Copyright wdwnt.com
A new Disney Parks Blog post shares how some of the Cast Members of Disneyland Resort create happiness in their different roles. Custodial Cast Member Rachel McGivern Custodians at Disney Parks are known for creating drawings of Disney characters with water and brooms. Trainer Rachel McGivern can create 120 of these characters. “The first time I ever saw anything Disney was The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. I must have been four or five years old,” Rachel told Disney Parks Blog. “From that moment, I knew I wanted my whole life to be Disney.” Rachel joined Disneyland Resort as a custodial Cast Member in April 2018. She goes out of her way to bring new characters to life by experimenting in her sketchbook, practicing with water, and presenting the new characters to her leaders. “During my time with Disney, I’ve learned that the best thing you can do is stay positive, stay humble, and have fun with what you do,” said Rachel. Disneyland Railroad Cast Member Jeremiah Counihan Jeremiah Counihan dreamed of working on the Disneyland Railroad when he was a child. “I always wanted to work on the Disneyland Railroad,” said Jeremiah. He remembers a Disneyland Railroad conductor asking him what he wanted to be when he grew up. He always responded, “I want to be an engineer for the steam trains.” Jeremiah began working at Disneyland Resort over three years ago and finally transferred to the railroad team in April 2025. “I’m fascinated by steam engineering, in the same way that Walt was,” he said. He works as a firer, maintaining the pressure in the engine’s boiler by balanacing the size of the fire and the water levels. “My favorite part of my role is being able to say I get to help, in my own small way, continue the magical legacy of steam locomotion on Walt’s own railroad,” said Jeremiah. “I do my utmost to treat his locomotives with respect, and being able to sit in the same seats that Walt sat in is such an honor.” Jeremiah channels his own childhood Disney experiences into guest interactions. He said, “It’s my time to return all the happiness that was made for me.” “If there is a guest who shows a great zeal for the railroad, we try to give them a postcard of engine 2 E.P. Ripley,” said Jeremiah. “These postcards are little mementos for guests to remember the wonders they got to experience on the Disneyland Railroad.” Pixar Place Hotel Cast Member Daniel Lopez Door attendant Daniel Lopez makes guests smile with bubbles and a giant Sulley glove, welcoming them to the Pixar Place Hotel. “I was inspired to become a cast member to bring joy and happiness to guests,” said Daniel. He has been working at the hotel for 10 years. Back when it was Paradise Pier Hotel, one of his leaders noticed his passion for making magic and gifted him a Mickey hat. That soon led to a Mickey glove and bubble wand, all part of his signature look. The accessories evolved when the hotel became Pixar Place Hotel and Daniel now wears the Sulley glove and carries a Buzz Lightyear bubble wand. He credits his leaders for fostering an environment where he can create meaningful guest interactions. “They allow me to express myself, and I love them for that,” Daniel said. “When I first met Daniel, he was so full of life and energy. He’s a wonderful example of what a cast member should be,” said Ron Silagyi, general manager of Pixar Place Hotel. For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.
