At 92 years old, Henry Ameen, affectionately referred to as Hank, strolls the sidewalks of Main Street, U.S.A., with the same enthusiasm he had back when he started as a Jungle Cruise skipper in 1958.
His love for Disney traces back to 1955, when Hank and his wife visited Disneyland on their honeymoon—just one month after it opened. Hank took eight-millimeter film of the park on his new Kodak Brownie camera and still has the footage to this day. Just three years later, Hank began his Disney journey as an official cast member after serving many years in the United States Air Force.
Hank was hired as a Jungle Cruise skipper and landed the role because of his previous experience as a bartender. The hiring manager figured he could tell a joke, and he was right. Hank quickly mastered the art of making guests laugh. “I picked it up, and then lo and behold, people were clapping, and they liked my spiel,” says Hank while chuckling. “I felt pretty good about that.”
After a few summer seasons, Hank was ready for a new challenge. As an active individual with a passion for caring for others, he joined the Garden Grove Fire Department and began what would be a fulfilling 35-year career as a city fireman.
However, Hank missed Disneyland. So much so that on his days off he began working as a Disneyland Resort firefighter, monitoring pyrotechnic safety for the evening firework spectaculars. He relished being back in his new role. “I have a passion for what I do because I feel like we are protecting the magic,” says Hank.
Decades later Hank is still protecting that for cast and guests alike. As of October 8, 2024, he celebrates his 62nd service anniversary and holds the legendary status as the current longest standing employee of The Walt Disney Company. With over half a century of incredible experiences, he has made remarkable memories—one of which includes having lunch with Walt Disney himself. “He started walking towards my table, but I never thought that he would sit with me,” shares Hank. “He pulled up a chair and he asked me questions like, ‘How do you like working here? How do you like the food? What can I do?’ It was maybe a 10-minute conversation. That was a wonderful memory.”
When cast members think of Hank, they think of a man who relishes every opportunity that life offers. He certainly has, from hosting Olympians at Disneyland in 1964, to watching iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean be built right before his eyes, to enjoying cast picnics with Walt Disney and his family, to winning the bronze, silver and gold medal in the Disneyland 10k Marathons, he has embraced life wholeheartedly.
With all the once-in-lifetime experiences, Hank maintains his favorite memories center around the community he has built as a cast member, especially among his fellow Disneyland Resort firefighters. “I have great pride in the people I work with. I learn from them and hopefully they learn from me,” says Hank with a humbleness in his voice. The admiration Hank feels for his fellow cast members is mutual. Last August, the Disneyland Resort firefighters de-throned the years-long reign of the Davy Crockett team, winning the fastest time in the cast member Canoe Races. For years, the firefighters vowed they would win one for Hank, which they finally did. The team honored Hank by having him join their triumphant victory lap while the cast cheered uproariously.
How has Hank remained so vibrant? He moves. When he is not swimming or at the gym you will find him walking around the resort in the early morning hours before the parks open. That combined with his endless optimism about life. “You have to have a good outlook on life. Make the best of it. Live in the moment,” he says.
When asked about the potential of retirement, Hank pauses for a moment, and with a twinkle in his eye says, “As long as I can smile and laugh, I’m going to be here.”
Hank has led a remarkable life, one dedicated to serving others, making the community safer and protecting the magic at Disneyland Resort for 62 years. But those who know Hank or have had the good fortune to meet him, know that he is the magic.
