Waking Up Early for Tai Chi and Wellness with Disneyland Cast

Amy Cassidy

by , Internal Communications Specialist

In the early morning hours long before Disney California Adventure park opening, cast members recently shared a unique opportunity alongside their friends and family to practice the ancient art of Tai Chi, with the twinkling lights and rising sun along Pixar Pier providing a beautiful backdrop.

Cast onstage with the Disneyland Resort Ambassadors
Vice President of Disney California Adventure park, Brent Davies; Disneyland Resort Ambassadors, Mark Everett King Jr. and Nataly Guzman; and Lead Fitness Instructor, Shinobu Tygi, pose with attendees.

“Tai Chi is the slow movement of martial arts,” said Tenaya Stone Spa lead fitness instructor Shinobu Tygi, who led participants through exercises reflecting its unique balance of motion and tranquility. “It is a great meditation practice focused on balance and strength.”

Two cast members leading activities at the event
Chef Gracie Gomez shares a fresh and fruity smoothie recipe while Disneyland Resort Ambassador Nataly mixes things up with the Be Well smoothie bike.

The month of May marks the celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, recognizing the culture and contributions of the AAPI community. “I am excited to see wellness and culture celebrated here this morning through Tai Chi,” said Shinobu. “It means a lot to me as we prepare to kick off AAPI month.

Cast snap a selfie in Pixar Pier

Cast participants were excited to share this wellness opportunity with their loved ones, including Bianca Hernandez from Custodial (pictured above, second from left), who brought her three sisters and her brother.

“I am glad we are able to focus on wellness together as a family,” said Bianca. “This was my first time trying Tai Chi. I love that we have these cultural events; they expand our views of how different people from different places exercise and practice wellness.”