Aulani Cast Members receive The Walt Disney Company’s highest honor
Fewer than one percent of those who work for The Walt Disney Company receive the Walt Disney Legacy Award, inspired by Walt’s personal qualities of Dream, Create and Inspire. Recently, four Aulani cast members joined the select group of recipients. They include Lunue of Housekeeping, Hannah of Entertainment, Hina of Disney Vacation Club and Nate of Sales & Services.
Lunue, Housekeeping
A custodial cast member since 2017, Lunue is known across Aulani for his aloha spirit and warm and friendly demeanor among guests and cast members. But perhaps Lunue’s greatest attribute is his willingness to assist the Housekeeping Department in any way he can.
Lunue has spent hours cross-training in other areas of Housekeeping, learning jobs such as linen runner, houseperson and carpet cleaner, which are not part of his job description, so he can fill whatever role is needed at a moment’s notice. This work ethic and demonstration of the Aulani values has earned him the respect of his leaders and peers, but Lunue is quick to credit those around him. “Working with wonderful cast members motivates me to do my best every day because I want to support them as much as I can,” Lunue said. “I also appreciate our managers for giving me the tools and guidance to help me be successful.”
Lunue is frequently cited in guest comments that praise his ability to connect with them in a short period of time and provide memorable interactions that enhance their Aulani experience. “I love interacting with our guests,” Lunue said. “If I can make their stay just a bit more magical by talking about their stories and Aulani, it makes my day.”
Hannah, Entertainment
“I never dreamed this would happen, but needless to say, I cried a lot of happy tears,” said Entertainment cast member Hannah about her reaction to receiving the Legacy Award.
A cast member for just over two years, Hannah’s literal IMPACT on her line of business and fellow cast members demonstrated her Legacy Award qualities. One of Hannah’s greatest passions is safety, Disney’s first key. Her dedication to keeping her fellow Character cast members safe led her to create IMPACT: Initial Minute Performer and Character Training, a new Character safety protocol. As a Character Lead, she realized that steps were necessary should a Character Performer feel unwell on stage. Hannah developed a new training program that teaches cast members how to respond in the event a performer has a health emergency. Now implemented at Aulani Resort, IMPACT also will soon be part of the training curriculum at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, helping to care for character performers across our company.
Hannah is admired across Aulani Resort for her positivity, optimism, work ethic and unending desire to create happiness for those around her. She motivates fellow cast by posting a “Walt Quote of the Week” to remind them of Walt Disney’s legacy and commitment to making dreams come true. She also creates a newsletter called “Weekly Magic” which highlights cast recognitions and includes fun activities for cast members.
Hannah’s care for her fellow cast members goes beyond the resort. She is a member of the Aulani VoluntEARS Leadership Council, helping to plan and coordinate Disney VoluntEARS events in the community.
“Being seen as a cast member that is carrying on Walt Disney’s legacy means everything to me,” she said. “This award is also a reflection of the incredible team I work with because without them, the work I do wouldn’t be possible.”
Hina, Disney Vacation Club
Hina began her Disney journey in 2017 and oversees Japan Member Services, a team of cast members who work remotely and service Disney Vacation Club Members from Japan. Hina is praised for keeping her cast members connected and engaged, giving every member of the team prompt attention that allows them to do their work efficiently.
Hina also ensures that her remote cast members feel just as much a part of Aulani as cast members who are on property every day. She constantly communicates recognition and health & wellness events such as the Cast Winter Celebration and Home Grown Farmers Market, encouraging her cast to stay engaged with the resort.
Her team also appreciates Hina as a problem solver, supporting them to provide the best possible service to Disney Vacation Club Members. They applaud her for building relationships, making them feel valued and heard, and helping them grow in their roles. For Hina, this is the key to their team’s success. “I’m lucky to be surrounded by kind, honest, patient and caring colleagues and leaders,” she said. “They share their hopes with me, they give me inspiration and ideas, and every time we share our stories, I take it as an opportunity to let them know how much I appreciate them.”
For an example of the great work being done by Hina and her team, look no further than the outstanding survey ratings her cast members receive from DVC Members. “I am one of the luckiest persons in the world, who can proudly say I genuinely love my job,” Hina said. “I have such passion for my team, and all that I have to give goes to making them happy.”
Nate, Sales & Services
With relentless energy and warm greetings wherever he goes, is hard to miss. He started his Disney career 11 years ago as Aulani’s Stewarding Manager and eventually moved up to head Aulani’s Banquets department, where he oversees convention and banquets operations.
His impact on Aulani Resort is far-reaching. In 2016 he took a lead role in the creation of Aulani’s Resort’s Ka WAʻA Lūʻau. The show now delights guests four times a week, and Nate was key in determining the lūʻau’s efficient operation, creating protocols for seating, food distribution, guest control and more.
Nate also ensures all Aulani cast members feel appreciated and valued by overseeing annual cast events such as the Cast Winter Celebration and incorporating whimsical themes and professional presentation. His cast members say he inspires everyone around him, and is a generous manager who has developed numerous leaders at the resort, serving as a mentor, friend and role model.
Nate is also active away from the resort, leading the Boys and Girls Club Hale Pono Clubhouse in Ewa Beach, and shares his immense creativity with the community through various Boys and Girls Club events such as the Walk in the Country fundraiser and Thanksgiving meal outreach.
“I live to create magic for cast members, guests and the community,” Nate said. “I’m humbled by this honor because it requires your fellow cast members to think highly enough to even nominate you. Then the selection committee has to select you from a group of the most amazing cast members at the resort. This means the world to me!”
Hoʻomaikaʻi to Lunue, Hannah, Hina and Nate for this well-deserved accomplishment.
Share this blog post:
More Like This:
