Shanghai Disney Resort recently hosted its annual Service Anniversary Celebration, marking the 12th consecutive year of this time-honored tradition.

Coinciding with the resort's 10th anniversary since opening, this year's event reached an unprecedented scale, welcoming nearly 3,000 cast members and Imagineers who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, or even 35 years of service, along with their families and friends, to honor significant career milestones. From the early days of construction and preparation to the grand opening and beyond, these long-serving individuals have witnessed and contributed to countless landmark moments at the resort. For a decade, they have turned the ordinary into the extraordinary through their unwavering commitment.

Reflecting on her ten-year journey, Lu Lan, a stylist from the Entertainment department, shared: "Having seen the castle in the quiet hours of dawn, stood guard through the fireworks at night's end, encountered countless faces, and watched the seasons change, I've come to understand that 'magic' is not achieved overnight—it comes from unwavering passion and extreme dedication day after day." Her colleague Liu Xiangqian, part of the opening team who has spent a decade recording park announcements, noted that the familiar phrase "Wishing you a magical day" has been her signature work mantra. "Devoting ten years to mastering one craft is true artisanship," she said.

Over the past decade, many have also achieved significant career growth. Xie Hanchen, an opening team member from Park Operations and Shanghai Disney Town, once served as a cultural exchange ambassador at Walt Disney World in Orlando. She participated in attraction testing before the opening, worked as a heritage trainer, and has since delved into various attraction operations management roles. Wen Yongjuan from the Catering team transitioned from a sales position to becoming an excellent kitchen leader. "The company encourages employees to explore different roles and responsibilities, which has allowed me to learn so many diverse skills," she remarked.

For many, Shanghai Disney Resort represents more than just a career—it has become an integral part of their life stories and family memories. Yang Jiaqi joined the resort after graduating from university, where she met her life partner, started a family, and welcomed her daughter. "Looking back on these ten years, I feel like I've grown up together with Shanghai Disney," she said. Zheng Wumin, a restaurant manager, has a son who just turned ten—a devoted young fan who is the same age as the resort. "In the opening year, I took my son to Tomorrowland for a photo with Stitch. This year, for the tenth anniversary, I brought him back to the same spot for a new picture," he shared.

For the first time, this year's celebration featured a full day of exclusive experiences, inviting long-serving cast members and Imagineers to share the honor with their loved ones. Special themed photo spots were set up throughout the park to capture these meaningful moments. A "Magic Parade" featuring 120 long-service representatives made its debut in the parade route—these dream-makers, who normally work behind the scenes, stepped into the spotlight, basking in cheers and applause from their families, colleagues, management, and park guests. Select attractions were also opened for exclusive ride time during the day.

As evening fell, a grand ceremony unfolded before the castle. Resort management expressed gratitude to the long-serving cast members and Imagineers, acknowledging their vital roles in creating guest experiences, telling Disney stories, and driving the resort's development. Customized entertainment performances for them and their guests showcased then-and-now photos, weaving together the warm memories of a decade of working side by side. As the ceremony drew to a close, Disney characters made a surprise appearance on the Clock Tower, waving farewell and bringing the day-long celebration to a heartwarming conclusion.

The Service Anniversary Celebration is a long-standing Disney tradition designed specifically for cast members and Imagineers. Those reaching 10 or more years of service, with anniversaries falling on 5 or 10-year milestones, are invited to attend with their families. This celebration exemplifies Shanghai Disney Resort's ongoing commitment to enhancing the cast member experience. While devoted to creating magic for guests, the resort equally values every individual who "makes the magic happen," fostering a safe, flexible, inclusive, and respectful work environment.