Forever Magical
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The Disneyland Ambassador program’s 35-year history has provided numerous Cast Members with the opportunity to represent the Disney magic worldwide. Former Ambassadors from the following years were in attendance and stood as the audience applauded…1967, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1979, 1980-1985, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. Program founder Cicely Rigdon and current adminstrator Jennifer Gray were also on hand for the festivities and Cynthia Harriss publicly thanked them for their efforts. She then turned her attention to the current Ambassador team and expressed her thanks for all their help and declared she will always remember them as the “first Ambassador team I got to work with in my new role.”
 1966 Disneyland Ambassador Connie Swanson Lane |
Next Ms. Harriss invited several fo the former Ambassadors to the podium to share their experiences. As these ladies approached the podium the Disneyland performed It’s a Small World. Connie Swanson Lane, the 1966 Ambassador recalled the day she escorted Rosalind Russell, star of stage and screen. Ms. Russell was wearing a crème jumpsuit and throughout the day guests who spotted her would reach out and touch her sleeve or shoulder. Ms. Russell would acknowledge each one with a smile or a nod. At the end of the day Connie discovered those areas were dingy from the repeated contact and began to apologize profusely. Ms. Russell was quick to alleviate her fears and stated Disneyland is a place where dreams come true, I just helped it along a little.
Leona Dombroske, the 1979 Ambassador, had a difficult time choosing just one memory from her collection of magical moments. However she chose to highlight a trip to New Zealand. During the 21 days they visited 18 cities. She accompanied Mickey Mouse through many hospitals. On one visit they stopped by the bed of young boy who had not spoken in many months. As soon as she and Mickey approached the bed side she saw the sad, little face light up “like a candle” and the boy cried out “Mickey Mouse” bringing the nurses and the boy’s family to tears. Events like this, said Leona, taught her that the magic of Mickey Mouse reaches all around the world and as she looks at the photo of that small boy she still gets choked up.
1979 Disneyland Ambassador Leona Dombroske
Suzanne Palmiter Campbell, the 1992 ambassador’s favorite memory was while helping with Operation Christmas which is a show that showcases the Disney characters and is performed in the surrounding community. On this particular occasion they were performing at a school for the deaf. Suzanne was struck by the obvious connections being made between the characters and the children.
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Heather Thompson Putnam, one fo the 1996 team members, brought a silly story to the mix. Mickey, Minnie and Heather were in San Francisco to be a part of the Chinese New Year parade. They arrived an hour before parade time only to discover the float they were to ride on was located one mile inside a barricaded area. Their quick thinking special event representative was able to find them transportation, a police car. So Mickey, Minnie and Heather waved to the crowds from behind the barred windows of a police car until they reached their float.
Jennifer and Dorell reflected on how fast the 18 months past by. Jennifer recalled the day she and the famous mice sat in the pouring rain for a Cinco de Mayo Parade and the time they sat in the heat in downtown Anaheim because the vintage convertible that was to carry them along the parade route brokedown. Dorell’s memory was from a parade in Downtown Los Angeles. They were riding in a convertible with a large sign on the side that read Honorary Marshall Mickey Mouse and Disneyland Millennium Ambassador Dorell Mitter. However as they rode down the parade route they heard people declare “Look there’s Tiger Woods riding with Mickey Mouse.” Dorell said he was busting up laughing. Dorell then removed his glasses, stood straight and tall and waved to the crowd. The audience roared in delight.
Ambassador Dorell Mitter demonstrates the Tiger Woods
wave
But the best events, Dorell and Jennifer continued, were the ones that gave them the opportunity to meet their fellow Cast Members. They concluded their remarks by commenting on how much they are going to miss working together and passed the event back to Ms Harriss. As she approached the podium she hugged them both. Harriss thanked the previous speakers for their comments and for their role in Disneyland history. And continued, “All of us here continue to play an important role at the Disneyland Resort as we reflect upon those words of Walt Disney and rededicate ourselves to bringing happiness and joy to others each and every day. Together we are entering a new era in the Disneyland Resort.”
Disneyland Ambassador Candidates Eddie Garcia, David
Lay, Trisha Tallman