Meet the Cast Members Who Made Magic and Memories at Disneyland’s Plaza Inn For Over 45 Years
With Disneyland celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the resort has taken time to reflect back on the park’s historic past.
While Disneyland is famous for its amazing attractions, immersive environments, and world-class cuisine, anyone who has ever visited The Happiest Place on Earth knows that it is Cast Members who make the real magic happen.
Photo: Disney
With that in mind, I would like ot introduce you to Cast Members Steven “Steve’ Valkenburg and James “JP” Pryor, who have been making magic at Disneyland for over 5 decades together!
The Beginning of a Lifelong Friendship
JP’s Disneyland journey began in 1977, when he was hired at the Plaza Inn. Six years later, he was joined by Steve, who was originally hired at French Market in 1980 before moving to The Plaza Inn in 1983. The duo quickly became friends, sharing a passion for making memories for the guests who visited their restaurant.
Photo: Disney
“We just enjoyed working with each other, and we both share the same passion for why we work here,” JP recalled.
For Steve, JP was a friendly mentor.
Photo: Disney
“When I came to Plaza Inn, I was welcomed and felt like I belonged. JP trained me as a lead, and I received some of the best training [I’ve seen] anywhere.”
That era of mentorship, which only lasted six months, would lay the foundation for a five-decade friendship.
Photo: Disney
“I consider you more of a brother than my real brothers,” JP said. “I know we’ll always be in each other’s lives.”
Honoring Walt’s Legacy
In addition to their long history together, Steve and JP both take pride in honoring Walt Disney’s legacy. Over the years, they have been referred to as the unofficial historians of the Plaza Inn by fellow Cast Members.
Photo: Disney
“When I started, I used to go up to Walt’s apartment about once a month,” Steve said. “Working in the Plaza complex meant we had access to [Walt’s apartment], and that was really neat.”
Photo: Disney
In 2024, the friends took a road trip to Marceline, Missouri, where they walked the same streets that would later inspire Walt Disney to create Main Street, U.S.A.
A Well-Deserved Celebration
After five decades of friendship and fun at the Plaza Inn, Steve and JP retired together on July 18. To celebrate their historic careers, Cast Members gathered at The Golden Horseshoe, where they showered the duo with appreciation and adoration.
Photo: Disney
It was a fitting honor for two men who have done so much for the Disneyland Resort.
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