Who’s your favorite Disney dad or father figure? Goofy with his “Hi Dad Soup” from Disney’s “A Goofy Movie”? Mr. Incredible and his strength to lift and support his family? Or maybe it’s Carl Fredricksen, from Disney and Pixar’s “Up,” who overcomes all odds for his loved ones and serves as an important father figure to Russell?
For Father’s Day, we’re celebrating dads and father figures everywhere, including one very special Disney dad – cast member Kevin Mortensen, a U.S. Navy veteran who protects the magic every day on the security team at Walt Disney World. Kevin is also lucky enough to make magic and work with his daughter Tyler, who serves as a guest relations hostess at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
“Being able to work with my dad at Walt Disney World is surreal to me because it means that our dreams are coming true,” shares Tyler. “This is something we both have wanted for as long as I can remember. It’s nice having a bit of home here with me in my second home.”
Kevin shared how their family’s memories of coming to Walt Disney World influenced his decision to explore the Disney Careers website. As a veteran, he found many of the skills and discipline he learned in the military are transferable to his role at Walt Disney World. Watching his daughter fulfill her lifelong dream of working as a cast member makes his job even more special.
“She’s been a fan of Disney and has wanted to work for the company ever since she was very little,” said Kevin. “To see her progress and get the opportunity through the Disney College Program while continuing to move forward in her career has been the coolest thing for me.”
Tyler wants her dad to know how proud she is of him for never giving up on his dreams. “The best advice my dad has given to me is to stay true to myself and follow myself,” she said. “And that a positive attitude can get me farther in life than I give myself credit for, so just being a good person and treating everyone with respect is what I carry with me every day.”