New 2025 Legacy Award Recipients Announced at Disneyland Resort

This year, outstanding Disneyland Resort cast members were recognized with the prestigious Walt Disney Legacy Award. Since this award is so special (only 1% of cast members receive it), and these cast members are inspirations to their peers (recipients are peer-nominated), notifying them of this award had to be just as special.

Throughout August and September, the newest Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients were honored with surprise celebrations in their workplaces.

These heartfelt moments featured personalized touches with teammates, leaders and even special guests gathering to present the cast member recipients with their new iconic blue nametag.

Here are a few spotlights from surprise celebrations across Disneyland Resort:

Jim has made an impact on his fellow cast members throughout his long tenure in his role as a performer and composer.

One of his nominators wrote, “Jim’s ability to mentor and share his experience of working here for over 30 years has created an environment where other cast feel encouraged to take on their own creative challenges…His mentorship has sparked a recent wave of creativity within the team.” Congratulations, Jim!

To guests and cast members alike, Steve has become a staple of Main Street, U.S.A.

One of his nominators wrote, “Guests are lucky indeed if they get on Steve’s fire engine. Steve will take the time to explain the origins of the Main Street vehicles and how dear they were to Walt Disney. Steve always makes sure to share that the fire engine was Walt’s favorite and that he drove it many times. Steve is now truly the face of the fire engine!” Congratulations, Steve!

Carol’s kindness, inclusive nature and ability to connect with her teammates have melted the hearts of her fellow cast members.

One of her nominators wrote, “Carol embodies the ‘Aloha’ spirit in all of her actions throughout the day. She is kind and considerate, even when she has to make difficult decisions. She explains the ‘why’s’ behind her decisions to cast and guests, making them feel heard and seen.” Congratulations, Carol!

An inspiration to her teammates, Alondra is always finding ways to grow and encourages those around her to grow alongside her.

One of her nominators wrote, “Alondra is a strong, caring and compassionate leader who sees the limitless potential in everyone and everything. Alondra’s continual quest for improvements has created an environment where learning and growing is not only allowed but encouraged and rewarded.” Congratulations, Alondra!

Another staple of the Disneyland Resort, Hank Ameen has shared a smile and true happiness with countless people over the years.

One of his nominators wrote, “He’s served in many roles – from Jungle Cruise skipper to firefighter – and in each one, he’s brought warmth, professionalism and a deep love for the Disney experience. He’s greeted thousands of guests and cast members with a smile, a handshake and a spark of joy that makes everyone feel like a friend.” Congratulations, Hank!

Terry’s passion for the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail attraction has been passed on to his teammates through the trainings he facilitated and multitudes of memorable guest interactions.

One of his nominators wrote, “Over time, Terry has become synonymous with the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. He has made magic for generations of guests; I have had countless guests come up and say Terry was there for them when they were kids, and now they have kids of their own that get to experience the excellence of wonderful Ranger Terry.” Congratulations, Terry!

In every role Kevin has had at Disneyland Resort, he has embodied the spirit of exceptional guest service by making every guest feel like a VIP.

One of his nominators wrote, “Kevin’s exceptional guest service is something I first experienced as his ‘guest’ in the costuming department. The moment I would see him at the [cast costuming] window, I immediately knew it was going to be a positive experience. He was so nice and helpful and would act like any request I had was the most important thing on the planet to him, and he was there to serve me.” Congratulations, Kevin!

As a leader in the Corporate Social Responsibility space, Kim has advocated for members of the community and for many of the resort’s most life-changing charitable programs.

One of her nominators wrote, “Kim advocates to create and impact happiness in the community through activations and listening to community needs. Kim’s commitment to the Make-A-Wish program brings joy and happiness to over 700 critically ill children every year. She encourages her team to ‘go big’ and make each wish child’s dream come true.” Congratulations, Kim!

It takes a special person to inspire others in their everyday life, and Shannon is one of those cast members.

One of his nominators wrote, “Shannon inspires others to do their very best by leading through example and maintaining a strong work ethic. He always puts others first. You can ask any cast member who they would want to emulate in their work, and they would answer, ‘Shannon!’” Congratulations, Shannon!

Joe has earned the trust and admiration of his fellow cast members by being a reliable team player and someone who exudes positivity in all situations.

One of his nominators wrote, “In high-pressure field environments, Joe has a natural gift for keeping things light and positive, easing tension with his calm presence and good humor. He’s the kind of teammate who makes every day better just by being a part of it.” Congratulations, Joe!

Emulating Walt Disney’s passion for creating experiences for families to enjoy together, Robert brings that same energy to his role every day.

One of his nominators wrote, “Most of us have not had the privilege of meeting Walt Disney. However, Robert is as close to [that experience] as I can get. Walt built [Disneyland Resort] to create a family-friendly environment for all who come. Robert creates a family-friendly environment for all who come [to our dining location]! Guests book year after year to have the opportunity to be immersed in the Disney magic that Robert creates.” Congratulations, Robert!

Even though Stephanie’s role has her mostly creating magic behind the scenes, she finds ways to connect with guests personally and see that magic brought to life.

One of her nominators wrote, “Stephanie loves the fact that she gets to create magic for guests. Although we may not get to see them face to face [in the bakery], she has [picked up] opening shifts to stand on Main Street and welcome guests who rope drop. She reminds us that we are helping create memories for someone.” Congratulations, Stephanie!

Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe is what makes Allie such an admired member of her team.

One of her nominators wrote, “Allie helps teams work better by making sure every voice is heard. She created the phrase, ‘If it’s important to one, it’s important to all!’ Within months of her being in the area, performance hit all-time highs, morale increased significantly and cast feel even more valued and appreciated.” Congratulations, Allie!

In addition to all the outstanding cast members featured here, there were many other new recipients of the Walt Disney Legacy Award at Disneyland Resort this year! Congratulations to each and every one of these recipients for dreaming, creating and inspiring others in their areas and beyond!