When guests visit Disneyland Resort, they are transported to different lands – lands of tomorrow and fantasy, of rustic country roads and weathered space metropolises.
Ref Aguayo, an ager/grainer cast member, would tell you that the magic in the details and stories behind each and every structure in these lands are what makes this transportation possible. His brush strokes are visible across Disneyland Resort, including passing his craft down to his children, who are also cast members and have now left their own artistic marks.
Ref’s Esteemed Role as Disneyland’s Ager/Grainer
Ref’s journey as a Disneyland cast member began in 1975 and is as unique as the role he now holds. Following along in his father-in-law Frank’s footsteps, he started as a custodial cast member, and later applied for an apprenticeship as an ager/grainer, which would become his lifelong career.
During his nearly three-year apprenticeship, Ref learned everything he needed to know about this unique and widely unknown craft. Ager/grainers are skilled painters who specialize in creating the appearance of aged, weathered or wood grained surfaces on props, sets and buildings.
After remaining on as an ager/grainer for 16 years, Ref focused on freelancing, continuing honing his craft and teaching his children. Always eager students, Gilbert, Frank and Nat helped their father with various freelance projects – which included projects at Disneyland Resort.
Years later, when Cars Land was being built at Disney California Adventure park, Ref excitedly returned to Disneyland Resort as a full-time ager/grainer and helped to paint the world of Radiator Springs to life – or rather, into a rusty, weathered town in the rural American countryside. Ref cites this as his favorite project to date. Another unique project he enjoyed was working on the Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disney Resort.
Ref’s sons, Gilbert and Frank, continue to learn from their father while painting pieces sent for upkeep. Ref’s daughter, Nat, is also a cast member and works on the asset management team. Although on a different team, she has worked with her brothers and father on multiple occasions.
Ref and His Family Continue a Disney Legacy
Ref and his children credit Ref’s father-in-law, Frank Garcia, as the originator of the Aguayo family’s passion for Disneyland Resort. Frank began his Disney journey as a custodial cast member in 1960 and was the one who encouraged Ref to apply.
They remember stories Frank told over the years, including seeing Walt Disney walking through the park and of the inspirational work Frank later did while on the upholstery team. Ref remembers projects he got to work on alongside Frank and the upholstery team, like the canvas tents that shade guests throughout the Jungle Cruise queue, which were painted by Ref’s team and constructed by Frank’s team.
To pay homage to Frank Garcia, the Aguayo family often visits a brick with his name that is embedded in the esplanade between Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. They believe Frank would be proud to see how many family members continue the tradition of working as cast members – which, aside from Ref and his three children, has included four other family members who worked across various departments.
The Aguayo family has certainly left their mark on the Disneyland Resort, and through their art and passion for restoration, their legacy will live on.
