Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis Announces 2011-2012 Ambassador Team
Tradition started by Walt Disney celebrates 45th anniversary

Anaheim, Calif. – Oct. 12, 2010 – Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis announced that René Torrico, 29, and Jolie Hales, 28, will serve as the 2011-2012 Disneyland Resort Ambassador team. The pair will spend the two-year term taking the magic of the Resort into the community by participating in events, such as visiting children at local hospitals with Disney characters. Becoming an Ambassador is one of the highest achievements of a Disney cast member and is a unique part of the company’s heritage.

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Torrico, a Santa Ana, Calif. native, began his Disney career in 2007 at Partners Federal Credit Union as a bilingual teller. As the current head teller, he was responsible for training new cast members while managing frontline operations. He has more than a decade of experience in the banking industry and a degree in business management, with an emphasis in public relations and human resources, from California State University, Fullerton. Originally from Salt Lake City, Hales joined the Resort in 2006 as a performer. In 2009, she became a Youth Education Series facilitator, where she inspired local students to achieve excellence in leadership. She also managed guest performances at the Resort. Hales graduated from Weber State University in Utah with a degree in communications and a minor in vocal music, and she holds a master’s degree in film production from Chapman University.


Watch this short video to learn more about the Ambassador role.

Disneyland Resort Ambassador Program
A Tradition for 45 Years

The Disneyland Resort Ambassador team represents the heritage and legacy of Disney and the friendly, diverse spirit of our cast and community. They share Disney traditions with the cast and act as emissaries of good will – sharing the magic of Disney beyond the Resort. Since 1965, only 57 individuals have carried the title of Disneyland Resort Ambassador.

Program History:

A tradition since 1965, Walt Disney started the program to help him handle the numerous requests he received for media interviews, public appearances and hosting VIP guests.

• 1965 – First Disneyland Resort Ambassador program begins
• 1971 – Walt Disney World Resort Ambassador program begins
• 1983 – Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassador program begins
• 1992 – Disneyland Paris Ambassador program begins
• 2005 – Hong Kong Disneyland Ambassador program begins

Role of the Ambassador:

Disney Parks and Resorts Ambassadors enhance priorities and line of business objectives, serving as an official representative, with a focus on three main areas:

Community

• Share Disney magic through community functions and hospital visits
• Represent the Resort at community-based events (parades, festivals, etc)
• Share what’s new and what’s next at the Resort with local organizations
• Meet and greet with city and community officials
• Serve on the Disney VoluntEARS Leadership Council

Marketing/Media

• Spokesperson on select Company and Resort topics
• Official host to high-profile guests and dignitaries
• Master of Ceremonies or host for in-park events
• Participate in marketing tours throughout the country

Cast Members

• Participate in cast recognition and celebration events
• Gain knowledge of a variety of roles through cross training experiences

2011-2012 Ambassador Requirements:

• Must be a current Walt Disney Parks & Resorts cast member with a minimum of one year of service as of September 1, 2010
• Must be 18 years or older as of September 1, 2010
• Exemplary performance and attendance record
• Must have reliable transportation for ambassador events as needed
• Ability to travel and obtain a US Passport