Disneyland Resort and its Cast Members Earn Top Honors

The Disneyland Resort has earned numerous accolades throughout its 54-year history. Most recently, the Resort and its Cast Members were recognized for merits in the culinary field, attractions and hospitality.

The Antonin Carême Medal, which was awarded to Julia Child in 1974, was founded by The Chefs Association of the Pacific Coast, Inc. in 1969. Sutton is the 148th individual to receive the medal.

• Napa Rose Executive Chef Andrew Sutton, a 26-year culinary veteran, was honored as one of four recipients of the Antonin Carême Medal presented by The Chefs Association of the Pacific Coast, Inc. Sutton was honored for his lifetime of achievements including his involvement in creating an award-winning menu for Napa Rose, the five-star restaurant he helped launch when he joined the Disneyland® Resort nine years ago.

• Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, received the Hospitality Leader of the Year Award from Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona. Rasulo was recognized for his overall leadership, including overseeing five world-class vacation destinations, a top-rated cruise line and a range of other businesses that help position Disney as the leader in the family vacation market.

• The Themed Entertainment Association awarded Toy Story Midway Mania!*, a high-energy, 4-D, interactive attraction at Disney’s California Adventure® Park, the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Attraction. Toy Story Midway Mania! was praised for its innovation, special effects, accessibility and its ability to hold the interest of advanced players while being easy to learn. Disney has received a total of 34 Thea Awards over the past 16 years.

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa earned the prestigious 2009 Gold Key and Gold Tee Awards from Meetings & Conventions magazine, which are awarded to the world’s finest meeting properties for the overall experience they provide. The hotel was also named a 2009 Smart Meetings Magazine Platinum Choice Award winner, as voted by the Smart Meetings’ readers and editorial staff, which recognizes the top 100 Western meeting hotels and resorts for their service and amenities.

• This month, Disneyland® Hotel Parking Lead Wade Heath was one of four recipients honored as Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year by The California Hotel & Lodging Association. The annual Stars of the Industry award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond normal job responsibilities. Heath earned the award for his consistent, personal interactions with Guests. Over the past five years, Disneyland® Resort Cast Members have received three Stars of the Industry awards.

-- Posted December 21, 2009