There are some moments you know you’ll carry with you; this is one of them.
Last month, 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 first at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida to celebrate the first 50 students. .We then carried that excitement to Miami’s Hank Kline Club, where another 50 young dreamers learned they, too, would be part of this extraordinary experience.
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.
Bringing Disney to the Community
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.
October 1: 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.
October 15: Miami Disney Dreamers Dive into New Possibilities
We kicked off the second of four Disney Dreamers Academy community celebrations in Miami, where 50 students learned they had been selected for the newest class of Disney Dreamers Academy.
The celebration took place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Hank Kline Club, bringing Disney magic directly to the communities where students were selected. Meeting Dreamers where they are made the moment even more meaningful.
“Being selected for this special program by Disney and Boys and Girls Clubs means a lot to me. I feel very excited, proud and grateful for this opportunity. That shows me that hard work pays off,” said Disney Dreamer Londyn. “I’m looking forward to meeting new friends, making memories and chasing my dreams”
With a little pixie dust from Walt Disney World and the support of their communities, these Disney Dreamers are one step closer to discovering where their imagination can take them.
Let the New Chapter Commence
This event was only the beginning of an exciting new chapter! As the second of four city visits to welcome the newest class of Disney Dreamers, we’re building momentum on a journey that will take us across the country. 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 Atlanta and Houston.
