By Soarin’ Diva
This article was originally written in 2020. I am adding a few updates to the information provided, but other than a couple of things, all the information in this article is still very relevant. I hope you take the time to encourage your teen to apply for the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy or take it upon yourself to nominate your teen to apply!
A while back, the owner of our site, Tips From the Magical Divas & Devos, asked us writers if any of our kids had applied for the Disney Dreamers Academy. I already knew a little about the Disney Dreamers Academy as in the last couple of years, more Disney fan-based sites had been posting about it. I had asked my oldest son if he would be interested in applying in previous years, but for some reason, he never took the application plunge. When Pixie Dusted Diva asked us about it, I broached the subject with my youngest son. He wasn’t exactly sure what the Disney Dreamers Academy was, so I showed him the website and explained what I knew to him, as I will now do for you.
This Photo was taken from www.disneydreamersacademy.com home page
You can check out in-depth details on the website, www.disneydreamersacademy.com, but for now, I’ll give you a run-down. 2019 was the twelfth year for the Disney Dreamers Academy. The applicants must be between the ages of 13-19 years old and must be in high school. There is no academic requirement to apply to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy, but the main requirement is that the teen must have a dream or a goal for after high school and/or college that they are working toward. The Disney Dreamers Academy is a four-day conference hosted and up until the Covid shutdown of the parks, was sponsored by Disney, Steve Harvey, and Essence Magazine. As I look into it now, 2023, it appears that Steve Harvey is no longer a sponsor, but I do see two of his daughters still listed as Speakers for Disney Dreamers Academy. The event will take place in Epcot. There’s never been an actual number telling how many applications are received each year, but there is a video of Steve Harvey at a conference where he mentioned 10,000 students applied. Out of the thousands and thousands that apply, only 100 students are selected each year to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy. If that number of 10,000 is correct, that means only 1% of applicants are accepted each year.
Epcot – Where 2019 Disney Dreams Come True
If selected to be a Disney Dreamer, the student, and one parent or guardian will receive an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World where the Disney Dreamers Academy will take place. This included airfare if the student lives too far to drive, a stay at an on-property resort of the Academy’s choosing, meals, and park tickets.
What can the students expect at this four-day conference? First of all, they can expect to meet 99 other amazing teens who also have a dream or goal for their life they are working toward achieving. They can expect to hear from several inspirational and motivational speakers, such as Steve Harvey himself, who themselves have achieved great success. In previous years speakers have included celebrities such as Michael Strahan, Carla Hall, Magic Johnson, and Patti LaBelle. These speakers work hard to inspire the 100 teens to stay true to themselves while working hard to achieve their goals. The teens can expect the four days they are at Disney Dreamers Academy to be filled with activities that will not just motivate and inspire, but also teach them along the way. They will be divided into groups where they will be sent into deep-dive sessions. In these sessions, they will meet with a Disney Cast Member who works in the field the students may be interested in, such as Veterinarians, chefs, entertainment, or even an Imagineer.
In this group session, they will be given projects they can work on as a team. If the students are working toward possibly being Imagineers one day, perhaps the project would be to design their own dark ride. It’s challenging and exciting as well as great fun for the students. They will also have a session where they are taught how to dress for success. Let’s be honest, teens aren’t always dressed to impress for a job interview. This session will teach the students the importance of first impressions and how to dress to impress.
Oh, and there will be a little bit of downtime at the parks to enjoy a few rides. I won’t lie, from all I’ve seen and read, there won’t be a lot of rides and attraction time for the students, but there will be some, so don’t worry. I don’t have much information on what parents or guardians can expect their days to be filled with, but rest assured when I do find out, I will be passing the information on to you.
Honestly, I’m sure there are so many things I’m leaving out that the teens can take away from the Disney Dreamers Academy, but as my kids have never attended before, There is a lot I simply don’t know. What I do know is what you should expect from the application process.
Previously, between the first week of August and October 31, the application to become a Disney Dreamer will open on the Disney Dreamers Academy website. There will be a link to take you directly to the application. First, the applicant will need to enter the necessary contact information along with things like age and their parent or guardian contact information. There will be three rapid-fire questions for your teen to answer, which are basically just short answer questions to find out a little about your teen. After the rapid-fire questions, there will be three essay questions. This is where your dreamer can really let their light shine. It’s through these questions and answers that your dreamer can let the Academy know what their dream is and how much work they are willing to put into that dream. In my son’s case, his dream is to be a lighting designer. He has had this dream since he was 11 years old and he has had the opportunity through our church to learn the craft of creating ambiance on the platform or stage through lighting designed to stay in sync with the praise team. He is VERY passionate about his craft and he made sure to make that passion shine through in his essay answers.
If the applicant needs to take their time on these questions or wants to think on a question and then come back to it, don’t worry, all the information will be saved and they can come back to it later. Once the application is submitted, there will be an email stating that the application has been received and will be reviewed. Then the waiting begins.
I want to add an update to the 2024 applications. Now, you can go on the DDA website and nominate a teen you know to apply for Disney Dreamers Academy. This is a brand new feature that they have never allowed before, so please, take advantage of it and nominate someone you know will make a great Dreamer. To nominate someone to be a Disney Dreamer, all you have to do is go on the same application the teens use to apply for Disney Dreamers Academy. Once you are on Disneydreamersacademy.com, click the “Apply Now” link. Enter YOUR birthday, then select “Nominate a Student”. It’s as easy as that! Then just give the student a heads up by calling them, or send them a text to let them know you nominated them and encourage them to apply! I love this new feature!
Acceptance Letter Return Address
Honestly, we had given up hope. We never heard anything else, so I assumed my son would have to wait and apply again for the next one. Then we received a Christmas miracle. It was on the last day of school before our winter break that I walked out into my garage and discovered UPS had dropped an envelope off addressed to me. Confused, because I wasn’t expecting anything, I looked at the sender address. It was addressed from WDW Special Events, which made me think something may have happened with my next Disney vacation.
Our acceptance letter from the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy
Soarin’ Diva’s Dreamer
Imagine my surprise when I opened it and pulled out a packet with a letter attached saying my son had been selected as a potential winner for the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy! He was shocked and beyond excited as he read the letter. We could not believe that out of the thousands who apply, my son gets to be a 2019 Disney Dreamer.
This photo was taken from the Meet the dreamers page of www.disneydreamersacademy.com
DDA 2019 List-this is a screenshot from the meet the dreamers 2019 tab on www.disneydreamersacademy.com
DIVA TIP: If your dreamer applies and is accepted, do NOT post anything on social media until the official winners list has been posted on the Disney Dreamers Academy website, this is a clause in the contract and I would hate for your student to lose out because they didn’t see this rule. Once the list of winners is posted, feel free to brag about your dreamer anywhere you want!
This is the application process in a nutshell. I highly encourage you to encourage your dreamer to apply for the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy. In the meantime, you can read my report on the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy from March 21-24, 2019, which my son and I attended with 99 other amazing teens and their guardians from all around the United States.
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I am trying to sign up for Disney dreamer academy but I can’t do it…. They say my email ID is invalid but it’s valid……
Also when I enter the email it becomes capital letter even if cap lock it……. Pls can u help me
Hi, I’m so happy you are applying for Disney Dreamers Academy, I wish you luck & Pixie Dust that you are chosen! I’m not sure why it would reject your email as invalid. It really shouldn’t matter that it changes the first letter to a capital. It came through to me with the capital letter in your email just fine, so I wouldn’t worry about that part messing up your application or your chances of getting a response from them. Maybe you could try creating a new email address through Yahoo to see if it will accept that one? If that doesn’t work, there is a “contact us” at the very bottom of the page on http://www.disneydreamersacademy.com, I would click that link and see if they can help you. The “contact us” link is actually the third line up from the very bottom of the page, second to last link on that line. I really hope one of these two options helps. If you decide to try to create a new email, just make sure to make note of the password you assign it and check it often. You should get a confirmation email from them when your application is submitted, so you will know that it went through correctly. Again, good luck and Pixie Dust to you!!
Soarin’ Diva
Around what time of the year should I apply
Hi Dilan! That’s a difficult question to answer this year. The 2020 Dreamers were able to start applying as soon as March of 2019. Applications are usually cut off on or around October 31st of each year, then the review process starts. Unfortunately, the 2020 Dreamers had their event cut short due to COVID-19 and weren’t able to finish their weekend. Due to the virus, DDA has not even opened applications for 2021 yet. My suggestion would be to stalk the website, http://www.disneydreamersacademy.com periodically. That will be the best place to find out when or even if they open applications up for 2021. I really hope things get better and applications open, fingers crossed for you!
Soarin’ Diva
Hello! Have you seen any updates for the application window for 2021? I know we’re in a pandemic, but I wasn’t sure if a virtual experience was planned. The website says it’s being worked on. However, it doesn’t say if the application for 2021 has closed or if they’re now working on 2022. Any information you’re able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Also, can you offer some tips for the essays. Is there anything special you think your son did to give him that extra edge. Thanks sooooo much in advance!
Hi! I have been periodically checking their website as well, to see if they have updated any information. Unfortunately, I have heard nothing new. They never even opened applications for 2021 at all. I was really hoping they would at least open applications up by now, so I’m disappointed to not even see that. All I can suggest is do what you have been doing, and keep checking the website. I also suggest that if you aren’t already, you follow these people on Instagram if you have an Instagram account: @disneydreamersacademy @jsprinklesdotcom @iambrandiharvey @iamsteveharveytv @dralexellis @yolandaadams @iamkarliraymond @thesisteraccord @drsteveperry
Most of these are the team who actually read through all of the essays sent in and choose who the next dreamers will be. They drop hints on when applications open and when they are on their way to go through all the applications. They are all heavily involved in the entire DDA weekend. As far as what stands out to them on an essay, I honestly don’t know. I feel like they are looking for someone who can express in their essay the absolute passion they have for their future career. They aren’t looking for the highest GPA, they are looking for someone with integrity, who chooses to be good and kind and rise above adversity. Someone who is willing to “be 100”, which means they are willing to put the work in to be the best they can be both in life and in work. If he can somehow just pour his heart out into his essay, in MY opinion (because I really feel like they are just looking for something that speaks to them personally) then that will give him a boost, I think. I also recommend either you or a teacher look over the essay, just to catch any crazy, outstanding grammatical errors. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should look good. Please keep checking their website, because I really hope they open applications soon. I hate for kids to miss this opportunity. It has been the absolute highlight of my son’s high school career.
Thank you for the advice and tips. Do you remember the essay questions?
Ah, I can definitely help you here, I saved them in my email. I can’t guarantee they will ask the same questions next time, but I understand from previous applicants that these questions have been used more than once. The first three questions wanted short responses & the last 3 wanted essay-type (but not overly long essays) responses.
1) If you were given a phone / recording device and 24 hours, where would you go and what would you capture?
2) Which title (movie or book) best describes you and why?
3) How could the world be different because you have achieved your dream?
4) What celebrity, community leader, or social media influencer inspires you and why?
5) If you could impact one social issue, what would it be and why?
6) What inspires your dream and what obstacles have been a challenge to achieving your dream?
Hello, I been checking the website but I keep getting an error. I am hoping that the application opens up so that my niece can apply. But, if any one receives any information I will truly appreciate it if I can be notify via email for this yr 2021 or 2022. I know we are having a pandemic but virtual will be fine.
Pls keep me updated on the Dreamers Academy. I niece who is turning 14 this month would love to participate. My husband & I have full custody since my sister passed away at an early age due to diabetes & other complications. With all of the struggles & obstacles, my niece has succeeded in all of her classes. Please keep me updated. Stay safe & God Bless. Mary
Hi Mary. I just wanted to let you know that we are a fan-based website, we don’t actually have any connections to Walt Disney World or the Disney Dreamer’s Academy. My suggestion, since the United States, and specifically Florida, seem to be opening up more, would be to keep checking the Disney Dreamer’s website at http://www.disneydreamersacademy.com for the most up-to-date information on when applications open.
I wish I could help you more, but I just don’t have access to that information other than checking this website myself.
Thanks and wishing you Pixie Dust for your niece!
Soarin’ Diva
Hi Mary,
I just wanted to update you that as of today, Disney Dreamers Academy has started accepting applications for the 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy! I know this makes you happy and I wish your niece much luck and Pixie dust as she applies!!
Soarin’ Diva
Hi!! I will be applying for the 2022 Disney Dreamers academy this year and I’m so nervous!! I’m really excited for the opportunity and it would be a dream if I were to get chosen. Do you have any advice for the application? Are the essays the only thing they consider for the application?
Hi Richael! I’m excited for you to have the opportunity to apply. As far as advice, my biggest piece of advice would be for you to let your personality and your passion shine through your responses. Be real and be articulate. Whatever your passion is, it’s important that you let them know that you DO have a goal in life. Yes, your essay responses and short answers to questions are literally the only thing being considered for your application, there will be no follow-ups. Each one of these essays is read by one of the DDA mentors, they used to all be listed on the website, but I see that they aren’t this time. I don’t know if that means it will be a different team or not. Regardless, these people reading the essays are trying to find the 100 people who have something to say that actually connects with them on some level. For instance, I can tell you that my son’s essay was chosen by Jonathan Sprinkle. He had the students that he personally picked stand up at the DDA conference and told them that he chose them because their essays really connected with him on a personal level. They truly read all of your responses, so just make sure you show them who you are!! I wish you good luck and Pixie dust that you will be one of the 100 2022 Disney Dreamers!!
Hello! Do you get a confirmation email after you submit your application? I submitted my application and there was a message that said ‘Your application has been submitted’, but I never received a confirmation email. It wouldn’t let me log into the website after the deadline has passed, and I didn’t receive a confirmation email. I was wondering if others had faced this problem, or if you could help me with this/provide your input? Thanks!
Hi! When my son applied, I believe he did get a confirmation email that his application had been submitted. This was back in 2018 when he applied for the 2019 year, however, and a lot has changed with Disney’s IT system. It’s entirely possible that they did not send any confirmation emails this year, or, it may be sitting in your spam folder, make sure to check there (my son’s was addressed from Disney Dreamers Academy)! Even if you didn’t get a confirmation email, you still got the message that it has been submitted, and as hard as it is, try not to stress or worry about it. I’m sure they have received it. I hope this helps & I wish you good luck & Pixie Dust!!
-Soarin’ Diva
How long after applying did you hear back from disney dreamers?
Hi! My son got his acceptance via an envelope through Fed Ex. It arrived on his last day of classes before Christmas break, so I would say towards the end of the 2nd week to maybe sometime in the 3rd week of December is when everyone from the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy got their notice. If it’s still the same, you have a little time left, try not to worry, and good luck!
Hello, I know it’s been awhile since this article was written, but both my niece and daughter are living to be a Disney Dreamer. Both of age now and my daughter starts high school this upcoming school term and just like an anxious mom already I’m researching for them. With that said do you have any insight of what questions/essay questions are on the application? They are so looking forward to applying for the 2024 Class. Thanks in advance.
Hi Karissa! I’m so sorry it’s taken me so long to respond. I wanted to wait until I had time to go back to our original emails from when my son applied back in 2018 for the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy. I am happy to report, I DID find the email that contained the questions he had to answer. Before I give those to you, I just want to say, as I’m sure you already know, they most likely don’t use the same questions every year. I hope that they will at least give you an idea of what they are looking for though. Now, to the nitty gritty! There were three essay questions, and three rapid fire questions. Don’t take that to mean that the student has to answer them right away, all in one sitting, they can start an application, and then, if they want to take time to think about how they want to answer, they can save the application and come back to it. At least, that’s how it was when my son applied, I hope they still have that option! I’ll start with the three rapid fire questions, these are not essay and only require short answers:
1) If you were given a phone / recording device and 24 hours, where would you go and what would you capture?
2) Which title (movie or book) best describes you and why?
3) How could the world be different because you have achieved your dream?
Now, for the three essay questions. These were not essays in the sense that the student needs to write a one page answer, I believe my son only wrote long paragraphs for his answers.
1) What celebrity, community leader, or social media influencer inspires you and why?
2) If you could impact one social issue, what would it be and why?
3) What inspires your dream and what obstacles have been a challenge to achieving your dream?
Obviously, I’m not including my sons answers, as the team who reads each application (yes, there is a group of people who actually reads each and every application) is looking for YOUR student in the answers. They want to get to know the student as much as they can through the answers they give. And again, I can’t promise they will use any of these questions again, so be prepared for a totally different set of questions. The best advice I can give is for your student to just be themselves! They should have a clear goal for their future that they are working towards and find a way to let their personality shine through in their application! I hope this helps in some way, sending lots of Pixie Dust!!
Soarin’ Diva