A group of cast members across Walt
Disney World Resort were honored with the Walt Disney Legacy Award, the
highest recognition a Disney Cast Member can receive.
Fewer than one percent of Cast, Crew and Imagineers worldwide
win this prestigious peer-nominated award which celebrates those who Dream,
Create and Inspire. This year, six recipients join the list of past award
winners who showcase the very qualities that define Walt Disney’s enduring
legacy.
Estaban Carrillo
Carillo is the co-founder and director of the world-famous
Mariachi Cobre group entertaining EPCOT guests with their beautiful music since
its opening day October 1, 1982.
He has been a treasured part of the EPCOT World Showcase,
previously performing at Disneyland, starting in 1968 as part of a youth
mariachi group. Rene Aguire Garcia, fellow Mariachi Cobre
member who nominated Carillo for the award said, “He goes above and beyond for
all of our guests here at EPCOT and I believe he embodies exactly what Walt
Disney wanted a cast member to be like.”
Amanda and Mike Ferrera
A married couple working at Disney
World were each honored with the prestigious award, completely unaware that
both had been selected.
Amanda, a merchandise leader at World of Disney at Disney
Springs joined the team in March 2025, quickly making a lasting impression.
Peers described her as someone who brightens every location she touches and
creates a positive atmosphere for both Cast and Guests.
Mike, an Entertainment Leader and Traditions facilitator is
known for his dedication and ability to uplift others through steady guidance
and encouragement.
Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko
Many may recognize this veteran from the Disney+ series
Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom leads the veterinary care efforts at the
Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. Her work supports Disney’s global conservation mission,
helping both gorillas the communities who care for them.
One of Dr. Natalie’s nominators said, “Her optimism to
capacity-build the health program for the gorillas and surrounding communities
despite the political challenges of the region is commendable. She works with
internal and external resources to provide much-needed equipment and supplies,
as well as telemedicine programming.”
Lionel Jeanne
This cast member began his journey at Disneyland Paris,
impressing leaders and peers with his upbeat attitude. After transferring to
Walt Disney World as a Cultural Representative at the France Pavilion in EPCOT,
he continued to make a lasting impression on Guests and Cast Members.
“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition,” Lionel
said. “Being nominated is incredibly humbling. I’m so grateful to my friends
and colleagues.”
Anne-Guest Manager, Merchandise, Disney Water Parks
Anne was recognized for her passion, positivity and commitment
to uplifting others. In her seven years with Disney, she has become known as a
leader who dreams big and cares deeply about her fellow cast members.
One of her peers shared,” She’s got this superpower for
making everyone on the team feel supported and valued.”
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