Disney World Giving Back to Boy Who Used Savings to Help Hurricane Dorian Evacuees

Image: PHOTO: Six-year-old Jermaine Bell of Jacksonville. (photo via Walt Disney World Resort)
Image: PHOTO: Six-year-old Jermaine Bell of Jacksonville. (photo via Walt Disney World Resort)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:41 PM ET, Mon September 9, 2019

One little hero is getting a big surprise thanks to Walt Disney World Resort.

After spending more than a year saving money for his birthday trip to Florida's Disney World, six-year-old Jermaine Bell of Jacksonville was ready for his dream vacation until Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas and the United States.

As Dorian made its way to the coast of South Carolina, Bell used the money he had saved to purchase hundreds of hot dogs, bags of chips and bottled water to serve free of charge to hurricane evacuees near his grandmother's home.

Thousands of people shared Bell's story of selflessness and kindness in the subsequent days. One of the companies to learn about the young boy's graciousness was Disney, which decided to reward Bell for his actions.

During Bell's seventh birthday party on September 8, Mickey Mouse and a group of Disney World cast members made a surprise visit and informed the family they would be going to Walt Disney World after all.

Disney announced the family would be treated to a VIP getaway at the vacation kingdom in late September.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...