While enjoying a Disney experience, guests may come across cast members that bear a special symbol: a blue name tag. This signifies that cast member is a recipient of the Walt Disney Legacy Award — the highest honor bestowed upon cast members, crew members, Disney Imagineers, and employees across Disney Experiences.
Since its launch in 2011, the Legacy Award has recognized those who truly embody the spirit of the company’s founder, Walt Disney — those who dream big, create magic, and inspire excellence throughout the company.
What is the Walt Disney Legacy Award?
The Walt Disney Legacy Award is a global recognition program that celebrates outstanding individuals who exemplify the Disney Experiences qualities of Dream, Create, and Inspire. Recipients of this prestigious award are selected from Disney Experiences teams worldwide, including at theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other locations around the world.
A recent recipient that may come to mind for Disney fans is Willie Jackson, a PhotoPass photographer at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort, who coincidentally has also received the most Mobile Cast Compliments from guests of any cast member at the resort.
Why is the Legacy Award Program offered at Disney?
At Disney Experiences, the Legacy Award honors individuals who consistently go above and beyond for guests, colleagues, and the company. It reinforces Disney’s commitment to delivering magical experiences and maintaining its legendary reputation.
The award also reflects Disney’s dedication to nurturing talent and celebrating excellence across the organization. Above all, it recognizes those whose imagination, creativity, and inspiration bring Disney’s magic to life every day.
How does the nomination process work?
Disney Experiences employees are nominated by their colleagues for this prestigious honor. Employees simply complete the official nomination form and share ways their nominee Dreams, Creates, and Inspires.
Nominations are anonymous and can be submitted in eight languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese, ensuring that the program is accessible to Disney’s diverse, global workforce.
And, Cast are eligible for the award whether they have been making magic with Disney for a couple years or several decades.
Case in point, within the last year, Grayson Smith, who has been displaying his exceptional musical talents at Casey’s Corner at Disney World for the last four years, and Hank Ameen, a Disneyland Resort firefighter who is the current longest standing employee of The Walt Disney Company at 62 years of service, were both selected for the honor.
What Makes a Legacy Award Recipient?
Potential recipients of the Walt Disney Legacy Award display three key qualities for consideration: Dream, Create, and Inspire. Let’s dive into more of what each of those mean.
- Dream
- Legacy Award recipients are optimistic thinkers who envision endless possibilities for creating happiness. They foster teamwork, deliver exceptional service, and demonstrate unwavering commitment in realizing Walt Disney’s dream.
- Create
- Honorees are problem-solvers driven by curiosity and a dedication to upholding the Disney brand. They champion inclusivity, collaborate to create efficiencies and innovative solutions, and bring the magic of Disney to life for guests and colleagues.
- Inspire
- Recipients are role models with exceptional character and integrity. They show gratitude, inspire others to be their best, and motivate teams to create the best possible Disney experience.
How can guests tell if an employee is a Walt Disney Legacy Award Recipient?
Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients receive a distinctive blue name tag — a symbol of their achievement and a conversation starter with guests and colleagues. They are also presented with a framed award and invited to a special celebration in their honor.
Who has received the Walt Disney Legacy Award?
Several hundred cast members have received this honor since its inception, and new recipients are nominated and selected every few years. Check out the following stories about the extremely well-deserved recipients from 2025 that make their magic at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
The Legacy Award is a once-in-a-lifetime honor, granted only once to each recipient. Yet, the impact of these exceptional employees and cast members extends far beyond a single moment. Their contributions continue to enrich the experiences of guests and colleagues every day, as they bring Walt Disney’s legacy to life at Disney destinations around the world.