On Monday, May 5, 2025, a special cavalcade was part of the way that the Disneyland Resort said thank you to many heroes who responded to the Los Angeles Fires earlier this year. This honor came on the first day of the Heroes Ticket at the Disneyland Resort. This ticket is an invitation to come to the Disneyland Resort for eligible first responders and a guest so that they can enjoy making happy memories at The Happiest Place on Earth!
Heroes Salute Cavalcade
The Heroes Salute Cavalcade took place at 1:45 in the afternoon. The parade route was quite crowded by the time it started. As the parade made its way through the park, people cheered for these heroes. It was a joyful moment that existed as Disney countered the heartbreak that came with the fires with Disney magic. Each hero that was honored (and will be honored with the Heroes Ticket) fought the fires and saw up close the devastation as they did so. On Monday, they saw smiles, ate churros, and enjoyed disconnecting from what was beyond the berm.
Many Stories
While the cavalcade made its way through the park, and then afterwards, when the media had a chance to interview some of these heroes, the following thought came to mind: Each of these heroes represents a story. Each of these first responders hadn’t just faced devastating fires, but also destruction, death, and heartbreak that was left in the wake. The first responders not only had their own stories they were living, but all of the stories they became a part of during the Los Angeles Fires. That thought is daunting and almost overwhelming.
After the cavalcade, the media had the chance to interview six of these heroes. First up was Ian VanGerpen and Adam Vangerpen from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Next came Joshua Fillinger & Laura Castill of the Los Angeles Police Department. Finally, Mark McLean and Larry Chu of the Disneyland Fire Department were interviewed as well. McLean is also with the Los Angeles Fire Department, and Chuis is with the Sierra Madre Fire Department.
In each of these interviews, some themes began to develop. First off, there was an immense sense of gratitude from everyone. They were all very thankful for Disney’s support, not just with a day at Disneyland, but also the other ways the company has been supporting. This includes donating $15 million to the recovery efforts from the fires. There was also humility coupled with strength in each of these interviews. These were people who did the jobs they do without expecting any recognition. It was an honor getting to hear their stories and getting to see them get the thanks and recognition they more than deserved.
There are so many stories that are connected to so many people in and around the Los Angeles Fires. The impact was incredible and may never be completely realized. However, with the Heroes Ticket, the Disney LA Strong t-shirt, and donations from Disney VoluntEARS, Disney is showing how this company cares about its community and the people who spend their lives keeping it safe.
About the Heroes Ticket
The Heroes Ticket was announced earlier this year to show appreciation to those brave people who responded to the front lines of the fires in Los Angeles. The Disneyland Resort presents the Heroes Ticket to these heroes and a guest so that they can enjoy a magical day at the parks. The Heroes Ticket is available for eligible California firefighters as well as eligible Los Angeles-based law enforcement personnel and emergency medical technicians who were a part of combating the Los Angeles Fires in January 2025. This special ticket will also be available to eligible individuals from other departments that provided mutual aid assistance. The Heroes Ticket will be valid from May 5 through August 7, 2025, Mondays through Thursdays. A theme park reservation is required, and as is the case with other tickets, subject to availability.
Thank You
With everything going on in the world, it is very easy to get caught up in what is going on in the moment and forget other things that have happened. The Heroes Salute Cavalcade and Heroes Ticket is a good reminder for everyone to take a moment and say “thank you.” Each of these first responders faced dangerous situations and terrible sights as they fought to protect as much as possible from the fires in and around Los Angeles. Each person represents countless others who did the same. They also sacrificed to save others’ lives, lifestyles, pets, vehicles, and homes. With each of these efforts to save someone or something comes another story and another life. This is certainly worth a moment of gratitude.
