From Snacks to Sparkle: Hailey Hightower’s Journey to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Episode Description:

Hailey Hightower has worn many magical hats during her three years with The Walt Disney Company—from starting in the Disney College Program to becoming a trainer and coordinator at Hollywood Studios Outdoor Vending. Now, she’s embarking on a dream role as a Fairy Godmother Apprentice at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom. In this episode, Hailey shares the evolution of her Disney journey, the lessons she’s learned, and her excitement about creating magic and memories for young guests in her enchanting new role.

In This Episode:

- Hailey’s path from the Disney College Program to coordinator

- What it’s like working in Outdoor Vending at Hollywood Studios

- Training and leadership behind the scenes

- Her next role as a Fairy Godmother Apprentice at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

- The heart behind creating meaningful guest experiences

- Advice for others dreaming of a magical career

Connect with Hailey:

@hrhightower on all platforms

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

- [email protected]

- Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

- Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical:

If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

Welcoming You Home: How Jessica Brown Creates Magic in Resort Reception and Concierge

Episode Description

Jessica Brown is a current Disney College Program Cast Member who brings heart and hospitality to Disney’s Riviera Resort and Port Orleans Riverside. As a front desk assistant and concierge, she’s one of the first magical interactions a guest might have when arriving at a Disney resort. In this episode, Jessica shares what it’s like creating meaningful moments at check-in, how her degree in psychology helps her support guests, and why she believes the magic is just as real behind the scenes.

In This Episode

- What it’s like working concierge and reception at Disney resorts

- How the Disney College Program opened the door to her dream

- Why her background and strong people skills matter in magical guest service

- A glimpse into Jessica’s life outside the parks as a Disney fan and creative soul

Connect with Jessica

Instagram: @Jessica_Brown10

TikTok: @Jessica_Brown7

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

- [email protected]

- Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

- Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical

If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

- Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

- A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

From Main Street to the Mountains: Tyler Gamble’s Disney College Program Story

Episode Description:

This week on Backstage Pass, I’m joined by Tyler Gamble, a former Disney College Program participant who spent nearly a year greeting guests at the heart of the magic—Main Entrance Operations at Magic Kingdom!

Tyler shares what it was like to be the first smile guests saw each day, how the College Program shaped his perspective, and why the magic didn’t end when his program did. Now back in Virginia, Tyler continues working in tourism as a tour guide at Luray Caverns and serves his community as a special education assistant—but he hasn’t left Disney behind for good. He’s already planning his return to the company in the coming years!

In This Episode:

- What it’s like to do the Disney College Program

- Greeting guests at the gates of Magic Kingdom

- Transitioning from Disney to Luray Caverns

- Why the Disney magic sticks with you long after you leave

- Tyler’s hopes for returning to the parks in the future

Connect with Tyler:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylersterrificdisneyadventure/

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

* [email protected]

* Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

* Find us on Instagram instagram.com/Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical

* If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

* Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

* A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

Turning the Page: Meg Patten’s 14-Year Disney Journey & Life Beyond the Magic

Episode Description:

This week on Backstage Pass, I’m joined by the incredibly creative and inspiring Meg Patten, a longtime Disney Cast Member turned small business owner. Meg spent 14 magical years at Disney, beginning at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, then stepping into real-life fairytales with Disney Fairytale Weddings.

She lived the dream—literally—serving as part of the Dream Squad during the Year of a Million Dreams Celebration and working behind the scenes with Disney executives on exciting, high-level projects. When the pandemic brought unexpected change, Meg took the opportunity to begin a new adventure, launching her story-driven business, Next Page with Meg, specializing in imaginative scavenger hunts and themed letter bundles for families.

Meg’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Disney magic—even beyond the parks.

In This Episode:

- Meg’s journey from Big Thunder Mountain to dream roles behind the scenes

- Behind the magic of Disney Fairytale Weddings

- What it was like to grant wishes as part of the Dream Squad

- How she turned a tough goodbye into a new creative chapter

- The story behind her business, Next Page with Meg

Connect with Meg:

- Website: https://nextpagewithmeg.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/next.page.with.meg/

- https://www.facebook.com/next.page.with.meg

Other Notes from this Episode:

- Watch our Skyliner Scavenger Hunt from Next Page with Meg: https://youtu.be/PLckujJ4B7E?si=pAEgMB0vE5oZZKEB

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

[email protected]

Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

Find us on Instagram @Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical!

If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

Welcoming Travelers to Batuu: Gavin Sanches on the Disney College Program

Episode Description:

Ever wondered what it’s like to welcome travelers into the most infamous cantina in the galaxy? In this episode of Backstage Pass, I sit down with Gavin Sanches, a former Disney College Program cast member who worked at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Oga’s Cantina. Gavin shares his experience creating out-of-this-world moments for guests, the friendships (and even romance!) he found along the way, and what it was like to be part of the immersive storytelling that makes Batuu so special. Plus, we chat about his next adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood and how the magic of theme parks continues to shape his journey.

In This Episode:

- What it was like to work at Oga’s Cantina

- The most memorable guest interactions at Galaxy’s Edge

- How the Disney College Program shaped his career

- His transition from Disney to Universal Studios Hollywood

Connect with Gavin:

- Instagram: @Piximator

Other Notes from this Episode:

- Watch our Droid Making Experience (Episode 25): https://youtu.be/YAfF_yVrghg?si=oqrMzPHfNv8_HP58

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

- [email protected]

- Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

- Find us on Instagram @Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical!

- If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

- Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

- A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

Special Guest: Justin Aldridge

Episode Description:

From battling Sith Lords to commanding the Galactic Starcruiser, Justin Aldridge has spent years bringing Disney magic to life! Since 2016, he’s been an actor at Disney, playing roles like a Jedi Master at the Jedi Training Academy and becoming very good friends with Sarge from Toy Story. In this episode of Backstage Pass, Justin shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time at Disney, what it was like to help open Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and how he continues to keep the Force strong by offering lightsaber training to aspiring Jedi of all ages.

In This Episode:

- What it was like to become a Jedi Master at Disney

- Behind the scenes of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

- The real life experiences of a theme park performer

- Becoming best buds with Toy Story’s Sarge

- How he keeps the magic alive with Jedi & lightsaber training

Connect with Justin:

- Facebook: Justin Aldridge

- IG: @TheJustinAldridge

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

- [email protected]

- Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

- Message me on Instagram @Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical!

- If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

- Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

- A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

From College Program to Starcruiser: Kamryn Burton’s Disney Journey

Episode Description:

Ever dreamed of working at Disney? Kamryn Burton did—and her journey took her from the College Program to some of the most immersive experiences Disney has ever created. In this episode of Backstage Pass with Dory, Kamryn shares her awesome path through Disney, from bartending and storytelling at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to fine dining at Enchanted Rose and Tiffins, and ultimately, landing her dream role at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. She opens up about the magic, challenges, and unforgettable moments along the way.

In This Episode:

- The art of immersive dining at Disney

- Going after her dreams and goals within Disney World

- The real life experiences of a theme park performer

- What it was really like to work at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

- Behind the scenes of Disney’s most unique experiences

Connect with Kamryn:

- IG: @ryntalea

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

- [email protected]

- Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

- Instagram @Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical!

- If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

- Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

- A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

"Behind the Magic with Disney Animator Jason Zucker"

Special guest: Disney Animator Jason Zucker

Episode Description:

Ever wondered what it’s like to bring Disney characters to life? In this episode of Backstage Pass, I sit down with Jason Zucker, a former Disney animator and merchandise artist, to talk about his journey from a Disney-obsessed kid to a professional artist working on some of the most beloved designs in the parks. Jason shares what it was like to work at Disney, the magic behind animation, and his current creative projects!

In This Episode:

- Jason’s journey to becoming a Disney artist.

- What it was like working on animation and merchandise design

- Behind-the-scenes stories from Disney’s creative team

- His new exciting projects

- Advice for aspiring artists

Connect with Jason:

- IG: @TheWestWingStudio

- Email: [email protected]

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a former or current Disney cast member with a magical story? Or have you had an unforgettable experience with a cast member in the parks? I’d love to hear from you!

- [email protected]

- Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

- Instagram @Backstage.Pass.With.Dory

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Subscribe & Stay Magical!

If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a behind-the-scenes story!

- Available on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube

- A review helps other Disney fans find the show. Thanks for spreading the pixie dust!

Episode 1: Let's Start a Podcast!

Welcome to the very first episode of Backstage Pass! In this episode, I’m sharing why I created this podcast and what you can expect in future episodes. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work behind the magic at Disney, this podcast is for you!

Each week, I’ll sit down with past and present Disney cast members to hear their behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable guest interactions, and what it’s really like to be part of the magic. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or a former CM yourself, I can’t wait to take you Backstage!

In This Episode:

🎟️ Why I started Backstage Pass

🏰 What you can expect from the show

🌟 How cast members create the magic we all love

📣 How YOU can be part of the podcast!

Want to Share Your Story?

If you’re a current or former Disney cast member with an amazing story to share, I’d love to hear from you! Or, if you’ve had a magical experience with a cast member in the parks, let me know—I might feature it in a future episode!

Check out the link at https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass

Disclaimer:

The stories and views expressed in this podcast are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you never miss a new story from behind the scenes. And if you love the magic, leave a review—it helps other Disney fans find the show!

✨ Until next time, keep believing in the magic! ✨