Disney Brings a Little Dreamers Academy Magic to Atlanta

When I heard that Disney was bringing its Dreamers Academy experience to Atlanta, I was excited because I know what that program can do for a young person. I’ve attended DDA at Disney, and I always leave inspired by the students, the conversations and the way the experience encourages you to think bigger about what’s possible. So seeing Disney bring some of that magic right here to Atlanta feels personal to me. Atlanta has a reputation as being a Mecca for Black entrepreneurship, creativity and big dreams, making it the perfect place for 50 young people to begin this journey. I can only imagine what it meant for the 2026 DDA class to be celebrated and reminded that their dreams deserve attention. 

Walt Disney World partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta to celebrate the students at the John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club. The kickoff gave them a taste of what’s ahead, with activities inspired by Disney’s four theme parks and special appearances from Disney characters. It no doubt was an unforgettable night but there’s something special about bringing that feeling of wonder into a place where kids already gather and learn. New experiences can help young people see possibilities they hadn’t considered before. And being told “you can dream bigger” by people willing to invest in you is a moment you carry with you. 

These 50 Atlanta students are part of a first class of 200 Dreamers selected through Boys & Girls Clubs in Atlanta, Orlando, Miami and Houston. Starting in 2027, they’ll take part in a year-round, multi-year experience with mentorship, career exploration, leadership development and activities in their communities and at Walt Disney World. I love that the program is designed to stay with the students over time, because inspiration matters, but so does having people in your corner as you figure out what comes next. The Boys & Girls Club is the perfect partner for Disney to reach young children in places that are already familiar and supportive to them. This organic connection makes the experience feel even more meaningful. 

There’s so much talent and ambition in Atlanta, and young people here deserve opportunities that help them see how far those qualities can take them. A mentor can help a student imagine a career they’ve never considered, while a hands-on experience can make that future feel a little more real. That’s one of the things I appreciate about Disney Dreamers Academy: it creates room for young people to explore their potential and feel encouraged along the way. Disney has been building this program for nearly two decades, and expanding it to reach students earlier gives even more young Dreamers a chance to be part of it. It’s a beautiful thing to watch a program that has inspired me bring that same encouragement to Atlanta. 

I’m happy Atlanta is part of this new chapter, and I’m especially excited for the 50 students who get to call themselves Disney Dreamers. They’re growing up in a city where they can see Black entrepreneurs, artists and leaders making things happen, and now they’ll have new mentors and experiences to help them picture their own paths. Disney deserves credit for bringing this opportunity into the community and making room for more young people to dream big. I know how inspired I feel when I leave DDA, and I hope these students carry that feeling with them as they begin their journey. Atlanta has always had dreamers; now 50 more have a little Disney magic behind them.