Disney Legend-To-Be Martha Blanding Reflects on Her 50 Years at Disneyland
Ahead of the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the company is sitting down with many of this year’s inductees.
The 37th class of Disney Legends will include Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
Photo: Disney
Ahead of her induction on Sunday, Martha Blanding, who is being recognized in the Parks & Resorts category, reflected on what it means to be named a Disney Legend.
A Legendary Career
Martha’s time at Disneyland began in 1971. During her storied career, Martha was the first Black woman to be a full-time VIP Tour Guide and one of the first Black female leaders at Disneyland Resort.
Photo: Disney
Reflecting on her career, Blanding is proud of what she achieved.
“Being the first Black Permanent Tour Guide, VIP Hostess and becoming the first Black Female in Management in my eyes was amazing,” she proudly states.
Disney
“I felt that I had achieved a challenge that for some would have felt uncomfortable being the only one. My parents taught me to always put my best foot forward and always do my best, and that’s what I did.”
Watching Disneyland Grow
Over her 50-year career at Disney, Martha saw new parks open, attractions debut, and celebrities arrive. Still, when looking back, she is most proud of the company’s growth in other ways.
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES – JULY 1955: Children running through gate of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Walt Disney’s theme park, Disneyland. (Photo by Allan Grant/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images)
“I have witnessed many changes in the company, [like] adding new lands and attractions in the park. I am most proud of being part of the growth of cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion for young Cast Members of color coming behind me. And I saw the evolution of BERG diversity groups and was one of the founders of PULSE (People, United, Lead, Serve, Excel), which is the Black diversity group,” she explained.
Making Magic
During her time at Disneyland, Martha says it is the relationships that stand out most.
“Creating the magic for our guests and Cast Members. Designing events that our guests will remember and share with family and friends. Meeting all kinds of people from Hollywood and all over the world.”
Becoming a Disney Legend
This Sunday, Martha Blanding will get her overdue time in the spotlight when she is officially inducted as a Disney Legend. The honor means a lot to her.
“Becoming a Disney Legend was not something that I thought would happen to me. I was totally surprised when I received the call,” she says.
“I [began at Disneyland as an hourly] Cast Member and moved up the ladder, working hard with many wonderful co-workers along the way. This makes me proud because I am proof that an hourly Cast Member can become a Disney Legend.”
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