Backstage Pass with Dory

From Snacks to Sparkle: Hailey Hightower’s Journey to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (BPwD #109)

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! - BackstagePassMagic@gmail.com - Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass [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 (BPwD #108)

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! - BackstagePassMagic@gmail.com - Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass [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!

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

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/ [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! * BackstagePassMagic@gmail.com * Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass [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!

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

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/ [https://nextpagewithmeg.com/] - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/next.page.with.meg/ [https://www.instagram.com/next.page.with.meg/] - https://www.facebook.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 [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! BackstagePassMagic@gmail.com Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass [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!

105 Backstage Pass with Dory - ”Welcoming Travelers to Batuu: Gavin Sanches on the DCP”

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 [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! - BackstagePassMagic@gmail.com - Find our show: https://dorydoyle.com/backstage-pass [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!