Against a backdrop of a snow-covered Tree of Life at Walt Disney World Resort and Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at Disneyland Resort, thousands of cast members coast to coast geared up for the Disney Be Well…Cast Member, Friends & Family Holiday 5K. Throughout 2022, cast members across the country were challenged to incorporate wellness into their day-to-day, and they certainly rose to the challenge! Whether it was taking a walk with friends, eating a healthy meal or finding a moment of Zen, our cast have been focused on their health and well-being like never before.
To wrap up another year of wellness fun, our cast members jingled all the way through Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort and even virtually, for an exclusive 5K fun run.
“Over the past two weekends I was lucky enough to participate in the Be Well Holiday 5Ks at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort,” Disney Parks, Experiences & Products Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pam Hymel said. “The energy, excitement and comradery of the participants at both events were both motivating and inspiring. I am hopeful even more of our cast, along with their friends and family, will join in on the fun with our wellness offerings in the year ahead.”
The energy was high from coast-to-coast as Disney cast members, alongside their friends and family, raced past iconic landmarks like “it’s a small world” Holiday and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, with the magic of the holiday season serving as a picture-perfect backdrop. Of course, some of our favorite Disney pals were along the course cheering everyone on.
“It’s going to sound cliche, but it truly is magical being able to run this race with friends and family,” said Audrey D’Antonio, who works on the Disneyland Railroad. “I am very grateful for these opportunities to blend the fun of the holiday season with well-being. Honestly, it made me even more excited to run!”
Whether they were walking, running, rolling or strolling, cast members were thrilled to participate once again in one of the most anticipated events of the year.
“I’ve always enjoyed participating in the Disney Be Well…Cast Member, Friends & Family 5K because it provides an opportunity for us as cast members to experience the magic with our friends and family in a unique way,” said EPCOT Guest Experience Manager Heather McIntosh, who has been participating in the event since it launched at Walt Disney World in 2014. “We’re able to run or walk a course created just for us and make unforgettable memories.”
This year, cast members across the country also had an opportunity to join in the Holiday 5K fun virtually, along with their friends and family. Cast members at the Disney Store in New York City chose to gather in Central Park to complete their own holiday fun run.
Congratulations to all participants!
The Disney Be Well…Cast Member, Friends & Family Holiday 5K is just one of many amazing events organized each year for cast members by cast members. Visit disneycareers.com to apply for a role and join the #DisneyCastLife to #BeWell!
