Disney Service Celebrations Honor Cast Member Milestones
Originally published at Disney Parks News
Disney service celebrations are a time-honored tradition for our cast, crew, Imagineers, and employees around the globe marking milestone service anniversaries—and after a two-year wait due to the pandemic, there’s been so much to celebrate on the west coast that it took two nights to fit it all in!
Our west coast service celebration transformed Disney California Adventure park into an exclusive party venue for our honorees who celebrated milestone service anniversaries of 10 years or more in 2020 and 2021. Complete with a red carpet along Buena Vista Street as fellow cast members and executive hosts cheered them on. Those with 40 years or more of service enjoyed an exclusive reception at Carthay Circle Restaurant, hosted by Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock.
“I’m very grateful and appreciative for all that you’ve done over the years,” Ken shared in a special toast to reception guests. “It’s an honor to welcome you to the Happiest Place on Earth. And to thank you for making it that happy place. To all the dedication, to all the commitment, to all the passion … thank you. You have made the dream come true.”
Following their special welcome, honorees enjoyed festive food and beverages. Including special selections from the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Plus many attractions throughout much of the park. Entertainment included a live band, multiple DJs, a dueling piano show, and of course favorite Disney characters.
The highlight of both nights was a “Celebrate You!” A musical tribute to honorees, led by Eden Espinoza, a musician, actress, and Broadway star in acclaimed shows including “Wicked.” Eden, a former Disneyland Resort cast member, performed five songs each night while also sharing memories of her time at the resort and thanking honorees for their service. The tribute concluded with fireworks created exclusively for the service celebration.
“Tonight, we’re celebrating longevity, going the distance. Hitting milestones and checking things off our list,” Eden shared with honorees between song selections. “Once a part of the magic, always a part of the magic.”
Congratulations to all who celebrated a service milestone and thank you for all you do!
