College Station Residents Live Their Disney Dreams
In the charming city of College Station, where dreams take flight, a couple of locals are making magic happen at Disney – and they’re doing it with a smile! Matty Cangelose and Peyton Liebler are just two of the talented Texas A&M University alumni who are lighting up the entertainment world, showing how passion, perseverance, and a sprinkle of Aggie spirit can turn dreams into reality.
From Aggieland to Disney: A Perfect Match
Many might not know it, but there’s a rich history between Texas A&M University and Disney. It’s like a beautiful pipeline: Aggies to Imagineers and performers alike! You see, the university’s Department of Visualization is renowned and ranked among the top 9% of animation schools in the entire country, making it a popular breeding ground for creative talents. After all, with alumni being involved in blockbuster hits like “The Incredibles,” “Zootopia,” and “Brave,” it’s truly a place where creativity thrives!
Peyton Liebler, a young man who turned his childhood dreams of becoming an Imagineer into a reality, is a shining example of this success story. Graduating in the Class of 2022, Liebler jumped into the world of Disney with gusto, reflecting on how being an Aggie is all about embracing passion and community. “We’re all passionate about something,” Liebler says, highlighting the school’s influence on its students. “It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.”
After a switch from visualization to Hospitality Management, Peyton took a leap of faith and landed an internship with the official Disney fan club, D23. The experience, which lasted four months, led him straight to a full-time job with Walt Disney Imagineering. Talk about a fairy tale ending!
Loving Every Moment at Disney
As a project coordinator, every day for Liebler is like Christmas morning. “It feels like it! Each day presents new challenges and surprises; I’m working with various teams, touching every part of the creative process,” he shares with enthusiasm. It’s no wonder he finds joy in not just making things come to life, but presenting a little magic to everyone around him.
“It’s my job to bring smiles to people’s faces. In a world that can feel heavy sometimes, it’s fulfilling to spread joy,” Peyton adds, clearly delving deeper into a role that’s been a lifelong dream.
Cangelose’s Dream on Ice
On an entirely different stage, local hero Matty Cangelose is making his own Disney dream come true as an ensemble ice skater in the upcoming Disney on Ice shows. Growing up in College Station, Matty’s journey to the ice started when a figure skating rink opened nearby. For Cangelose, it was love at first glide. “I’d never skated before, but once I did, I never looked back,” he said, echoing enthusiasm that resonates with so many young dreamers!
Matty’s big break came when a friend from his skating community encouraged him to go pro, and now he’s headed to Houston to perform from Nov. 14-17 at NRG Stadium. “We’re bringing the worlds of Frozen and Encanto to life on ice, and it’s truly a team effort with an incredible cast,” he shares, beaming with pride.
Looking Ahead
With four years of experience under his belt, Cangelose has big aspirations for the future. He dreams not just of skating but also directing shows and contributing to the magic behind the curtain. “It’s all about having fun and enjoying what you do,” Matty reminds us, emphasizing the essential philosophy that fuels anyone’s journey towards their dreams.
For both Peyton and Matty, the path from College Station to Disney is paved with hard work, creativity, and an unwavering belief in their dreams. It just goes to show that with a little bit of heart, anyone can create their own happily ever after.
