Remember when we told you about the tear-jerking moment when actress and Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey, who stars as Ariel in the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” surprised two Disney Dreamers Academy students with the opportunity of a lifetime? Well, it happened – and it was even better than we expected.
Imagine being on the blue carpet at the world premiere of “The Little Mermaid’’ as the personal guest of the star of the movie. That’s what happened with Dylan Jones from Atlanta, GA, and Madison Henderson from Los Angeles, CA.
Dylan and Madison attended the star-studded event Monday night with Halle who is the celebrity ambassador for this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort. Hanging out with the movie star, cast and crew at the world premiere was indeed a dream-come-true moment for them, especially given that both are aspiring filmmakers.
“Getting to see her again and getting to hug her again meant the world to me,” said Madison.
The “pinch me” moments continued. After Dylan and Madison hit the blue carpet, they stuck around for the world premiere where they joined a host of Hollywood stars for the screening of the much-anticipated movie of the summer. And to end the night, they attended an afterparty with the cast and crew, rubbing elbows with the types of Hollywood heavyweights they hope to become one day.
Dylan and Madison met Halle at Disney Dreamers Academy, the mentoring program that takes place at Walt Disney World Resort every March where 100 high school students from around the country are inspired to dream big. At the event, Halle surprised them by inviting them to be her personal guest at the movie premiere.
“It feels surreal,” said Dylan from the blue carpet. “I feel like I’m in a dream.”
To help them prepare for their blue-carpet debuts, Dylan and Madison got some help from their fellow Disney Dreamers Academy classmate and aspiring fashion designer, Brooke Sibala. She created mood boards and style sketches to help inspire their blue-carpet look.
I can’t wait for the day I can attend the world premieres of movies made by Dylan and Madison, wearing an outfit designed by Brooke! The Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2023 has some serious talent.
Be sure to check out Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” when it hits theaters nationwide on May 26. And keep following the Disney Parks Blog to learn more about the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort, including when students can apply.