Dating back to the days of Walt Disney, cast members have been honored for their service to the House of Mouse. This is a tradition that continues today. Yesterday, Walt Disney World closed the Magic Kingdom early for a special night that honored those who make the magic happen for guests who visit the Most Magical Place on Earth. This was for cast members who were celebrating milestones ranging from 10 years to 50 years. The Disney Parks Blog shared about this special Service Celebration that honored East Coast cast members. Check it out below.

If there’s one thing Walt Disney understood better than anyone, it’s that magic doesn’t start with pixie dust—it starts with people. And every year, the Disney Service Celebration reminds us of that truth. Walt once said, “…it requires people to make the dream a reality,” and this tradition is our way of honoring the cast members who have spent years bringing that dream to life.

Around the world, Service Celebrations spotlight cast members who create joy, inspire creativity, and bring unforgettable moments to life. These events aren’t only about marking a milestone; it’s about acknowledging the people whose years of dedication and talent have shaped Disney’s story through the magical moments they’ve created for guests every day.

The first landmark service celebration took place during the Disneyland Tencennial in 1965, when Walt and Roy O. Disney honored original cast members who had been with the park since opening day. Walt personally presented those inaugural awards and set the tone for a culture of appreciation that remains at the heart of the cast experience today.

Every destination adds its own unique touch to the celebration, but the heart of the tradition remains the same: recognizing the passion, commitment, and longevity of the cast members who make Disney… Disney.

Walt Disney World Celebrates Its East Coast Magic Makers

For the cast members who bring the wonder, heart, and happiness to Disney year after year, and in many cases decade after decade, Service Celebration is our chance to roll out the red carpet at Walt Disney World Resort… literally!

And spoiler alert: there were A LOT of happy tears, hugs, “remember when?” moments, and plenty of celebration traditions (including the beloved legendary shrimp!) that always make the night unforgettable.

A Red‑Carpet Night at Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom was glowing a little brighter for this year’s east coast Service Celebration, and not just because of the fireworks. Cast members gathered with their loved ones to celebrate milestone anniversaries from 10 to 50 years.

For many, this night is a highlight of their Disney journey. For others? It’s basically a family reunion.

Elaine West Grimes, a 50‑year cast member at 50’s Prime Time Café, reflected on her remarkable journey with heartfelt emotion:

“Disney has felt like home for 50 years. Each day has given me the chance to make magic for our guests. Celebrating tonight reminds me why I started and why I’ve stayed. These cast members and our guests are like family, and together we keep the magic going.”

Where Careers Grow as Big as the Magic

This night isn’t just about celebrating years. It’s about celebrating a workplace where those years add up.

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle knows a thing or two about growing a career at Disney. He started as an entry‑level engineer back in 1990 and went on to help open Disney’s Animal Kingdom, lead major operational teams, and even support the development and opening of Shanghai Disney Resort. Today, his Disney journey spans more than 35 years and has taken him around the world, all while working alongside the cast members who create the magic. He shared:

“Our cast members shape the magic our guests feel every day,” Jeff said, “and this celebration is a way of saying, ‘thank you,’ for decades of extraordinary guest service, and the legacy they continue to build. Tonight, I am celebrating 35 years with Disney, and it feels great to reflect on all we have done together. It truly is a magical evening.”

Melissa Valiquette, Vice President, Park Operations, Development & Industrial Engineering, celebrating 30 years with the company, echoed that same message:

“The dedication and care our cast members show to one another and to our guests are what bring our stories to life every day. We are proud to honor not only their years of service, but also the countless moments of magic they have created and sustained across generations.”

Generations of Magic Makers (Literally)

One of the most emotional parts of the evening? Seeing families who have built Disney careers across generations.

Recently retired 30‑year cast member Kimmie Sue Hall celebrated the night with her son, also a cast member.

“Disney is part of our family’s heritage. Sharing these traditions with my son and passing that legacy forward is incredibly meaningful. Disney isn’t just where we worked. It’s where values, stories, and a love for creating happiness are passed from one generation to the next.”

A Night of Characters, Music, and Celebration

Cast members enjoyed after‑hours park access, rare character moments, live entertainment, private attractions, and special touches designed just for the honorees.

For Diego Parras, Senior Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, the evening brought back memories of where his own journey started:

“Thinking back to starting at Star Tours at just 17, it just amazes me how much this 35‑year journey has shaped my life. This company has given me opportunities beyond anything I imagined, and celebrating with the cast members who shaped my journey is an honor.”

Why Disney Is Truly a Great Place to Work

Walt Disney World isn’t just one of the most magical places on earth — it’s also a place where cast members stay and grow.

Today, more than 80,000 Disney cast members call Central Florida home and the average tenure is 12 years, triple the national average. They enjoy industry‑leading benefits including healthcare from day one, childcare support, legal resources, and paid time off. And special recognition moments like this one.

The Service Celebration is more than an annual event- it’s a living snapshot of who Disney cast members are: a culture where cast feel valued, supported, inspired, and part of something bigger than themselves.

To all the cast members who celebrated milestones this year: thank you. Your passion, dedication, and heart inspire us every day — and remind us why Disney is truly the place where dreams come true.