Meet the Disneyland Cast Members Creating Happiness Every Day
At Disneyland Resort, every day brings new ways for cast members to create happiness.
For Jeremiah Counihan and Daniel Lopez, that joy starts with honoring Walt’s legacy and connecting with guests through small moments that make a big impact.
Jeremiah Counihan: Connecting with Walt’s Trains
Jeremiah grew up visiting Disneyland and always dreamed of working on the Disneyland Railroad. “I always wanted to work on the Disneyland Railroad,” he said. After starting in custodial and Fantasyland attractions, he joined the railroad team in 2025.
Now a firer for the steam-powered locomotives, Jeremiah balances heat and water pressure while preserving one of Walt’s favorite attractions. “I do my utmost to treat his locomotives with respect, and being able to sit in the same seats that Walt sat in is such an honor.”
He waves, rings the bell, and sometimes hands out postcards to young train fans. “These postcards are little mementos for guests to remember the wonders they got to experience,” he said.
Most importantly, he connects with his guests and creates memories. Jeremiah’s favorite guest interactions involve reconnecting with guests who remember him from his time in custodial or attractions and sharing their excitement about his career growth.
“I’m just channeling my experiences [as a child coming to the parks],” said Jeremiah. “It’s my time to return all the happiness that was made for me.”
Daniel Lopez: Making Magic with Bubbles and Heart
Guests arriving at Pixar Place Hotel are often greeted by Daniel Lopez, a door attendant known for his bubbles and colorful character gloves.
“I was inspired to become a cast member to bring joy and happiness to guests,” he said.
Daniel’s leaders immediately noted his fun personality. They gifted him a Mickey hat, which would become the first piece of his signature look. That Mickey hat soon led to a Mickey glove and bubble wand.
As Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel transformed into Pixar Place Hotel, Daniel’s magic-making accessories also changed to capture the spirit of Pixar. Though his props may have changed, his purpose was the same: to bring joy and happiness to every guest.
Daniel credits his leaders with helping him create unforgettable moments. “They allow me to express myself, and I love them for that.
One moment stands out for him and the connection he fosters with guests: a blind child asked to touch his glove and, in that moment, recognized and made the connection that they were officially at Disneyland. “She knew. She knew she was at Disneyland,” Daniel shared.
“He’s a wonderful example of what a cast member should be,” said Ron Silagyi, Pixar Place Hotel’s general manager.
Cast Members
These are great examples of the talented, hard-working cast members keeping the magic of Disney alive.
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Article Source/Feature Photo: Disney Parks
