Disney Dreamers Academy has always been one of those Disney stories that reminds me there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than rides and churros. I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World since the 2000s, and the older I get, the more I appreciate the moments when Disney uses its magic to open doors for kids. Now the program that started back in 2008 is heading into a brand-new chapter, and I love where it’s going.
What Is Disney Dreamers Academy?
At its heart, Disney Dreamers Academy is about helping young people figure out how to turn their dreams into real plans. Since it launched in 2008, Disney says the program has reached more than 1,800 students across the country. Many of them have gone on to build careers, lead in their communities and even come back to mentor the next group of Disney Dreamers.
What gets me most is the simple idea behind it: give a young person the chance to picture a future they may not have imagined before. Disney wanted to bring that opportunity to even more students, and that’s where this next chapter comes in.
A New Chapter With Boys & Girls Clubs
The new chapter kicked off at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. Fifty local students walked a purple carpet lined with community leaders and Disney VoluntEARS cheering them on. Judging by the photos, the smiles said it all. That’s the kind of welcome I’d want for every kid who’s just starting to dream big.
How the Pilot Program Works
Disney Dreamers Academy is expanding through a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs. The goal is to reach students earlier and stay connected with them longer. Here’s what stood out to me:
- Who’s involved: 200 middle school Club members from Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston are the first Disney Dreamers in this pilot.
- How long it lasts: It’s a year-round, multi-year program instead of a one-time event.
- Where it happens: Students get a mix of virtual and in-person experiences, both in their own communities and at Disney.
- What students do: They’ll learn more about themselves, build skills and confidence, explore different career paths and meet people who inspire them.
- The Disney part: Of course there’s Disney magic along the way, including a visit to Walt Disney World.
Meeting students where they already are just makes sense to me. A great weekend can spark something, but sticking with kids for years is what helps that spark grow.
Four Cities, One Dream
Each of the four cities in the pilot gets its own kickoff celebration for its Disney Dreamers. The activity stations at these parties are themed to the Walt Disney World theme parks. Each station is designed to help students try new interests, get creative, connect with each other and meet a few favorite Disney pals.
As a theme park fan, I love that detail. Taking the feel of each park on the road gives these kids a taste of Disney World before they ever step through the gates.
Disney Dreamers Academy Kicks Off in Orlando
Orlando went first, and it sounds like the gym at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse was full of laughter all night. Students found their own Disney Dreamer Anthem and decorated their very own pair of Mickey ears.
One Disney Dreamer, Carlota, said her favorite part was when Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse showed up to celebrate. She also said she felt honored to be there and excited for everything the program will offer her. Honestly, that quote made my day.
A Partnership With Deep Roots
This kickoff builds on a partnership between Disney and Boys & Girls Clubs that goes back decades. The two have already teamed up on learning opportunities for Central Florida kids, including after-school programs and the Club’s Rock Star Robotics Center.
Related – Disneyland and Make-A-Wish Celebrate 40 Make-A-Wish Kids at the Ultimate Halloween Experience
What’s Next for the Disney Dreamers
Orlando was just the start. Disney plans to follow these Disney Dreamers over the next few years, with upcoming stops in Miami, Atlanta and Houston. You can learn more about the program on the official Disney Dreamers Academy page.
I’ll be keeping an eye on how these students grow along the way. Stories like this are a big part of why I’ve stayed a Disney addict all these years.
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