LIGHTING THE WAY: FROM CHARACTER ATTENDANT TO CAST CHOIR DIRECTOR
It’s the merriest time of the year! For most, the Candlelight Processional is a favorite holiday tradition. Originating with Walt Disney himself in 1958, this annual celebration tells the story of Christmas through song with passionate Cast Members who bring holiday traditions to life. For Becca Buckley, it’s all this and much more.
Becca currently serves as the Cast Choir director for the 2024 season as a Guest Experience Manager for EPCOT Shows and Atmosphere. As a proud College Program alum, they bring their passion for community and the joy of the holiday season to new participants and returning Cast Members.
Becca started their Disney journey on the Disney College Program as a Character Attendant in the spring of 2018. “I’d dreamt of working for Disney for practically my entire life. My family was a tried-and-true Disney family, I visited Disney World from the time I was six years old,” Becca shared.
“I’d heard all about the Disney College Program in my high school and university days, but never thought the Disney College Program was an option for me due to having a bit of a crazy school schedule,” they reflected.
After graduating with a degree in music from Middle Tennessee State University, Becca took the next step in fulfilling their lifelong dream of becoming a Cast Member. After applying and weeks of anxiously waiting, they learned they were accepted into their dream role as a Character Attendant at Magic Kingdom.
It became clear to Becca with each passing day that the magic was calling them home all along. “Like so many, my Disney College Program truly laid the foundation for what the rest of my career would look like. Within days of starting Character Attendant training, I fell absolutely head over heels in love with the Entertainment department and knew that it was where I wanted to put down roots,” they shared.
Becca’s first experience with Candlelight Processional was as a Guest Choir Member in their freshman year of high school. While they didn’t participate as a Cast Choir Member, they’ve always been inspired by the Candlelight community. “The singers have a passion unlike anything I’ve ever seen. So many Cast Choir members have such a rich history with this show, and I truly feel that they are the heart and soul of the show,” Becca said.
“These are singers who come from all different backgrounds, from brand new College Program participants to Executives with 20+ years with the Company, and all of them volunteer their time from their busy lives and schedules to bring this production to life. It is truly inspiring to witness and has already made this Christmas season the most special one I’ve had since joining the Disney family,” they shared.
This is a full-circle moment for Becca; being able to lead the next generation of Disney Programs participants in their Candlelight journey. “For many Program participants, this is their first holiday season away from home. To provide a family while being away from their families and watch them get into the spirit of the holiday season is so fulfilling,” Becca shared.
“I hope for these new Cast Choir members that this is the beginning of a career-long tradition that continues to bring them joy year after year,” they said.
Life on a Disney Program provides many opportunities for networking throughout the Walt Disney Company. For Becca, this led them on the path to their current career. “Throughout my program, I networked with my leaders and learned so much about the types of unique skills that it takes to successfully lead such a creative workforce,” Becca shared.
“The skills and confidence I gained as a Program participant continued to grow as I moved from Character Attendant into roles such as Character Captain, Jungle Cruise Skipper, Tower of Terror Bellhop and now an Entertainment Guest Experience Manager. Which is my dream role,” Becca expressed.
Becca’s journey continues this holiday season as the Cast Choir proceeds to flourish under their leadership and strong community building. “I truly owe my career to the start that I got on my Disney College Program, and I genuinely feel that I would not be where I am today without that experience.”
