All of these ladies have been a Disneyland Ambassador, and each has kindly shared their stories with me. Pictured are Leona Dombroske Ross (1979), Christina Schendel Walker (1976), Kathleen Mitts Micalizzi (1993), Willie Vander Zwaag Burckle (1981) and Mindy Wilson Fisher (1983).

The first time a Disneyland Ambassador was chosen was in 1962, and the Ambassador program that continues today began in 1965. According to a 1973 brochure, the Ambassador was to serve as “an official spokeswoman for the entire Disney organization, and representing Disneyland while hosting VIPs, participating in special events and celebrations and traveling throughout the United States and foreign countries.”

It was a pleasure getting the chance to interview each of these wonderful Ambassadors and I look forward to sharing their stories with you in the future.