Walt Disney World Celebrates Cast Member Milestones with Annual Service Celebration

Last night, Walt Disney World held its annual Service Celebration, honoring cast members and Disney employees who are celebrating milestone service anniversaries of 10 years or more.

What's Happening:

• Each year, Walt Disney World celebrates thousands of cast members, many with tenures three times the national average. At the heart of this celebration is a multigenerational workforce and a legacy of longevity that sets Disney apart. 
• To celebrate these cast members, the Magic Kingdom transformed into a stage for recognition on Tuesday, honoring cast members marking milestones from the extraordinary 50+ years to 10 years of service.
• The evening offered private park access after-hours, rare character encounters, themed entertainment, and a Cast-exclusive fireworks spectacular—moments that underscore Disney’s culture of care and belonging. 

• Among those celebrating their service anniversaries were Elaine West Grimes, a 50‑year cast member at 50’s Prime Time Café.

• Melissa Valiquette, Vice President, Park Operations, Development & Industrial Engineering, celebrated 30 years with the company.

• Even Imagineers like Diego Parras were able to celebrate their anniversaries, who started his 35-year career working at Star Tours at the age of 17.

• Our congratulations to all the cast members celebrating milestones this year. Thank you for making the magic!

More Walt Disney World News:

• Create, sparkle, repeat! A Disney Princess themed Little Words Project pop-up is coming soon to Disney Springs' Marketplace Co-Op.
• The Magic Kingdom is getting some new treats that are (almost) too cute to eat at the Main Street Confectionary.
• The latest Imagineer That! installment has been released, focusing on how trackless rides work exactly.
• A new look for the entrance of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin could be on its way as work progresses on the attraction's exterior.