Halle Bailey makes dreams come true for Atlanta teen during Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort

Atlanta teen Dylan Jones was among 100 students honored today in a moving culminating ceremony for Disney Dreamers Academy, a four-day, transformational mentoring program at Walt Disney World, for which he was selected from thousands of nationwide applicants. 

Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey, who will play the lead role of Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” served as the program’s ambassador and event speaker. Bailey surprised Jones with an invitation to join her on the red carpet at the upcoming world premiere of Disney’s “Little Mermaid.”  

Additional information about this weekend’s Disney Dreamers Academy event is below:

This weekend 100 students from across the country celebrated the conclusion of the 16th year of Disney Dreamers Academy with an emotional commencement ceremony at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida featuring an inspirational speech by Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey, who will play Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.’’ The annual four-day mentoring event also included empowering sessions from a host of celebrities; special once-in-a lifetime surprise opportunities for students; performances from Disney Live Entertainment; and a moving ring ceremony to mark the teens’ special achievement at the culmination of the event.

WHEN: Sunday, March 26, 2023

WHERE: Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

DETAILS: The teens, recognized as Disney Dreamers, were selected from thousands of applicants to participate in the four-day career mentoring program. Created by and hosted annually at Walt Disney World Resort, the program is designed to broaden career awareness and create opportunities for Black students and teens from underrepresented communities across America.

The 100 students are selected from thousands of nationwide applicants and, along with a parent or guardian, they received an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to participate in the program, which features career-oriented workshops, leadership seminars and presentations by celebrity guests, community leaders, educators and Disney executives.

The event was highlighted by some unique experiences for all the students as well as some special surprise moments, where select teens received “dream-come-true’’ career opportunities and experiences, such as: 

  • All 100 students enjoyed an exclusive opportunity to be part of a magical parade at Magic Kingdom Park with Bailey.
  • Several students experienced the new TRON Lightcycle / Run rollercoaster presented by Enterprise ahead of its official opening at Magic Kingdom Park on April 4.
  • Two aspiring teen filmmakers were surprised by Bailey with a personal invitation to join her on the red carpet at the upcoming world premiere of the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” in Hollywood.
  • Three teens interested in music careers got a surprise visit from Grammy award-winning artist H.E.R., who gifted each teen an autographed guitar.
  • One student interested in a broadcast career was surprised by ABC’s Good Morning America, which invited the teen to take part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the show from its New York studios.

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