Walt Disney World cast member Danny Paltjon is turning his passion into purpose through his inspiring work at Disney and his nonprofit, the Oceans of Hope Foundation. As a Vacation Greeter at Magic Kingdom and founder of an organization that helps individuals with disabilities experience water adventures, Danny is creating magical moments both inside and outside the parks.
Accept, Adapt, and Achieve
Danny’s journey began in 2003 when he sustained a spinal cord injury. “I thought my world was over not being able to move anything,” he recalled. But with a mindset shift, everything changed. “The day I accepted myself was when a light switch went on. I was able to adapt to my injury. I continued pushing through limits one door at a time, and I have been able to achieve anything I wanted to do.”
Inspired to empower others, Danny founded the Oceans of Hope Foundation in Florida, which provides adaptive water sports experiences like surfing and kayaking in safe, inclusive environments. The organization helps those with limited or no mobility feel a renewed sense of freedom and community.
Surfing into National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Danny hosted an adaptive surfing event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Nearly 30 Disney VoluntEARS joined Oceans of Hope volunteers to offer cast members, their families, and friends an unforgettable opportunity to ride the waves.
Members of Enabled-FL, Disney’s Business Employee Resource Group for cast members with disabilities and allies, participated in the experience. For cast member Rebecca, the event became a turning point in embracing her identity. “Before my turn, Danny could tell I was nervous,” she shared. “It was the first time I was publicly taking pride in my identity as someone who is disabled. It was so clear to me that Danny saw me as a whole person, and he was able to honor that.”
Rebecca conquered the waves with support from Danny and cheered on by her husband and daughter. “Tonight showed me that Disney knows that regardless of abilities, all cast members are beautiful, valid, helpful and incredible,” she said.
Creating Change, One Wave at a Time
Danny says the joy he sees at every Oceans of Hope event is what keeps him going. “I just sit back and see all the smiles,” he said. “Those memories are priceless. It means the world to me.”
Walt Disney World remains committed to inclusion, recently donating $1.5 million to 19 nonprofits supporting accessibility, including the Conductive Education Center of Orlando and Limbitless Solutions at the University of Central Florida.
To read more about other amazing cast members and the work we’re doing in Florida, visit DisneyFlorida.com.
