We’re beyond grateful for all the incredible Disney Cast Members and the magic they create in the parks!
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However, one Cast Member always makes us smile when we see him in Magic Kingdom, right at his normal spot near Casey’s Corner. If you head over near this restaurant, you may notice that there’s a piano inside a little gate, so guests can’t play it, but very special Cast Members can. They don’t just play the piano, though — they’re incredible musicians that really create magic and nostalgia with the way they play, and that’s ESPECIALLY true for one Cast Member named Grayson, who was just recognized for his incredible work!
Disney gives out what they call the Legacy Award recognizes Cast Members who carry on Walt Disney’s legacy by being outstanding Cast Members, Crew Members, or Walt Disney Imagineers. These awards are nominated by other Cast Members, and highlight fellow team members who are an example of all three Legacy qualities: Dream, Create, and Inspire. Fewer than 1% of Disney’s Cast Members around the world are recognized with this award, meaning that when a Cast Member is recognized, it’s usually a huge surprise. That’s exactly what happened to Grayson!
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Grayson masterfully plays the piano outside Casey’s Corner, in such a lively way that it often attracts people from as far as the sounds of the piano stretch — it doesn’t matter what they’re doing, so many people stop and listen to him bring these nostalgic, magical songs to life, turning a walk down Main Street, U.S.A. into a truly special moment. He’s been bringing these songs to life and exuding warmth, kindness, and radiance to guests for three years now, and after his fellow Cast Members shared that he’s someone who can turn even the smallest interaction into a lifelong magical memory, he’s now joined the elite group of Disney Legacy Cast Members!
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When given the award, he said, “This is the honor of a lifetime. To be recognized in front of my friends and leaders, right here in Magic Kingdom, is something I’ll never forget.” When talking about Grayson, Magic Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles shared, “Grayson has a gift for making every guest feel special. This Legacy Award is just a reflection of the magic he shares with all of us every single day. Because at Disney, it’s not just about the attractions, the fireworks, or even the churros, though those are great. It’s about people like Grayson, whose passion and heart make every visit to Magic Kingdom unforgettable.”
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If you’re not already tearing up, get ready, because this might do the trick. Some of the comments Grayson’s fellow Cast Members shared about him were that he “creates happiness through his kind and entertaining interactions with guests every day,” going as far as to even remember revisiting guests, and that “When he plays, you can see the movie scenes dance before your eyes and the way the music always compels the guests to get up and dance with loved ones is what this company is all about.” Finally, another Cast Member shared that they’ve “never seen a guest without a massive smile on their face standing next to him,” and we can vouch for that too — we’ve seen it happen firsthand!
Unveiling the piano for the day!
We send all our congratulations to Grayson on his incredible achievement, and we can’t wait to wish him the same in person the next time we see him play. Be sure to be on the lookout for those blue name tags around the parks, and know that those Cast Members have truly gone above and beyond!
If You Hear, “I’m Gonna Have Some Fun With Y’all” in Disney World, STOP and Go Meet That FAMOUS Cast Member
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I saw Grayson the day after he got his legend badge. When I told him congratulations, he noticed my birthday pin and wished me Happy Birthday. I literally walked away crying. He made my day!
Huge congratulations to Grayson – that is an incredible accomplishment!! I’m going to keep my eye out for him when I visit in November!
Grayson is amazing. Such incredible talent. Well deserved and congratulations. Love listening to you play.
What a wonderful story! We’ve never had the pleasure of hearing Grayson play, but we will definitely be on the lookout on our next trip. It is so nice to hear about all the things that Disney does for the Cast Members. They work hard to bring magic to the guests, and they deserve to be recognized for that.
They should give those cast members a financial bonus too. A pin just doesn’t seem like enough.
Huge congrats to Grayson!
Um, let’s just say that I schedule my MK days around his sets. Not that the other piano folks at Casey’s Corner aren’t great, they are! But Grayson is just special.
I can’t do a lot of the rides anymore, but a day of listening to Grayson makes a MK day worth it. He’s so incredibly inventive, an amazing player. Reminds me of great jazz pianists, riffing on Disney standards. I sit there set after set with the biggest grin on my face.
Congratulations to your huge accomplishment! You always bring us happiness Grayson with your splendid piano playing. You are a highlight for each trip.