as a custodial cast member, and later applied for an apprenticeship as an ager/grainer, which would become his lifelong career.
During his nearly three-year apprenticeship, Ref learned everything he needed to know about this unique and widely unknown craft. Ager/grainers are skilled painters who specialize in creating the appearance of aged, weathered or wood grained surfaces on props, sets and buildings.
After remaining on as an ager/grainer for 16 years, Ref focused on freelancing, continuing honing his craft and teaching his children. Always eager students, Gilbert, Frank and Nat helped their father with various freelance projects – which included projects at Disneyland Resort.
Years later, when Cars Land was being built at Disney California Adventure park, Ref excitedly returned to Disneyland Resort as a full-time ager/grainer and helped to paint the world of Radiator Springs to life – or rather, into a rusty, weathered town in the rural American countryside. Ref cites this as his favorite project to date. Another unique project he enjoyed was working on the Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disney Resort.
Ref left his mark on the Enchanted Storybook Castle, like the hidden Mickey above on a weathered stone archway.
Ref’s sons, Gilbert and Frank, continue to learn from their father while painting pieces sent for upkeep. Ref’s daughter, Nat, is also a cast member and works on the asset management team. Although on a different team, she has worked with her brothers and father on multiple occasions.
A family project – Ref painted and repurposed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad vehicles into these benches, while Nat wrote the sign and organized installation of the benches in a backstage area for cast members to enjoy.
Ref and His Family Continue a Disney Legacy
Ref and his children credit Ref’s father-in-law, Frank Garcia, as the originator of the Aguayo family’s passion for Disneyland Resort. Frank began his Disney journey as a custodial cast member in 1960 and was the one who encouraged Ref to apply.
They remember stories Frank told over the years, including seeing Walt Disney walking through the park and of the inspirational work Frank later did while on the upholstery team. Ref remembers projects he got to work on alongside Frank and the upholstery team, like the canvas tents that shade guests throughout the Jungle Cruise queue, which were painted by Ref’s team and constructed by Frank’s team.
Gifts Frank received that his family still cherishes include a painting from his former upholstery team of Frank looking out from inside Sleeping Beauty Castle and a personalized brick in the esplanade between Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park.
To pay homage to Frank Garcia, the Aguayo family often visits a brick with his name that is embedded in the esplanade between Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. They believe Frank would be proud to see how many family members continue the tradition of working as cast members – which, aside from Ref and his three children, has included four other family members who worked across various departments.
The Aguayo family is already training the next generation of agers/grainers, with Ref’s six-year-old grandchild showing an interest in the art.
The Aguayo family has certainly left their mark on the Disneyland Resort, and through their art and passion for restoration, their legacy will live on.
Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of Geeks Corner and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter,Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!