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Rachel Adams has been making magic since before she graduated college. A Disney College Program student, Adams became a full-time cast member at Walt Disney World immediately after graduating. But now, after 17 years, Adams is seeking opportunities separate from the mouse.
Caitlin Busscher was the 2015-2016 Disney Ambassador for Walt Disney World. She started her Disney career as a Research Specialist and has been an individual contributor and leader in departments such as the new hire training team, entertainment, Guest Talent, Costuming and most recently in Signature Services. She also worked at Shanghai Disney Resort, and chronicled her experiences living in China on her blog.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Space Mountain on June 1 at Disneyland Paris, Ambassador Joana Afonso Santiago met with Marie-Hélène Gomis Girardin, who was an Ambassador when the attraction opened!
Prior to today’s announcement, Brandon Peters was in entertainment as a performer and part of the 2016 Disney University Traditions team, while Ken Facey served as a leader at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, supporting the housekeeping and custodial team.
“Today we selected two cast members who will continue the tradition of bringing to life the values that make Disney special, such as innovation, optimism and exceptional service,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “As they represent more than 74,000 cast members who call Central Florida home, Ken and Brandon will share our heritage and legacy with our guests, cast members and community.”
In a special ceremony, the 2017-2018 Disney Ambassador team was surprised with news of their new roles by Kalogridis and an executive selection panel. Current Walt Disney World Ambassadors Caitlin Busscher and Nathaniel Palma, as well as several Walt Disney World Ambassador alumni, joined in the event.
A South Florida native, Brandon Peters grew up with the Walt Disney World Resort in his backyard. Knowing from a young age that he wanted to be a performer, Brandon worked as a part-time Walt Disney World performer as he worked toward a fine arts degree at the University of Central Florida. After years of dancing down Main Street U.S.A. and waltzing on the Cinderella Castle stage, Brandon moved to Louisville, Ken. to be an apprentice at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. He returned to Walt Disney World Resort as an Equity performer for Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.
Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., Ken joined the Disney College Program as an attractions host in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park. Since then, Ken has worked in operations, guest relations, lodging and custodial guest services. Along the way, he served the Disney University Traditions program, and also spent time as a guest correspondent, responding to letters from guests.
Every two years, thousands of cast members are invited to participate in the ambassador selection process, which includes several rounds of interviews. Following a three-month training in Florida and California, the team will begin their two-year term, which lasts from Jan. 1, 2017 – Dec. 31, 2018. With thousands of events to attend throughout the year, the Ambassadors are responsible for duties such as championing the Disney VoluntEARS program, supporting company programs and business initiatives, serving as master of ceremonies at park events and recognizing cast members’ milestones and achievements.
The Disney Ambassador tradition began during the 10th anniversary of Disneyland, when Walt was overwhelmed with requests for appearances and media interviews. Since he chose the first Disney Ambassador to serve in 1965, the program has evolved to represent the company, its cast members and ideals throughout 50 years of Disney milestones.
Watch this episode of “Attractions Magazine – The Show” for a look at the 2014 Disney Ambassador ceremony: