Disneyland Cast Member Honors Her Family’s Legacy with the Ultimate Surprise for Mom
You know you’re part of a true Disneyland legacy when your last name gets recognized on Main Street. For Morgan McShea, that kind of recognition is just part of everyday life.
With generations of her family working across the resort since the late ’70s, the McShea name has become something of a behind-the-scenes tradition. They’re not just employees—they’re part of the fabric that makes the magic happen.
And recently, Morgan found the perfect way to celebrate that legacy—with a surprise her mom would never forget.
A Disneyland Legacy
Morgan’s family history at the resort started with her maternal grandfather, who worked as a carpenter and later moved to management. Then came her mom, Pam, who started working attractions in Tomorrowland in 1986. And that’s where things get even more “Disney fairytale” because Pam met Scott McShea, Morgan’s dad, who was an electrician then. It turns out that Scott’s brothers, Jeff and Glen, also worked at the resort.
Fast forward to 2017: Morgan officially joined the family business as an attractions host at the Haunted Mansion. But she wasn’t the only one. Her twin siblings, Hannah and Bryce, followed suit a few years later, taking on roles in New Orleans Square Food & Beverage and at the Disneyland Hotel in Parking and Valet. Even their cousin Cameron got in on the action as an attractions host in Mickey’s Toontown.
That brings the total to seven McSheas currently working at the Disneyland Resort. Seven! It’s like their own Disney crew.
More Than Just a Job
For Morgan, becoming a cast member wasn’t just about tradition; it was inspired by her mom’s stories about her time at the parks. Pam often talked about how much she loved working at Disneyland, the lifelong friends she made, and the joy of creating magical moments for guests.
Morgan fell in love with that same experience. She’s now a lead and trainer, and while she’s also pursuing a master’s in occupational therapy, she credits her success to her biggest cheerleader: her mom.
“She’s my best friend and biggest supporter,” Morgan says. “She’s always there to help me and push me to reach all my goals.”
The Ultimate Disney Surprise
Morgan wanted to find a special way to say thank you to her mom, and what better way than with a truly magical Disneyland surprise? Pam has always loved photos and dreamed of having one perfect shot of the entire McShea family together in the park. So Morgan made it happen.
With help from various Disney teams, some clever behind-the-scenes planning, and a few hidden cameras, Morgan orchestrated the perfect reveal: a framed family photo presented high above Tomorrowland, the very place her parents first met nearly 38 years ago.
When Pam saw it, surrounded by her family: Scott, Glen, Bryce, Cameron, and Morgan, she was overwhelmed. “I’m just so grateful to Morgan,” she cried. “She is the sweetest person on Earth, and I’m just so lucky to have her as a daughter.”
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
The McSheas are just one example of the incredible cast member families that keep the Disney spirit alive, generation after generation. As Disneyland celebrates 70 years of magic, families like theirs remind us that the real pixie dust comes from the people behind the scenes, those who make the impossible feel possible every single day.
Thanks to Morgan’s thoughtful surprise, Pam now has her dream photo: a perfect reminder of love, legacy, and Disney magic.
