Frank and Earliene started on opening day, Oct. 1, 1971, and they’re still working at Disney World. Disney had them model its new 55th anniversary merchandise, now at Magic Kingdom.
When Walt Disney World opened on Oct. 1, 1971, Frank and Earliene were there. Fifty-five years later, they still are.
Disney introduced the two opening-day Cast Members in a Disney Parks Blog post Monday, Sept. 28, ahead of the resort’s 55th anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 1. It also had them show off the new 55th Anniversary Merchandise Collection.
“It is very hard to believe I’ve been here since opening day,” Frank said in the post.
Who are the Disney World opening-day Cast Members?
Frank is an Entertainment Readiness Manager with Disney Live Entertainment. He was one of the Cast Members who welcomed the very first guests through the gates, per Disney.
“Walt Disney World is a place where someone can find a first job, fall in love with the company, and work there for most of their life,” he said. “You can’t find that just anywhere, so it means a lot to a lot of people.”
Earliene is a merchandise hostess at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, one of the two hotels that opened with the park in 1971.
“Ah, opening day, I was so thrilled! At the time, I had no idea that I would remain at Disney this long,” she said.
What do they say about working at Disney World for 55 years?
They sound like they’d sign up for 55 more.
“Mickey and I have had a great journey, and it’s hard to pick a favorite moment ... I just really enjoy being here, having fun with guests and seeing kids having the time of their lives,” Earliene said.
Frank’s plan for the anniversary is pretty simple. “To celebrate, I am going to go to work every day and have a good time,” he said. “I have an amazing team and couldn’t ask for anything better!”
What is in the Disney World 55th anniversary collection?
Frank and Earliene model a hoodie, a backpack, a tumbler, a hat, T-shirts and a pair of blue 55th anniversary ears in the post. The collection also includes a mug, a Mickey Mouse plush and a zip-up jacket, per Disney.
Where can you buy Disney World 55th anniversary merchandise?
At Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom and at Creations Shop in EPCOT, while supplies last, per Disney. The collection comes to DisneyStore.com on Oct. 12, per WDW News Today.
Disney didn’t list prices in the post.
When did Walt Disney World open?
Oct. 1, 1971, with Magic Kingdom and two hotels, the Contemporary and the Polynesian. Walt Disney had died in 1966, and his brother Roy O. Disney saw the project through and dedicated the resort later that October.
Today it has four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of hotels. The Contemporary, where Earliene still works, is the hotel the monorail runs right through.
Is Disney World doing anything for the 55th anniversary?
Disney hasn’t announced a big 55th celebration like the 50th, which ran for 18 months starting in 2021. So far, the merchandise collection is the main way Disney is marking the date.
The anniversary itself was Thursday, Oct. 1, but the 55th collection is still on shelves while supplies last.
And if you’re staying at the Contemporary, keep an eye out for Earliene. Fifty-five years in, she’s still the one making sure you have a good trip.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Disney Parks Blog (Kati Gauer and Abby Jones, Sept. 28, 2026), Frank and Earliene’s quotes and the 55th anniversary collection; WDW News Today (Sept. 29, 2026), the DisneyStore.com release date
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