Life & Work of Magical Chicanos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat M..

Hi Kat, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I (Kat) was born in the city of Long Beach, California, and grew up in East Los Angeles. My mother was a teacher and father was a photographer, both were Angelino natives. Chicanos of music, art, and activism. Mom was a ballet folcklorico dancer, and dad admired classic cars.

Pedro was born in the city of Orange, California, a first generation American, and a proud son of immigrants. After settling in the City of Anaheim, his father began his 40 year career making magic at Disneyland. Pedro’s family kept their cultural traditions close; humble, hardworking, and willing to give the shirt off their backs for neighbors.

While both of our families were assimilating to Mexican Americanism, one thing they could always agree on was a Disney vacation. For Pedro, it was an easy trip as he did not live far and his father was a Cast Member. My parents understood and encouraged my big imagination by taking me for frequent visits to the theme park. At Disney, you can be an astronaut, and a princess all in one place. I’m certain that Pedro and I might have played as kids inside the land of Toontown.

As adults, we too took on roles at the resort. I worked with the horses of Main Street, and Pedro started as a custodian. Many role changes later we eventually landed at the same location as face painters, which is how we met. During one of the big Cast Member holiday parties; our team took a group photo and we happened to stand right beside each other. I definitely noticed Pedro awkwardly looming over me. That was the moment that started our journey.

Pedro grew up in the OC and had little experience in my part of town. So for our first few years, we explored Los Angeles. I shared all the best museums, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Our interests interconnected, so did our love for culture, Chicano and Mexican alike. Ten years and a Covid wedding later we took our vows as husband and wife. Restrictions opened up after a while, we were able to set off on our honeymoon in Hawaii. It was my family’s favorite destination by plane, and Pedro had never been. Exploring the islands together was one of the greatest experiences we’ve shared, and I am grateful to have such a wonderful partner.

All of a sudden it was 2023, and globally we were in an economical recovery. The weight of adulthood was heavy on us both, as we were becoming burnt out from our jobs with no creative outlet. Pedro and I knew something had to change. One day, after a long day of work, we put our feet up and tuned into our regular YouTube block. It was mostly made up of Disney vloggers; fumbling around with character names and food reviews. I didn’t understand why we found this so intriguing; I kept thinking “If I had a channel like this, there would be so much representation culturally.” Then I realized, what was stopping me? We are funny, relatable, and we know the parks inside and out. We could focus on our gente through entertainment and food, blended with some Spanish speaking tips and tricks. It was an idea rarely seen, but very much needed in our community. I was so charged up I had to tell Pedro!

It took a little convincing for Pedro as he was very much an introvert, but was open to the idea. Creativity with a purpose, we would be helping Spanish Speaking Disney Goers. When he fully came on board to the concept, I opened up an Instagram page to start small, but had to think of a name. ” How about Magical Chicanos?” Pedro thought it should include Disney in the name, to which I disagreed. We needed something more original. We knew almost overnight, it suited us well. The way it rolled off the tongue as people would shout it out to get our attention so they can meet us. I will never forget our first fan we met in the parks, named after a Disney princess, I met her and her partner during the filming of our first YouTube vlog. What a surreal moment. The more people we met, the more it felt like meeting old friends.

We had a blast creating exciting content for our viewers. Even hitting our first viral reel, which had over a million views! What we did not expect was the growth of a community before our very eyes. Mexican Americans have always been in the parks; working, entertaining, and visiting. Our platform gave us all an opportunity to be seen. It was such a beautiful realization. We are truly grateful for the many friends we’ve made on this path. Without our comunidad, we would not exist.

Being Chicano is more than loving the dodgers and lowriders, it’s a call to action when the Raza is in need. That responsibility was tested in 2025. The start of summer brought chaos to our city, families were being ripped apart, detained/deported without due process. Pedro was deeply affected, worried that his parents would be wrongfully detained. It was difficult to create any sort of positive content when raids were happening right outside of Disney property. I received messages from folks asking if it was even safe to go to Disneyland. Could you imagine? Fearing the safety of you and your family for going to a theme park? work? The grocery store? What could we have said that would give them any sort of reassurance? It was time to take serious action.

Pedro and I joined local watch groups, attended protests, and drove around our community every day. So when another family asked that same question: ” is it safe?” we’d provide a better answer. A lot of criticism was received from family, friends, and social media. Even losing followers because of our stance for basic human rights, and educating the community. Losing followers you thought were friends and supporters hurt very much, but having your loved one snatched up on their way to work, or school is far more painful. We’ve admired those who spoke out and continue to do whatever they can for families. We recently partnered with an organization called Anaheim Free Bodega, to host a toy drive for local children who have been affected by recent events.

It’s the end of 2025 and we are still here. This past September we hosted a meetup for like minded Magical Folks inside Disney’s California Adventure. It was during Hispanic Heritage Month, and the park was decorated with Cultural influence. Called it the “Magical Chicano Meetup” a little more than a hundred people showed up for it, we danced, took photos, and had lots of giveaways. With the help of local crafters donating prizes to our event, it was quite the success. The goal was to find joy as a form of resistance. We laughed and cried, ending the day with hope. Super excited for the next one happening September 25th 2026. Anyone who appreciates Latin/Indigenous culture and its people would be welcomed. Details and itinerary will be provided on our instagram pages so do give us a follow, it means a lot to us. We are always seeking local crafters or brands to help with donations for giveaways, so please share to any you know. They can reach me at magicalchicnaos@gmail.com. Pedro and I hope to inspire our viewers to be their most genuine selves; to do what you love and help others in need.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Creating relatable scenarios of Chicanos at the parks was easy, as most situations were taken from real life. It was the other disciplines that took some learning: marketing, editing, graphic design, and light cinematography, but we caught on eventually. There are so many tutorials that can help you navigate through whatever your block may be. Although, now realizing, I kind of had it in me the entire time. My father made a career out of capturing precious moments for families and community events. This included video editing and the like of all those things I listed off before. I remember watching him inside his studio; wall to wall of equipment. He would be astounded by what could be accomplished on a simple computer. My dad would be proud of the work we do, all of it.

Looking forward to a brighter future has been a bit challenging. Even when there are so many who fight alongside you, the current system of media is intended to make you feel alone. Seeing creators within the Disney Sphere stay silent was discouraging, but there are many others who took a stand to help their communities. Muy Chignon! A takeaway from 2025 would be to find balance in what we make. Create positive content, while presenting our passions for art and activism in a well rounded fashion.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are Magical Chicanos! Digital creators that specialize in Disney Adult scenarios with a Chicano twist, encouraging others to learn and love your culture. Our dedication to representation and inclusion at the Disneyland Resort & beyond sets us apart. Pedro and I are proud of our Indigenous and Mexican background, and enjoy meeting like minded friends. You can find us on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube. We are very friendly, so please don’t hesitate to say hello when you see us. If you’re interested in our adventures and would like to provide additional support, consider a Patreon membership. You’ll receive bonus features, early access, and a shout on our YouTube end credits. We recently opened an online shop, where you can find inspired Disney related street wear, designed by Pedro and I (No Ai). Check us out on Shopify under the name Magical Chicanos (soon to update to Represent on Main Street).

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t worry about fancy cameras, or an entourage. Be your authentic self and don’t be afraid to try new things, failing is apart of learning. There are lots of people you will meet on the way, learn from them, be kind to them, respectfully say no when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, you are not a machine. Keep your peace, take breaks to prevent burnout. Your viewers will understand as long as you communicate your needs. Someone once told me to look at whatever time you believe you can give to your channel and cut that in half. Best advice I ever received. Keep consistency and plan your content! I’m a tangible planner so I need a physical list of things, a calendar of production in front of me to review daily. Don’t forget to drink water!

Now for all our neurodivergent friends, we are addressing you. If you believe no one wants to see someone like you on camera? To that I say: NO GRACIAS! Pedro and I are neurodivergent as well, if we can do this so can you. Remind yourself to also be cautious, and get a second opinion if you need to.

Thank you and we’ll see you in the parks!

Pricing:

• shirts $30

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicalchicanos/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicalchicanos
• Other: https://themagicalchicanos.myshopify.com/