Just over two decades ago, Sean Macready took to Rivers of America as a Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes cast member, teaching guests of all ages how to paddle their way around the riverbend. As with the twists and turns of the waterway, Sean’s career journey took him to some unexpected places, but ultimately, he found his way back home at Disneyland Resort.
Watch Sean’s story on @DisneylandCastandCommunity.
Taking Disneyland with Him
After retiring his canoe paddle in the early 2000s, Sean embarked on a 15-year career quest in marketing and communications, where the magic of being a Disneyland Resort cast member always lived within him.
“When I first became a cast member, I [learned] about Walt’s legacy. It resonated with me because I really loved the [guest] experience, even back when I was younger,” shares Sean. “I took that knowledge and I spread it across my entire career.”
From social media manager to Chief Marketing Officer, Sean’s career journey took him far beyond the park gates, but Disneyland Resort was never far from his mind.
With years of boardroom experience under his belt, Sean eventually became Chief Marketing Officer for a well-known brand. Although he was passionate about the work, he just couldn’t seem to forget the feeling of joy that comes with being a cast member at the Happiest Place on Earth.
“The thing that I found [with marketing] was it wasn’t as fulfilling as I wanted it to be for my soul,” shares Sean. “So, when I came back to Disneyland, everything that I was missing in all those previous roles came back and that was really special to me.”
Back at the Happiest Place on Earth
Twenty-five years after first becoming a cast member, Sean is helping create magic in an entirely new role at Disneyland Resort.
With his return to Disneyland Resort in 2025, almost exactly 25 years since putting on his iconic nametag for the first time, Sean has joined the entertainment department as a performer, character host, lead and trainer.
Standing near Rivers of America, Sean reflects on the full-circle journey that brought him back to Disneyland Resort.
For Sean, the opportunity to get to know guests from all over the world has reignited a sense of fulfillment that was once missing. “I get to not only help with getting an autograph or the perfect picture, but I also get to ask guests questions and get their story,” says Sean. “As I stand in line with guests who are waiting patiently to meet their favorite characters, I really get to know them as people, and I let them do the same with me.”
The Show Goes On
Back at Disneyland Resort, Sean is looking forward to the future.
While Sean’s journey has already come full circle, he believes the next chapter is just beginning. Inspired by the leaders who supported his return to Disneyland Resort, he hopes to continue growing his career while helping others discover the same sense of purpose he found when he came home.
“The sky’s the limit for me,” says Sean. “Something that I really appreciate about Disneyland as a company is there’s no ladder. You can really go anywhere you want, and anything you put your mind to, you really can achieve.”