As Tammy Barron joined fellow cast members in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, ready to celebrate International Yoga Day, it felt surreal — a real “pinch-me” moment.
Tammy, pictured above, saw the cast yoga event at Walt Disney World Resort as an opportunity to try a new, pixie-dusted activity that could benefit her body and mind. When her dreams of becoming a cast member came true five years ago, she never imagined her passion for creating magic for guests would lead to a wellness journey that would change her life.
“International Yoga Day is impacting my well-being journey by taking me a little out of my comfort zone,” Tammy said. “Yoga is fairly new to me and I’m always up to a new challenge, so I’m really excited to be here to try it out.”
Through cast member wellness opportunities at Disney, Tammy jump-started her personal well-being journey, creating healthy lifestyle habits like walking each day and making “better food choices,” which ultimately led her down the path to losing over 80 pounds in 18 months.
“I try to take healthy steps every day,” Tammy said, “and I look forward to Cast events to keep me moving forward. I try to do things that are also healthy for me, but fun.”
And Tammy is not alone. Around the globe, thousands of cast members across The Walt Disney Company gathered at iconic locations like Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, the Disney Store in New York City’s Times Square, Legends Plaza at the Walt Disney Studios, and even onboard the Disney Wish, finding their flow in this uniquely Disney celebration of yoga.
Roberta Brubaker, a 43-year cast member, celebrated International Yoga Day and her personal health by finding serenity on Route 66 in Cars Land at the Disneyland Resort.
“International Yoga Day has been very helpful for me,” said Roberta, pictured above at right. “It’s sharing wellness with everyone all over the world. And I love that. These Disney events have helped my health by giving me the opportunity to exercise and be strong and improve my overall health.”
Roberta’s love of yoga powers her passion to be her healthiest self. She leads a year-round Disney cast yoga club, encouraging her fellow cast to “do one simple thing every day and that will start you on your journey.”
Wherever you find yourself on your road to wellness — yoga is a great way to slow down, find a path to peacefulness and boost your overall well-being. Yoga can increase your physical strength and balance, cultivate a sense of relaxation, lower blood pressure and even relieve stress.
Feeling as inspired as we are? If you are new to yoga, we encourage you to join in the celebration and give it a try! Complimentary classes are offered for guests staying at select Walt Disney World resorts to explore the benefits of yoga through the magic of Disney with Storytime Yoga, a family-focused yoga experience, or try out a more traditional class with Disney Fit Yoga.
Disneyland Resort currently invites guests of any of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort to reserve a spot to flex their skills with Paddleboard Yoga. And did you know you can even book an opportunity to experience Sunrise Yoga in Disneyland park? Guests staying at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, are also encouraged to rise and shine with an early morning yoga opportunity on the beach before exploring the island or taking a dip in the Ko Olina Lagoon. If you’re looking to experience yoga in the parks before a runDisney race, look for the next signup opportunity this July when registration opens for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort.
We invite you today — wherever you are — to connect, breathe and celebrate International Yoga Day as we collectively strengthen our minds and bodies through yoga.
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To learn more about Tenaya Stone Spa fitness classes, please visit Disneyland.com. Group fitness classes are offered to overnight Disneyland Resort hotel guests for an additional fee, based upon availability.* Class reservations are required and can be made online, by phone or by visiting the spa directly.
*Disneyland Resort hotel guests ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Fitness classes are for adults age 18 and older. Hotel guests ages 14 to 17 may participate in a fitness class if the minor’s parent/guardian consents in writing and accompanies the minor during the class. Classes that take place in the park do not include general park admission, and participants must exit the park when the class ends. Classes are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice, including due to inclement weather or otherwise. Upon arrival and check-in at the hotel, please check for the most up-to-date class location and policies. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.