The magic of Disney begins with its people, and this season, Walt Disney World Resort celebrated an extraordinary group of Cast Members who embody Walt Disney’s timeless vision. The Walt Disney Legacy Award, the highest honor a Disney Cast Member can receive, recognizes those who go beyond their daily roles to Dream, Create, and Inspire. Fewer than 1% of Cast, Crew, and Imagineers worldwide earn this peer-nominated recognition, making it one of the most meaningful achievements in the Disney family.
Honoring the Heart of the Magic
Throughout the year, surprise ceremonies took place across parks, resorts, and backstage locations as leaders and peers gathered to present recipients with the signature blue Legacy nametag, a powerful symbol of Disney excellence. Each moment reflected the true spirit of the award: celebrating those who not only create magic for Guests, but who are the magic for their teams.
Among this year’s honorees is Esteban Carrillo, co-founder and director of the world-renowned Mariachi Cobre, a group that has been enchanting Guests at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion since the park’s opening in 1982. Esteban’s journey with Disney began in 1968 when he first performed at Disneyland and even flew on Walt Disney’s personal plane from his hometown of Tucson, Arizona, to California, a memory he still cherishes today.
A Legacy of Culture and Inspiration
For more than five decades, Esteban has shared his love of mariachi music and Mexican American culture, helping to make Mariachi Cobre one of EPCOT’s most beloved entertainment traditions. His leadership, warmth, and mentorship have inspired generations of musicians, including Rene Aguirre Garcia, who grew up watching Esteban perform and now plays alongside him at the Mexico Pavilion.
In 2022, Esteban’s cultural influence was further recognized when he was featured on one of the U.S. Postal Service’s “Mariachi Forever” stamps, honoring mariachi’s significance in American heritage. His recent recognition as a Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient shines a spotlight on his decades-long commitment to uplifting others and creating unforgettable moments for Disney Guests from around the world.
Continuing the Tradition of Excellence
From inspiring stories like Esteban’s to those of veterinary leaders, merchandise innovators, and cultural representatives from around the globe, this year’s Legacy Award season has showcased the depth of dedication that keeps Disney’s spirit alive.
As Walt himself once said, “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality.” The 2025 Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients continue to prove that Disney magic isn’t just built; it’s lived every day by those who make guests feel at home in the most magical place on earth.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.