Josh D’Amaro Congratulates Martha Blanding and Joe Rohde on Being Named Disney Legends
Just hours after the 2024 class of Disney Legends was revealed, Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro took to LinkedIn to pay special tribute to two members of the class.
“Congratulations to the newest Disney Legends from Disney Experiences, Martha Blanding and Joe Rohde.,” D’Amaro began his post.


Josh D’Amaro. Photo: Also Disney
Martha Blanding’s Storied Career
Martha Blanding has had a storied career at Disneyland, where she started in 1971 as a Tour Guide. That would be the beginning of her 50-year journey, which saw her become the first Black VIP Tour Guide and eventually the first Black woman to hold a leadership position at the resort.
“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,” Blanding said of her time at Disney.


Martha Blanding. Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Among her career highlights were hosting celebrities including Rock Hudson, Cary Grant, Diana Ross, Elton John, Magic Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, and Julie Andrews. She would eventually become Senior Manager, Disneyland Resort Merchandise Special Events, and co-founded PULSE, a Business Employee Resource Group for Black Cast Members and employees.
“Martha was a pioneer as the first Black VIP Tour Guide and later the first Black female leader at the Disneyland Resort. Her professional expertise led her to work with renowned artisans, celebrities and Disney Legends over the course of a 50-year career,” D’Amaro wrote in his post.
Paying Tribute to Joe Rohde
While Joe Rohde would eventually be best remembered as the mastermind behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the legendary Imagineer also had an impressive resume outside the park. Among the projects that Rohde helped bring to life were the Mexico and Norway pavilions in EPCOT’s World Showcase, Captain EO, the Adventurers Club, and later Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout and Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.


Joe Rohde. Credit: D23
“As a Disney Imagineer, Joe brought his creative vision to many of our most inspiring and ambitious experiences around the world, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Aulani. His passion for storytelling can be seen in immersive experiences like Pandora – The World of Avatar and Expedition Everest,” D’Amaro lauded.
When Will The Disney Ceremony Take Place?
This year’s class of Disney Legends will officially be inducted at this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The ceremony will take place on August 11.
Ryan Seacrest will host the ceremony, which will also see Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, John Williams receive the highest Disney award.


The newest Disney Legends will be inducted this August. Photo: Disney
“Martha and Joe are both exceptional selections for this highest Disney honor, and I’m looking forward to the official awards ceremony this August at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim. #DisneyCastLife,” D’Amaro concluded his post.
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