Empowering the Next Generation: Disney Dreamers Academy 2025!

Another year of dreaming at the Disney Dreamers Academy. Celebrating 18 years of this inspiring program, it truly brings some of the brightest young minds here to the Walt Disney World!

The Disney Dreamers Academy is a transformative educational and mentorship program designed to empower young individuals to dream big and achieve their goals. Held annually at the Walt Disney World Resort, the program brings together a select group of high school students from across the United States for an inspiring, immersive experience.

The 2025 class was filled with so many amazing students. Gathered from all across the country the academy is structured to provide participants with a comprehensive blend of career-oriented workshops, motivational seminars, and networking opportunities. Over the span of four days students get to explore various aspects of personal and professional development. From Educational Workshops led by sponsors like Sprite, Dolby and Delta to motivational talks from speakers like Lisa Nichols! The students of the academy are poured into over their visit making it life changing!

Key Components of the Weekend

• Educational Workshops: Interactive sessions led by industry experts and Disney cast members, offering insights into different career paths.

• Motivational Talks: Inspirational speeches from renowned speakers who share their journeys and offer advice on overcoming challenges.

• Hands-On Experience: Opportunities for students to engage in practical activities that align with their interests and career goals.

• Networking: Connections with peers and professionals, fostering relationships that can support future endeavors.

The amount of amazing speakers and presenters was out of this world. From DREAMbassador Tyler James Williams to David & Tamela Mann the amount of wisdom poured into these 100 Dreamers is unforgettable. At the conclusion of the event, Dreamers attend commencement day. Commencement is the perfect moment to celebrate the end of their tenure here.

Amazing opportunities are awarded to Dreamers attending based off their selected areas. Plus at the end of the year's event one Dreamer is selected from the entire class as Dreamer of the Year! It's a way to celebrate all accomplishments and what lies ahead.

This year Executive Champion Tracey Powell was awarded the Hero Award. Tracey has been Executive Champion for 16 years and is an amazing guiding light for this program. There was not one dry eye during this special moment including myself. I had the honor of meeting Tracey last year and her commitment and drive to the Disney Dreamers Academy was out of this world.

Applications open typically in the Summer for the following years event. Students ages 13-19 are eligible to apply. Speaking to some Dreamers this was not their first time applying. Thousands apply but only 100 are chosen. Though I know not an easy task, it's truly a testament to the amazing qualities in these Dreamers.

The Disney Dreamers Academy is more than just an event; it is a life-changing opportunity for young dreamers to explore their potential and ignite their passions. With a focus on education, inspiration, and empowerment, the program equips participants with the tools they need to turn their dreams into reality. Whether aspiring to be future leaders, innovators, or change-makers, the Disney Dreamers Academy is a stepping stone to achieving greatness.

As Lisa Nichols stated in her inspiring speech during commencement "You got one job... Make sure the story is going to be good to tell!"