There are some moments you know you’ll carry with you; this is one of them.
As 50 students from the Central Florida area made their way down the purple carpet lined with community leaders and Disney VoluntEARS, you could see the excitement on their faces. It was more than a celebration. We had officially started the next chapter of the Disney Dreamers Academy!
What is Disney Dreamers Academy?
- DDA launched in 2008 as a program dedicated to providing youth with the opportunity to learn how they can harness the power of their dreams. Since then, it has helped more than 1,800 students across the country build careers, lead communities, and mentor future Disney Dreamers.
One of the things I enjoy most about Disney Dreamers Academy is how the experience can help a young person imagine new possibilities for their future. And, we wanted to find a way to bring that opportunity to even more students.
A Look Inside this Next Chapter
Which brings me to how we arrived here at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.
This year, Disney Dreamers Academy is building on its remarkable legacy by expanding the program in a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs to reach more students earlier in their journey and keep them connected to the program longer. 200 middle school Club members from Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Houston will become the first Disney Dreamers to be a part of this year-round, multi-year pilot program.
By working with Boys & Girls Clubs, we’re able to meet students where they are and provide meaningful experiences that can support their growth over time through a mix of virtual and in-person experiences in the communities where they live and at Disney.
During the program, students will discover more about themselves, build new skills and confidence, explore different careers, and meet inspiring people. And, of course, they’ll experience Disney magic along the way and even visit Walt Disney World.
So, join us on this next chapter as we head to the four metropolitan areas selected for this pilot program and celebrate the participants from each city.
Four Cities, One Dream
As we travel to the four locations, every Disney Dreamer will be invited to a kickoff celebration filled with Disney-inspired activity stations designed to match the theme parks at Walt Disney World. Each park includes activities that encourage students to discover new interests, express their creativity, connect with other students, and meet some of their favorite Disney pals.
Orlando Disney Dreamers Kick Off the Celebrations
From finding their Disney Dreamer Anthem to personalizing their very own pair of Mickey ears, it was an evening of endless joy with echoes of laughter filling the gymnasium at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse.
“My favorite part of the night was when Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse came to celebrate with us,” said Carlota, a Disney Dreamer. “I feel honored to be here. I’m very happy and excited for everything this program has to offer me.”
This is the latest milestone in a decades-long partnership between Disney and Boys & Girls Clubs. Together, we’ve helped create meaningful learning opportunities for Central Florida youth, including after-school programs and the Club’s Rock Star Robotics Center.
Let the New Chapter Commence
This event was only the beginning of an exciting new chapter! Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog as we follow these inspiring Disney Dreamers over the next few years and share highlights from our upcoming visits to Miami, Atlanta, and Houston.
