Darren McBurney Set to Lead Disney Treasure as Cruise Director
Disney Cruise Line has officially named Darren McBurney as the Disney Treasure Cruise Director, and he’s more than ready to take the stage.. With 25 years of experience sailing with Disney, Darren brings unmatched energy, expertise, and heart to this leadership role.
A Voice Guests Know and Love
Cruise Directors are the heart of the ship’s entertainment. They host the morning show, introduce nighttime spectaculars, and guide guests through can’t-miss activities each day. But behind the scenes, their impact runs deeper—overseeing lifeguards, youth teams, port adventures, entertainment techs, and more.
“It’s really about the flow of the ship and everything we can do to help the team along the way,” Darren shared. “It’s a strange job, but for me, it’s the perfect job.”
From Game Show Winner to Disney Dreamer
Darren’s Disney journey began in an unexpected way. In 1995, he won a British television game show and chose Walt Disney World as his prize vacation. That trip changed everything.
“I told my friends ‘I don’t know how or when, but I am going to work for that company,’” he recalled.
By 1997, Darren had joined the opening team of Disney Cruise Line—starting in retail before volunteering to help create onboard crew events. His passion for entertainment shone through, and he moved into new roles across departments like port adventures and youth activities. Over time, he worked in more than 14 roles before stepping into the Cruise Director spotlight.
A Full-Circle Moment
Celebrating 25 years with Disney Cruise Line in 2023 was deeply meaningful for Darren.
“I remember selling the car I had at the time and saying to friends, I hope I last about two years,” he laughed. “I take it day by day, but I would have never suspected 25 years.”
Currently serving as Cruise Director aboard the Disney Wish, Darren is already preparing for his next adventure. He’s helping plan logistics for Disney Treasure programming and will soon head to Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard to support shipbuilding operations and crew onboarding.
What He’s Most Excited For
Darren is passionate about setting up new crew members for success and ensuring both seasoned cast and first-timers feel at home on board. “That’s one of the things in the back of my mind, always,” he said.
And in true showman spirit, Darren is eager to see the ship’s entertainment come alive—from the premiere of Disney The Tale of Moana to the reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, one of his all-time favorite Disney stories.
