In 2023, Daps Magic was invited to the Disneyland Hotel to experience the Walt Disney Legacy Award ceremony. The Walt Disney Legacy Award is given to Cast Members who continue to keep Walt Disney’s legacy alive and are recognized by fellow cast members for doing it. This is an illustrious honor that can be recognized by guests at the Disney Parks when they see a Cast Member wearing a blue nametag. Recently, Willie Jackson, a Disney PhotoPass Photographer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, was honored with the Walt Disney Legacy Award. Willie isn’t just an incredible Cast Member who was recognized by his fellow Cast Members. He also happens to be the most complimented Cast Member at Walt Disney World Resort!
For 15 years, Willie has been bringing his joyful spirit and enthusiasm to create countless magical moments for guests visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth! Now, Willie has been recognized for this and is part of a special group of Cast Members across The Walt Disney Company who have been honored with this award.
The Disney Parks Blog shared more about the Walt Disney Legacy Award and also Willie’s story. Check it all out here:
What is the Walt Disney Legacy Award?
Celebrating Walt Disney’s legacy by acknowledging outstanding cast, crew, and Walt Disney Imagineers worldwide, this global recognition program is inspired by Walt’s personal example and lasting legacy.
With this significant achievement, Willie joins a select group across Disney Experiences who put forth their very best for guests, fellow cast members, and the company as a whole, just as Walt would have.
This inspiring cast member-nominated award is reserved for rare individuals like Willie, who exemplify all three of the Legacy qualities: Dream, Create and Inspire.
Willie joins a very rare class of cast members who were selected for the Legacy Award this year, with fewer than 1% of cast members across Disney Experiences chosen. Over the next several weeks, deserving cast members around the globe will join this special group and experience surprise moments – just like Willie’s – when they learn they have been selected for this remarkable honor.
Willie Breaks the Record for Most Disney World Cast Compliments
Last year, Willie was named the most complimented cast member at Walt Disney World, where he officially hit a milestone moment with more than 1,000 Mobile Cast Compliments from guests.
With this record number of magical moments, thousands of guests visiting from around the world have been able to interact with Willie as he snaps photos as if he is directing a scene from a movie.
Willie’s Fun Fact
Across Walt Disney World, over 1.4 million cast compliments have been submitted by guests, with over 1,000 of these compliments just for Willie!
So, how was Willie able to collect all of these recognitions? To recognize a cast member who made a difference during your latest visit, open the My Disney Experience app, navigate to the bottom of the menu screen or search for “Cast Compliment,” and tell us how a Disney World cast member made your visit even more memorable.
Cast Members Talk About What Makes Willie an Inspirational Choice
Every few years, cast members at Disney have the chance to submit testimonials about fellow co-workers who go above and beyond each day and to help carry on Walt’s impactful legacy. There are so many cast members that come to mind that could fit this description, which makes Willie’s positive impact on those around him even more inspiring as he prepares for this true honor.
Interested in learning about how Willie displayed each of the three Legacy qualities? Here’s what some of his peers shared about his finest Legacy qualities:
Willie’s Three Legacy Qualities
Dream: “Willie not only creates happiness, he creates memories that last a lifetime. Any interaction with Willie, even from a distance, is sure to make people smile.”
Create: “As he poses guests for photos and explains his creative scenes to them, Willie brings the mission and purpose of Hollywood Studios to life. The park is his set, the guests are the star, and Willie takes his place as director.”
Inspire: “Willie inspires everyone, cast and guests alike, to look at the world through a fun and imaginative lens. His fun energy, creativity, and dedication to providing everyone with the most magical experience possible are invaluable.”
Willie Receives His Surprise Fit for a Star
After 15 years at Walt Disney World, Willie remains a standout superstar who brings positivity and joy to his role each and every day. However, Willie had no idea what was in store when he started his shift today at Hollywood Studios.
This morning, over 100 PhotoPass photographers and Disney leaders gathered to surprise and honor Willie with a special moment as he became one of the newest Legacy recipients. Willie was as joyful as always during this recognition, and took some time to reflect on what this award means to him:
I’m so joyful and grateful to receive The Walt Disney Legacy Award. I appreciate everyone who supported me from my leaders to peers, what an honor!Willie, Disney PhotoPass Photographer
As Willie prepares to don his well-deserved blue nametag, his journey reminds us all of something Walt himself believed, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world… but it requires people to make the dream a reality.”
Daps Magic joins the countless other Cast Members and guests in congratulating Willie Jackson! Please share your well wishes in the comments below!
Daps Magic is your home for Disney and positive stuff! Be sure to stop by regularly or subscribe to our newsletter for news from the Disney parks and beyond!
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!
