Cruise Director Darren McBurney Is Ready To Take Center Stage on the Disney Treasure
When the Disney Treasure sets sail next year, guests’ vacations will be in the hands of Cruise Director Darren McBurney.
Cruise Directors not only kick off the morning show and introduce nighttime entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line, but they also manage all of the cruise’s entertainment teams including lifeguards, youth activities, port adventures, technicians, and more.
Photo: Disney
“It’s really about the flow of the ship and everything we can do to help the team along the way,” McBurney said. “It’s a strange job, but for me, it’s the perfect job.”
Darren’s Disney Story
Darren McBurney may be a 25-year veteran of the Disney Cruise Line these days, but his Disney story got started in the most unexpected of ways.
It all started when McBurney competed in a British television game show in 1995. With his general knowledge and a little luck, he won a two-week vacation to Walt Disney World.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
After his first Disney trip, Darren was determined to work for Disney.
“I told my friends ‘I don’t know how or when, but I am going to work for that company.’ It just felt right to me,” Darren said.
Joining the Disney Cruise Line’s Opening Team
After researching his options, in late 1997 Darren heard that the Disney Cruise Line was hiring for an opening team.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
“I knew that for the Disney Cruise Line opening team, and a brand-new venture for the company, they would be looking for experts in the field,” he explained. “Although my love was entertainment, my background was in retail, and I was lucky enough to be chosen as part of the opening team as a merchandise host.”
As a member of the Disney Cruise Line team, Darren volunteered for a position that wasn’t even created yet and started planning crew events. Through hard work and dedication, he transitioned to entertainment and worked positions in port adventure, youth activities, and more.
Over the years, Darren held more than 14 different positions before he finally landed his dream job — Cruise Director.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
When the Disney Cruise Line celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, it was a particularly special occasion for Darren.
“I remember selling the car I had at the time and saying to friends, I hope I last about two years, to pay off the car loan,” Darren said. “I take it day by day, but I would have never suspected 25 years.
Getting Ready To Set Sail Aboard the Disney Treasure
With the Disney Treasure not set to take its inaugural cruise until December of 2024, Darren will continue to spend the next few months on the Disney Wish as Cruise Director, while also researching logistics for potential Disney Treasure activities.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
Next year, he will travel to Germany, where he will visit the Meyer Werft shipyard and assist with on-site management of operations and entertainment needs for the new ship. He will also onboard new crew members.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the leaders and making sure that our crew members, both seasoned and newbies have a smooth and meaningful onboarding process,” Darren said. “That’s one of the things in the back of my mind, always.”
Photo: Disney
Like the rest of us, Darrren can’t wait to see the Treasure set sail!
