Growing up, twins Cody and Matt Breidinger had twin dreams: serving their country — and working at Disneyland Resort. And doing both together.
“Getting to live both dreams is amazing,” said Cody, who, along with his brother, now splits his time between the Air Force Reserve as loadmaster for the 729th Airlift Squadron stationed at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California, and at Disneyland park as a guest show operations (GSO) lead. The reserve branches of the military are unique because they allow members to continue working in their civilian careers. Cody and Matt were inspired to join after hearing stories of their grandfather’s service as a fighter pilot in the Korean War. “We both wanted to be a part of that [legacy],” said Cody.
In addition to achieving their shared dream of joining the military, Matt and Cody also applied to work at Disneyland Resort, having created many happy memories growing up in a family of annual passholders. “One of my favorite [attractions] was always the Jungle Cruise, so now getting to work that is pretty amazing,” said Cody. “Those memories are one of the reasons why I enjoy it here, and now I get to create those memories for somebody else.”
While Matt is a lead for GSO in Tomorrowland, when he works at Autopia, he is also reminded of fond memories as a child. “It’s magical to see little kids driving for the first time by themselves, knowing that I used to take great joy in that when I was little,” said Matt. “It’s just so much fun to be a part of that memory.”
Cody acknowledges that sometimes it is surreal to go around the world one day, and then a few days later, return to “the Happiest Place on Earth and work one of the most fun jobs out there.” Matt adds that he’ll “never get burnt out of either one.”
To represent their military service at the resort, Cody and Matt wear American flag pins above their nametag. They are both members of the Disney SALUTE veteran Business Employee Resource Group that supports our cast members who have a strong connection to the military. This group recognizes that service in the military is a unique experience and those who have served come from a special culture. The brothers say they feel the appreciation and support from fellow cast members every time they leave for a mission through expressions of thanks and wishes for a safe return.
During their time in basic training, the brothers received letters not only from their biological family, but from their Disney family as well. “[Everyone] had Mickey Mouse sign a letter for me, and [my team members] signed the letter as well,” remembered Cody. “It meant a lot that they were able to do that for me.” Matt stated that “it means a lot more than they will probably ever know.”
Cody and Matt are two of thousands of military veterans who are now part of The Walt Disney Company. We thank them and everyone who is serving in the military around the world for their service!
