In a world where Mickey Mouse and yoga merge, Disneyland’s exclusive International Yoga Day event provided Cast Members with a unique escape from the ordinary. Against the majestic backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle, this serene experience granted Cast Members a moment of tranquility within the park sans guests. I witnessed this experience for myself, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share what I gained from it. But it’s not just cast who get to do neat things like this, there are opportunities for YOU to do early morning yoga in the parks as well!
International Yoga Day at Disneyland
On June 21st, the Happiest Place on Earth transformed into a tranquil sanctuary. Picture this: the sunrise hitting the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle, a rare serene environment amidst the usually bustling Disneyland atmosphere.
I had the privilege of attending this mind-bending event in honor of International Yoga Day. This global observance is aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being through the practice of yoga. But who would think celebrating that in the world of Disney would draw such excitement? More than 1000 Cast Members apparently!
Cast Members checked in on Main Street and received a cooling towel gift and were able to pick their perfect spot. As I settled onto my own mat, I couldn’t help but admire the grandeur of Sleeping Beauty Castle, gazing over the sea of Cast Members around the hub and down Main Street. It’s not every day you get to experience the sun rising on Sleeping Beauty Castle while doing a sun salutation pose!
During the event, I had the opportunity to chat with some Disney representatives, who were beaming with excitement about the unique experience they were able to offer to Cast Members and guests alike. I had the chance to chat with Shinobu Tygi, Disneyland’s Lead Fitness Instructor, who led the sunrise yoga session. She shared, “I grew up in Japan, and when I was 10, I went to Tokyo Disneyland and saw how the Cast Members interacted with guests and their energy and I thought, ‘Oh I wish I could be like that.’ And that’s why I’m here. Disney and fitness are my identification. If you take that from me, I’m not gonna exist.”
That kind of dedication and conviction exuded from her while she led the yoga routine. I was skeptical going in, finding it hard to believe that I would feel calm and peaceful in this high-energy environment. But as we moved through various poses, I couldn’t help but feel completely immersed in the moment. The tranquility took me by surprise as all the stresses of daily life melted away, leaving only the joy of being part of something so truly special.
Disney Be Well… Be You
Behind the scenes, Disneyland understands the importance of wellness for their Cast Members, and the “Disney Be Well… Be You” program is their way of demonstrating their commitment. This exclusive benefit equips cast members with the necessary tools and resources to get active, eat healthy, and find balance in their lives. But it’s not all about the noble pursuit of well-being; Disney spices things up with fun rewards and prizes for exercising, cooking a healthy meal, and even finding a moment of mindfulness.
One exciting aspect of the “Disney Be Well… Be You” program is the free Grokker membership available to cast members. With over 4,000 expert-led videos spanning fitness, nutrition, sleep, mental health, and financial well-being, this resource is a treasure trove of knowledge and guidance. Whether you want to break a sweat with a high-intensity workout, whip up a nutritious meal, or find inner calm through meditation, Grokker is like a personal wellness guru in your pocket.
Through this program, Disneyland recognizes that their Cast Members deserve to lead healthy and balanced lives, both inside and outside the park. By providing them with access to a wide range of wellness resources, Disney empowers their Cast Members to take charge of their physical and mental well-being, allowing them to bring their best selves to their roles within the world of Disney.
Physical Activities for Disneyland Guests
These exclusive behind-the-scenes events with Cast Members create some major magic FOMO, but did you know you can enjoy a taste of this kind of event anytime you stay on Disneyland Resort Property? Disneyland is on a mission to inspire and encourage everyone to live their healthiest lives. So it’s not just the cast who have access to unique fitness offerings, but Disney’s hotel guests as well.
From power walking through the parks before they’re officially open for the day, to paddle board yoga in the pool at the Grand Californian, unique activities are offered to Disneyland Resort Hotel guests encouraging them to set aside time for self-care even while on vacation.
Additionally, Disneyland’s Tenaya Stone Spa offers Sunrise Yoga in Disneyland Park.
Overnight guests of any of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, can take advantage of new Sunrise Yoga offerings at Disneyland. One special location used for these yoga sessions is Space Mountain! The class includes a fitness towel, light snacks, bottle of water and a Disney PhotoPass digital photo download. Yoga mats are provided for use during the session.
California Adventure Park also gets into the act with early morning yoga class in Redwood Creek, and sometimes elsewhere depending on the park’s schedule for the day. This practice is designed for all levels and incorporates various yoga flows that engage the body and mind. Contact the Tenaya Stone Spa for more information on yoga in the parks.
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