Dream beyond imagination
Building on a 20-Year Legacy
A New Chapter
We’re expanding the program by launching a multi-year experience designed to reach students earlier and keep them connected to the program over time. Developed in collaboration with participating Boys & Girls Clubs and youth development experts, this pilot will bring Disney Dreamers Academy to middle school Club members in the Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston metropolitan areas.
Reaching More Students
The first class of Disney Dreamers in this new chapter will include 200 students selected by participating Boys & Girls Clubs, and will be announced this October, with programming beginning in January 2027. We’re excited to continue to encourage young people to dream bigger than they ever thought possible.
The Experience
The program will draw on the deep connections participating Boys & Girls Clubs have with the young people and families they serve, bringing DDA into trusted community spaces while sustaining its commitment of empowering diverse populations of students. Through virtual and in-person experiences, Disney Dreamers will engage in activities that support their personal and academic growth.
Discover the next chapter
Inside Look at Disney Dreamers Academy
What's New:
- We’re expanding the program with a year-round, multi-year experience.
- Programming will take place in the communities where students live and at Walt Disney World.
- There will be a mix of virtual and in-person experiences.
- This experience is designed to reach students earlier and keep them connected to the program over time.
Activities during the Program:
- Year-round Programming: Through hands-on experiences, workshops and interactive programming led by Disney Cast Members and experts, students will explore subjects and career paths ranging from engineering to animal sciences, helping them discover new interests and possibilities for their future.
- Connecting with Disney Mentors: Students will become part of a community that connects them with Disney Cast Members and fellow Dreamers, creating meaningful relationships that offer inspiration and support throughout their journey while introducing them to professionals whose backgrounds and experiences may reflect their own.
- Building Confidence: Year-round programming will help students develop their confidence and leadership skills, while strengthening their connection to mentors, peers, and local communities that can encourage them as they grow.
- Disney Experiences that Bring Their Journey to Life: Students will experience Disney in their local Boys & Girls Clubs and through visits to Walt Disney World, creating memorable moments that expose them to new possibilities and bring their journey full circle.
learn more About DDA
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Disney Dreamers Academy remains a signature Walt Disney World program and is evolving to reach and inspire more students in a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs.
As Disney Dreamers Academy approaches its 20th anniversary, Walt Disney World is building on the program’s legacy to inspire more students through mentorship, career exploration and transformative experiences. By collaborating with local Boys & Girls Clubs, the program can reach students earlier and support them through experiences designed to help them dream beyond imagination.
The first class of Disney Dreamers in this new chapter will include 200 middle school students. The students were selected by participating Boys & Girls Clubs and will be announced this October, with programming beginning in January 2027.
At the guidance of youth development experts, the pilot is designed to reach students earlier in their journey, helping inspire them to dream beyond imagination as they begin exploring their interests, talents and future possibilities. Through the program, students will have opportunities to discover what’s possible and build confidence along the way.
These four locations were selected based on Disney’s existing presence and relationships with families and organizations in these communities, creating a strong foundation of support for participating students.
DDA Alumni and impact
The Program's Continued Impact
More than 1,800 students across the country have participated in Disney Dreamers Academy since its launch in 2008. In that time, we’ve seen alumni build careers, lead communities and mentor future Dreamers. As we begin this next chapter, we’re grateful to everyone who helped shape the legacy of Disney Dreamers Academy and inspire what’s next. We look forward to sharing the continued impact of Dreamers here on Disney Experiences.
Connect with Local Boys & Girls Clubs
We’re working alongside Boys & Girls Clubs to bring the next chapter of the program directly into local communities. During the initial pilot phase, the program will launch through participating Boys & Girls Clubs in Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston, creating new opportunities for students to learn, grow and connect close to home. Connect with your local Club to learn more about future opportunities, eligibility and program updates.