Few embody the magic of Disneyland Resort quite like cast members celebrating over five decades of service. Recently, a collection of cast members – Ray, Duke, Sydne, Doug, Gehrke, Bob, Tom, Jeff and Mark – were honored for reaching their 50- and 55-year service milestones at a cherished tradition. Held at the Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland park, the service awards ceremony brought together these dedicated cast members and their families with resort leaders, including Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, and featured touching tributes to their remarkable Disney career journeys.
50-year Service Award recipient Debby ‘Gehrke’ McDowell with Mickey Mouse at the recent Service Celebration.
During the ceremony, honorees were presented with statuettes by their department leaders and Mickey Mouse himself, recognizing both their professional contributions and the personal friendships that they’ve forged at the resort. From seasonal roles that turned into life-changing careers to stories of meeting lifelong friends and even life partners, each of these dedicated cast members has left an indelible mark on the history and legacy of Disneyland Resort.
The celebration continued with a surprise reception on the Mark Twain Riverboat, which was adorned in festive decor, complete with banners displaying the honorees’ names and years of service. Fellow cast members and park guests alike gathered shoreside to cheer on the esteemed group, recognizing their commitment and contributions to Disney.
“It’s been a journey. I really had no intention of staying this long. I don’t regret it. I have a good life, I have a good family.” said honoree Tom Hernandez of his 50-year Disneyland Resort career.
Ray Gill poses at the Service Celebration with his 50-year award, a Snow White bronze statuette.
“Reaching 50 and 55 years of service is such a remarkable milestone and the kind of commitment you don’t often see at other workplaces,” said Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock “We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact these cast members have had on our guests and fellow cast over the past five decades, bringing magic to life at ‘The Happiest Place on Earth.’”
This special day was a tribute to cast members who have dedicated their lives to creating happiness. It’s because of that unified passion for fostering joy that Disneyland Resort continues to be The Happiest Place on Earth. Thank you for your service, and here’s to the magic you continue to bring to Disneyland Resort each day.
Learn more about this year’s incredible group of recipients below:
This infographic spotlights our honorees, sharing highlights from their inspiring career journeys as they celebrate 50 and 55 years of magic-making at Disneyland Resort.