Over the past few years, many of Disney’s programs were canceled or went virtual due to the ongoing global health crisis. However, those programs are returning to in-person events including one that kicked off this week!

The Disney Dreamers Academy arrived back in Disney World this week from March 3rd to 6th! The program supports Black students and teens from underrepresented communities in the U.S., with a focus on giving them new opportunities and fostering future careers. And, we stopped by the 4-day event to see how they celebrated 15 years!
This year, 100 students were chosen from a pool of applicants to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World for them and a parent or guardian. And, while the students spend much of their time in workshops, they got to kick off their stay in Magic Kingdom and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. in the Disney Dreamers Academy Cavalcade!

The parade also featured some celebrities, including singer, songwriter, and actress Kelly Rowland.

And, the Big Cheese himself, Mickey, was also in the parade, wearing his Drum Major outfit.

Later that day, the opening ceremony featured Traci Powell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Vice President and DDA Executive Champion…

…and Gospel singer Kierra Sheard came out to entertain the students and share some words of wisdom.

Plus, even Drum Major Mickey was there to wish the participants luck!

During the event, students get to learn more about leadership skills, communication techniques, and networking.

There are even career workshops, which could open up opportunities for future careers, including those with the Walt Disney Company.

After four days of workshops and events, the program wrapped up with the closing ceremonies where Mickey came on stage again, along with Kelly Rowland, and others, to celebrate the end of the program.

Congratulations to the Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2022!

We look forward to seeing more extraordinary teens next year, so here’s to the Class of 2023! And, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for more of the latest updates on Disney World’s special events you may not know about!
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Disclosure: We were invited by Disney to attend a media event for the Disney Dreamers Academy. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
Do you know someone who participated in the Disney Dreamers Academy? Let us know in the comments!
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