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The Disney Dreamers Academy is a career and mentorship program created by Disney for high school students, aimed at inspiring and empowering young individuals to achieve their dreams. Participants, known as "Dreamers," engage in a four-day event at Walt Disney World Resort, where they receive guidance from industry professionals, including Disney employees and other successful figures. The program includes workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences in various fields such as entertainment, engineering, and business.
By participating, students gain valuable insights into their potential career paths, develop critical skills, and build confidence. They also have the chance to connect with mentors who can offer advice and support, and they are encouraged to envision and work towards their goals with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. The Disney Dreamers Academy aims to foster personal growth, provide practical tools for success, and inspire a generation of future leaders.
My Disney Dreamer Academy Experience (Class of 2023)
I had been feeling creatively drained for a while, unsure if filmmaking was the right path for me. My ideas weren’t coming together, and the frustration made me question whether I had what it took to succeed in the field. Around this time, my mom kept urging me to apply to the Disney Dreamers Academy. At first, I was indifferent. The program didn’t seem appealing; it sounded like just another set of workshops with a hundred kids from around the country.
Despite my reluctance, my mom’s persistence eventually got me to fill out the application. I did it half-heartedly, not really expecting to be accepted. When I received the news that I was chosen to join the Disney Dreamers Academy, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was torn between wanting to embrace this new opportunity and my growing doubts about filmmaking. I even argued with my mom, expressing my fears that the program wouldn’t benefit me if I wasn’t sure about my career path.
My mom’s response was supportive yet firm: “Nyla, don’t give up so easily! You’re still so young and don’t need to have everything figured out. This opportunity could help you with your creative struggles or introduce you to something new that might interest you even more.”
Although it was frustrating to be pushed into something I wasn’t enthusiastic about, I knew my mom had my best interests at heart. As a result, I went into the program with an open mind, though I didn’t think much about it until the Welcome Ceremony. That ceremony was far more than I expected—it was a deeply moving experience that left a lasting impression on me. Meeting Halle Bailey, whose kindness and grace were truly inspiring, was a highlight. Having personal conversations with her, along with Tracy Powell and Josh D’Amaro, felt like a dream come true.
The program then split us into groups based on our interests, and I found myself with a handful of other students passionate about storytelling and filmmaking. Our mentors for the film workshop were the Rodriguez Brothers Media. Their expertise and enthusiasm for the craft reignited my creativity. We dove into the Launchpad Project, a collaborative endeavor that pushed us to explore new storytelling boundaries. During this project, I had the incredible chance to speak with Ice-T. His insights and encouragement emphasized the power of storytelling to inspire change and build connections, reinforcing my belief in the impact of our craft.
Throughout the experience, I mostly kept to myself, interacting mainly with my Disney Representative, Tysherryca Johnson. As a shy and reserved person, I struggled with networking and didn’t engage much with the other ninety-nine participants. That began to change when we visited Hollywood Studios. During a special event at PizzeRizzo in Muppet Square, I initially sat alone, feeling a bit out of place as others quickly formed groups. Then, Aramia Gutierrez, a senior from Indiana, approached me and invited me to join her. We struck up a conversation about our passions—hers was acting, and she was determined to become a professional actor despite coming from a small town with limited resources.
Aramia shared how her small-town background motivated her rather than discouraged her. She said, “You would think that it would discourage me, but because I’m from a small town, it actually encourages me even more to keep going!” When I asked her if working so hard despite the odds felt draining, she responded, “Success is different for everyone! For me, success means doing something I love and that supports me financially. It’s not necessarily about being a huge movie star, though that would be nice.”
Our conversation made me rethink my definition of success. I had always equated success with fame and wealth, but Aramia’s perspective helped me see that success can also mean finding contentment and fulfillment in doing what you love.
On the final day, the closing ceremony brought a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Receiving our class rings was a symbolic milestone, representing the growth and experiences of the past five days. The group photo captured the joy and camaraderie of our time together. Looking back, I realized how much I had learned about valuing my own path and not letting others’ opinions dictate my self-worth or future.
The Disney Dreamers Academy experience was more than just a series of events; it was a profound journey of personal growth. I am incredibly grateful for the support from my mom, whose sacrifices and encouragement have been pivotal in my journey. As we wrapped up the ceremony and said our goodbyes, I walked away feeling thankful for the experiences, the friendships, and the valuable lessons learned. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing opportunities and appreciating the people who support us along the way.
