(From left to right, Jessica Bernard, Julie Reihm Casaletto, Allie Kawamoto)

50 Year Old Walt Disney Tradition Continues as Disneyland Resort Names 2015-2016 Ambassador Team

Two cast members selected to represent the Resort and its 26,000 cast members as goodwill emissaries during the 50th anniversary of the Ambassador Program

ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 10, 2014 – In a ceremony at Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier today announced that cast members Jessica Bernard and Allie Kawamoto will represent the Resort and its 26,000 cast members as the 2015-2016 Disney Ambassador team, a program celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The team will continue a tradition started by Walt Disney in 1965, established to assist him with sharing the magic, inspiration, and optimism of Disneyland. Julie Reihm Casaletto, the first Disney Ambassador who was selected by Walt Disney, helped welcome the new team at today’s ceremony.

Bernard and Kawamoto were selected from nearly 60 applicants, and will spend a two-year term bringing the magic of the Resort into the community by acting as emissaries of goodwill. As part of their full-time duties, they will represent the Resort at a variety of events, such as hospital visits with Disney characters, promotional tours and cast recognition ceremonies. In addition, the pair will serve as spokespeople for the Resort.

"Disney Ambassadors have played an important role at the Disneyland Resort throughout the past 50 years," said Michael Colglazier, president of the Disneyland Resort. “This tradition will certainly continue as Allie and Jessica help us share the excitement of our upcoming 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration with our guests, community and fellow cast members.”

In 2007, Kawamoto began her career in the Disney College Program and most recently served as a food and beverage manager on Main Street, U.S.A. She participated in the Resort’s Emerging Leaders Program and is a member of the Disney VoluntEAR Leadership Council. Kawamoto is from Cerritos, Calif.

Bernard began her career with Disney in 2012 in entertainment and performed in shows including “Mickey & the Magical Map.” She has volunteered with a number of organizations, including The Ronald McDonald House and Mary’s Soup Kitchen. Bernard is originally from Bend, Ore.

The tradition that started at Disneyland 50 years ago now includes Ambassadors at Disney Destinations around the world, most recently adding Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Shanghai Disney Resort, which will select its first Ambassadors this year.