This National Siblings Day, the story of three cast member sisters, is a reminder that Disney magic has a special way of bringing families together across generations. For sisters Kate, Brittany, and Rachel Hackett, what began as childhood visits to Walt Disney World has grown into a shared calling, rooted in family, tradition and a love for creating meaningful and magical moments for others.
These days, each sister works in a different corner of Walt Disney World, but their paths all trace back to the same beginning. Their grandmother spent 27 years as a seasonal merchandise cast member and her love for Disney left a heartfelt and lasting impact. Through her stories and dedication, she helped define the sisters’ earliest Disney memories and sparked a connection that would eventually become a true family legacy.
“We were very fortunate to spend so much time at Disney World as children,” Kate said. “Our grandmother really shaped those memories for us.”
Those early visits planted a seed, and none of them could have predicted where it would lead. Their Disney story stretches back decades from childhood Christmas trips, to surprising each other during family vacations and traditions built on a little extra holiday magic at the Candlelight Processional.
They’ve even carried on the legacy by performing in the Candlelight Processional Cast Choir together, a role their grandmother once held.
Brittany was the first to take the leap, moving to Florida from New Jersy for school and picking up a part-time role at Walt Disney World. It didn’t take long for that decision to set something bigger in motion. One by one, her sisters followed, and eventually much of their immediate family found themselves a little closer to the magic that had always felt like home.
Their jobs look different, but the pride they share as cast members is the same. Kate works in Food and Beverage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and recently completed culinary school with an interest sparked by her time in the kitchen.
Brittany supports Entertainment as a scheduling specialist, helping coordinate smooth experiences for performers, attendants, technicians, costuming cast and more.
Rachel works with the Disney Character Events team, bringing beloved characters to events across property and beyond.
Now that they’ve forged unique career journeys, the sisters say working at Disney has brought them even closer. When their work paths cross, it’s extra special. Recently, all three worked at the same event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It marked the first time in more than six years with the company that they’d been part of the same project.
“That was the first time we’d ever been able to run into each other altogether,” Rachel said. “It was such a fun experience to share all that we do with one another.”
Each sister has found her own sense of purpose in her role. For Kate, it was Food and Beverage that opened the door to culinary arts. “I’ve discovered my love for this area, and it’s helped me move into the next steps of my career,” she said.
Brittany found her place behind the scenes, supporting fellow cast members. “The cast are my guests,” she explained. “I love supporting them in all the magic they create.”
For Rachel, the ever-changing world of character events is a constant source of inspiration. “Every day is a little bit different,” she said. “You get to see new things that fill your cup.”
And the family’s Disney roots keep growing. Two uncles and an aunt also work at Walt Disney World, adding to a legacy built on creativity, connection, and care.
So what would they tell other siblings or families considering a Disney career? Don’t hesitate.
“Do it,” they said. “We have the sisterly bond, but we also have the cast member bond.” Working at Disney, the sisters say, has strengthened their relationships, opened new doors and given them a shared sense of purpose.
“It just feels so normal that we’re all part of the magic,” Brittany said. “We have pixie dust in our veins!”
National Siblings Day is about celebrating the people who know us best. Kate, Brittany and Rachel are shining examples of how shared dreams can turn into shared careers, and their story is just one of many across Walt Disney World Resort.
“We are grateful to be a place where careers often begin with family and grow into long-term journeys rooted in opportunity and purpose,” said Michelle Stewart, manager of cast activities engagement and strategy.
With more than 80,000 cast members at Walt Disney World Resort, an average tenure of 12 years and the lowest attrition rate in two decades, cast members like Kate, Brittany and Rachel reflect the meaningful, long-term careers Disney makes possible.