The 500-acre attraction is among 15 businesses, organizations and individuals recognized for their voluntary actions to conserve the state's resources. It is California's highest environmental honor.

With two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, Orange County's largest private employer earned praise for its efforts to refill California Adventure's Paradise Bay; the use of processed cooking oil to fuel Disneyland Railroad Steam Trains; and the water and energy conservation practices in the Central Bakery.

"This honor recognizes Disneyland Resort's ongoing commitment to developing socially responsible and environmentally friendly practices that promote environmental protection and economic growth," says Frank Dela Vara, director of environmental affairs and conservation at Disneyland Resort.

Here's a look at some of the efforts:

Paradise Bay refill: Disneyland Resort last year drained the water in the lake to prepare for World of Color, a new nighttime feature, which will debut in the spring of next year. Disney officials worked with the Orange County Water District to send the emptied water through the Ground Water Replenishment System. The water was purified, then stored in O.C.'s underground water basin, thereby adding to the region's reserves. When the lagoon is refilled, clean water from the aquifer is expected to be used.

Disneyland Railroad Steam Trains: The five trains' steam boilers run on a biodiesel made from the processed cooking oil used in restaurants throughout the site.

"We have been recycling our used kitchen grease for years," says Dela Vara, "but this innovation took recycling to another level."

The cooking-oil based biodiesel reduces emissions by up to 80 percent and saves 200,000 gallons of petroleum diesel per year. The Mark Twain Riverboat also runs on the biodiesel.

Central Bakery: The 10,000-square-foot shop opened in March with a number of environmentally friendly features. Among them: Energy Star reach-in refrigeration, cooking equipment, dishwashers and ovens; and the roof is filled with tubular skylights that direct sunlight into the facility.

Particularly innovative is the porous asphalt paving in the bakery's parking lot. It captures, filters and returns rainwater into the ground.

"We are proud of our commitment to exploring and implementing new technologies and practices that further the environmental legacy left by Walt Disney," finishes Dela Vara.

The GEELA recipients received the honor during the Governors' Global Climate Summit 2 in L.A.