On Monday, May 5th, Disneyland Park held a special cavalcade honoring Disneyland Fire Department firefighters Mark McLean and Larry Chu, along with six other first responders who were on the frontlines of the Los Angeles fires in January 2025.

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The celebration marked the first day that eligible first responders who helped combat the LA fires could use their complimentary Heroes Tickets to Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Resort Cast Members Mark and Larry don’t just work at The Happiest Place on Earth in the Disneyland Fire Department, but they are also part of local fire departments and worked with them to help battle the LA fires.

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“It’s humbling and feels cool to be honored,” said Larry about being in the cavalcade for his heroic efforts in the Eaton Fire. “We are not used to the limelight, and it’s not what we strive to do in this profession, but it feels good.” Larry has been with the Disneyland Fire Department for the past three years, in addition to being with the Sierra Madre Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic for over four years.

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Mark McLean is the third in his family to be a Disneyland Resort firefighter after his uncle and father, and has spent the last 21 years fighting fires for the Los Angeles Fire Department. As soon as he clocked out from his shift at the resort the night the Palisades Fire broke out, Mark headed straight to his station, where he would remain on duty for 23 days straight.

“We don’t think of ourselves as heroes; being a firefighter is just a career or profession that we enjoy doing,” Mark shared. “It is humbling that you chose us out of all of the men and women in fire service.”

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In addition to offering eligible first responders the Heroes Ticket, Disney also announced a $15 million commitment for immediate response and rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area.

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Planning a trip to Disneyland? Now is the perfect time, thanks to the 70th Anniversary Celebration kicking off soon. This exciting event kicks off on May 16th, 2025, and runs throughout the summer. As part of the festivities, there will be new ride additions, brand-new attractions, the return of fan-favorite parades, and so much more.

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We don’t blame folks for wanting to visit Disneyland during the celebration! We’ll be getting 2 new dessert parties, a new character meet and greet is coming, new and returning shows are on the way, and there is so much exclusive merchandise on the way.

Disney also shared that new restaurants and stores will be coming to Downtown Disney as the park continues to grow and change before the celebrations start on May 16th, 2025.

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Throughout Disneyland, expect to see anniversary decor as you make your way around the park, enjoying the celebrations. You won’t want to miss the 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle, “with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands.”

We’ll be on the lookout for more news from Disneyland Resort and beyond, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog!

Learn MORE About Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Here

Are you planning a trip to Disneyland? Tell us in the comments.