WDW Daily News

With the school year already in full swing, so are applications for the 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, the innovative, outside-of-the-classroom, educational mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort. To be among the 100 selected to participate in this hands-on learning experience, high school students nationwide must apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com by October 30.

Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in engaging and immersive workshops related to a variety of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques, leadership values and networking strategies.

Motivational speakers and celebrities share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain personal first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

With the imaginative and magical setting of Walt Disney World Resort, Dreamers will have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes to learn what inspires Disney storytellers, as well as use the theme parks as energetic ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to last a lifetime.

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE and Walt Disney World Resort will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration. “One of my personal commitments is to always give back and particularly to youth,” said Harvey. “We’ve seen 800 students come through the program, and I’m excited to find the next 100. I encourage all high school students to take the time to apply for Disney Dreamers Academy because I truly believe that a young person’s dream is more important than anything.”

Applicants must answer three essay questions describing their stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including a strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams.

Select Disney Dreamers along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they will participate in life-changing sessions as they are surrounded by the ingenuity and passion represented in Disney theme parks around the world. Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 3-6, 2016.

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, until Oct. 30, 2015. A distinguished panel of leaders will judge the applications in November and winners will be announced in December 2015.

For more information regarding applications, visit: DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Follow the Dreamers onFacebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or on Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.

Take a look at some photos from around Walt Disney World.

A new year brings the promise of exciting new adventures. Guests can plan an adventure of a lifetime for little ones with a Walt Disney World vacation in early 2016 with a room and ticket package that features savings and a Disney Junior Park Pack. Across the four Walt Disney World theme parks, guests can experience captivating stories, favorite characters and attractions that are just the right size for families with young children.

Guests can enjoy a three-night, two-day room and ticket package starting at $874* for a family of three at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (valid for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights Jan. 3-6, Jan. 10-14, and Jan. 18-Feb.4, 2016 in a standard room). Guests can book this package through Dec. 23, 2015. Ask about other great rates at select Disney Resort hotels for travel through April 13, 2016.

This kid-sized package includes an extra special surprise for little Disney Junior fans – a Disney Junior Park Pack. This bag includes fun activities inspired by favorite Disney Junior series – like Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Captain Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Miles from Tomorrowland. There are Disney Junior activity sheets, a special Spotify playlist featuring favorite Disney Junior songs, treats and more. Be prepared for big smiles while checking into a select Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, where this handy bag will be waiting.

Children and children-at-heart can make magical memories together with fun activities. Disney Junior experiences found throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios include:

“Disney Junior Live on Stage!” is an interactive sing-along stage show with enchanting puppets from the popular Disney Junior shows, favorite Disney Junior songs, and lots of dancing and fun for everyone.

Meet Disney Junior pals outside of Disney Junior Live on Stage for fun-filled photos, hugs and autographs with Sofia the First, Captain Jake, and now Doc McStuffins.

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Character Dining at Hollywood & Vine is an entertaining interactive dining experience for kids to eat, play and dance along with friends from Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Handy Manny. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Here are more ways for young pirates and princesses to experience the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort:

Enjoy a poolside good time with the new Disney Junior Pool Parties. This 22-minute dance pool party includes sing-a-longs and games inspired by favorite Disney Junior shows.

With princess transformations at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs, and pirate recruiting at Pirate’s League at Magic Kingdom Park, including a “Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package, a princess-in-training or adventurous scallywag can experience a special makeover fit for the Captain of the Seas or Princess royalty. For aspiring Queens of Arendelle, young guests can request the new Disney Frozen Package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. To make your reservation, call 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895) for Walt Disney World Resort.

Select Walt Disney World Resort hotels make it easy for preschool parents, with early access to Disney FastPass+ planning (complete with complimentary MagicBands), complimentary (with valid theme park admission) theme park parking and motor coach transportation around the Walt Disney World Resort, close proximity to the theme parks and Extra Magic Hours. Family-friendly resort amenities, including water slides and splash zones, children’s activity centers and character dining, provide preschoolers with Disney fun around the clock.

For more information about this Disney Junior offer, please visit disneyworld.com/DisneyJuniorOffer, or call (407) 827-7183 and speak with a vacation planning expert.

Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. With spectacular fireworks shows, world-class entertainment, and endless dining options, guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a touch of Disney magic.

Here’s a look at some of Disney’s entertainment and dining celebrations planned for New Year’s Eve 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Entertainment

Epcot – Guests can celebrate all night long at Epcot. DJs and live music around World Showcase bring guests to their feet with beats from around the globe. Two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks spectacular at 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m., followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the New Year will top off the celebration.

Magic Kingdom – Guests can get a head start on welcoming 2016 at Magic Kingdom as New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the sky on two nights instead of one. Magic Kingdom will present a jaw-dropping presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks on both Wednesday, Dec. 30, and Thursday, Dec. 31 at 11:50 p.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Rock ’n’ roll into the New Year with a brilliant fireworks spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show will be presented on Dec. 31 near the Hyperion Theater at midnight.

The world’s most popular theme park turned 44 on Thursday. Disney‘sMagic Kingdom opened on Oct. 1, 1971, and 44 years later it has become the most visited gated attraction in the planet.

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