As Navy service members arrive at Disneyland Resort for Los Angeles Fleet Week, one father sees both sides of service. After spending years helping bring sailors to the resort as part of an LA Fleet Week tradition, Ken now watches his son Nate, welcome those same service members as a cast member.
Retired U.S. Navy public affairs officer Ken (left) shares a proud moment with his son Nate (right) while entering WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.
Since 2022, retired U.S. Navy public affairs officer Ken Hagihara has worked alongside Disneyland Resort leaders to help coordinate the Navy’s annual visit to the resort during LA Fleet Week, which has become especially meaningful to cast, guests and military families. This year, Ken and Nate had the unique opportunity to exemplify how ideals of service can transcend generations.
The opportunity for Navy sailors to visit The Happiest Place on Earth is a special part of LA Fleet Week, an annual tribute to members of the U.S. Sea Services held over Memorial Day weekend. LA Fleet Week is one of several Fleet Weeks nationwide, and it has become a beloved Southern California tradition. In celebration, Disneyland Resort welcomed 100 active Navy service members on May 21 to honor those who protect their country.
Nate (left) and Ken (right) soak in the opportunity to serve others, together.
For Nate, watching LA Fleet Week come to life has been particularly gratifying knowing his father has devoted his career to helping organize experiences of honor, appreciation and now Disney magic for active service members. Ken’s collaborative planning efforts are a way for him to continue giving back to those who safeguard their nation by fostering moments of joy during LA Fleet Week.
“He’s always been in this mindset of wanting to give back,” shares Nate about his father. “He finds ways to continue to contribute.”
100 active Navy service members march down Main Street, U.S.A.
Ken’s connection to Disneyland Resort dates back over two decades when he and his family would visit the parks every Sunday morning for a stroll. Flash forward to today, Ken has had the opportunity to guide hundreds of members of the U.S. Sea Services down Main Street, U.S.A.—a beautiful continuation of both Ken and Disney’s mutual commitment to honor active service members.
Active service members partake in the afternoon Flag Retreat ceremony.
“Helping bring sailors into environments like [Disneyland], to connect with the public in a real, human way, is what I’ve been most proud of,” Ken shares.
Ken begins his LA Fleet Week coordination aboard the USS Essex.
Ken’s understanding of service, grounded in how people show up for one another, has shaped more than his contributions to LA Fleet Week. It has influenced the way he raised his family and how his son, Nate, approaches the work he does every day as an attractions cast member by bringing joy to those who need it most. Not to mention, it was Ken who first inspired Nate to become a magic maker himself.
“[My dad] has always been somebody who has wanted to make an impact,” shares Nate. “He instilled that in me at a pretty early age.”
Whether it be answering a guest’s question with extra care or taking the time to walk a new cast member through their role, Nate’s work has defined service by the intention people bring to each interaction.
“This role is about helping create a place where every cast member feels like they belong, and guests feel like they can come and be taken care of,” shares Nate. “Being able to make this place a little bit better every day, that’s what I’m proud of.”
Fresh off WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, Ken and Nate (center) pause for a moment alongside visiting sailors during LA Fleet Week.
To make this year’s LA Fleet Week even more special for the Hagihara family, Ken invited his fellow service members for a ride on WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. Waiting at the entrance to greet them was none other than Nate himself, eager to spread Disney magic to the same military community his father has committed his career to serving.
“Being able to help support my dad during LA Fleet Week on behalf of the company means a lot to me,” says Nate.
Thanks to Ken and Nate’s shared values of service, connection and intention, LA Fleet Week 2026 serves as an extraordinary intersection between honoring the past and defining the future. And here at Disneyland Resort, this father-son-duo continues to make an impact by serving both their cast and communities.
