Disneyland Resort honored more than 3,200 cast members during its annual Service Celebrations event on March 12, a private gathering dedicated to honoring cast members and Disney employees who have reached milestone anniversaries of 10 years or more.

The over 3,200 cast members honored at this year’s event represent one of the largest cohorts in the resort’s history, according to Disneyland officials. Last year, they honored over 2,300 cast members.

The exclusive event featured a red carpet along Buena Vista Street, DJs throughout the park, meet-and-greets with rare characters, access to attractions, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The night concluded with a special “Celebrate You” version of World of Color, which included fireworks, a rarity at Disney California Adventure.

Former Disneyland Resort president Thomas Mazloum thanked honorees for “keeping this very, very special place alive” through their years of service. Mazloum and Jill Estorino, the new Disneyland Resort president, kicked off the night with a toast.

Among the honorees were two cast members with 55 years of service, nine with 50 years, 28 with 45 years, and 60 with 40 years of service.

Jan Fleener and Richard Ruiz, both marking 55 years, were honored with a ride in an antique car along the park’s parade route.

Among those celebrating major milestones was Chris Mortensen, director of West Coast Travel Operations, who marked 40 years with the company. Mortensen began his Disney career in 1985 as a Food & Beverage cast member at Tomorrowland Terrace before moving into finance roles supporting the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Mortensen said the celebration offered a rare chance to reconnect with colleagues from every era of his career.

“When you’ve been here as long as I have, you have pockets of friends from different times of your Disney career,” he said. “I’d walk over and see someone I worked with in foods 40 years ago, then someone from the hotels, then someone from my finance days. It’s an amazing honor.”

Cast members with 40 or more years of service began the evening with a private dinner reception at Carthay Circle Restaurant. Mortensen, who received the Donald Duck Service Award statue for his 40-year milestone, said he displays all of his service statues at home and is already looking forward to the 45-year award featuring Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

All honorees received a commemorative lanyard, a personalized credential, and a special edition of the Disney California Adventure Daily newspaper listing their names.

Disneyland officials say full-time professional and skilled labor cast members have worked at the resort for an average of more than 12 years, and about three out of four cast members indicate an intent to remain with the Disneyland Resort for five or more years.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the first landmark service celebration took place during the Disneyland Tencennial in 1965, when Walt and Roy O. Disney honored original cast members who had been with the park since opening day.