How Our Disney Program Changed Lives: Alumni Reflections
How Our Disney Program Changed Lives: Alumni Reflections
How Our Disney Program Changed Lives: Alumni Reflections
How Our Disney Program Changed Lives: Alumni Reflections

At Musicians Ltd, we have always believed that performance is about more than just singing and dancing—it’s about building confidence, forming lifelong friendships, and creating memories that stay with you forever. One of the programs that truly captured this spirit was our Disney Program, a unique opportunity where students combined their love of music, theatre, and magic into an unforgettable journey.

Between 2013-2017, our Disney Program was a stepping stone for so many of our students. It helped them grow not only as performers but also as individuals, building skills that have carried them through school, university, and beyond. Recently, we reached out to some of our alumni who took part in the program, now fully-fledged adults, to hear firsthand how it changed their lives—and their stories are nothing short of inspiring.

Real Stories, Real Impact

From conquering stage fright to finding lifelong friends, our former students shared how the Disney Program was a turning point in their personal journeys. Here’s what some of them had to say:

Arielle Farley:
“Being part of the Musicians Disney program was truly life-changing. It wasn’t just an incredible opportunity to create unforgettable memories with friends during the trip—it was also a chance to showcase our talents on a stage as iconic as Disney World. To this day, it’s a story I love to share. The program allowed me to grow as a performer, providing the unique experience of performing in Downtown Disney. It nurtured my confidence and deepened my passion for the performing arts in a way I’ll never forget. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities the Musicians program gave me.”

Morgan Bottomley:
“Where do I begin with my Musicians Ltd experience to Disney? All of the memories, experiences and friends I made along the way will last me a lifetime. From conquering my fear of rides, to performing on stage at Disney Springs, there is nothing I would want to change about my experience. Opportunities which I thought would never happen, such as meeting the cast of Beauty and the Beast in Hollywood Studios or a Mary Poppins workshop learning the choreography to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (if that’s how you spell it lol). If you are considering doing the program, even for the memories I highly recommend as it is still something I think back to a lot. (ESPECIALLY being able to tell people you performed in Disney World!)”

Melody Knox:
“Growing up as a musical theatre lover and in a very musical family you learn from a young age that you are not always going to be the best. However, at Musicians I learnt how to navigate my craft, sing with complete confidence, and take charge on stage no matter how goofy a role might feel! The Disney trip really showed me that the world is much bigger than a 9 year old would expect, your audience will vary widely and the stage will not always feel like home. But Musicians taught me that it’s good to be uncomfortable, you have to be uncomfortable first before you can become comfortable. Discomfort teaches you to step out the box and give yourself a pat on the back for overcoming your fear. Through my years at Musicians the one thing I have taken with me as a life long lesson is to not be scared of who you are, embrace the world and new opportunities with open arms but always make time to work with others and even form new friendships wherever possible and most importantly spread kindness as I captain this ship of life!”

Katherine Walmsley:
“I started at Musicians when I was 10 years old, wanting to explore my passions but feeling too shy to do so. Over the years, I was given the chance to perform on stage, travel, and overcome my fears. I have Musicians Ltd to thank for my confidence to perform, to create, and for the opportunity to build lifelong friendships. 8 years I wouldn’t change for the world.”

Deija Myles:
“I still think about the amazing experience I had at Disney 11 years ago. This trip with Musicians Ltd was honestly one of the most unforgettable parts of my teen years. We got the opportunity to perform on stage at Disney, which was such a surreal moment, and we also took part in a Disney workshop where we learned a number from the Mary Poppins musical – to this day I still remember every lyric and every move! We spent time with friends, went on all the rides, and just had the best time soaking in everything Disney. It was so much fun, but it also gave me a massive confidence boost and really sparked my love for the performing arts. Looking back, I truly think it shifted the trajectory of my life and I’ll always be grateful I got to be part of something so special.”

Eden Bowyer:
“I can still vividly remember how it felt being up on the Downtown Disney stage in our iconic tie-dye shirts – proud, excited, and trying to act cool while secretly buzzing with nerves. It was such a surreal moment, and I definitely felt the Disney magic! That trip gave me such a boost in confidence and made me fall in love with performing – plus, nothing bonds a group like rehearsals, Space Mountain, and matching outfits! I felt so proud to be representing Cayman on such a big stage – something I’ll never forget.”

Juliana Gaspar:
“The Disney trips with Musicians will always be a time I cherish from my childhood! It is one of my favourite fun facts to share. I especially remember playing Mary Poppins in one of our workshops and learning to sing (and spell!) Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – I quote it to this day! Sharing the stage at Disney with my friends was a formative experience that shaped my love of performing.”

Maddy Bowyer:
“My favourite memory from our Disney trip in 2012 was performing on stage in Downtown Disney. I remember singing the opening line of Hallelujah from Shrek and hearing my voice being projected all around us. It helped my confidence so much not only to be able to sing together with such a supportive group of girls, but also having the courage to sing a solo on such a big stage – it was definitely a turning point for me. Musicians always made sure that everyone got a chance to be heard and have their moment. Realising that I could stand up on my own and sing a solo in Disney World made me feel like I could perform anywhere.”

Why the Disney Program Was So Special

Performing at Disney gave our students a taste of professional theatre, combining the discipline of rehearsals with the excitement of travel and performance. It challenged them to step outside their comfort zones, trust their training, and experience the thrill of performing in front of international audiences. Beyond the applause and bright lights, the Disney Program instilled valuable life lessons—resilience, perseverance, and the knowledge that dreams are achievable with hard work and heart.

An Exciting Announcement

We are thrilled to share that our Disney Program is returning in September 2025, just in time to celebrate Musicians Ltd’s 25th anniversary in 2026! We cannot wait to embark on this incredible journey once again, this time with a brand-new generation of talented young performers.

This reintroduction marks a very special moment for our school—a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. We are excited to bring back the magic, the memories, and the life-changing experiences that the Disney Program has always offered.

Looking Ahead

While the Disney Program holds a special place in our history, its spirit lives on in everything we do at Musicians Ltd. Every rehearsal, every performance, and every opportunity we offer is designed to help our students dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves—just like our Disney alumni did.

We are so proud of all our past students who took part in this magical experience and carried its lessons with them into the future. And now, we look forward to creating even more memories with the next generation.