Season-end events in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan build on longtime support for local families, students and community organizations
Disney Cruise Line closed its 2026 Alaska season by building on its ongoing support for local organizations across Southeast Alaska, working with local groups in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan to support military families, connect students with maritime professionals and create opportunities for young Alaskans.
From Sept. 24–26, Crew Members from the Disney Wonder joined community organizations for three events across the region: a career conversation with Junior Achievement Alaska students in Skagway, a Coast Guard Families Appreciation Event in Juneau and a maritime careers ship tour in Ketchikan. The events capped a season of community involvement that helped strengthen relationships with the Southeast Alaska communities that Disney Cruise Line visits each summer.
“Alaska is an important and growing part of the Disney Cruise Line story,” said Beth Thibadoux, Director of External Affairs for Disney Cruise Line. “The communities we visit are one of the many reasons a Disney Cruise Line experience is so special, and we remain committed to deepening the relationships and supporting local priorities of the communities that welcome us every season.”
Celebrating Coast Guard families in Juneau
In Juneau, Disney Cruise Line joined Armed Services YMCA – Alaska on Sept. 25 to recognize Coast Guard members and families serving Alaska and the U.S. Arctic. The celebration offered Coast Guard families the opportunity to spend time with each other participating in themed activities, crafts and memorable moments with Captain Mickey Mouse.
Disney Cruise Line also announced its investment in the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation in support of its Coastie Campers summer enrichment program, helping expand opportunities for Coast Guard families in Alaska.
“Military families make tremendous sacrifices in service to Alaska and the country, and it means a great deal when community partners take the time to recognize and support them,” said Sarah Riffer, Executive Director for Armed Services YMCA of Alaska. “This was an opportunity for families to simply come together, feel celebrated and enjoy time with one another.”
Disney has a long history of honoring military service members, veterans and their families dating back 100 years ago to founders Walt and Roy O. Disney who both served their country during World War I.
Exploring Maritime Careers in Skagway & Ketchikan
In Skagway, Disney Wonder crew members joined local students from Junior Achievement of Alaska on Sept. 24, sharing their own career paths and offering a firsthand look at the range of jobs that keep a cruise ship running. The conversation gave students an opportunity to hear directly from maritime professionals and learn more about careers that can begin with many different interests, skills and backgrounds.
Two days later in Ketchikan, more local students with Junior Achievement of Alaska and the Magsayawan Filipino Dance Group boarded the Disney Wonder for a discussion on maritime careers and a ship tour. Students met crew members and got a behind-the-scenes look at the people, skills and professions involved in operating a cruise ship, connecting an industry they see in their community each summer to potential future career paths.
“Our students see ships visit throughout the season, but getting to talk directly with the people who make those operations possible is a completely different experience,” said Mackenzie Platschorre, Vice President of Secondary Programs for Junior Achievement of Alaska, Inc. “Opportunities like these help students see the maritime industry not just as something happening around them, but as a place where they can explore their interests, envision the possibilities ahead, and see how their actions today can help build a choice-filled life.”
A Season of Community Engagement
The September events capped a broader season of community involvement across Southeast Alaska, as Disney Cruise Line collaborated with several local organizations to bring moments of happiness and support where they’re needed most.
Throughout 2026, Disney Cruise Line supported the Southeast Alaska Food Bank, including its work to provide weekend meals through Harborview Elementary School; donated boot and glove warmers for Harborview classrooms; contributed Disney books and participated in intergenerational programming at the Ketchikan Pioneer Home; and welcomed Skagway Summer Camp participants aboard the Disney Wonder for the fourth year.
Earlier this year, Disney Cruise Line and Huna Totem Corporation announced a 15-year agreement securing preferential access at Icy Strait Point through at least 2041, helping ensure Disney guests can continue experiencing the culture, wildlife and natural beauty of Southeast Alaska while supporting local jobs, businesses and tourism.