During our recent Rotary Youth Exchange trip to Disneyland in California, we experienced a moment that truly captured the power of Rotary. 

Dressed in our custom t-shirts featuring Mickey Mouse ears atop the Rotary logo, we paused in front of the iconic Disney castle for a photo. While waiting, our French inbound student sparked a spirited debate with a Disney cast member over which castle was better—California or Paris. The cast member passionately defended the California castle as the original, sharing that Walt Disney himself walked through its halls (a feat never replicated in Paris!). 

This fun exchange led to an unexpected conversation about Rotary and Youth Exchange. The cast member, with a personal connection to Rotary, decided to do something extraordinary. They went above and beyond, clearing the area so we could capture a perfect, centered shot of the castle—an experience that’s nearly impossible at Disneyland! 

💙 Moments like these remind us of the incredible connections, opportunities, and lifelong memories Rotary Youth Exchange creates. It’s about more than travel—it’s about friendships, shared experiences, and the magic of a global community. 

Thank you to the Disney cast member who made this unforgettable memory possible! ✨