At Walt Disney World Resort, the annual Be Well… Cast Member, Friends & Family Holiday 5K is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of health, connection, and Disney magic. Held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the event brings thousands of cast members together with their loved ones for a festive morning dedicated to wellness and community.
For Mitchelle Lugo, a Disney retail allocator and 21-year cast member, the holiday 5K has become a cherished family tradition. What started as a fun run has evolved into a heartwarming ritual that strengthens her family’s bond year after year.
This season, Mitchelle hit the start line with her husband Melvyn Lugo, celebrating 24 years with Disney as a business affairs manager, and their 17-year-old daughter, who’s now a high school senior. Over time, extended family—including Mitchelle’s twin sister and nephew—have joined the race as well, turning the event into a meaningful moment of reconnection.
“We’re so grateful to be able to do this as a family,” Mitchelle shared. “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!”
The Lugo family wasn’t alone in expanding their running crew this year. Mitchelle’s leader, John Cogliandro, manager of location planning, participated for the first time with his wife and 12-year-old son. Joining them was Tyler Saunders, a Disney Programs professional intern who recently joined the location planning team. Together, they reflect the heart of Disney’s multigenerational workforce, where camaraderie thrives across ages and roles.
Whether participants choose to walk, jog, run, or roll, the Holiday 5K embraces all fitness levels—reminding everyone that wellness can be magical, meaningful, and best of all, shared. Even those cheering from the sidelines play a role in celebrating 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.”
Disney’s Commitment to Holistic Cast Member Care
The Cast Member Holiday 5K is just one example of the many wellness opportunities supported by Disney’s Be Well platform. The initiative offers a robust collection of resources designed to support physical, mental, and emotional health, including:
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Sports leagues and walking groups
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The exclusive “Disney CareConnect” well-being app
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Evernorth Well-being Navigators
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On-site and virtual care at the Center for Living Well
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Meditation tools like Headspace
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The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Family and home support through Care.com
This modern, human-centered approach to cast well-being contributes to Walt Disney World’s industry-leading retention rates—exceeding 80%—and reinforces Disney’s long-standing culture of care.
“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.
As one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences—spanning 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club properties, and a top-rated cruise line—Disney relies on its cast members to bring magic to life every single day. Events like the Holiday 5K honor that dedication by making space for personal wellness, shared joy, and memorable moments among the Disney family.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83