Dwayne Johnson received one of Disney’s highest honors, but his younger daughters cared more about the potential family perks.
The “Moana” actor was officially named a Disney Legend during an August 16 ceremony in Anaheim, California. He was honored alongside Anne Hathaway, Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Jonas Brothers.
Dwayne’s daughters Jasmine and Tiana celebrated the achievement by sending their father a video, but they also wanted to know exactly what his new title meant.
Dwayne Johnson Joked About a Major Disney Perk
Dwayne shares Jasmine, 10, and Tiana, 8, with his wife, Lauren Hashian. He is also father to Simone Johnson, 25, whom he welcomed with former wife Dany Garcia.
The actor told People that his younger daughters were excited about the honor and recorded a congratulatory message for him.
“They said, ‘Congratulations, Daddy, you’re a Disney Legend. What does it mean?’” he recalled.
Dwayne responded with a joke that likely made the title even more exciting for them.
“I sent them back a video and I was like, ‘It means we get free tickets to Disney for life,’” he said.
His Daughters Joined the ‘Moana’ World
Jasmine and Tiana already have their own connection to Disney.
Both girls made brief appearances in “Moana 2” and received cameos in the 2026 live-action adaptation of “Moana,” which stars Dwayne as the demigod Maui.
“They’re in the movie,” he said. “They were in ‘Moana 2’ as well, just for a couple of seconds.”
Dwayne will also return as the voice of Maui in the upcoming animated movie “Moana 3.”
The actor executive produced “Moana: Voices Across the Ocean,” a companion album inspired by the live-action movie. He co-wrote and performed the song “Your Dad” with “American Idol” winner Iam Tongi.
The personal track was inspired by all three of Dwayne’s daughters.
A Disneyland Memory Shaped His Acceptance Speech
During the Disney Legends ceremony, Dwayne recalled taking Simone to Disneyland when she was 5.
At the time, he was still learning how to balance fatherhood, marriage and his growing career. The pair attended a breakfast with the Disney princesses, where Simone was encouraged to close her eyes and make a wish.
“I just remember that moment on my daughter’s face,” Dwayne said during his speech. “She was just so into making a wish.”
The memory helped him understand how Disney experiences can remain with families for years.
“I know she’ll never forget. I’ll never forget,” he said. “That’s the beauty of Disney.”
The ceremony took place two days after Simone’s 25th birthday, so Dwayne led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to his oldest daughter.
What Being a Disney Legend Means to Dwayne Johnson
Beyond the family memories and jokes about theme park admission, Dwayne described the recognition as a meaningful honor.
He said being a Disney Legend means treating others with kindness and creating experiences that bring families together around the world.
For Dwayne, the title celebrates more than his work as Maui. It also represents the Disney memories he has created with his daughters, from Simone’s childhood wish to Jasmine and Tiana’s appearances in the “Moana” franchise.
