For Holly Kichler, a Food & Beverage cast member at Disney California Adventure park, the highlight of her work day often revolves around invoking a smile out of a guest even before they’ve even placed their order.
“My favorite part of being a cashier is talking to people,” Holly said. Guests can find her dishing up smiles at fan-favorite dining locations including Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta.
Holly shares a quick smile with a guest picking up their mobile order.
Making memories at The Happiest Place on Earth
Holly’s ability to create happiness for others often leaves guests with a lasting impression even after they depart Disneyland Resort—leading Holly to reach a major milestone in her journey as a Disney cast member. Since becoming a cast member seven years ago, Holly has received hundreds of Mobile Cast Compliments from guests recognizing her for her outstanding acts of guest service.
To celebrate the heartwarming occasion, Holly’s leaders and fellow cast members returned the kindness, surprising Holly with a Beauty and the Beast-themed cake to thank her for going above and beyond to bring happiness to others.
Guests can find Holly making memories at Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure park.
These Mobile Cast Compliments are a reflection of hundreds of Disney memories and magical moments Holly has created for the people she interacts with every day. From connecting with guests over a shared passion for the San Francisco 49ers to recommending some of her favorite bites among the latest resort food offerings, Holly believes that genuine conversations with guests can infinitely enhance the guests’ day. “I can talk to anybody about anything,” Holly said. “I just want to make the guest happy.”
Holly congratulates a guest on their recent graduation as she rings up their order.
It’s Holly’s world-class service skills that allow her to create happiness for all who visit the Happiest Place on Earth. What categorizes Holly’s service skills as “world class?” Her actions are simple, genuine and are driven from a true passion for Disney. “It makes me feel better when I know I helped a guest or we had a really good interaction,” Holly said. “I believe in the magic.”
To provide this world-class service to guests and her fellow cast, Holly refers to the SERVICE Model—a set of courtesy driven hospitality standards that allows Disneyland Resort to continue being an industry leader in guest service.
Holly channels her experience as a preschool instructor and helps a younger guest sound out the letters in her name.
From the classroom to Sleeping Beauty Castle
Prior to venturing on her Disney Cast Life journey, Holly spent 18 years as a preschool instructor. She was an annual passholder and loved coming into the parks after work. “Preschool, believe it or not, is pretty stressful and coming to the parks was a way to destress,” Holly said. “There’s no other place like Disneyland. You can get on an attraction, have a good meal or sit underneath the stars and listen to a band.”
Holly sparks a conversation with a guest as they pick up their mobile order.
Holly’s experiences as a guest helped shaped her into the cast member that she is today. “I know how I felt coming here [and] I want the guests to feel the same way,” said Holly. “I model what my experiences were [based on] the cast members that made my day better.”
In true cast member spirit, Holly also loves to sprinkle pixie dust for guests whenever she can. Whether it’s recognizing a guests’ birthday or their favorite Disney character based on their apparel, Holly’s ability to make others feel seen and welcomed has made her a guest service role model at Disneyland Resort.
Holly is all smiles in Disney California Adventure park.
For those looking to discover the magic at Disneyland Resort, look no further than the cast members who inspire one simple thing: happiness.