At Walt Disney World Resort, the Be Well…Cast Member, Friends & Family Holiday 5K is an annual tradition that brings thousands of cast members together at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with their friends and families for a joyful celebration of unforgettable memories that reinforce a culture of support and well-being.
For Mitchelle Lugo, a Disney retail allocator and 21-year cast member, the cast member 5K is more than just a race, it’s a heartwarming experience that strengthens her family’s connection with every step.
This year, Mitchelle crossed the start line with her husband, Melvyn Lugo, celebrating 24 magical years with Disney as a business affairs manager and their 17-year-old daughter, a high school senior. Over the years, Mitchelle has run the cast member 5K with extended family, including her twin sister and nephew, making the event a meaningful way to reconnect with family and prioritize health together.
“We’re so grateful to be able to do this as a family,” Mitchelle said. “Between work and school, quality time can be hard to come by. Cast events like this holiday 5K bring us together to support each other in new and exciting challenges. It helps us stay on track with our health and gives us a chance to spend time together!”
This year, the Lugo running circle grew even larger. Mitchelle’s leader, John Cogliandro, manager of location planning, joined the race for the first time with his wife and their 12-year-old son. Also lacing up her sneakers was Tyler Saunders, a Disney Programs professional intern who recently began her Disney career with the location planning team. Together, they represent the heart of Disney’s multigenerational workforce, where camaraderie and connection thrive across generations.
Whether walking, rolling, jogging, or running, the cast member 5K welcomes all fitness levels and reminds us that well-being can be magical, meaningful, and shared. And whether you’re crossing the finish line or cheering from the sidelines, every step is a celebration of the Disney spirit.
“Being part of a company that truly values the overall well-being of its team means a lot to me,” John said. “Knowing there are so many resources and programs available for both myself and my family gives me peace of mind and confidence that we’re supported every step of the way.”
At Walt Disney World, Disney’s Be Well platform supports cast members and their families through a comprehensive suite of well-being resources, from a host of sports leagues, walking groups and events like the Cast Member Holiday 5K, to digital tools like Disney CareConnect, a cast-exclusive well-being app.
Other resources include Evernorth Well-being Navigators, on-site and virtual care at the Center for Living Well, Headspace, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Care.com services for family and home support, reflecting Disney’s commitment to holistic well-being in every season and in every aspect of life, creating a culture where cast members feel valued and supported.
This modern, human-centered approach to the cast experience not only prioritizes mental, physical, and emotional health — it also drives engagement and loyalty, contributing to Walt Disney World’s industry-leading retention rates, which exceed 80%.
“At Disney, our goal is to provide resources and experiences that empower every cast member and their families to feel supported on their well-being journey,” said Penny Slocum, Senior Manager of Well-being Strategic Initiatives.
This commitment to care complements Disney Experiences’ mission as one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with six resort destinations across the globe, including 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club properties, a top-rated cruise line and other unique vacation experiences. Through the work of our cast members, Disney magic comes to life for families and fans worldwide every day.