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ORLANDO, Fla – The Walt Disney World Resort welcomed the 100 teens selected to participate in the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy on Thursday.
As the Dreamers Academy enters its 17th year, organizers said the event aims to empower youth to make their dreams come true, setting the stage for the weekend’s activities.
This year’s group traveled from 26 states for the all-expenses paid trip to Disney World. Over the next few days, the teens are participating in hands-on workshops in fields they selected. Experts, motivational speakers and celebrities will serve as their mentors and instructors.
The teens started their first day attending a welcome celebration at Disney’s Contemporary Resort where they were treated to a performance by Mickey Mouse and a marching band. During the celebration, they learned more about what to expect during the weekend ahead. Speakers included Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey Powell and Disney Dreamer alumnus Princeton Parker. The students were also treated to a performance by singer and actress Kissy Simmons.
Cyril Josh Barker photos
“What I want every Disney Dreamer to do is understand the possibilities,” Powell said during an interview with the AmNews. “Lots of times we may hear from parents, peers, family members or teachers that dream is too big for them. But when you have a dream that’s being fueled by passion, there’s no way you can go wrong. That’s why we really love Disney Dreamers Academy.”
During the welcome celebration, the teens were also introduced to actress Dara Reneé of ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ and the upcoming ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red.’ Reneé is serving as the program’s “Dreambassador” acting as a mentor and advocate for the students.
In an interview with the AmNews, Reneé said she always wanted to be part of an event like Dreamers Academy. She is one of several celebrities educators, designers, producers and Disney executives, who will spend the weekend helping the students.
“To be part of something that’s so much bigger than I am with so many amazing young people who share their brilliance every day is something so much more than I could have asked for,” she said. “I’m so grateful to be here.”
Later, the teens got a special behind-the-scenes look at all the elements that go into creating the show Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The teens’ parents and guardians participated in a Dr. Johnnetta Cole and Powell where they provided insight into raising a dreamer.
In the afternoon, the teens participated in a parade on Main Street in Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park.
On Friday, the Dreamers will attend motivational sessions hearing from speakers including actor Lance Gross and Disney Imagineer Nikkolas Smith. They will also spend the day participating in “Living Laboratories.” The interactive career mentorship workshops will be led by Disney cast members and other top professionals.
Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.
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