A successful school year starts long before the first day of class. As part of its annual back-to-school efforts, Disney Cruise Line aims to inspire future generations with professional development and educational opportunities.
New this year, Disney Programs welcomed the first-ever group of students from the University of The Bahamas into its Cultural Exchange Program. These students were provided real-world experience working in a variety of roles across Disney’s theme parks, resorts and water parks. This program continues Disney Cruise Line’s longstanding relationship with the university to help provide hospitality and leadership training.
Alongside 11 other Bahamian students, music education student Turquoise embarked on his Disney Program at Walt Disney World Resort as a Quick Service Food and Beverage cast member.
During the program, Turquoise got a firsthand look at the impact of supporting teachers during the Back-to-School season with Disney Cruise Line.
Equipping Educators, Empowering Futures with Disney VoluntEARS
For Turquoise, his experience working at Walt Disney World Resort has allowed him to dream big about the magic he will bring to his future classrooms, and getting involved with Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS has proven to him the importance of giving back.
“My first passion was music, but I fell in love with teaching through volunteering,” said Turquoise. “One of the moments that stayed with me was receiving an appreciation letter from a student I had the opportunity to teach. It reminded me how meaningful it can be to make a difference for a child.”
Turquoise joined Disney Wish crew member VoluntEARS at Supply Zone for Teachers in Brevard County, preparing thousands of classroom supplies for local teachers ahead of the new school year. He shared how honored he felt to play even a small part in setting up local educators and their students for success.
“In many places, teachers do not always have access to the books and supplies they need. As a future educator, it means a lot to know programs like this exist to help teachers create classrooms where students feel successful.”
Turquoise also found inspiration in lessons learned through his unique experience working this summer at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
“I never imagined I would work at Disney while studying education, but my Disney Program has shown me how much those lessons connect to the classroom. Inclusion, safety and creating meaningful experiences matter just as much for students as they do for guests.”
Annual Back-to-School Giving
Since 2012, Disney Cruise Line has participated annually with Supply Zone for Teachers through donations and volunteer events where crew members from the ships give back to the community. The Brevard Schools Foundation’s nonprofit resource center provides free school supplies throughout the county, preparing classrooms and students for success.
“Our Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS always arrive ready to jump in wherever they’re needed, and it’s amazing to see what they accomplish during the limited time they have in port,” said Nina Moser, director of development for Brevard Schools Foundation. “Their teamwork, positive energy, and willingness to serve make a tremendous difference and our team truly looks forward to each opportunity to work alongside them.”
For Youth Activities crew member, Becky, this event was especially meaningful. Not only was it her first time participating as a Disney Cruise Line VoluntEAR, but she is also a teacher back home!
“This event really touched my heart,” Becky shared. “As a teacher myself, having something like this is so important. Being able to have access to those resources that you might not be able to normally, helping set your classroom up for the year and making sure the kids you’re teaching actually have everything they need is so fulfilling because it means you can just jump straight in and all the learning is right there.”
Supporting Students Across Port Communities
Each year, Disney Cruise Line crew members continue to support students and educators in communities where Disney sails. That commitment carries across annual Back-to-School efforts in Florida, The Bahamas and, for the first time this year, Alaska.
FLORIDA
In addition to supporting Supply Zone for Teachers, Disney Cruise Line crew members assembled food packages with Children’s Hunger Project in Brevard County and set up learning spaces for educators at the Jack & Jill Center in Broward County. VoluntEARS also supported students through STEAM-focused programming, community events and hands-on conservation learning experiences in collaboration with organizations including Brevard Zoo and Cocoa Boys & Girls Club.
THE BAHAMAS
Since 2023, Disney Cruise Line has helped thousands of Bahamian students across Nassau, Abaco and Eleuthera receive the textbooks and supplies they need for a successful school year. This year, the work included expanded efforts through The Play Project initiative that included the development and refurbishment of safe play spaces, school beautification projects and kitting events alongside nonprofits like The Buddy Hield Foundation, love.futbol and Good Sports.
ALASKA
Crew VoluntEARS from the Disney Wonder had the chance to visit Harborview Elementary in Juneau. Alongside Southeast Alaska Food Bank, VoluntEARS donated boot and glove dryers along with hundreds of activity bags filled with learning books and games for the students in addition to pre-packaged snacks for all students at the school. The students even got a very special visit from Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse!
Disney Cruise Line Year-Round Impact
Disney Cruise Line is committed to making a positive, lasting impact in port communities around the world, supporting efforts that strengthen local communities, protect the environment and create meaningful opportunities for future generations. As Disney Cruise Line continues to expand the fleet, the focus remains on operating responsibly and growing the impact in the port communities it calls home. To learn more, visit DisneyExperiences.com or Disney Cruise Line Crew & Community on Facebook.