Over the last few months while the Disney Wonder sailed from Vancouver, cast and crew members were busy spending their free time helping port communities in Alaska. During the Alaskan season, a series of Disney VoluntEARS projects and onboard programs offered to Crew Members and guests with unique opportunities to spread magic and make a positive impact in the local community.

“We are proud at Disney Cruise Line to work with local leaders and organizations who help us identify and prioritize the areas of most need for our valued port communities,” Beth Thibodaux, director of external affairs for Disney Cruise Line, said. “Here in Alaska, these groups helped us identify where our support would have the most impact in the areas of food insecurity, youth education and workforce development. We look forward to continuing our investment in these programs throughout the year, and well beyond the 2024 season.”

In Ketchikan, Captain Mickey joined cast and crew from the Disney Wonder visiting residents at the Ketchikan Pioneer Home, an assisted living facility, along with the Ketchikan Gateway School District students and their families for a day full of joy and fun. Both the young and young-at-heart enjoyed lunch, danced to Disney tunes and delighted in a special visit from Captain Mickey Mouse, all while the multigenerational group swapped stories and life experiences with each other.

While spending the day at sea admiring the Dawes Glacier, guests aboard the Disney Wonder joined the ship’s crew members for a special “Paintfest” activity. Together, the group gathered in Animator’s Palate to paint art canvases starring Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie. The completed artwork will be donated to various pediatric healthcare facilities across southeast Alaska, bringing color and happiness to children during times they need it most.

During a visit to Juneau, Alaska’s capital, Disney VoluntEARS from the Disney Wonder spent their afternoon ashore at the Southeast Alaska Food Bank. There, the group helped to re-stock the center’s shelves to help provide access to nutritious food for local families.

Additional investments from Disney Cruise Line will also help support the organization’s Bulk Food Purchase Program as well as benefit students participating in the Zach Gordon Youth Services meal package program.

Disney Cruise Line hosted 29 youth campers from the Skagway Recreation Center onboard the Disney Wonder for a private tour of the ship. During the tour, the group experienced some of the ship’s magical offerings to learn about tourism, hospitality and maritime career opportunities –including visiting the ship’s immersive youth activity spaces and command center bridge.

This is the second group of Skagway students Disney Cruise Line has hosted on board during the 2024 Alaskan season, with plans to provide more learning opportunities for local students throughout the school year.

You can learn more about the Disney VoluntEARS program here.