Disneyland Cast Members Recognized For 50 Years of Service
Disneyland recently honored a handful of cast members who are celebrating a momentous milestone – they have brought magic to Disneyland theme parks for over five amazing decades.
The festivities were held on the Mark Twain Riverboat with none other than Mickey Mouse on hand to give these incredible employees a big round of applause. Let’s meet some of these incredible Magic Makers:
Martha Blanding
Martha started working at Disneyland as a Tour Guide back in 1971 and currently works as a Senior Manager, Disneyland Resort Merchandise and Special Events. She was one of the first Black Women to be a full-time VIP Tour Guide as well as the first Black female buyer and first Black female manager.
During her time as a VIP Tour Guide she hosted a wide range of celebrities including Rock Hudson, Cary Grant, Diana Ross, Elton John, Magic Johnson, the Jonas Brothers and Julie Andrews. Martha also co-founded PULSE a Business Employee Resource Group for Black cast members and employees.
She said of her incredible tenure at Disneyland, “It’s not like going to work. I enjoy everything about what I do – the good and the bad. I just choose to always smile and laugh through it.”
Dean Yamada
Dean started at Disneyland back in June of 1971 at the Refreshment Corner and currently serves as a Theme Park Duty Manager at Disneyland. He also helped open Tokyo Disneyland back in 1982.
Other noteworthy accomplishments include planning and opening the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure as well as serving as the theme park duty manager for 17 years including leading cast members through emergencies, special events and grand openings!
Patti Oltman
Patti started with Disneyland in 1971. Her first role was as a waitress and she currently works as a Retail Allocator. During her time at Disneyland Resort she has worked in 13 different roles including helping with the opening of the Indiana Jones Adventure, Mickey’s Toontown and Critter Country.
Patti also helped with the opening of Tokyo Disneyland including managing food, equipment and staffing of corporate events. She is also the creator of multiple cast resources including the Disney Loss Prevention guideline. Reflecting on her time at Disneyland Patti said, “I’ve always had someone to lift me up here. From birthday parties to baby showers, to bittersweet memories like Roy Disney passing away … everything we’ve celebrated and endured has helped us form a deep camaraderie and friendship.”
Sue Clements
Sue Clements also started in 1971 as a Wardrobe Attendant. She recently retired after serving as Manager, Disney Look and Cosmetology.
Sue officially began her career on Disneyland 16th Anniversary and spent 47 of her 50 years with the company in the costuming department. She also served three years as Operations Manager of Show and Parades for Disney California Adventure park. Sue had this to say about her time with the company, “Even though there have been so many changes over time and the resort has expanded, the ultimate goal of providing fun family entertainment has stayed the same throughout my 50 years.”
Dave Brizic
Dave Brizic first began his career back in 1965 in security where he would continue for his entire Disney career. He even started at the theme park the year before Walt Disney passed away and recalls that he would frequently see Walt walking through the park.
Dave worked in Fantasyland on the day Walt dedicated the opening of “it’s a small world” back in 1966 and a year later he would meet his future wife and fellow cast member. They would go on to marry in 1968. In the same year, Dave was also drafted and would go on to serve in Vietnam. He returned to Disneyland park back in 1970.
Remember his over 50 years at Disneyland Dave says, “The friendships I developed with people I worked with kept me coming back. I became part of a group of 12 Disneyland Resort Security Officers … we met weekly for years and still meet up occasionally today.”
Vic Polwektow
Last, but certainly not least is Vic Polwektow who started as a Cast member at the Plaza Inn all the way back in 1966. He was able to interact with Walt on many occasions as the Plaza Inn was one of Walt’s favorite spots.
He has spent the last 43 years with the company working in Costume Issues. He also married a fellow cast member Gail. He also successfully learned the names of ever cast member who came into Costuming! Remembering his time at Disneyland Vic said, “The thing I love most about working at Disneyland is all the friendships I’ve made over the years.”
You can check out footage of the Cast members being awarded by Disney below:
Join us in giving these wonderful Cast Members a huge “Thank You” for five decades of magic-making!
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Disneyland news and updates!
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