Disneyland Resort celebrated a major milestone on March 12 at a special event honoring 3,200 Cast Members for a total of 50,000 years of service. Honorees came from the parks, hotels, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney Imagineering, and the Glendale and Burbank company offices.
‘Celebrate You’ Service Milestone Event at Disneyland
Our reporter noticed the check-in tent and signage in front of ticket booths in the esplanade.
Event signage was also found at the Disney California Adventure entrance from the Grand Californian Hotel. The blue sign features the golden “Celebrate You” logo and the following information:
On Thursday March 12th Disney California Adventure Park will be closing at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the service milestone anniversaries of our Cast Members, Imagineers, and Employees.
50,000 Years of Service Milestone
The Orange County Register reported on the event itself, which featured a red carpet along Buena Vista Street leading to a full festival with characters, photo ops, free food from the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival marketplaces, and an open bar.
Radiator Springs Racers also ran all night, and attendees were treated to a special “Celebrate You” performance of World of Color that included low-level fireworks, a truly rare sight since the earliest days of Disney California Adventure.
Outgoing Disneyland Resort president Thomas Mazloum, who is succeeding incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro in his former role as Chairman of Disney Experiences, thanked the Cast Members with a champagne toast in front of Carthay Circle:
“You are all part of Disney history,” Mazloum said. … “During my time at Disneyland, what I will always remember is the commitment that you all have to honor Walt Disney’s original vision for the Disneyland resort to be a place of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
Incoming Disneyland president Jill Estorino, who previously served as President of Disney Parks International and has 35 years with the company, echoed the sentiment:
“I am so excited to be stepping into this role,” Estorino said. “I’m excited to be coming back to Disneyland, where I have worked before. It feels like coming home.”
This year, Disneyland’s 50-year honorees included Imagineer Kim Irvine, who retired just last year after 55 years of service.
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