WHO ARE THE DISNEY AMBASSADORS AND HOW CAN YOU BECOME ONE ?
BY KYLE JOHNSON
For all that goes into making the magic happen at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world , it absolutely wouldn ’ t be possible without Cast Members . Those Cast Members who best represent all the magic that the mouse stands for can earn one of the most coveted titles around : Disney Ambassador .
Becoming a Disney Ambassador can be the crowning achievement in a Cast Member ’ s illustrious career , earned by demonstrating a commitment to putting smiles on faces . And with a whole new class of Disney Ambassadors just taking over for 2022 , you can bet the future of family-friendly fun is in great hands .
FIRST DISNEY AMBASSADOR SET A HIGH STANDARD In 1964 , Disneyland was heading into its 10th year ( or Tencennial ) as the Happiest Place on Earth , work was underway on a little something called the Florida Project , “ it ’ s a small world ” and Great Moments with Mr . Lincoln had just debuted at the New York World ’ s Fair , and Mary Poppins was absolutely crushing it at the box office . As you might imagine , Walt Disney was quite the busy bee and needed a hand sharing his message of magic around the world .
For that , Walt dreamt up the role of Disney Ambassador . Disney Ambassadors would serve as “ Emissaries of Goodwill ,” spreading optimism and joy both inside and outside Disneyland , making appearances , and traveling the globe when the man himself wasn ’ t able .
Only the best of the best could become the first Disney Ambassador . The nod ultimately went to Julie Reihm ( later Casaletto ), a Disneyland tour guide hailed as “ a personification of Disneyland ’ s world-famous spirit of friendliness and happiness .”
Julie was studying speech at California State Long Beach and had spent two years working as a part-time Disneyland tour guide . She applied and was selected as one of five finalists for Miss Disneyland Tencennial , which would morph into the Disney Ambassador title .
When she was chosen as the winner , Reihm initially turned it down to focus on her studies . But fortunately for generations of Ambassadors to follow , she eventually accepted and laid down a most solid foundation for the program as we know it today .
In 1965 , Julie Reihm was all over the place — literally . She logged more than
52,000 miles of travel in that year alone , visiting multiple continents along the way . Everywhere she went , she was a source of brightness and cheer . She even accepted awards on behalf of Walt Disney .
Julie starred in Wonderful World of Color ’ s legendary “ The Disneyland Tenth Anniversary Show ” episode . Wearing the iconic plaid attire of a Disneyland tour guide , she was introduced by Walt as “ Disneyland ’ s official Ambassador this anniversary year .” Joined by future Disney Legends like Mary Blair and Blaine Gibson , the duo offered viewers a sneak preview of two mainstay Disneyland attractions : Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean .
And , of course , Julie was a major part of Disneyland ’ s Tencennial celebration proper on July 18 . That included joining Walt and Lillian Disney for the public opening of Disneyland ’ s own version of Great Moments with Mr . Lincoln — and cutting a grand castle-topped cake at the Plaza Inn restaurant .
After a year as Disneyland ’ s official Ambassador , Julie left the role to continue her studies . She would later move to Virginia to start a family of her own . Her legacy looms large to this day — in his memoir , Disney Legend Jack Lindquist ( who helped Walt Disney create the
L-R TOP : Stephen & Marilyn , 2021-22 Ambassadors , welcome Raevon and Ali . Raevon & Ali on the eve of WDW ' s 50th celebrations . Posing for photos with Bob Iger and Bob Chapek . L-R BOTTOM : Mika Ogasawara , Ambassador for Tokyo Disney Resort . Raevon & Ali with some Ambassador alumni during the 50th celebrations . Mark Everett King Jr . and Nataly Guzman , the new Disneyland Ambassadors . PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISNEY