Disneyland Honors Cast Member Milestones With West Coast Service Celebration

by Justin Hermes · March 16, 2026

While the Disney Parks are renowned for their amazing attractions, immersive environments, and world-class cuisine, anyone who has visited the theme parks knows that it is the Cast Members who make the real Disney magic.

In recognition of the men and women who make the Disney Parks a reality, Disney holds Service Celebrations around the world every year.

Disney

The annual tradition began in 1965 as part of the Disneyland Tencennial and has continued ever since.

West Coast Service Celebration

The event was held last Thursday at Disney California Adventure and included a red-carpet arrival, rare character appearances, special food and beverages, live entertainment, and a presentation of World of Color.

World of Color Happiness!

It was a special evening honoring Cast Members who were celebrating milestones between 10 and 55 years of service.

While there were plenty of special moments, I want to highlight one Cast Member’s story.

The Mortensen Family Business

Forty years ago, Chris Mortensen walked into the casting doors at Disneyland Resort hoping for a summer job. What he eventually received, however, was a lifetime journey.

Photo: Disney

What started as a seasonal role at Tomorrowland Terrace eventually transitioned into a full-time job. For the next 40 years, Chris would work at Disney, oftentimes alongside his family.

Ten years into his Disney tenure, Chris was introduced to Michelle through mutual coworkers. Eventually, the couple was married and had four children who would share their love of Disney.

Photo: Disney

“Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate the family story from the Disney story,” Chris admitted. “So many things that we did, we [did] it here. It’s so ingrained in who we are.”