One of our favorite parts about Disney World is that all are welcome, and people travel from across the globe to visit the most magical place on earth. Disney is a diverse place full of guests and Cast Members with unique stories — that’s what makes it so much fun! In fact, there’s an entire section of EPCOT dedicated to honoring cultures from all over the world. Ultimately, Disney is a place for dreamers, and everyone has a dream!

It’s our happy place

Recently, Disney World hosted a special event for participants in Disney’s educational mentorship program called Disney Dreamers Academy. The event featured celebrity appearances, upbeat music, and more — let’s take a look!

The Disney Dreamers Academy event was designed to “broaden career awareness and create exclusive enrichment opportunities for 100 Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities,” according to Disney.

©Disney

Between March 3rd and March 6th, singer and actress Kelly Rowland, along with an impressive lineup of celebrity speakers, came to Disney World to inspire and mentor young students. In honor of the 15-year anniversary, guests in the Magic Kingdom were treated to a special cavalcade featuring students in the Disney Dreamers Academy.

Disney Dreamers Academy Cavalcade

Mickey made a special appearance during the cavalcade as the leader of the Jones High School drumline.

Lookin’ GREAT, Mickey!

Oh, and the icon herself Kelly Rowland had a special spot in the cavalcade, too!

We even saw Kelly Rowland!

After the cavalcade, she stuck around in the Magic Kingdom to talk about her role as the program ambassador for the 15th anniversary of the Disney Dreamers Academy!

Inspirational words of wisdom from @KELLYROWLAND at the Disney Dreamers Academy 15th Celebration today ✨

Thanks to Disney for inviting us to this event!#ddaDisney #Be100 pic.twitter.com/vChSZRWQRA

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) March 3, 2022

Later that evening, we made our way to EPCOT where the event continued with more FUN! Mickey’s dance moves were unmatched. You go, Mickey!

It was SO fun!

Students had the opportunity to hear from Tracey Powell, who oversees the Disney Dreamers Academy program.

Tracey Powell came out to speak to students

Then, gospel artist Kierra Sheard came out to deliver an AMAZING performance; it was unforgettable!

Kierra Sheard gave an amazing performance

The Disney Dreamers were given some incredible opportunities throughout the weekend. It was so fun to see everyone smiling and having such a good time!

The Dreamers themselves!

We’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so be sure to stay tuned for more!

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Have you ever heard of the Disney Dreamers Academy program? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. We were invited by Disney World to attend their media event for the Disney Dreamers Academy Celebration. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ