How One Cast Member’s Love of Christmas Fueled Her Disney Career
Merry magic is in the air, and the smell of gingerbread is floating down Main Street U.S.A., now that A Christmas Fantasy parade has returned to Disneyland.
While most Disney fans have a favorite holiday tradition, most of us don’t think about the incredible amount of work that goes into making the holidays at Disney so special.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
With that in mind, I want to introduce you to Hayley Kelly, who has been helping to bring A Christmas Fantasy to life now for 11 years.
A Lifelong Love of Disney
For Hayley, Disneyland was always a place where magic happened, especially during the holiday season.
Photo: Also Disney Park Blog
“Christmas has always been a really special time for my family. So, we would make it a point to come to the park every year during Christmas time,” she shared.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Inspired by her trips to Disneyland, Hayley wanted to share her love of Christmas with the thousands of guests who visit every year.
Joining Disney Entertainment
Hayley’s Disney Entertainment journey began with a breakthrough audition as a snowflake, where she skated her way into the casting director’s heart. Getting hired by Disney was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
“I just remember standing there, hoping with all my might that this was it, that I was finally going to become a Disney performer,” Hayley remembered.
Helping New Cast Members
Now a veteran performer, Hayley wanted to help new cast members learn the intricacies of roller-skating choreography. So, she collaborated with parade management and created “Skater 101”, a program designed to ease new snowflakes into their roles.
Hayley’s message to aspiring performers is informed by her own journey- persevere and never give up on your dreams.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
With their dedication, joy, and talent, performers like Hayley help bring the Disney Parks to life during the holidays and are the real source of Disney magic.
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