If you ever needed proof that dreams really do come true, Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort was the place to be last week! And I was lucky enough to witness some truly magical moments during the five-day mentoring program aimed at helping high school students to dream big.
One of the most memorable moments involved two students who are aspiring filmmakers, Sydney Gilmore and Zane Stevenson, who got the surprise of a lifetime. They’re heading to California for a behind-the-scenes experience on ABC’s hit show Abbott Elementary. They’ll get to see how TV magic happens up close, learning straight from the pros. And guess who delivered the news about the trip? Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams himself! Now that is next-level cool!
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I got to see even more magic—this time, in the middle of a safari ride. Picture this: a group of teens who are obsessed with animal science, cruising through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, getting up close with giraffes, crocodiles and flamingos. Now, add a Hollywood star to the mix—not just any star, but Kelvin Harrison Jr., the voice of Taka/Scar in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. Yep, a guy who literally voices a character from a movie about a safari, taking these students on a real one. Talk about a full-circle moment!
If you haven’t heard of Disney Dreamers Academy, let me fill you in—it’s a five-day mentoring program at Walt Disney World where 100 students from across the country get inspired, motivated and hyped up by celebs, educators, business execs, and community leaders, all with one goal: to supercharge their dreams.
The commencement ceremony on Sunday of the event is pure Disney magic. Think beloved characters, high-energy performances, bursts of colorful confetti, and a class ring presentation so emotional it had students, parents, and chaperones reaching for tissues. Total tearjerker—in the best way possible!
At commencement, Colin Sproles was named Dreamer of the Year! Chosen by his fellow Disney Dreamers and judges, he earned the top honor for his leadership, kindness and fearless dream-chasing. And the best part? Winning the award means he’s getting flown back to Walt Disney World for a family vacation—plus setting sail on an unforgettable Disney Cruise Line adventure!
And just when the students thought the surprises were over – boom, more magic! Alex Onwuli will head to Washington, D.C., for an educational trip with National Geographic. Tristan Williams will experience weightlessness in the Zero-G Astronaut Experience (imagine literally floating in mid-air!) And Charlie Arnold will continue the journey of being a filmmaker with a private tour of Dolby Studios in Hollywood, California.
So, if you ever find yourself wondering whether dreams really do come true, just ask these Disney Dreamers. They’ll tell you: 100% yes. And sometimes, they even come with a surprise visit from your favorite TV star. I walked away feeling inspired—and already counting down the days until next year’s Disney Dreamers Academy!