To most, the Rivers of America at Disneyland park might feel like a scenic journey through the stunning western landscapes, but for Joy Weber, it is something much more personal it feels like home.

As a Southern California native, Joy and her family would look forward to one thing every summer: an annual trip to Disneyland Resort. These visits sparked more than just a joyful Disney trip but would serve as the starting point for Joy’s dream of becoming a Disneyland Resort cast member one day.

That dream came true in 1986, when Joy started as a Custodial Busser, and later transferred to Attractions, never imagining that she was walking down the path that would lead her to make Disney history.

A life-changing phone call

One night, Joy received a phone call that changed the trajectory of her Disney career. On the line was Sue Barnaby, a leader at the Disneyland Resort who also happened to be the first woman to work at the Jungle Cruise. In a fateful meeting, Sue was the one to share the news that Joy was chosen to be the very first woman to work on the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes.

“When I got the call from Sue that night, it didn’t hit me right away,” said Joy. “I was very excited and honored, but it wasn’t until much later that I realized how big of a deal that was, and I am so honored to have had this opportunity.”

Leading the way on the water

Not only was this a step forward that would pave the way for future generations of women, but it was also the first step in a new tradition for Joy: decades of paddling through the Rivers of America as an annual member of the Disneyland Resort Cast Canoe Races. An only-at-Disney tradition, the Disneyland Resort Cast Canoe Races began in 1963 and have served as a connection point for rowers (like Joy) to meet and compete with fellow cast members of all skill levels. Joy has even kept her memorabilia over the years, often reminiscing about her fondest memories of early mornings on the water, and the lifelong friendships that she made along the way.

For Joy, joining the annual Disneyland Resort Cast Canoe Races is so much more than participating in a cast event – it is a full-circle moment for her return to the water, a feeling reminiscent of coming home again.

“I’m just so happy that I get to create new memories,” said Joy with a shimmer in her eye as she looked back through her memories on the river. Joy’s story is a reminder that dreams do come true, sometimes more than once.