Soon-to-be Disney Legend and former Disneyland Tour Guide Martha Blanding recently visited Disneyland Paris and gave tips to current Cast Members.
Martha Blanding Visits Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski shared photos on Instagram of Blanding meeting with fellow Cast Members, stating the resort was “honored” to welcome Blanding, who “shared tips to creating happiness” with current Tour Guides. Blanding joined The Walt Disney Company in May 1971 as a Disneyland Park Tour Guide and is currently a Senior Manager for Disneyland Resort Merchandise Special Events.
Blanding was one of the first Black women in Disneyland Resort history to be a full-time VIP Tour Guide. She was the first Black female manager. She hosted celebrities including Rock Hudson, Cary Grant, Diana Ross, Elton John, Magic Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, and Julie Andrews. She co-founded PULSE, a Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) for Black cast members and employees. (via Disney Parks Blog)
It’s not like going to work. I enjoy everything about what I do – the good and the bad. I just choose to always smile and laugh through it.
Martha Blanding
Blanding will be officially inducted as a Disney Legend at the D23 Ultimate Fan Event in August 2024. On October 1, her memoir “Groundbreaking Magic,” written with Tim O’Day, will be published. It’s currently available for pre-order and is described as:
An empowering and moving story of a young woman from South Central Los Angeles (Watts and Compton) who took a chance, defied the odds, and became the first-ever Black American to achieve a half-century-long career with The Walt Disney Company.
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