Disney Dreamers Academy is changing from an annual program for 100 high school students into a year-round, multi-year program for 200 middle school students, and the first 50 Dreamers from Central Florida have already been welcomed at a kickoff celebration in Orlando. Walt Disney World announced the change on September 29, and Disney Parks Blog shared a first look at the new format on October 2. The program now runs through a collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs in four metropolitan areas. Those are Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston.
What Is Changing With Disney Dreamers Academy – For nearly two decades, Walt Disney World selected 100 high school students from across the country each year and brought them to the resort for five days of mentoring and career workshops. Fantasy Land News readers may remember the Magic Kingdom parade that opened the 2025 program.
The new format starts younger and lasts longer. Disney built the pilot with participating Boys & Girls Clubs and youth development experts, and the clubs selected the students. Past classes came from a national application process for high school students. Disney says the first class of 200 will be announced this October, with programming set to begin in January 2027.
According to Disney, the four locations were picked because the company already has a presence and relationships with families and organizations in those communities. Walt Disney World will also make an investment across participating clubs over the first two years of the program, which covers the current school year and the 2027-28 school year. Disney did not share a dollar amount.
Orlando Dreamers Kick Off the New Program – The first celebration was held at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. Fifty students from the Central Florida area walked a purple carpet lined with community leaders and Disney VoluntEARS.
Inside the gymnasium, activity stations were themed to the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Students picked a personal Dreamer Anthem, decorated their own Mickey ears and met Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Disney’s photos from the night also show Princess Tiana and Daisy Duck with the students.
A Dreamer named Carlota told Disney Parks Blog that the visit from Mickey and Minnie was the best part of the night. “I feel honored to be here,” Carlota said.
The Central Florida club was a natural first stop. Disney and Boys & Girls Clubs have worked together for decades on after-school programs and the club’s Rock Star Robotics Center. Kickoff celebrations in Miami, Atlanta and Houston come next.
What Students Will Do in the Program – The program combines virtual and in-person sessions held at local clubs and at Walt Disney World. Disney cast members and outside experts will lead workshops and hands-on sessions on careers as different as engineering and animal sciences.
Each student also joins a community of cast member mentors and fellow Dreamers, including professionals who come from backgrounds like their own. The year-round schedule is built to grow confidence and leadership skills over time. Visits to Walt Disney World are part of the plan as well.
Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World, described the approach as “meeting students where they are” and reaching them at a younger age. Jamie Merrill, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, said this kind of program helps kids see past their current circumstances and picture more options for themselves.
Nearly 20 Years of Disney Dreamers – Disney Dreamers Academy launched at Walt Disney World in 2008, and more than 1,800 students have taken part since then. Disney says alumni have gone on to work as entrepreneurs, educators, engineers, artists and health care professionals. Many have returned to mentor newer classes.
Sivonne Davis, Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Walt Disney World, said the new format builds on what the program has done for students, families and their communities across 19 years.
Fantasy Land News has covered Disney Dreamers Academy for years, from the parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in 2024 to application season each fall. The expansion is a valuable tool for these kids. The old format gave 100 teenagers five days at Walt Disney World. The new one gives 200 younger students mentors who stay with them for years, inside a club they already know and close to home.
Families outside the four pilot areas have one next step for now. Disney is pointing parents to their local Boys & Girls Club for updates on future opportunities and eligibility. Disney has not said whether the pilot will grow beyond these four areas. More details are expected in the coming months, and the official Disney Dreamers Academy page has the full program overview.
