Employee Spotlight: Kimberlee Benton

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Employee Spotlight - Kimberlee Benton

Kimberlee Benton, the Lifestyle Director at Homecoming at Eastvale, recently made history as the first African American Mrs. Claus!  More than just a talented artist, Kimberlee brings a unique energy and dedication to her performances, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Outside the magical realm of Disney, she enriches her skillset and shares her passion, contributing to the diverse and vibrant holiday season at The Resort. Read below to learn more about Kimberlee’s journey, her approach to embracing new challenges, and the memorable moments she’s created at ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’.

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What are the latest developments you've been involved with at Disney and how have they influenced your current role?

Kimberlee: This holiday season, I had the honor of being cast as one of the first African American Mrs. Claus at the Disneyland Resort, as well as performing as a Finale Holiday Dancer.

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What does visitor attendance at the Disneyland Resort typically look like during the holiday season?

Kimberlee: The holiday season at Disneyland has always been exceptionally busy, even more so than the summer months. Recently, the resort has expanded its holiday offerings to include a wider range of cultural touchpoints and diverse celebrations. This expansion includes a variety of Santas and Mrs. Clauses to reflect different cultures, alongside shows, experiences, guest musical acts, and a plethora of food options celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and more, catering to all who enjoy the holiday spirit. For Southern California residents who might visit the parks multiple times a year, the holiday season offers a distinct and unique experience that feels different from other times of the year.
Kimberlee Benton
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How do you manage the stress and pressure associated with performing?

Kimberlee: I wouldn’t say I feel pressure anymore, having performed at Disney for over a decade. However, there’s always a sense of responsibility to excel, as Disney entertainment is highly valued and the characters and stories are incredibly meaningful to the audience. Given the cost of tickets, I aim to give my all in every performance.

This year, portraying a Black Mrs. Claus held a unique significance. We were uncertain how guests might react, especially since last year marked the debut of a Black Santa. This year, the company progressed further by introducing a diverse range of Santas across the park, along with a refreshed image for Mrs. Claus. Change can be daunting, both to witness and to be part of, but the positive response was overwhelming. It’s heartening to see both children and adults open to new representations, and the entire entertainment department has been incredibly supportive. This is the second time I’ve had the opportunity to introduce a new character at Disney, and it’s been an immensely fulfilling experience, a surprise addition to my bucket list.

Over the years, the best approach for me has been diligent work and preparation. Practicing, mastering choreography, staging, and lines, and trusting that I’m there for a reason has been key. Never did I imagine I’d have a career in dancing, let alone at the happiest place on Earth. Now that I’m here, I focus more on gratitude than pressure, striving to enjoy every moment.

Kimberlee Benton
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Do you have any memorable or notable stories from your experiences at Disney that you could share?

Kimberlee: During a show, a child asked if he could email his Christmas list to me as Mrs. Claus. I responded that my elves had taught me about email and that I would check it right away. This season, as Mrs. Claus, I also had the opportunity to perform for Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, and her children. As frequent visitors to Disney, they were pleasantly surprised to see a new Mrs. Claus.
Kimberlee Benton

Read more about Kimberlee Benton’s work as the Lifestyle Director at Homecoming at Eastvale!