On October 1, 1971, people of all ages gathered at the entrance of Magic Kingdom Park for the first time, eager to step into a world they had only dreamed about.

55 years later, Walt Disney World is still growing. No one could’ve imagined the scale of what the resort would become, and there’s no better way to honor that legacy than by celebrating the cast members who have been here since the beginning.

Today, I’m excited to share some of the Disney World 55th anniversary merch – and to model the anniversary collection, let me introduce you to two opening-day cast members who continue to bring the magic to life every single day.

Meet Frank, an Entertainment Readiness Manager with Disney Live Entertainment. Here, Frank is sporting the 55th collection hoodie, and blue is certainly his color!

He has lived many lives here at Disney World and is happy to still call it home after all these years. “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. You can’t find that just anywhere, so it means a lot to a lot of people.”

Wearing his colorful 55th anniversary backpack, Frank reflects on his unique experience of being one of the cast members to step through the gates on opening day and welcome the very first guests to The Most Magical Place On Earth.

“It is very hard to believe I’ve been here since opening day – it’s true that time does fly. I’ve held a lot of different roles here at Disney, and it’s been wonderful.”

With 55 years right around the corner, Frank, seen here stepping out in style with his 55th anniversary tumbler, blue tee, and matching hat, is excited to make even more magic with his team. “To celebrate, I am going to go to work every day and have a good time. I have an amazing team and couldn’t ask for anything better!” ChEARS to that!

Next up is Earliene! She makes magic at Disney’s Contemporary Resort as a merchandise hostess, and boy is she a joy to be around.

Earliene has been at Disney World since opening day and still comes to work with the same radiant personality and shining smile she started with. The red 55th tee she’s modeling emulates her aura: bright, warm, and full of energy.

“Ah, opening day, I was so thrilled! At the time, I had no idea that I would remain at Disney this long, but when you come on board it’s like falling in love with a whole different world… it’s just something you never want to leave or give up. I just love it. I love my Disney World.”

While showing off her beautiful blue 55th anniversary ears, Earliene reminisced about her many memories here. “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. It’s a joy that makes you feel so good, doing what we do.”

Looking forward, Earliene plans to stick to the status quo and keep rockin’! “To celebrate 55 years, I’m going to continue doing what I do best, making sure my guests are completely satisfied and enjoying their vacation with us!”

For Frank and Earliene, opening day wasn’t just the start of a job. It was the beginning of a journey they never expected – one filled with pride, purpose, and a love for Walt Disney World that has lasted more than five decades.

We’re so happy to celebrate 55 years of Walt Disney World with a few of the people who have been here from the start. It’s thanks to magic makers like Earliene, Frank, and the countless others who have joined along the ride that makes Walt Disney World the wonderful place it is today.

If you’re a fan of Frank and Earliene’s fits, there’s more where that came from. With a tumbler, mug, Mickey Mouse plush, hat, hoodie, zip-up, and more, there is something for everyone to commemorate such a magical anniversary.

The 55th Anniversary Merchandise Collection is available now at Emporium and Creations Shop at Walt Disney World, while supplies last, with select items also coming soon to DisneyStore.com.