Global Disney Ambassador Program Continues Nearly 60-Year Tradition
by Steven Miller
Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility
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As fall returns to Disney Parks and Resorts, the Global Disney Ambassador Program is currently selecting cast members for two-year terms representing Disney destinations around the world in 2024 through 2025. Since these next ambassadors will usher the program to its 60 year milestone, it is important to understand the full history of program and its a connection to Walt Disney.
When plans were being finalized for Disneyland’s 10th Anniversary in 1965, a marketing cast member named Jack Lindquist proposed an idea to Walt Disney. Jack thought it would be “good to have an individual selected from all the cast members each year to represent Disneyland” during the milestone celebration. The “Tencennial Ambassador” would travel to different cities and share the excitement of Disneyland with media and guests. A few weeks later, Walt replied to Jack’s memo, “Good idea. Let’s do it.”
Announced in October 1964, Disneyland’s “Tencennial” celebration would kick off in January 1965 and end with a “Re-Dedication Day” in mid-July. Activities included special events each month, the expansion of popular events such as Grad Nights and Big Band Nights, the opening of the Plaza Inn and the arrival of an advanced Audio-Animatronics Mr. Lincoln in the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A. The announcement also mentioned a Tencennial Ambassador would carry the park’s birthday message throughout the United States and overseas.
Jack would later serve in executive roles with marketing before becoming President of Disneyland in 1990. He was named a Disney Legend in 1994.
Selecting The First Disney Ambassador
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By the end of October 1964, six final candidates were selected out of 135 applicants. They participated in the Anaheim Halloween parade on Saturday, Oct. 31. This wrapped up a month-long interview process by Disneyland leaders and Disney Studio executives.
One of those final candidates was Marcia Miner, who would later serve as Disneyland’s 1967 Ambassador. I was happy to learn this fact as I also interviewed twice for the Disney Ambassador role. Perseverance pays off!
A week later in early November, Julie Reihm Casaletto was named the first Disneyland Ambassador during a colorful celebration held in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. She received an attaché case from Mickey Mouse for use during a worldwide tour celebrating Disneyland.
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The world was introduced to Julie during the Jan. 3, 1965, broadcast of “Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.” The episode, titled “Disneyland 10th Anniversary,” featured Walt and Julie previewing new Disneyland attractions in development at Walt Disney Imagineering (then known as WED Enterprises). Julie was named a Disney Legend in 2015.
A Global Disney Ambassador Family
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The Disney Ambassador tradition continued with Connie Swanson Lane being selected for the role in December 1965. Julie and Connie were the only two Disney Ambassadors who worked directly with Walt during their terms.
As Disney moved east to Florida, Debby Dane Browne was named as Walt Disney World’s first Disney Ambassador in October 1970.
Today, a global Disney Ambassador family exists at Disney destinations around the world. Each “goodwill emissary” is charged with shining a light on outstanding cast members, sharing the magic of Disney with guests and inspiring hope in local communities.
Look carefully and you will spot golden Disney name tags which were inspired by Walt Disney’s original Disneyland name tag. Disney Ambassadors receive this gold name tag upon completion of their term.
