2019-2020 Walt Disney World Resort Ambassador team is selected to represent more than 74,000 Cast Members during an era of unprecedented growth and development.

Walt Disney World is a place where dreams come true… and today, for two very special Cast Members, just that happened when they were surprised with the news of being selected for the coveted role of the next Walt Disney World Resort Ambassador team.

Marilyn West and Stephen Lim will represent Walt Disney World Resort, its Cast Members and ideals throughout their two-year term. With thousands of Cast, community and special events throughout the year, the Ambassadors are responsible for championing the efforts of Disney VoluntEARs while recognizing and celebrating the many achievements and milestones of 74,000Cast Members.

“Being a member of the Walt Disney World Ambassador team is an extraordinary honor—as well as a tremendous responsibility,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “It takes very special people to represent America’s largest single-site workplace and, on behalf of all their fellow Cast members, I congratulate Marilyn and Stephen on their selection.”

The honor of being selected as a Disney Ambassador began in 1964 during the 10th anniversary of Disneyland Resort when Walt Disney was overwhelmed with requests for appearances and media interviews. Since he chose the first Disney Ambassador to serve in 1965, the program has evolved to represent the company, its Cast Members and ideals through more than 50 years of milestones. Together, Marilyn and Stephen will represent the resort throughout an exciting era of growth and development, including the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and several new attractions as Walt Disney World moves toward its 50th anniversary in 2021.

Ever since her first visit to Walt Disney World Resort, Marilyn was fascinated by theme parks, roller coasters, and how they came to be. That fascination later blossomed into an engineering degree from the University of Kentucky, which Marilyn knew she wanted to put to use one day at Disney. After successfully completing three undergraduate internships at Walt Disney World Resort, Marilyn soon found a permanent home supporting Worldwide Safety operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, where her early childhood fascination is incorporated into her everyday responsibilities.

Stephen grew up in the sunny state of California, where he was just a short drive away from Disneyland Resort. In fact, he opted to attend University of Southern California due it’s close proximity to the magic. As a frequent visitor to the parks, Stephen developed a deep passion for all things Disney. While his Disney career may have first began in California, it wasn’t long before he was packing up his bags and heading to Florida to continue his journey. He currently serves as a front desk service advisor supporting Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where he puts his vast knowledge of Disney’s theme parks and resorts to use each day. He also facilitates Traditions classes to welcome new Cast Members into their roles.

After an extensive search that spanned two months and a variety of interviews, the pair was selected from hundreds of hopeful candidates. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Marilyn and Stephen will be part of a 53-year time-honored tradition that helps to inspire and bring the legacy of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to life for Cast Members, guests and the community.

In a special ceremony at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the 2019-2020 Ambassador team was surprised with the exciting news of their new roles. Current Walt Disney World Ambassadors Ken Facey and Brandon Peters, as well as several Walt Disney World Ambassador alumni, were among the enthusiastic group of well-wishers who congratulated the new team. Following a three-month training, the team will begin their busy two-year term, January 2019 through December 2020.

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