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There’s nothing we love more than a positive and uplifting story. When it involves Disney Cast Members, it’s even better. The world is full of bad news, we need more positivity to balance it out. Meet Christian Miranda. His story does so much to tip the scales in favor of positivity. Grab a hot beverage and a cozy blanket because this story will give you the warm and fuzzies.
Credit: Disney
Christian Miranda, a resident of Winter Garden, FL, had just one dream: to become a chef at Walt Disney World. There was just one problem, Miranda was born deaf. Hearing typically plays an important role in a kitchen work environment, but Miranda wasn’t going to let that stop him.
In 2021, he took the first step on the path to achieving his dream when he began working as a busses at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Galaxy’s Edge. Not content to simply work in restaurants, Miranda continued to climb up the ladder to make his dream come true.
Credit: Disney
“I actually had to apply in general for general food work. So, wherever they may have a spot, which was typically a quick service. I did a lot of steward work that was kind of where I began. And after a few months, I asked if I could move up. So, I did an interview. They brought in an interpreter for that,” Miranda said.
The interview was successful and Miranda is now a Chef at Hollywood and Vine, Wesh2 reports. About his feelings about achieving his dream Miranda said, “It’s unexplainable. It’s a precious gift. You know, to my goal, to be a chef I didn’t want to ever be stagnant in my work.”
They have gotten creative in the kitchen in order to help Mirandabe sucessful. Hollywood and Vine Executive Chef David Njoroge said, “We wanted to remove bias and get individuals to understand we all have a role in everyone’s development around us. But also, we realized in our training piece, we needed to get a little bit more creative.”
They’ve developed a system that involves writing messages on a whiteboard and pictures of foods to get things out quickly. Njoroge said many Cast Members have also begun learning American Sign Language so that they can better communicate with Miranda.
Credit: Disney
“It’s been such a great community. I have not felt left out in the slightest. I feel completely included with the team and with the chefs involved,” Miranda said. He also said that he hopes his story inspires others to know that they aren’t alone. He wants others to think of him when facing hardships and difficulty.
“They’re not alone. I’m not alone. There are other cast members and other people you look at say, you know, if Christian Miranda could do it, then I could do it. I want to inspire other cast members to keep doing their dreams, whether it’s cooking or whatever it is with their work,” Miranda said.
