Disney Wonder crew members closed Disney Cruise Line’s 2026 Alaska season with community events in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. From Sept. 24-26, they met students interested in maritime careers and celebrated Coast Guard families. Disney Cruise Line also announced support for a summer program for those families.
The Juneau gathering brought Coast Guard members and their families together for themed activities, crafts and time with Captain Mickey Mouse. Disney Cruise Line hosted it with Armed Services YMCA of Alaska.
How is Disney Cruise Line supporting Coast Guard families in Alaska?
Disney Cruise Line announced an investment in the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation’s Coastie Campers program. The summer enrichment program supports Coast Guard families in Alaska.
The Juneau event recognized families serving Alaska and the U.S. Arctic. Sarah Riffer, executive director of Armed Services YMCA of Alaska, said, “This was an opportunity for families to simply come together, feel celebrated and enjoy time with one another.”
Beth Thibadoux, Disney Cruise Line’s director of external affairs, connected the events to the communities the line visits each summer. She said Disney remains committed to supporting their local priorities.
What did Alaska students see aboard the Disney Wonder?
In Skagway, crew members spoke with Junior Achievement of Alaska students about their career paths. They described the range of work involved in running a cruise ship, giving students an opportunity to hear directly from maritime professionals.
In Ketchikan, Junior Achievement of Alaska students and members of the Magsayawan Filipino Dance Group boarded the Disney Wonder. They met crew members, discussed maritime careers and toured the ship. The visit connected jobs students see in their community each summer with people who do that work.
Mackenzie Platschorre, vice president of secondary programs for Junior Achievement of Alaska, drew a distinction between seeing ships arrive and speaking with their crews. Talking directly with the people behind those operations, she said, gives students a different experience.
The events followed other community work during Disney Cruise Line’s Alaska cruise season. The line supported the Southeast Alaska Food Bank, including weekend meals provided through Harborview Elementary School. It donated boot and glove warmers for Harborview classrooms, too.
In Ketchikan, Disney Cruise Line contributed books and took part in intergenerational programming at the Ketchikan Pioneer Home. Skagway Summer Camp participants also visited the Disney Wonder for the fourth year. The Ketchikan visit gave local students a behind-the-scenes look at cruise ship careers.
Source: Disney Experiences
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