Disneyland Honors Longest Serving Cast Member Hank Ameen

Hank Ameen in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland

What started with a visit to Disneyland back in 1955 has turned into a decades-long career for Hank Ameen. The 92-year old Cast Member was recently honored as the longest standing employees of the Walt Disney Company, after serving 62 years as a Disneyland Resort firefighter.

Ameen and his wife visited Disneyland on their honeymoon and he was hired as an official Cast Member in 1958 where he served as a Jungle Cruise Skipper. Prior to joining the Walt Disney Company, Ameen served for years in the Air Force.

After a few summers making guests laugh on the Jungle Cruise, Ameen transitioned to a career with the Grove City Fire Department. But he missed Disneyland so much that he began working at the park on his days off as a Resort firefighter. In that role, he monitored the safety of the firework displays. And that’s where you’ll continue to find Ameen today — ensuring the safety of guests who visit Disneyland.

“I have a passion for what I do because I feel like we are protecting the magic,” he told the Disney Parks Blog. “I have great pride in the people I work with. I learn from them and hopefully they learn from me.”

Historic photos from Disneyland employee Hank Ameen
Photo courtesy Disney Parks Blog

Throughout his career at Disneyland, Ameen had a chance to experience the history and innovation of the imagineers first hand. He saw the Pirates of the Caribbean ride being built. He hosted Olympians in the park. Ameen even had lunch with Walt Disney himself.

After his years of service and all that he has seen and done at Disneyland, you may think it’s time for Ameen to throw in the towel and retire. But, it sounds like Ameen plans to stay employed at the park for as long as he possibly can. ““As long as I can smile and laugh, I’m going to be here,” he said.

About Deidre Grieves 30 Articles
Deidre Grieves is a Philadelphia-based writer, editor, and the founder of DisneyTourist.com. She spent her childhood taking family trips to Disney World and is now sharing those experiences and creating new memories with her two young sons.