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Disney Cast Member Hero Honored 25 Years Later

Posted by: Steven Wilk May 8, 2023

Disney Veteran
Credit: Disney

Disney Cast Member Peter Olivo was an opening day Cast Member for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998. He plans to retire after 25 years of being a valuable member of the Disney World team.

RELATED: Disney World Cast Member Found Dead

Cast Member And Hero

Peter Olivo Honored Cast Member

Credit: Disney

But Peter’s contributions to this country far exceed his service to the many Disney Guests. As a Vietnam War veteran, he served as a U.S. Army infantry Soldier during the war and received a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained through his service.

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In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Disney has recognized Peter’s contributions. The company always likes to take this opportunity in May to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Honoring A Hero

He was honored with a special sunrise ceremony at Animal Kingdom surrounded by his wife, Virginia (also a Disney Cast Member), the Walt Disney World Resort Ambassador, Disney’s Animal Kingdom vice president, Disney SALUTE Veteran affinity group co-chair, and fellow Cast Members. Peter was presented with a special American flag flown over the Disney Parks. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the group officially welcomed Peter home during an emotional part of the event.

Peter Olivo Honored

Credit: Disney

Peter Olivo has been an attraction host at Animal Kingdom since the Park opened 25 years ago.

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Heroes Work Here Program

Since the Heroes Work Here program launched in 2012, the Walt Disney Company has hired over 12,500 veterans. Disney has a strong affinity for the armed forces, military families, and veterans. This tradition goes back to the company’s founding 100 years ago, starting with Walt and Roy O. Disney’s contributions during the First World War. They are proud and honored to celebrate these heroes.

epcot-salute-military-plane

Credit: Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)