Disneyland Resort Honors 2025 Walt Disney Legacy Award Recipients
Exciting news coming from Disneyland today! The Disneyland Resort has just announced the 2025 Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients, honoring cast members whose passion, dedication, and leadership have made a lasting impact on fellow cast members and guests.
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This prestigious award is only given to 1% of cast members each year and is entirely peer-nominated! It is one of the most meaningful recognitions at Disney.
Legacy Recipients
Throughout August and September, the newest honorees were surprised with heartfelt celebrations in their workplaces. Surrounded by their team, leaders, and special guests, each recipient received the iconic blue nametag that symbolizes the Legacy Award.
Among this year’s recipients:
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Jim Campbell – Entertainment
Jim has been a performer and composer for more than 30 years, using his long-term experience to mentor others. One nominator wrote, “Jim’s ability to mentor and share his experience…has created an environment where other cast feel encouraged to take on their own creative challenges.”
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Steve Finley – Attractions Host, Main Street, U.S.A.
Known for bringing Disney history to life, Steve is a staple of Main Street, U.S.A. One nominator shared, “Guests are lucky indeed if they get on Steve’s fire engine. Steve always makes sure to share that the fire engine was Walt’s favorite.”
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Carol Vincent – Merchandise Hostess, Company D
She is celebrated for her kindness, inclusive nature, and ability to connect with her teammates, which have made her a standout cast member. A nominator shared, “Carol embodies the ‘Aloha’ spirit in all of her actions throughout the day.”
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Alondra Chavez Castaneda – Main Gate Reception
Praised as a compassionate leader who is always looking for ways to grow, a nominator 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 are not only allowed but encouraged and rewarded.”
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Hank Ameen – Firefighter
Ameen is another staple of the Disneyland Resort, with decades of service. A fellow cast member shared, “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.”
More 2025 Legacy Recipients
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- Terry Tarwater – Attractions Host, Buena Vista Street and Grizzly Peak
Terry’s passion for the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail has inspired teammates and created countless magical guest experiences. One nominator shared, “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.”
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- Kevin Monteon Hernandez – Spa Attendant, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Kevin is known for his exceptional guest service, making every guest feel like a VIP. One nominator wrote, “Kevin’s exceptional guest service is something I first experienced as his ‘guest’ in the costuming department. 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.”
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- Kim Chips – Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility
Kim has been a strong advocate for community support and charitable programs at Disneyland Resort. A nominator shared, “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.”
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- Shannon Maley – Culinary Person, Club 33
Shannon leads by example and inspires his fellow cast members through a strong work ethic and being team player. A nominator wrote, “Shannon inspires others to do their very best by leading through example and maintaining a strong work ethic. You can ask any cast member who they would want to emulate in their work, and they would answer, ‘Shannon!’”
Meet the Recipients
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- Joe Leal – Mechanic, Sound
Joe has earned admiration for his positivity, light-heartedness, and teamwork. A nominator shared, “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.”
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- Robert Edmond – Food & Beverage Concierge, Disneyland Hotel
Robert is praised for creating magical, family-friendly experiences inspired by Walt Disney’s vision. One nominator 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. Guests book year after year to have the opportunity to be immersed in the Disney magic that Robert creates.”
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- Stephanie Caballero – Pastry Cook/Baker
Stephanie works mostly behind the scenes, but still connects with guests and brings Disney magic to life in unique ways. One nominator shared, “Stephanie loves the fact that she gets to create magic for guests. She has even picked up opening shifts to stand on Main Street and welcome guests who rope drop.”
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- Allie Udelhoven – Attractions Hostess, Pixar Pier
Allie is admired for her all-inclusive approach and ability to uplift teams with a focus on safety. A nominator 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
Congratulations to all the 2025 Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients! They have been recognized for their fantastic contributions and dedication to shaping Disney magic every day. Congrats!
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Article Source/ Feature Photo: Disney Parks
