Inside Disney Dreamers Academy: Why Orlando Parents Should Pay Attention
This week, I had the incredible privilege of attending the kickoff of the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy at Magic Kingdom. As an Orlando mom — and someone who was once a Dreamer herself — this moment hit home in the best way.
Back in the ’90s, I was a local Seminole County elementary student, and I was lucky enough to to be selected and honored at a Disney event that celebrated young dreamers and doers just like this one. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the 1990’s hundreds of ambitious kids gathered.
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
And now in 2025, I walked back into the Contemporary full of that same youthful energy. Being back in that space, surrounded by students filled with hope, drive, and possibility, felt like coming full circle.
Disney Dreamers Academy – Shaping The Future
This year, 100 high school students from across the country were selected to take part in Disney Dreamers Academy — a life-changing program filled with mentorship, career exploration, and unforgettable Disney magic. Several Dreamers are from right here in Central Florida.
- Kylie Fuller – Kissimmee, FL
- Kaylee Pickford – Kissimmee, FL
- Somaya Russell – Orlando, FL
- Kaitlyn Smith – Mt. Dora, FL
- Diongela Theard – Orlando, FL
- Jasmine Thomas – Apopka, FL
“My dad encouraged me to apply. He told me, ‘You can do anything if you put your mind to it.’”
Kaylee Pickford – Kissimmee, FL
“It’s OK not to know exactly what you want to do yet. Just take a step out on faith and try.”
Somaya Russell – Orlando, FL
“Tell the kids in your life to just go for it. Disney Dreamers Academy or anything. Don’t be afraid”
Jasmine Thomas – Apopka, FL
These young people are full of heart. Many credited their families for pushing them to believe in themselves and take that brave step to apply. Over and over, I heard how powerful a little encouragement can be.
“Constantly offer support — no matter what it is. Support the good, support the hard. Without my family, I wouldn’t be here.”
Kylie Fuller – Kissimmee, FL
“My advice to parents is to show your kids diverse opportunities. Keep an eye out for opportunities. This Disney Dreamers Academy is so special and I am so glad we found out about it.”
Kaitlyn Smith – Mt. Dora, FL
Words of Wisdom from Disney Ambassador
Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad shared what makes this program so special — and what families can do to support their own young Dreamers:
“These students are the future — leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” she said.
“Whether they become our future community leaders, customers, or collaborators — they are the future leaders of tomorrow. And this program shows them they belong.”
As someone who worked her way up from the Disney College Program to Ambassador, Shannon knows firsthand the impact of mentorship.
“Be a mentor. Pour into them. Now is the time to invest in their aspirations.”
Tyler James Williams Brings the Inspiration
Actor Tyler James Williams — known for Abbott Elementary and Everybody Hates Chris — is this year’s DREAMbassador. He spoke about the importance of helping every kid feel seen.
“I don’t know of another place that does what Disney does,” he said.
“Our job is to make sure everybody can come here and feel welcome.”
And watching him interact with the Dreamers? Pure magic.
Give Students Hope
As a mom and former student who once walked the halls of a similar event, I left Magic Kingdom overflowing with hope. These students, many of whom have overcome incredible challenges, prove that anything is possible with encouragement, opportunity, and just a bit of pixie dust.
If you have a teen in your life with a spark of ambition or a big dream in their heart, keep showing up for them. Encourage them. Mentor them. And yes, tell them to apply next year.
Because the future is so bright, and I’m honored I got to witness it light up.
