By Lina Toledo

Since 1923, Disney magic has inspired people around the world and made dreams come true — a mantra Disney Aspire has continued since debuting four years ago. When life circumstances got in the way of Disneyland Resort cast member J’Amy Pacheco attending her graduation, we brought this important celebration from Denver, Colorado, right to Anaheim, complete with a surprise from her academic advisor.

For the past seven years, Pacheco has welcomed guests as a VIP Tour Guide and, in 2022, was the proud recipient of the Walt Disney Legacy Award. Always up for a challenge, she enrolled in Disney Aspire with her sights set on a degree in communications. Upon beginning her educational journey, Pacheco met Andrea Gross, an advisor at the University of Denver, who would soon become an essential part of her support system.

When Andrea and the Disney Aspire team heard that Pacheco wouldn’t be able to attend graduation, they jumped into action. “When I got the email that said she couldn’t come, it just didn’t seem right. And we had to do something,” said Gross.

So, through secretive planning alongside J’Amy’s leadership team and a little bit of Disney magic, Pacheco got the surprise of a lifetime when her graduation was brought directly to her at Disneyland park.

“I’m honored to be able to bring her diploma to her. To see her face when she understood that the surprise was actually for her was incredible,” Gross said. Surrounded by those who helped make her dream a reality, Pacheco celebrated this exciting accomplishment in fitting style with a cap and gown and the formal presentation of her diploma by Gross.

“I was so shocked and so incredibly grateful. I went back to school when I was 58 years old and working full time, and it was a challenge. Andrea was there for me every step of the way,” said Pacheco. “I am so grateful to Disney and Disney Aspire for making it possible.”

Disney Aspire is the most comprehensive education investment program of its kind, offering free tuition for eligible full- and part-time hourly cast members through 150+ programs at a network of educational institutions nationwide, including the recent addition of Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College. As part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to supporting its employees and cast members, Disney Aspire puts #DreamsWithinReach by removing key barriers to enrollment and inspiring career mobility. For more information on Disney Aspire, or to sign up, eligible Disney employees and cast members can visit aspire.disney.com.