by Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Attractions Lead Willy McKenna discovered his educational goals are in a galaxy not-so-far away thanks to Disney Aspire, the 100 percent tuition-paid education program for eligible cast members. Disney Aspire is part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to supporting the dreams of its cast members, and for Willy, that dream is a Master’s degree.
We’re excited to share Willy’s inspiring journey with you in this installment of our #DreamsWithinReach series, which follows cast members making their dreams a reality through Disney Aspire.
Long before Willy began creating magical memories for guests as a Disneyland Resort cast member, he was making special Disney memories of his own. Willy grew up spending family vacations at Walt Disney World Resort and visited Disneyland Resort for the first time during the 50th anniversary. While studying business administration at Saint Louis University, Willy began his career with The Walt Disney Company after being invited to participate in the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney World Resort. After graduating with his undergraduate degree, he moved across the country to work at Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure Park. Here, Willy discovered Disney Aspire and made the decision to follow in his family’s footsteps and continue his educational pursuits.
“Both of my parents have Master’s degrees, and my sister is finishing hers, so education has always been very important in my family,” shared Willy. “I decided to pursue my Master’s in organizational leadership through Disney Aspire with the goal to open more doors with Disney.”
Now, as part of the test and adjust team at the new, highly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Willy looks forward to the endless opportunities ahead while reflecting on what the program means to him.
“It means everything to me,” said Willy. “I already had a lot of respect for the company, but the fact that Disney is willing to put out the money, effort and time to invest in me means the world – even the galaxy!”
Since launching in 2018, Disney Aspire continues to help hourly cast members achieve their long-term educational goals. Whether cast pursue professional skills or graduate degrees – they can do so from an ever-increasing network of schools that now includes University of Central Florida for eligible Florida cast members and master’s degree programs from the University of Florida Online for all eligible cast members. Disney Aspire connects cast members with access to programs, coaching, and job skills, while cost of tuition is paid upfront at in-network schools and application fees, books and course materials are reimbursed by Disney.
We’re happy Willy is well on his way to obtaining his Master’s degree! As cast members like Willy pursue their goals with Disney Aspire, we’re excited to continue to share more motivating stories through our #DreamsWithinReach series.
Learn more about the program and apply by visiting aspire.disney.com.

by Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks

As a stocker at the World of Disney store in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Adi Alegria is dedicated to helping keep the store in ship-shape for guests searching for some extra magic during their visit. And with Disney Aspire, a groundbreaking education investment program for hourly cast members, Adi is now working to create magic for herself by pursuing her Master’s degree.
In this installment of our #DreamsWithinReach series, following cast members making their dreams come true with Disney Aspire, we’re pleased to share Adi’s story with you, which began with a little wonder and a big goal.
Adi grew up down the street from the Disneyland Resort and dreamed of working for Disney. Fast forward to two years ago when she graduated with a degree in journalism from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She was the first in her family to attend college and knew that she wanted to further her education and earn her Master’s. At the time, Adi wasn’t sure how she would accomplish her goal.
Then, when Disney Aspire launched, Adi immediately wanted to learn more about the program.
“When Disney Aspire rolled out, I realized that this was my ticket, not just to further myself and my education but also a way to further my career at the Disneyland Resort.” Now enrolled in a Master’s program in Communications Management with the University of Denver, Adi is well on her way to her educational dreams. Hear more about Adi’s story:
Disney Aspire launched in 2018 to help more than 85,000 hourly cast members like Adi reach their goals by equipping them with education programs, coaching and job skills so they may learn and grow, with the cost of tuition and books covered by Disney. Cast members can pursue graduate programs like Adi, professional skills like Anthony Payne and even study English or Spanish with Rosetta Stone courses! And at Disney Aspire Expos, cast members have the opportunity to learn more about the schools and programs in the Disney Aspire network and speak with leaders and representatives to help them find the right program to suit their goals.
From application to graduation, we can’t wait to see how far Adi will go on her collegiate journey and beyond. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of cast members achieving their goals and making dreams come true with Disney Aspire, as we continue our #DreamsWithinReach series over the coming months.
Learn more about the program and apply by visiting aspire.disney.com.

by Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks

Every day dreams come true for guests at Disney Parks around the world. Now, with the new Disney Aspire education program, Disney is helping make some extra magic for cast members, too. As part of this 100 percent tuition-paid education program, U.S.-based hourly full-time and part-time cast members can now pursue their dreams – and the program has already helped hundreds of cast members take the next step toward their college or professional dreams!
Today, we’re proud to kick off our new “Dreams Within Reach” series by introducing you to the first Disney Aspire graduate, Anthony Payne, a Custodial Cast Member at the Walt Disney World Resort. At Epcot, Anthony works through the night to make sure the park is looking great and ready for guests each morning. With support from Disney, Anthony has now completed his HVAC Technician course work at Penn Foster as part of his dream to work on the Disney Cruise Line. A surprise visit from Mickey Mouse helped commemorate his achievement, which Anthony says was inspired by his wife and three children. “They have always been my biggest motivation,” he says. “I’ve wanted to go back to school for about 15 years now, and I haven’t heard of too many companies offering something as generous as this.”
“I really feel like Disney is investing in our futures, and they’re helping us to grow and follow our dreams. I can’t wait to use my skills, and advance as far as I can here.”
Disney Aspire launched this year to help more than 85,000 hourly cast members reach their goals by equipping them with education programs, coaching and job skills so that they may learn and grow. The $150 million program gives cast members the opportunity to enroll in online courses across a network of schools, with the cost of tuition and books covered by Disney. From pursuing professional skills like Anthony, to a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts like J’Amy Pacheco, a Guest Relations Hostess at the Disneyland Resort, Disney Aspire allows cast members to truly take steps towards their future, no matter the subject.
From application to graduation, and every step along the way, Disney Aspire continues The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to supporting the long-term goals of cast members and helps put those dreams within reach. Learn more about the program and apply by visiting aspire.disney.com.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of how cast members are achieving their goals and making dreams come true with Disney Aspire, as we continue our #DreamsWithinReach series over the coming months.
