ChEARS to Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2023!
I can't believe it's already almost time for a new class of Disney Dreamers to experience an amazing journey towards achieving their dreams! The anticipation of who will be selected is usually met with a little bit of anxiety, especially for the teen(s) that applied or if you are the parent of an applicant. And let's be honest, those of us who get to experience it from the lens of an outsider as media and press are also counting down to invitation day! See who is joining this next class of dreamers!
Each year 100 students will be selected, though tens of thousands will apply. Applications typically open up in late spring and close by Halloween of the same year. Selected attendees will be notified usually around the Christmas holiday. Each year may vary, but that seems to be the timeline over the last few years! If you have a student that is at least 13, and no older than 19, in high school, they are eligible to apply once it's opened! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for all the updates!
DDA celebrates its "sweet sixteen" this year, so I am sure there will be extra magic waiting for the attendees and their chaperones. In mid-January, Disney Dreamer's Academy announced its incoming class in Times Square, New York City and the executive champion, Tracey Powell, along with Mickey Mouse, surprised dreamer Mosope Aina at her school in New Jersey! Can you imagine showing up to school and being greeted with confetti and magic!
DDA will gather its Dreamers once again in person in at The Walt Disney World Resort, in Florida from March 23 - 26, 2023! Students will embark on numerous journeys that include self discovery and learning to embrace who they are and how to #Be100 in all that they do.
Each year there are deep dives into various professions, students hear from industry professionals in entertainment, art, fashion, medicine, media, education, and more! Last year, Kelly Rowland was the program ambassador. She is also a student advocate and dreamer herself! I love that each year DDA brings back alumni to participate as group leaders and speakers in the deep dives. I feel it really gives the new class an opportunity to see just how DDA has helped others as they move forward in their journeys.
Hearing the speakers' stories of how they pursued their dreams, overcame obstacles and kept moving forward really empowers the Dreamers and their chaperones to do the same. There are many times of reflection and opportunities to ask questions, network and consider new possibilities. When I've attended in the past as chaperone and then again as media, each time was different, but the heart of the program remains the same - to inspire and empower our teens, the next generation to Be 100!
Congratulations to the DDA Class of 2023!
My friends and fellow Black Disney Moms admins covered the events as well in previous years! Please check out their experiences! Shaye Wyllie of Popcorn and Tater Tots covered the 2020 virtual event and you can read all about it on 4 Hats and Frugal. Tanay Howard from Life with Tanay has some fun on her Instagram page!
I am excited to bring you coverage of the 2023 events and keep you updated on all the magic!
Follow Disney Dreamers Academy online: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
About Disney Dreamers Academy:
Established by Walt Disney World in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy’s mission is to inspire young leaders to dream beyond imagination by providing life-long access to personalized support for the Disney Dreamer, their caregivers and community through insightful content and uplifting experts, mentors and sponsors. Each year, 100 high school students are awarded a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience the immersive and transformational program.
