Some moments just stick with you, right? This year’s Disney Dreamers Academy kickoff definitely felt like one of those. Imagine 50 bright-eyed students from Central Florida walking down a purple carpet, surrounded by community leaders and Disney VoluntEARS. Pure excitement, and it marked a huge step forward for the Disney Dreamers Academy!

So, what exactly is the Disney Dreamers Academy? It all started back in 2008 with a simple, powerful idea: help young people understand and unlock their dreams. Since then, it’s supported over 1,800 students nationwide, guiding them to build incredible careers, become leaders, and inspire the next wave of Dreamers. What’s truly special is seeing how this experience opens up a world of new possibilities for these young individuals. We always wanted to bring this unique opportunity to even more students, and now, that dream is becoming a reality.

What is Disney Dreamers Academy?

• The Disney Dreamers Academy started in 2008, a program dedicated to showing young people how they can harness the power of their dreams. Since then, it has supported over 1,800 students across the country, helping them build careers, lead communities, and mentor future Disney Dreamers.

A Look Inside This Next Chapter

This is where the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida comes in. This year, the Disney Dreamers Academy is taking its amazing 20-year legacy and making it even bigger. They’re launching an exciting new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs to reach students earlier in their journey and keep them connected to the program for longer. How cool is that?

This pilot program will welcome 200 middle school Club members from Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Houston, making them the first Disney Dreamers to join this multi-year, year-round initiative. By working with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Disney can connect with students right where they are, offering meaningful experiences that support their growth over time. These experiences will blend virtual sessions in their hometowns with in-person magic, including visits to Walt Disney World!

Throughout the program, students will explore who they are, build new skills and confidence, discover different career paths, and meet inspiring mentors. And yes, they’ll absolutely get to experience some classic Disney magic along the way, including a trip to Walt Disney World.

This new chapter kicks off with celebrations in all four pilot cities. Each Disney Dreamer gets invited to a special event packed with Disney-themed activity stations. Imagine different areas representing Walt Disney World’s theme parks, each designed to encourage students to find new interests, express their creativity, connect with peers, and even meet some beloved Disney pals.

Four Cities, One Dream

Orlando Disney Dreamers Kick Off the Celebrations

The Orlando kickoff was a blast! Finding their “Disney Dreamer Anthem” and personalizing their own Mickey ears led to an evening of pure joy and laughter echoing through the Walt Disney World Clubhouse gymnasium.

Carlota, one of the Disney Dreamers, summed it up perfectly: “My favorite part of the night was when Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse came to celebrate with us. I feel honored to be here. I’m very happy and excited for everything this program has to offer me.” This event is the latest highlight in a decades-long partnership between Disney and the Boys & Girls Clubs, a partnership that has created incredible 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 just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Disney Dreamers Academy. Get ready to follow these inspiring young Dreamers over the next few years as they share highlights from upcoming visits to Miami, Atlanta, and Houston!