Recognition is central to Disneyland Paris commitment with its Cast Members.. Among the many recognition programs across Disney Parks, The Walt Disney Legacy Award is the highest distinction a Cast Member can receive. Nominated by their peers for their ability to Dream, Create and Inspire, recipients embody and carry forward Walt Disney’s legacy every day.Here are five Disneyland Paris Cast Members who have been honored with The Walt Disney Legacy Award.
Marine — Team Leader, Bay Boutique, Newport Bay Club
Marine has worked at Disneyland Paris for more than ten years. Her journey began on August 29, when she was invited to a meeting with much of the management team from the New York and Newport Bay Club hotels. She remembers: “Our director started by congratulating my colleague and me on our promotions to team leader. Then he spoke about The Walt Disney Legacy Award and said there was a new recipient in the room. I never imagined it would be me. When he called my name, I couldn’t believe it. What an incredible surprise! The management meeting turned out to be a ceremony in my honor. I’ll never forget it.”
As noted earlier, receiving The Walt Disney Legacy Award requires a nomination from one or more fellow Cast Members. Marine adds: “It’s a powerful gesture.It’s not just saying a name. Someone took the time to write a nomination that highlights another person and aims to give them the highest recognition. It’s a beautiful act of generosity and affection.”
Christoph — Project Leader, Cast Experience
“ I started at Disneyland Paris in 2005 at Galerie Mickey, the former shop at the Disneyland Hotel,” Christophe says. He recalls his own award announcement in 2015: “What struck me most was the pride of knowing my actions had made a difference in someone’s daily life.” For Christoph, nominating a colleague for The Walt Disney Legacy Award is deeply rewarding. “Even if a nomination doesn’t succeed the first time, you should persevere. Seeing someone receive the highest distinction is very satisfying.”
Binta — Sales Representative, Guest Relations Centre
For Binta, sending a nomination letter for a colleague is a way of showing belief in them — that they are an example to others and that they embody the Disney spirit. She still feels moved when she remembers her ceremony: “I walked down a guard of honor formed by previous recipients. I felt truly special!”
Sophie — Concept Artistr, Walt Disney Imagineering
Sophie joined Disneyland Paris in 2001 as an interior design assistant. She remembers how her award was announced: “I was in safety shoes with a notebook and tape measure because my manager had taken me to prepare for a project. It was a setup to tell me the big news!” Sophie adds: “We must honor this special culture of recognition that is unique to our company and celebrate what makes Disney different.” Sophie has also nominated colleagues for the award
Pierrick — Senior Manager, Horticulture
Pierrick began in March 1992 as a gardener. His most vivid memory of being named The Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient is seeing the entire horticulture team gathered to tell him he had been chosen. He also remembers seeing his face projected on a show during the ceremony. “We have many people on our teams who preserve Walt Disney’s legacy every day by caring for our green spaces at Disneyland Paris. The Walt Disney Legacy Award is an opportunity to thank them and shine a light on their work.”
The Walt Disney Legacy Awards embody the very essence of Walt Disney’s heritage: commitment, creativity and teamwork.
It represents a deep source of pride for those who bring our values to life every day. It demonstrates that every gesture, every thoughtful act, and every initiative helps create unforgettable memories for both guests and colleagues.
A legacy is not merely told; it is lived and passed on.