Garden Variety

In the spring of 1975, 18-year-old Dennis Turner hitchhiked his way to a job interview that would unknowingly mark the beginning of a remarkable 50-year career with Walt Disney World.

“April 6th, 1975, was my first day as a custodial Cast Member at the Magic Kingdom,” Dennis says. “Back then, it was just the Magic Kingdom—EPCOT hadn’t even opened yet.”

Reflecting on those early days, Dennis remembers a quieter, simpler time. “It was slower than you’d expect. Only a few thousand guests a day. There were moments when it felt like there was one Cast Member for every guest.”

He smiles, thinking back to the park’s humble beginnings. “Not many people know this, but when Magic Kingdom first opened, the asphalt they used would melt in the Florida heat. It would drip down into the tunnels—it was a mess. I spent a lot of time scraping tar.”

Dennis laughs before adding, “But luckily, I got to do much more exciting things than that.”

After three years in custodial, Dennis took an apprenticeship that launched the next chapter of his Disney journey—as a painter. One of his favorite memories? “I was part of the team that painted Space Mountain, working from swings,” he says. “Let’s just say, safety wasn’t quite what it is today.”

Since swinging from the side of Space Mountain, Dennis has crafted a career unlike any other, never settling into just one role. “At Disney, I’ve been able to have multiple careers all within the same company,” he shares. And he truly has—from custodial to painting, decorating, concierge, parking cars, and even helming his favorite role: driving the fireworks cruise boats. It’s easier for Dennis to list the jobs he hasn’t done than the ones he has.

“I said yes to just about everything—overtime, overnights, learning new things, and doing it all.”

Over his 50-year tenure, Dennis has witnessed the opening of three new parks, the debut of countless attractions, and has connected with millions of guests from around the world. So, after five decades, what keeps him working for the Mouse?

For Dennis, the answer is simple: it’s fun.

“Not everyone can say they have fun every day at work—but I can,” he shares. Surrounded by guests on vacation, families experiencing Disney magic for the first time, and new Cast Members just beginning their own journeys, Dennis finds joy in every day. “It’s exciting to see new Cast Members come in and watch them fall in love with it, just like I did.”

He’s also proud of the work ethic that’s carried him through decades of change and growth. “Hard work gets you through the tough times,” he shares—a philosophy that’s earned him countless awards, hundreds of Guest Recognition letters, and the deep satisfaction of a job well done.

At every Cast Member orientation, now known as “Traditions,” there’s a familiar sentiment shared: “Every Cast Member is a Custodial Cast Member.” For Dennis Turner, that message has remained true—not just because it’s where he started, but because every role, every job, and every smile along the way has shaped his extraordinary Disney story.

Full Circle: Dennis holds his 50-year trophy—decades after work included polishing red Chevy Cavaliers given away to guests at the 10-year Disney parade. Back then, he was 9 years in. Now, he’s the one being honored.