At the outset of his career, Northeast Pennsylvania native Jimmy Lynett ’97 secured a position with globally recognized multimedia and entertainment enterprise, Walt Disney Company. The opportunity with Disney Cruise Line in the Youth Activities Program (think: camp counselor) appealed to Lynett’s affinity for the ocean. For a young twentysomething who had recently earned a bachelor’s in communications, it presented a short-term opportunity to sharpen those skills. Instead of a port of call on his professional journey, though, the experience inspired more than two decades of transformational leadership and resulted in a Disney wish come true.
“Funny thing is, I only planned to work on the ship for a year or so and then I would get a ‘real job.’ … I found so much variety, learning and growth opportunities, and enjoyment in my roles that I decided … maybe this will be my ‘real job,’ and it has been for the past nearly 25 years and counting!” said Lynett, who currently oversees 200-plus employees and leaders as Executive Entertainment Director at Disney Cruise Line.
"I find that communication is at the heart of what I do on a daily basis. Majoring in communications at The University of Scranton provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge that is highly beneficial to my current role,” said Lynett. He referenced skills in verbal and nonverbal communication and conflict resolution, in addition to media literacy.
“I started back in December of 1998 working in the youth spaces onboard. I enjoyed the role and made so many friends from around the world. The ship’s complement of crew represented nearly 60 different nationalities. At the same time, I always, since my childhood, wanted to work for Disney and on a cruise ship because of some of the amazing vacations I went on with my family,” said Lynett, referencing beach trips to Avalon, New Jersey, and his first family cruise, at age 10.
The Youth Activities Program served as a career catalyst for the Scranton native, who attributes his early success to a mother and father who fortified his dreams and instilled a work ethic to support them.
“They also always encouraged me to … reach for the stars. I went into my first role on Disney Cruise Line with that strong backbone and used that, along with my passion for the Walt Disney Company, to drive my day-to-day role, which was noticed by my leadership team at the time.”
That, paired with experience gained as a cruise staff team member hosting events, gameshows and deck parties, fueled his career advancement to Manager, Port Adventures and Recreation, and, later, Assistant Cruise Director.
“I recently had the privilege of being on the design team for the Disney Wish ... and working closely with the Walt Disney Imagineers, design firms and the operations teams to ensure that the entertainment spaces and overall entertainment product were of the highest standard,” said Lynett, referencing the 2022 addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
“I am certainly blessed and give continued thanks for all that I have been given and achieved.”
Today, Lynett oversees the entire entertainment operation onboard the Disney Wonder.
“We are known as storytellers and that is evident everywhere on the ship, from the theming, to the dining experiences, to the immersive spaces for the children, but I am most proud of the Broadway-quality shows we perform in the state-of-the-art Walt Disney Theatre,” he said. “Being part of the team that brought it all to life has certainly been a very proud moment in my career.”
Web Exclusive
How Does a Scranton Education Inspire Magic?
Jimmy Lynett '97, executive entertainment at Disney Cruise Lines, offers insight on how his University of Scranton experience guides him in providing Royal treatment to Disney Cruise Line guests.
Read Article
When he reflects on blessings, one chance meeting courtesy of Disney remains unparalleled.
“I never went into this line of work thinking I would find my wife (Zoe), but that is exactly what happened and I could not be happier! I can thank Disney Cruise Line for bringing us together and we have three wonderful children who we could not be more proud of, Jamie, 23, Mia, 19 and Drew, 18,” Lynett said.
Jesuit Education Provides Foothold on a “Floating City”
Essential to life and business, according to Lynett, are the level of preparedness he gained at The University of Scranton and the Jesuit education he received at both Scranton Preparatory School and the University.
“My Jesuit education is, without a doubt, the foundation of my very being, both in work and at home. My values, my beliefs, leadership decisions, which are guided by the strong moral compass instilled within my education and upbringing, my critical thinking skills and my inclination to serve are all at the forefront of every decision I make both personally and professionally,” he said.
“Living and working on a ‘floating city’ means that many of these, including leadership and emergency response training, are 24/7 because we live and work in the same environment. We always have to be ‘on our game’ and ready for anything.”
The workday is very different than on land.
“This industry is fast paced and you never know what is going to come your way, like weather, hurricanes and other challenges that might completely deviate from your originally-intended itinerary,” Lynett said.
“We have to be ready to take on those challenges, react quickly and do our best to turn around the guest experience.”
Don’t let the spectacular backdrops mislead; there’s a business to run, with an unenviable commute. Lynett’s role includes 10-week stints at home in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, and 10 away from his family, which means missing many milestones, such as birthdays and his son’s basketball games.
He credits a supportive spouse with helping him find a successful balance between life on land and a career at sea.
“Zoe is amazing. She holds down the fort while I am away, which is no easy task. But, the time I get at home, work-free, is the win and makes the sacrifice well worth it!”
As for his childhood home in Pennsylvania, Lynett confirms the old adage: “all roads lead to Scranton.”
“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 attended The University of Scranton!”
