Disney California Adventure shut down at 5 p.m. on March 12 for a private celebration recognizing 3,200 cast members with 50,000 combined years of service. The event highlighted the dedication of employees across the Disneyland Resort and beyond. Leadership addressed the honorees during the festivities.
Visitors to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, noticed unusual signage on March 12 near the esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. The signs featured Disney's "Celebrate You" branding and indicated an early closure of Disney California Adventure at 5:00 p.m. This allowed the park to host an exclusive event for cast members from various areas, including theme parks, resort hotels, Downtown Disney District, Walt Disney Imagineering, and offices in Glendale and Burbank.
After closing to the public, the park transformed for the celebration. A red carpet welcomed attendees along Buena Vista Street. The evening offered character appearances and photo opportunities, complimentary food from marketplaces inspired by the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, an open bar, and operating attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers into the night.
A special performance of World of Color, titled “Celebrate You,” included low-level fireworks, a rare feature at the park. Outgoing Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum spoke to the group with a champagne toast outside Carthay Circle Restaurant. “You are all part of Disney history,” Mazloum said. “During my time at Disneyland, what I will always remember is the commitment that you all have to honor Walt Disney’s original vision for the Disneyland resort to be a place of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
Incoming President Jill Estorino, who has 35 years with Disney, also addressed the attendees. “I am so excited to be stepping into this role,” Estorino said. “I’m excited to be coming back to Disneyland, where I have worked before. It feels like coming home.”
Among the honorees was retired Imagineer Kim Irvine, with 55 years of service. Fans online expressed support for the recognition, though some visitors were surprised by the closure. The event underscored the role of cast members in the resort's operations.
