Celebrating 2025 Walt Disney Legacy Award Recipients at Walt Disney World
From Disney Cast Member Willie Jackson to EPCOT’s Mariachi Cobre co-founder Esteban Carrillo, and plenty more- we have already met a few Walt Disney World Legacy recipients.
As the highest recognition a Cast Member can achieve, the award celebrates those who embody Walt’s core values to Dream, Create, and Inspire.
Disney
Across parks, resorts, and water parks, these Cast Members are recognized for leading with heart and uplifting everyone around them.
Let’s meet the 2025 Walt Disney Legacy Award Recipients at Walt Disney World.
Amanda and Mike Ferrara
Disney
Merchandise Leader, World of Disney at Disney Springs & Entertainment Leader, Resorts
Amanda and Mike Ferrara, a married couple, each received the Legacy Award! And the best part? They didn’t know the other had been selected. Both helped plan the other’s surprise ceremony, only to discover they were both being honored. Amanda is known for her positivity and for brightening every location she touches, while Mike inspires others through his steady guidance as an Entertainment Leader and Traditions facilitator.
Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko
Disney
Veterinarian, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Featured on the Disney+ series Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dr. Natalie leads veterinary efforts at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her work strengthens Disney’s conservation mission and supports local communities.
One nominator shared, “Her optimism to capacity-build the health program for the gorillas and surrounding communities despite the political challenges in the region is commendable. She works with internal and external resources to provide much-needed equipment and supplies, as well as telemedicine programming.”
Lionel Jeanne
Disney
Cultural Representative, France Pavilion, EPCOT
Lionel began his Disney career at Disneyland Paris, where his positive attitude quickly stood out. After transferring to EPCOT, he continued to make a difference for both guests and fellow Cast Members.
“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition,” Lionel shared. “Being nominated is incredibly humbling. I’m so grateful to my friends and colleagues.”
Anne
Guest Experience Manager, Merchandise, Disney Water Parks
Disney
Known for her positivity and leadership, Anne inspires her team through creativity and compassion.
A peer shared, “She’s got this superpower for making everyone on the team feel supported and valued.” In seven years, she’s earned a reputation for dreaming big and caring deeply about her team and guests.
Congrats!
These honorees represent only a fraction of the remarkable Cast Members recognized with the Walt Disney Legacy Award this year.
Their stories are inspiring and truly capture the spirit of Walt’s enduring message.
Photo: Disney
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Feature Photo: Disney
