Behind every unforgettable Disney experience, whether it’s a thrilling attraction, delicious dish, or heartwarming character encounter, are our talented cast members across land and sea who bring the magic to life every day. And supporting our cast totaling hundreds of thousands across the globe are our Disney Ambassadors – the friendly faces who illustrate Disney’s spirit and mission around the world.

In the coming weeks, the newest members of this international team will be selected and announced as the 2026-2027 Disney Ambassadors. While we eagerly wait for this year’s news and all of the exciting adventures ahead, let’s dive into the enchanting history of the program and the way it continues to uphold Walt’s legacy today!

The one-of-a-kind team supports and represents cast members at Disney parks, resorts, and experiences around the world, serving as the ultimate cheerleaders and storytellers.

Disney Ambassadors lead and celebrate Disney cast, crew, Imagineers, and employees through major milestones of new openings and anniversaries, while also being there to recognize the magic made every day. They act as official spokespersons for their sites and are responsible for championing Disney’s commitment to their local communities around the world.

Disney Ambassadors truly embody the dedication to displaying the Disney difference in everything they do, both inside the parks and beyond.

The first Disney Ambassador was appointed by none other than the man who started it all, Walt Disney himself. The role originated during the 10^th Anniversary celebrations at Disneyland as Walt was looking for someone to represent the resort and attend “Tencennial” events on his behalf – we can guess he had a pretty jam-packed schedule at the time!

Through the inaugural application process, Julie Reihm Casaletto, who was a Disneyland Resort tour guide from Long Beach, California, became the first-ever Disney Ambassador in 1965, setting the stage for a now decades-long legacy.

The 70^th Anniversary of Disneyland park is not the only milestone we are celebrating in 2025 – this year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Disney Ambassador Program. Since 1965, nearly 250 Disney cast members have had the honor of serving as Disney Ambassadors at destinations around the world, but it all began at The Happiest Place on Earth.

Each of our Disney Parks sites around the world have a team of Disney Ambassadors representing Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort, as well as Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

It is a worldwide family and global network meant to foster collaboration, celebrate cast members from different locations, and bring joy to fans everywhere in a way only Disney can.

Every other year, a team of Disney Ambassadors are selected from an exceptional pool of candidates to serve a two-year term, which begins in January. At most parks, teams of two Ambassadors work in harmony, while Aulani has a dedicated solo Ambassador.

These “goodwill emissaries” travel to different destinations and connect with others near and far to inspire communities, celebrate the hard work of our cast members, and sprinkle some pixie dust wherever they go.

Twelve years ago, she left the comfort and stability of an office job for a part-time restaurant hostess position at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, buoyed by the dream of working for The Walt Disney Company and a belief in herself.  

Today, Shawny Morey is the 2026-2027 Aulani Ambassador, representing more than 1,700 cast members who make up the ʻohana Aulani to promote and celebrate their stories over the next two years, beginning January 1, 2026. 

Shawny currently serves as Aulani’s Family & Adult Program Guest Service Manager, helping to coordinate activities in the Pau Hana Room. A cast member since 2013, her Disney journey has included a variety of roles such as Makahiki hostess, Character Performer, and sales assistant. 

Armed with that experience, Shawny brings the Aulani values to every role and is eager to highlight cast member stories as the resort’s Ambassador. “Aulani is truly my second home, and cast members are like ʻohana,” Shawny said. “This role provides a meaningful way to give back to them while showcasing their talents and the Aulani values that unite us.” 

Shawny’s appreciation for Disney began at a young age, influenced by her parents who are also Disney fans. Over the course of many trips to Disneyland, Shawny grew to love the immersive storytelling that is the hallmark of Disney entertainment.  

But her appreciation went next level when she became a cast member at Aulani Resort. “I immediately saw how respectful and intentional The Walt Disney Company was in honoring Hawaiian culture — that was particularly exciting,” Shawny said. “While I am not Native Hawaiian, I grew up dancing hula and hold a deep respect for the culture.” 

Shawny looks forward to sharing Aulani’s deep connection to Hawaiian culture with fellow cast members across The Walt Disney Company, and the community -especially on the west side of Oʻahu. 

When not at Aulani, Shawny loves spending time with her family, including her husband Andrew and two sons named – wait for it – Walt and Roy. She also enjoys baking, trying new desserts, and traveling. 

Shawny will shadow current Aulani Ambassador Dylan Rogers until her term begins in 2026 and has many plans for how she’d like to promote the cast. “I want to spotlight as many cast member journeys as possible, because we are what make Aulani so special.” 

Congratulations, Michele Mary and Oralia Neria Felix, our 2026-2027 Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort! 

The 2026-2027 Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort were selected on September 18, 2025, during a ceremony at Disneyland park attended by their family and friends, fellow cast members, invited guests, and Disney Ambassadors who served before them.

Michele and Oralia will represent thousands of cast members across Disneyland Resort, leading and participating in Cast events, sharing #DisneyCastLife stories, and acting as official spokespeople for the resort, to name just a few of the duties of this prestigious role. 

“The most emotional part of the day was seeing my parents’ faces when my name got called,” says Oralia.  “I’m so happy that I can make them proud and know that they’ve touched every part of my journey.” 

“I can’t wait to make everybody at this resort and company proud by showing off the wonderful place we call home,” says Michele.  

Born and raised in Buena Park, Calif., Michele’s Disney career first began in 2000 with the Resort Transportation and Parking team. After spending five years with the company, Michele left to pursue a master’s degree in geology at the University of Utah.

Following working on Main Street, U.S.A., as a merchandise working lead in the Emporium, Michele rejoined Resort Parking and Transportation in 2024 as a salaried leader. As a Disney Ambassador finalist, Michele hopes to carry on the rich tradition and legacy of the Disney Ambassador program.

As a Southern California native, Oralia began her Disney career in 2017 as an Attractions cast member in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, where she soon became a lead, trainer and scheduler. Her passion for training and leadership led her to becoming a Step Into the Magic facilitator. Oralia later became a training specialist with Operations Training, supporting the onboarding process. Oralia hopes to carry forward the legacy of the Disney Ambassador program with grace and kindness.

Let’s travel next to The Most Magical Place On Earth as the newest Disney Ambassador team has just been announced! Kylee Withers and Phelicia Blake will represent Walt Disney World and its 80,000 Cast Members as part of the 2026-2027 Disney Ambassador team.

As the largest and most visited theme park destination in the world with so much growth on the horizon, this new team will be part of many milestone moments over the next two years.

They were welcomed into their new roles at a special cast celebration alongside family, friends, and former Walt Disney World Ambassadors.

“Becoming a Walt Disney World Ambassador is a dream come true,” Kylee said. “It feels so surreal that we’re going to represent our cast with all the growth ahead at Walt Disney World, and I’m so excited for the incredible moments that are ahead of us.” 

Prior to being selected as an Ambassador, Kylee worked in Merchandise Finance. 

Phelicia was a Guest Experience Manager at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  

“What I’m looking forward to most as a Disney Ambassador is celebrating our 80,000 cast members here at Walt Disney World,” Phelicia said. “I love that at Disney, we create happiness for each other and our guests every day, and I can’t wait to continue doing that with Kylee these next two years.” 

The new team will start training over the coming weeks, learning from current Walt Disney World Ambassadors, Serena Arvizu and Shannon-Smith Conrad. Be sure to stay tuned to the @wdw.ambassador Instagram page for all the updates as Kylee and Phelicia earn their ears! 

The countdown is on! Stay tuned throughout September and October as the new Disney Ambassador teams are announced right here on the Disney Parks Blog.

You can also follow along with the Ambassador teams on their respective Instagram accounts for the latest news and updates about their journeys: