There are many magical experiences to be had when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. One of these is sitting at Casey’s Corner and listening to the piano player tickle the ivories. One of the piano players who has grown in popularity in recent years is Grayson Smith. Grayson plays favorite Disney tunes, creates magical moments, takes requests, and is one of those people who brightens up every space he inhabits. Below is a video of one of his performances for the Daps Magic team last year:
For three years now, Grayson has been building a reputation for his dedication to creating magical moments for guests. He is also known for his kindness, warmth, and positivity that he shares with each person he meets. Other cast members often describe him as the type of cast member who turns the smallest interactions into lifelong magical memories. He is also now a member of the less than 1% of Disney cast members from Disney Experiences who have been honored with The Walt Disney Legacy Award.
What is the Walt Disney Legacy Award?
This award honors Walt Disney’s legacy by recognizing outstanding cast, crew, and Walt Disney Imagineers worldwide, inspired by Walt’s personal example and lasting legacy. This cast member-nominated award is reserved for rare individuals like Grayson, who embody all three Legacy qualities: Dream, Create, and Inspire.
With fewer than 1% of cast members across Disney Experiences chosen, deserving cast members around the globe experience surprise moments, just like Grayson, when they learn they have been selected for this extraordinary honor.
Disney Parks Blog
Disney shared about the moment that Grayson was given this honor. As the Legacy Award nametag was presented, Grayson’s eyes lit up with gratitude. “This is the honor of a lifetime,” he shared. “To be recognized in front of my friends and leaders, right here in Magic Kingdom, is something I’ll never forget.”
“Grayson has a gift for making every guest feel special. This Legacy Award is just a reflection of the magic he shares with all of us every single day,” said Magic Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles. “Because at Disney, it’s not just about the attractions, the fireworks, or even the churros, though those are great. It’s about people like Grayson, whose passion and heart make every visit to Magic Kingdom unforgettable.”
These cast members and these moments are incredible reminders about the amazing cast members who bring Disney stories and magic to life every day.
Cast members at Disney have a chance to submit nominations for fellow cast members who go above and beyond each day and also help carry on Walt Disney’s impactful legacy every few years.
Here are some things that fellow cast members said about Grayson as he received this honor:
Dream
“Grayson creates happiness through his kind and entertaining interactions with guests every day! From remembering faces, conversing and interacting with guests, and being a kind and happy cast member, he creates happiness in every opportunity he is given!”
Create
“Through the medleys of songs that he plays, Grayson evokes the messages and the emotions that all the Disney classics contain. When he plays, you can see the movie scenes dance before your eyes and the way the music always compels the guests to get up and dance with loved ones is what this company is all about.”
Inspire
“Grayson is a cast member who is highly dedicated to his role and craft. He takes his job with pride and is always happy to encourage others to learn and share in his art. He inspires me and other cast members to be more engaging with guests, to listen to guests more intently, and to do our very best to provide an exceptional and magical experience to each guest who enters Walt Disney World.”
“From his smile to his clever arrangements, and the way he captures the imagination through his music, I’ve never seen a guest without a massive smile on their face standing next to him,” his peers shared. “Honoring him with The Walt Disney Legacy Award is a true reflection of the joy and inspiration he brings to guests and cast members alike.”
If you see the blue nametags around the Disney Parks and want more information about them, check out this article from when Daps Magic was invited to go to a Walt Disney Legacy Award Celebration. Join us in offering our heartfelt congratulations to Grayson and all of the other Walt Disney Legacy Award honorees. Thank you for making the magic!
