At Magic Kingdom Park, just beyond the Walt Disney World Railroad on Main Street, U.S.A., you can listen to the cheerful sounds of classic Disney tunes and lively ragtime melodies that fill the streets in front of Casey’s Corner.
Guests often pause, drawn to the upbeat sounds and rhythms from the restaurant’s piano, masterfully played by Disney’s exceptionally talented musical cast members like Grayson Smith.
With his cheerful demeanor, Grayson not only livens the streets of Magic Kingdom with music – he takes guests on a musical journey, serenading them with his effortless performance. He brings iconic songs to life, transforming a simple stroll down Main Street into a moment of pure Disney magic.
For the last three years, Grayson has been known not only for his dedication to creating magic for guests but also for the kindness, warmth, and positivity he shares with everyone he meets.
His colleagues often describe him as the type of cast member who can turn even the smallest interaction into a lifelong magical memory. And now, Grayson has joined an incredibly special group of cast members across Disney Experiences as he receives The Walt Disney Legacy Award.
What is the Walt Disney Legacy Award?
This award honors Walt Disney’s legacy by recognizing outstanding cast, crew, and Walt Disney Imagineers worldwide, inspired by Walt’s personal example and lasting legacy. This cast member-nominated award is reserved for rare individuals like Grayson, who embody all three Legacy qualities: Dream, Create, and Inspire.
With fewer than 1% of cast members across Disney Experiences chosen, deserving cast members around the globe experience surprise moments, just like Grayson, when they learn they have been selected for this extraordinary honor.
The Heartbeat of Main Street
As the Legacy Award nametag was placed on his costume, Grayson’s eyes lit up with gratitude. “This is the honor of a lifetime,” he shared. “To be recognized in front of my friends and leaders, right here in Magic Kingdom, is something I’ll never forget.”
Moments like these are reminders of the incredible cast members who bring Disney stories to life each and every day.
“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,” said Magic Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles. “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.”
Every few years, cast members at Disney have the chance to submit nominations for fellow cast who go above and beyond each day and to help carry on Walt’s impactful legacy.
Here’s what some of Grayson’s peers shared about his finest Legacy qualities:
Dream
- “Grayson creates happiness through his kind and entertaining interactions with guests every day! From remembering faces, conversing and interacting with guests, and being a kind and happy cast member, he creates happiness in every opportunity he is given!”
Create
- “Through the medleys of songs that he plays, Grayson evokes the messages and the emotions that all the Disney classics contain. 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.”
Inspire
- “Grayson is a cast member who is highly dedicated to his role and craft. He takes his job with pride and is always happy to encourage others to learn and share in his art. He inspires me and other cast members to be more engaging with guests, to listen to guests more intently, and to do our very best to provide an exceptional and magical experience to each guest who enters Walt Disney World.”
“From his smile to his clever arrangements, and the way he captures the imagination through his music, I’ve never seen a guest without a massive smile on their face standing next to him,” his peers shared. “Honoring him with The Walt Disney Legacy Award is a true reflection of the joy and inspiration he brings to guests and cast members alike.”
Look for Those Blue Name Tags in the Parks
Interested in learning more about the blue Legacy name tag? Check out the Disney Parks Blog for additional information about prior recipients, and stay tuned to the blog and @DisneyParks social channels for even more inspiring cast members stories across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Parks and Experiences around the world.
Congratulations to Grayson and all The Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients and thank you for showing us what it means to Dream, Create, and Inspire!
