Walt Disney World Resort to Host Largest-Ever HBCU Week
Originally published at Disney Parks News
If you’ve seen Mickey Mouse in his drum major outfit, which pays tribute to drum majors at our nation’s many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), then you’ve gotten a feel for the black collegiate experience. And next month that experience will be on display at Walt Disney World Resort in a huge way when thousands of high school students arrive here for HBCU Week.
It will be the first time in its history that HBCU Week is being held at Walt Disney World Resort, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to host this event. Which continues our long history of celebrating and supporting education, particularly within diverse and underrepresented communities.
We are even more excited to be hosting what is anticipated to be the largest-ever HBCU Week.
An event-record 5,000 high school students from the Southeastern region of the United States and beyond are expected to attend the college fair. Along with nearly 50 HBCU recruiters who will be handing out college acceptance letters and scholarships. Including full four-year rides, on the spot. In all, more than $10 million in scholarships are expected to be awarded. Which would also be an HBCU Week record. Prospective students are encouraged to register for the college fair by visiting HBCUWeek.org.
Throughout the three-day event at Walt Disney World, there will be pomp and pageantry on display, plus fun for the entire family. In addition to the college fair and a live broadcast of ESPN’s “First Take,” five HBCU schools – Bethune Cookman, North Carolina A&T, Delaware State, Winston-Salem State and Alcorn University – will perform at Magic Kingdom Park and take center stage at Battle of the Bands at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Tickets for the Battle of the Bands are expected to be a hot item, so be sure to get yours soon at HBCUWeek.org where you can also get details about the event.
Be prepared for a high-stepping, back-bending, high-energy experience. Like few things you’ve ever seen at Walt Disney World Resort, so don’t miss it.
Here are more event details:
EVENT DETAILS:
October 7: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- ESPN First Take Live Broadcast with hosts, Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim – Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
- HBCU Week College Fair – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- HBCU Week Lunch and Learn Series – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m
October 8: Magic Kingdom Park
HBCU Week Band Parades* – featuring Delaware State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune Cookman University, Winston Salem State University, and Alcorn University. Walt Disney World theme park ticket and reservation required.
- 9:20 a.m. NC A&T Cavalcade
- 2:35 p.m. Bethune Cookman & Winston Salem State Cavalcade
- 6:00 p.m. Alcorn State & Delaware State Cavalcade
This is an outdoor parade and is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Showtimes are subject to change.
October 9: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- HBCU Week Battle of the Bands – Delaware State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune Cookman University, Winston Salem State University and Alcorn University
- 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. ($25 ticket required)
Gates open at 12:30 p.m., and the event begins at 2 p.m.
For more information about HBCU Week and for students to register for the College Fair, visit HBCUWeek.org. Follow HBCU Week at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
