Jimmy Lynett '97, executive entertainment at Disney Cruise Lines, offered several key principles he follows to ensure he and his team are providing the high level of service their guests have come to expect from a Disney cruise.
“Be friendly and engaging; meticulous attention to detail; creating personalized experiences; focus on continuous improvement; and as Buzz Lightyear says, ‘go to infinity and beyond’ for our guests.
“It is also important to empower my team to do the same which, in turn, results in creating magical and memorable experiences for our guests. To be honest, the same is true for the crew experience. As the team lives and works in the same environment, it is very important to create special experiences for the team and recognize their hard work utilizing the same principles."
Special passenger or staff moments you have experienced?
“There are countless moments on both accounts. From witnessing and assisting with guests getting engaged, to sharing in special experiences created with Make-A-Wish children, I have had the privilege of being a part of many special and memorable moments in the lives our guests. There are honestly special moments that happen every single cruise. Also, unexpectedly running into people I know, whether from school or home, is always a special experience … and that happens more often than you might think."
One hidden gem among Disney Cruise Line destinations?
“We travel to some amazing destinations around the world, from The Bahamas to the Caribbean, to Europe and Australia/New Zealand, but my two favorite destinations are Alaska and Castaway Cay, our private island. One of the great benefits of my role is I get to experience some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.”
All roads lead to Scranton...
“I have traveled extensively, both through work and personal travel, and in almost every corner of the world I have been, from Australia to Iceland and New Zealand to Southeast Asia, I have run into someone either from Scranton, with roots in Scranton or who went to the University.
“At work, I am consistently running into guests from NEPA or with links to the U! I am always proud to tell guests that I am from Scranton and went to the University, and that leads to many approaching me with those same connections. On the Disney Wish, I had the honor to meet Robert Davis, Vice President for University Advancement, and his family, who were enjoying their vacation together. It was a chance meeting, like many of them are, but it gives me such a sense of pride to meet and be a part of making someone’s vacation experience even better. Bobby and I have remained in touch, as I have with many Royals I have met along the way! "
Advice for Royals with dreams of a Disney career?
"I say go for it! As Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” Knowing the education The University of Scranton provides, as well as the values the Jesuit education instills, we would be lucky to have more representation from the U! "
