Cast Honored at Walt Disney Legacy Award Celebration
Originally published at Disney Parks News
It was an elegant night filled with glitz and glam at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for some of the newest Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients. As they celebrated receiving this recognition with friends, family, and peers.
Less than 1% of all Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products cast members receive this award. Making it the highest honor awarded to cast members across the globe who continue to live out Walt Disney’s lasting legacy of excellence as a dreamer, a creator, and an inspiration.
“Receiving The Walt Disney Legacy Award is one of the most humbling things to ever happen to me,” cast member Mario Ramirez said. “As a leader, you try to give it all to your cast. And to know that they are the ones to nominate you in return is the ultimate compliment.”
Our 470 honorees and their guests began the night by walking the red carpet before mingling with other recipients. Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle and Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro were also among those celebrating and honored to meet the many incredible individuals throughout the night.
“Cast members who receive The Walt Disney Legacy Award are truly the best of the best. They are what Walt had in mind when he talked about the people who would make his dreams a reality,” Jeff shared.
In a night of magic and fun, cast members and their guests were treated to a live band and several performances. Including an original song – “The Legacy Lives On” – written just for our recipients and a surprise medley. From Disney on Broadway stars Kissy Simmons and Josh Strickland followed by Disney Legend Jodi Benson.
“Being recognized by my peers and receiving The Walt Disney Legacy Award is an incredible feeling,” cast member Carlos Yepes shared. “For me, this honor shows all that I have accomplished since moving to this country. And I hope to serve as a positive example for my family.”
Congratulations once again to these extraordinary cast members. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks blog as we continue to celebrate our newest Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients across the globe.