With Mickey Mouse cheering them on, more than 250 Walt Disney World Cast Members gathered today for a pep rally to kick off a month-long celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Disney VoluntEARS. The program is a global, company-wide effort that provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time to make a positive impact on the community. With Mickey Mouse cheering them on, more than 250 Walt Disney World Cast Members gathered today for a pep rally to kick off a month-long celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Disney VoluntEARS. The program is a global, company-wide effort that provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time to make a positive impact on the community. With Mickey Mouse cheering them on, more than 250 Walt Disney World Cast Members gathered today for a pep rally to kick off a month-long celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Disney VoluntEARS. The program is a global, company-wide effort that provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time to make a positive impact on the community.

During the month of May, Cast Members around the world will commemorate the 30-year milestone by participating in activities that promote the happiness and wellbeing of children and families, strengthen their communities and inspire others to volunteer. At Walt Disney World Resort, thousands of Cast Members have committed to nearly 50 volunteer activities over the next 30 days from serving meals to the homeless to building playgrounds in local neighborhoods to caring for rescued animals.

“Walt Disney World is proud to be a member of the Central Florida community,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We live in a dynamic community with many needs, and our VoluntEARS invest their time and talents in a variety of endeavors. Through them, we inspire children and families, revitalize our environment and improve the quality of life.”

Last year, Walt Disney World VoluntEARS donated 230,000 hours to support over 1,700 Central Florida organizations. In addition, 700 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House for contributing more than 100 hours of service. This year, Disney will also donate a total of $916,000 to 450 local non-profit agencies and community service groups through Disney’s EARS to You program.

As part of today’s event, Walt Disney World Resort recognized the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Community Involvement Team as the VoluntEAR Team of the Year and veterinary assistant Liz Hedrick as the Disney VoluntEAR of the Year. The VoluntEAR Team of the Year donated more than 5,500 hours serving meals to the homeless, helping build houses and making pet beds for animal shelters. Hedrick donated more than 750 hours providing health evaluations of rescued animals, free community dog training classes and visiting nursing homes with her therapy dog. Hedrick and Disney’s Animal Kingdom team received $3,000 each for the charities of their choice — Wildlife Rehabilitation of Central Florida and the SPCA of Central Florida.

“Over the years, the SPCA of Central Florida has been lucky to be the recipient of Liz’s time, energy, and love,” said Jake White, executive vice president and general manager of the SPCA. “Her commitment to our pets is unmatched. Through heartfelt actions like hers, we are able to be successful in our mission.”

The VoluntEARS program started at Disneyland Resort in 1983 as a way for Cast Members to focus their volunteer efforts in a more meaningful way. The team achieved great success in their support of charitable organizations, and that momentum led to a company-wide launch of the Disney VoluntEARS in the early ’90s.

To help inspire Cast Members take a more proactive approach for their health, Disney offers Cast Couch to 5K Plus  This program includes personalized training plans, online resources and coaching to help Cast Members become more active. Cast Members at all levels of fitness are participating and moving toward a healthier lifestyle by starting simple.

For Cast Member Tom Mack, the impetus to get started came from his seven-year-old daughter who expressed an interest in running. After finishing the program, he and his daughter both ran in the Disney Royal Family 5K in February. “Since finishing the program, running has become a lifestyle for me and my family” said Mack, whose goal is to run in more race events later this year.

Couch to 5K launched in 2011 with more race events and enhanced training plans added this year.

Cast Member Maria Espinal says that  this program has helped her reach her goal of completing a 5K. “I never thought I would ever be doing a 5K.”

“Since we launched the Couch to 5K hundreds of Cast Members have participated and taken steps to improve their health,” said Tracy Swanson, Vice President for Benefits, Health and Workforce Solutions. “Being active helps our Cast and their family’s lead healthier lives, including spending more time outside.”

Couch to 5K Plus is one of many ways Disney supports Cast Members along their wellness journey. Other programs include:

• On-site health and wellness offerings
• Educational and screening opportunities
• Access to online tools and resources, such as a personal health assessment and a prescription drug price comparison tool.

Disney Cast Members have many wellness options to choose from.

Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization that goes into schools to provide age-appropriate economic education for children in grades K-12. Preparing young people for economically sound futures, Junior Achievement helps students understand financial responsibility by teaching lessons in how to earn, save, maintain a budget, manage credit and control their personal finances.

“With the support of Walt Disney World and their Cast Members, Junior Achievement is better able to achieve their goal of empowering children from kindergarten through high school to own their economic success and plan for their futures through smart academic and economic choices,” said Craig Polejes, president, Junior Achievement of Central Florida.

Qualifying donations raised this weekend by Disney VoluntEARS can be matched by The Walt Disney Company Foundation and will fund Junior Achievement programming, educator kits and classroom supplies. The Disney Bowl-A-Thon is the culmination of yearlong involvement Disney Cast Members extend to Junior Achievement by donating their time and talent to teaching Junior Achievement curriculum in Orange and Osceola County schools.

“For 19 years, Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members have generously supported Junior Achievement of Central Florida,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “All of the donations are a result of their compassion and readiness to give back to the community.”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 16, 2012 – In 2002, a few Walt Disney World Cast Members sharing a passion for artistic expression and a desire to help local charities came together to create magic in a special way — producing cabaret-style productions of Broadway standards.

Today, this group of Cast Members, aptly named Encore! Cast Performing Arts, has morphed into one of the largest Cast clubs, boasting more than 500 performers from a variety of backgrounds and from all areas of the Walt Disney World Resort. In addition, more than 50,000 volunteer hours are spent annually to prepare for an Encore! production.

Cast Members from diverse backgrounds and work areas participate in Encore!’s productions.

To kick off its 10th anniversary, the group has geared up to deliver its grandest production to date, “Finding Wonderland.” This story follows the journey of self-discovery as seen through one girl’s eyes. Along the way, she stumbles upon friends, foes, triumphs and defeats as she finds a way to the place she always dreamed of.

“‘Finding Wonderland’ takes a fresh take on many of our [productions] from the past 10 years,” said Clay Price, 15-year Cast Member and artistic director for Encore! Cast Performing Arts. “Most importantly, this show has heart. It is going to be emotional and energetic. ‘Finding Wonderland’ has a message that we all can relate to.”

Some show participants find that being a part of Encore!’s annual performance is the only chance they have to express themselves artistically on stage. Whether they are from Finance and Accounting, Merchandise or Food & Beverage, each volunteer plays an integral role in the show.

“What I love most about Encore! is that it gives us a time where both Entertainment and non-Entertainment Cast Members can perform together,” said Kenny Cottrell, a tenor in the choir and a Front Desk Cast Member at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort.

For Hannah Laird, who performs in various shows throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, volunteering time to perform in Encore! is her passion.

“We are all here because we want to be here,” she said. “Encore! started out as a dream, and it is exciting to see this dream unfold for the tenth anniversary. And, this production is for a wonderful cause.”

Hannah Laird performs in “Finding Nemo – The Musical” and has been a part of Encore! for four years.

All proceeds from “Finding Wonderland” will be donated to A Better Life – Pet Rescue, an organization founded by Disney Cast Members that helps to promote pet adoption in Central Florida. A Better Life’s mission is to save all unwanted companion animals and to give them a second chance through rehabilitation.

“That this performance is a way that we can give back to our community as Disney Cast Members is amazing,” said Kristin Hunt, an eight-year Encore! veteran and a Guest Service manager at the Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park. “The community involvement aspect is a huge part of why I continue to play [the violin], and it drives my passion for being included in Encore!’s performances.”

“Finding Wonderland” is not solely aimed to dazzle audiences with music, acting and dancing, but it is to also remind all Cast Members of our Disney heritage.

“We can all have these grand ideas, but it takes people to get it done,” said Bruce Light, producer for the group. “Aside from having great music and a great story, these Cast Members are volunteering their time, and they have set the bar at excellent. Why not save the animals along the way?”

“Finding Wonderland” performances will be held July 15-16 and July 19-22 at 7:30 p.m. at Premier Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. To purchase tickets, visit www.encorecentral.org.

Written by Lena Bertrand

“Guests ask us all the time about celebrating Chinese New Year,” said Sky Ng, a Cast Member from Macau. “I tell them it’s just like Christmas here in the United States. We celebrate the season for weeks and it’s a period where our families come together. And of course, it’s a special time for young people because of the ‘red packets.’”

“Red packets” refers to the tradition throughout the Chinese New Year of handing out red envelopes with money in them to younger generations by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends after the young people express good wishes for them in the coming year.

Joyce Cheng, a Cast Member from Hong Kong, says the easiest way to explain the ‘red packets’ and other traditions of the Chinese New Year to Guests is for them to think about the entire celebration as all the U.S. holiday traditions rolled into 15 days.

“I tell Guests to think of the 7^th day of the Chinese New Year as your birthday. It’s everybody’s birthday as we bring in a new year. Everyone’s a year older,” said Cheng. “The 15^th day of Chinese New Year is celebrated in many places just like Valentine’s Day is here. It’s a very special day and Guests can relate to that.”

For Isabella Wang, a Cast Member from Shenyang in the northern part of China, celebrating Chinese New Year when she was growing up was all about fireworks and a large, traditional Chinese meal with friends and family. This year at Epcot was no different.

“The Cast here at the China Pavilion came together backstage for a big lunch at the start of Chinese New Year and we had some of the most authentic Chinese food I’ve ever tasted in the United States,” said Wang. “At night, we went to the home of one of our Cast Members and celebrated in her community with her family and neighbors. And there were some fireworks.”

That Cast Member, June Lee from Taiwan, has been sharing her culture with Disney Guests for 15 years. She’s referred to as “June Ma” by the other Cast Members visiting from China for the way she acts as a mother figure to younger Cast Members so far from home.

“I hosted all of the Chinese pavilion Cast Members for a Chinese New Year meal and party at my home so they had that celebration,” said Lee.

Did she help her fellow Cast Members celebrate any other Chinese New Year traditions?

With a smile, Lee said “I gave all of them ‘red packets.”

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• Cinderella Castle
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• “it’s a small world”
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Mad Tea Party

(OCT. 1, 2011): Anchored by the Mouse “who started it all,” Walt Disney World Resort marked its 40th anniversary Saturday with a gala procession fronted by characters parading up Main Street, U.S.A. to a colorful celebration in front of Cinderella Castle. During the finale, the Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet, led park guests in a chorus of “When You Wish Upon a Star” and daytime fireworks and streamers shot into bright blue skies. Walt Disney World Resort opened on Oct. 1, 1971. (Ron Riccio/Disney, photographer) (OCT. 1, 2011): Anchored by the Mouse “who started it all,” Walt Disney World Resort marked its 40th anniversary Saturday with a gala procession fronted by characters parading up Main Street, U.S.A. to a colorful celebration in front of Cinderella Castle. Walt Disney World Resort opened on Oct. 1, 1971. (Ron Riccio/Disney, photographer) (OCT. 1, 2011): Anchored by the Mouse “who started it all,” Walt Disney World Resort marked its 40th anniversary Saturday with a gala procession fronted by characters parading up Main Street, U.S.A. to a colorful celebration in front of Cinderella Castle. A special vintage edition of the park’s guidemap was available for guests at Magic Kingdom park’s entrance. Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971.

(Hometown: Dearborn, Michigan) – He wore the costume and countenance of a grim Haunted Mansion greeter in Liberty Square when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Today, Phil Holmes is the park’s vice president, and he still recalls the wonder in those first guests’ voices when they entered the cobweb-laced house of spooks for a doom-buggy ride. “Forty years ago, the attraction’s special effects were things that people couldn’t figure out and didn’t think were possible . . . you could audibly hear people gasping in surprise,” he says.(©Disney) 876-369 On Oct. 1, 1971, Roy O. Disney, brother of Walt Disney, was joined by the beloved Disney character that started it all, Mickey Mouse, in welcoming the first guests during the grand opening of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. On Oct. 1, 2011 the theme park will mark 40 years of memories and magic. (Disney) In 1971, a blue-spired castle – destined to become one of the world’s most-photographed buildings – rose in Central Florida as the iconic centerpiece of Magic Kingdom, which opened on Oct. 1, 1971. In the 40 years since guests first strolled down Main Street, U.S.A., Walt Disney World Resort has blazed brave new entertainment trails based on its founder’s fertile imagination and vision that the resort would forever continue to evolve. On Oct. 1, 2011 Magic Kingdom will mark 40 years of memories and magic. (Disney) The Surprise Celebration 20th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony in 1991 brought legions of Disney cast onto Main Street, U.S.A. during a “flyover” of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (©Disney) PC7-37 Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom park, adorned in gold regalia, joined worldwide Disney destinations on May 5, 2005 during the “Happiest Celebration on Earth,” in honor of the 50th anniversary of
Disneyland. Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. will celebrate 40 years of Magic on Oct. 1, 2011. (©Disney) 0519AV_1018GV
Disney characters and cast gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Magic Kingdom on a picture-perfect day in 1991. Magic Kingdom, the first theme park of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake, Buena Vista, Fla., will celebrate 40 years of memories and magic On Oct. 1, 2011. (©Disney) PC7-10 Historical B-Roll of Walt Disney World Birthdays and Celebrations

Includes:

• Walt Disney World Tencennial (1981)
• Walt Disney World 15th Birthday Celebration (1986)
• Walt Disney World 20th Birthday Celebration (1991)
• Walt Disney World 25th Birthday Celebration (1996)
• 100 Years of Magic (2001)

Historical b-roll from the Grand Opening (1971) and the early years of the Magic Kingdom . Historical B-Roll – Magic Kingdom Construction

(includes footage of Roy Disney on-site) Historical B-Roll includes:

• Walt Disney – Future Plans for “Project Florida”
• Orlando Press Conference (November 15, 1965)
  (includes Walt Disney, Governor Haydon Burns and Roy Disney)

(OCT. 1, 2011): A giant banner hangs on Cinderella Castle Oct. 1, 2011 in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., prior to a colorful ceremony to mark 40 years of magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971. (Ron Riccio/Disney, photographer) (OCT. 1, 2011): Dozens of Disney characters march down Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Oct. 1, 2011, during a magical celebration to mark the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World opened Oct. 1, 1971. (Ron Riccio/Disney, photographer) (OCT. 1, 2011): The Main Street Philharmonic band performs in front of Cinderella Castle Oct. 1, 2011 in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., during the opening of a special ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World opened Oct. 1, 1971. (Ron Riccio/Disney, photographer)

Once upon a time, a fairy tale castle rose on the edge of a Florida town where citrus grew, egrets waded and cattle roamed.  In the shadow of the blue-spired castle named for the princess Cinderella, magical lands sprouted whimsical shows and attractions for world-weary families wishing to shed their cares and embrace a day of fun and fantasy.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – It was October 1, 1971, and Magic Kingdom turnstiles began to spin after three weeks of trial runs by nearly 100,000 selected guests from throughout Central Florida.  Twenty-two park attractions opened, and 5,000 costumed cast members (employees) made their debut as guests took a dive aboard 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, flew through the air in flap-eared Dumbo the Flying Elephant cars and met the iconic film character who started it all – Mickey Mouse.

The Magic Kingdom premiere 40 years ago, followed three weeks later by a star-studded grand-opening event with Bob Hope, Julie Andrews and other luminaries, put Walt Disney World Resort on the map.  It was the most talked-about destination in the Western world, but no one could imagine what it would become.

“There were all kinds of predictions and expectations about how it might grow, but not very many people I knew had expected that it would grow the way that it did,” says Charles Ridgway, veteran Disney publicist.  ”I knew that there were great expectations, but when we started out, they were relatively limited expectations.”

Back then, just two of the current 25 Walt Disney World themed resort hotels opened- the Contemporary and Polynesian.  Not until the 1980s, when two more theme parks, a water park, a nighttime entertainment complex and multiple Disney hotels rose across the landscape, did Walt Disney World establish itself as a multi-faceted, world-class vacation destination.

Making Disney Dreams Come True

In the 40 years since guests first strolled down Main Street, U.S.A., Walt Disney World Resort has blazed brave new entertainment trails based on its founder’s fertile imagination and his vision that the resort would always be evolving.

“Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland . . . the blessing of size,” Walt Disney said after the “Florida Project” was announced in 1965.  “There’s enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine.”

In 1982, Epcot opened as a theme park celebrating innovation and discovery rather than as the “city of tomorrow” Walt initially had envisioned.  In 1989, Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) brought Tinseltown magic to Central Florida to showcase movies, television and animated treasures from the Disney collection.  In 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom first welcomed guests to explore a world of exotic, extinct and imaginary animals.  The park is a fitting tribute to Walt Disney, who once lived on a farm and whose love for creatures great and small shone in his Academy Award-winning film series Tru-Life Adventures.

As each new park took root and thrived, the Magic Kingdom churned out a blizzard of pixie dust, adding thrills like the iconic Space Mountain, high-tech interactive rides like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and immersive experiences like Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.  A late 20^th century wave of Walt Disney Studios animated film classics inspired a treasure trove of additional Disney attractions.  Beloved characters like Ariel, Simba and Nemo found homes at “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” “Festival of the Lion King,” and “The Seas with Nemo & Friends.”

Even in the midst of those mega-park expansions, Walt Disney Imagineers – the creative designers, architects and engineers behind each new attraction – dreamed up new water adventure parks, resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club properties, a wedding pavilion, more championship golf courses and multiple dining, sports, shopping and nighttime entertainment venues.  In 1998, Disney Cruise Line would extend the Walt Disney World entertainment experience to the high seas.

Ever since the Magic Kingdom opened, celebrities from across the planet have visited.  Presidents and princesses, rock stars and movie stars have been photographed at Walt Disney World.  A long lineup of Super Bowl heroes like Phil Simms, Hines Ward and Emmitt Smith hopped on planes to be Magic Kingdom grand marshals after appearing in post-game “I’m Going to Disney World!” television commercials.  Musicians, dancers and other talents have performed at events ranging from the yearly holiday Candlelight Processional to springtime Flower Power concerts.

Could Walt Disney have imagined the outcome when he first snapped up more than 27,000 Central Florida acres for his new themed world?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  But he knew the potential was there when he said: “Part of the Disney success is our ability to create a believable world of dreams that appeals to all age groups.”  Surely he couldn’t help but be delighted to know that 60,000 well-trained cast members keep Walt Disney World Resort humming 365 days a year to welcome “kids” of all generations from around the world.

Entertainment Innovation in Action

As entertainment technology became more cutting edge, the ideas and plans of Disney’s dream makers took shape in the form of innovative thrill rides and attractions.  Engineers programmed the 13-story “haunted” Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios so that new thrills could be added to the storyline and the runaway elevator’s drop sequence could be changed.  Soarin,’ at Epcot, combines an IMAX high-definition projection system with a realistic motion-based ride system to take thrill seekers young and old on an exhilarating journey across the skies of California.

Imagineers collaborated with Pixar to break new ground at Turtle Talk with Crush in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in Epcot.  Using computer graphics, digital puppetry and image projection with live improvisational banter, the attraction features a wildly popular real-time conversation between the surfer-dude turtle, Crush, from the film, “Finding Nemo,” and children in the audience.  No two shows are alike.

In the spring, a new 3-D version of the long-popular Star Tours attraction based on the iconic Lucasfilm “Star Wars” films debuted with immersive new twists and more than 50 different ride experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“The things that we do as Walt Disney Imagineers are extremely complex, yet our goal is to make them look like magic to our guests,” says Bruce Vaughn, WDI Chief Creative Executive. “It’s a real mix of innovation and new technology blending creative imagination with technical knowhow.”

Magical New Horizons

In keeping with Walt Disney’s vision of an always-changing Florida entertainment kingdom, a lineup of openings is scheduled in the years ahead.  In 2012, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens and another new ship joins the Disney Cruise Line fleet.  In coming years, Downtown Disney will transform into a waterfront district with a modern twist on an early 20^th century port city and amusement pier.  The vibrant district will expand dining options by 25 percent and invite guests to explore stylish new boutiques and a lakeside park.  A new shopping, dining and lodging district is slated to rise just outside Disney’s western gateway, and a 900-acre luxury resort by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is on the drawing board along with an 18-hole championship golf course as well as single- and multi-family homes and vacation homes.

And one of the most anticipated projects is taking shape right now as construction progresses on the largest Magic Kingdom expansion in history.  The park’s Fantasyland will double in size, with initial phases beginning to open in 2012 featuring attractions based on blockbuster Disney films like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Dumbo.”  When The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster opens and princesses like Aurora and Cinderella hold court at Princess Fairytale Hall, the Disney storytelling legacy will have a compelling new showcase, says Phil Holmes, vice president of Magic Kingdom park and 40-year Disney theme park veteran.

“As an opening day cast member, I’m excited to see Fantasyland further transformed into Walt Disney’s original vision of a place where fairy tales come true,” says Holmes, whose first park role was as a Haunted Mansion greeter.  “By showcasing modern-day classics like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ alongside Walt’s first animated feature, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,’ our cast members will bring these stories to life in a way like never before, creating even more wonderful memories for our guests.”

*****

“WALT DISNEY WORLD is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney…and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place…a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn — together.”

– October 1, 1971 Dedication on Main Street, USA, by Roy O. Disney

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Key phrase: Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary

Related News:

Walt Disney World Resort History Digest

40-Year Cast Members Reflect on Opening Day Oct. 1, 1971

Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History

Phil Holmes, Vice President of Magic Kingdom (Hometown: Dearborn, Michigan) – He wore the costume and countenance of a grim Haunted Mansion greeter in Liberty Square when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971.  Today, Phil Holmes is the park’s vice president, and he still recalls the wonder in those first guests’ voices when they entered the cobweb-laced house of spooks for a doom-buggy ride.  “Forty years ago, the attraction’s special effects were things that people couldn’t figure out and didn’t think were possible . . . you could audibly hear people gasping in surprise,” he says.

Forrest Bahruth, Epcot Show Director (Hometown: Burbank, California)– A veteran singer, dancer and actor, Forrest Bahruth joined Walt Disney World Resort as choreographer of a three-day grand-opening entertainment spectacle for the Magic Kingdom debut.  His role expanded when he began recruiting performers for the opening-day parade and training dancers and singers for the big event.  “In those days, there were no rehearsal facilities,” recalls Bahruth, now an Epcot show director.  “We had been rehearsing in parking lots, gyms, schools, church parking lots – wherever we could go.  We traveled all over Central Florida getting performers for the parades.”

Charles Ridgway, former Director of Walt Disney World Public Relations and Disney Legend for four decades of service to “the Mouse” (Hometown: Chicago) – Before moving from California to head the Walt Disney World publicity staff, Charlie Ridgway worked for Walt Disney himself at Disneyland in Anaheim, where he hosted media interviews and set up photo shoots with Walt and Mickey.  When the Magic Kingdom first opened, Ridgway says, there was still some tweaking and problem solving to do.  The parking lot trams “didn’t have enough power to go up the hill to the Ticket and Transportation Center arrival area,” he recalls.  “There was lots of construction yet to go, wires hanging, walls not finished.”  And he remembers the Flag Retreat ceremony brought to the Magic Kingdom from Disneyland:  each evening a flock of pigeons flew in a white cloud from Town Square to Cinderella Castle and back.  “Walt liked to say at Disneyland, ‘If you have pigeons and balloons, you can’t go wrong.’  Park officials eventually ended the tradition out of concern for the birds and the environment.

Kevin Myers, Vice President of Resort Operations (Hometown: Laguna Hills, California)- On opening day, Kevin Myers was a custodial host at Adventureland Veranda restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.  Today, he oversees all Walt Disney World resort hotels and water park operations.  “None of us realized just how much Orlando was going to change with the arrival of Disney and a lot of other businesses that would eventually call Central Florida home,” Myers says.  “One of the huge memories I have from opening day was watching the rope drop on Main Street, U.S.A. and watching thousands of people stream into the various lands of the park and occupy this place for the very first time ever.  You could imagine the fulfillment of Walt’s dream that he never got to see come to fruition.”

Donna Dudley, Senior Corporate and Crew Agent, Disney Cruise Line (Hometown: North Andover, Massachusetts just north of Boston) – When the Magic Kingdom turnstiles began to rotate Oct. 1, 1971, Donna Dudley was standing by in her yellow Evan Picone suit and black pumps to take tickets from the very first park guests.  “It was amazing – such a celebration and so many guests.  It was quite fun!”  The fun was just beginning.  Dudley worked a mix of Disney roles before traveling the globe as a Walt Disney Travel Company cast member.  Now a senior agent with Disney Cruise line, Dudley and her team handle travel arrangements for 3,500 cruise ship leaders and crew members.  “I feel very honored and fortunate for all the wonderful opportunities and memories . . .all my dreams have come true working for this amazing company of ours.”

Darlene Kennedy, Manager, Creative Costuming, Walt Disney World Resort – (Hometown: St. Cloud, Florida)  Darlene Kennedy wore a red polyester pantsuit with a Coca Cola hat to serve guests at Tomorrowland Terrace on opening day in the Magic Kingdom.  Kennedy was able to watch Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney, take part in the pageantry along Main Street, U.S.A.  “We could see all the balloons going up and could hear some of the opening ceremony.”  Since then, Kennedy spent many years in Disney Entertainment coordinating parades, shows and Disney character activities.  “I just love the magic of the Disney characters and seeing the effect and impact they have on guests,” Kennedy says. “Over my years, I have had multiple families write to me year after year to say when they were coming and to send me pictures of their last visit with the characters.”  Today Kennedy leads the team that creates the colorful costumes for theme-park shows and parades.

Heather Will-Browne, Horticulture Area Manager, Walt Disney World Resort (Hometown: Orlando, Fla.) – When the Magic Kingdom first opened, Heather Will-Brown was 17 and eager to make change for the first park guests seeking a treat at Coke Corner (now Casey’s Corner) on Main Street, U.S.A.  During the park’s grand-opening pageantry, Heather remembers the release of balloons to the tune of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”  ”When I think of it, I still get goosebumps,” she says.  Soon, Heather’s own wish came true when she parlayed her passion for gardening into a role on Disney’s horticulture team.  She was, in fact, the first female gardener on staff.  ”It was like a miracle,” Will-Browne says.  ”This company has given me so much experience.”  During her career, Will-Browne has run forklifts, led a landscaping crew, co-managed greenhouses and managed test gardens.  She oversees ordering and transporting of hundreds of thousands of plants each year for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.  And she even appeared on TV with home and garden guru Martha Stewart   ”Where else could you have a job like this?”

Kent Phillips, Educator Relations Specialist, New Market Development — Disney Internships and Programs (Hometown: Dunedin, Florida) – A founding father of the Disney College Program, Kent Phillips began his Walt Disney World career 40 years ago delivering puns on the Jungle Cruise ride in the Magic Kingdom. “There’s Smiley the alligator, he’s always looking for a hand out,” Phillips still spiels with ease.  It wasn’t long before Phillips, a University of Alabama graduate, was traveling around the world – China, France, Germany and more — recruiting college students as Epcot cast members.  Phillips met his wife, Kitty, at the Disney Casting Center, and they married in 1983.  Today, Phillips continues to manage recruiting relationships with colleges across the country.

Mark Enman, Security Manager, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Hometown: Motley, Minnesota close to St. Cloud)- A “military brat” who later served in the U.S. Navy, Mark Enman thought a job in security at Walt Disney World Resort would be a perfect fit.  Less than two months before the Magic Kingdom opened, Enman was on the job patrolling areas surrounding Magic Kingdom park.  Just before opening day, Enman was dispatched to make a mail delivery to an office inside the Magic Kingdom.  “I had never been inside the park before . . . . When I opened that gate (onto Main Street, U.S.A.) all the lights were on, the music was playing.  I walked around the corner and there’s the castle all lit up. . . . That was my first glimpse of Magic Kingdom, and I was just in love with it,” he recalls.  Since then, Enman has worked at every park and resort on Disney property and was on the opening team for Euro Disney (now Disneyland Paris.)

Steve Ainsworth, Food & Beverage Manager, Disney’s Polynesian Resort (Hometown: Flint, Michigan) – Steve Ainsworth was ready to graduate from Michigan State University 40 years ago when Disney recruiters showed up on campus.  A job in Florida sounded exotic to Ainsworth and, by August 1971, he had joined the team assigned to open Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.  “Everyone had a real great work ethic,” Ainsworth says of his first encounter with Disney culture.  “And the spirit of Walt seemed to be everywhere.” He believes the thrill of being part of opening day strengthened his interest in a Disney career, and he feels “lucky to work with a company that has such a great business and such a powerful place in people’s hearts.”

Bobbi Ferrilli, Server, Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, Downtown Disney Marketplace -(Hometown: Philadelphia).  Bobbi Ferrilli was an opening-day cocktail waitress at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  During one of her first days on the job, she found herself serving a beverage to Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney. “Roy talked a lot with his hands and, as I was serving him, his hand came up and knocked the glass.  I spilled tea all over his lap.” After Ferrilli escaped the dining room for a cry, “Roy came to the back and said to me, ‘I shouldn’t talk with my hands.  You dry your tears and come back here.’” The warm Disney family atmosphere convinced Ferrilli she had found her home.  For the past 32 years, she has been a server at Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, where she sees many of the same guests return year after year. One night years ago, she ran into pop icon Michael Jackson in a Marketplace jewelry store.  She also met her husband, Paul, when he took a vacation at Walt Disney World.  Both had grown up in Philadelphia, and it turned out they had lived within two blocks of one another as children.  The couple recently celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary.

Scott Welder, Golf Superintendent, Walt Disney World Resort (Hometown: Rockledge, Florida)- On the Fourth of July 1971, Scott Welder was celebrating more than his country’s independence.  He was hired that day as a Disney horticulture cast member to mow the grass on the new Palm and Magnolia golf courses in preparation for the debut of Walt Disney World.  ”We’d find all kinds of surprises in that tall grass — everything from roots to rocks and critters,” Welder remembers. Welder now leads the maintenance of 45 holes on 310 acres between Disney’s Palm, Magnolia and Oak Trail golf courses. “Real golf turf is a living, breathing thing, so there are built-in challenges with keeping it perfect all the time, but I love what I do — I’ve found my niche,” says Welder, who has been present for each of the 40 annual PGA Golf Classics.  His favorite thing about the golf courses is the abundance of protected and preserved wildlife that includes birds, mammals and reptiles.

Irene Masse, Accounting Associate, Reedy Creek Improvement District (Hometown: Winter Haven, Fla.) – Irene Masse was in Lake Wales, Fla., selling tickets and giving tours at Masterpiece Gardens when Walt Disney himself told her and other members of the attractions industry his plans for Walt Disney World.  “I knew of Disneyland Park . . . but I didn’t comprehend what he had planned for here.  Everyone was excited, absolutely amazed.  I think a lot of people thought it would never come to pass.”  When the Magic Kingdom opened, she jumped on board to sell tickets at the park’s main entrance.  Eleven days later, she married Leo J. Masse.  The couple’s children, grandchildren, and even a great-grandchild were born during her time with Disney.  “My fondest Disney memory still has to be my first day at work . . . ,” she recalls.  “When they called and I decided to go, I thought, ‘OK, this is the place for me.’”

Myles Jones, Ticket Associate, Walt Disney World Ticket Fulfillment Administration (Hometown: Dawson, Georgia) – He was a third-shift custodial cast member in the Magic Kingdom when it first opened, and Myles Jones thought the park was magical even after hours.  “It was really exciting because I was coming to work at midnight.  Magic Kingdom Park had all the energy from the guests (even) at midnight.  It was amazing,” he recalls.  A Vietnam vet who served with the U.S. Marine Corps, Jones moved from Custodial to Disney Admissions about 35 years ago and stayed.  A father of five, Jones met his wife, Doreen, while she was on a Disney vacation from her London hometown.