For several decades, EBONY has celebrated Black collegiate women who attend historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through its highly sought-after editorial and photo content series, “Campus Queens.”

This year, EBONY collaborated with Walt Disney World Resort to bring the HBCU Campus Queens franchise to life in a unique and epic way. For three days, our Top 10 Queens—chosen via online and text-to-vote campaigns—embarked on a one-of-a-kind experience throughout the wonderful world of Disney.

From intimate experiences at Disney Animal Kingdom’s newest land, Pandora: The World of Avatar, to  cameo appearances in the colorful energetic Carnavale street party to fun on the signature attractions at Magic Kingdom, “the Queens” (as they are affectionately referred to) were treated to a royal experience. If this weren’t enough, the Queens were also specially invited by the official Grand Marshals for Magic Kingdom’s daily Festival of Fantasy parade–a dream come true!

But why come to a magical place like Disney World and not take advantage of your very own photo shoot? These are royal gals, after all. Throughout their visit, the Queens were photographed at beloved sites within the Disney parks, which provided backdrops that were nothing short of spectacular.

 

But this experience was so much more than fun and games. Thanks to Disney World, our majesties spent an action-packed day promoting empowerment in celebration of some very lucky young girls, ages 6 to 15. The little ladies, aka “princesses,” were showered with royal treatments during EBONY’s first Tea with the Queens event at Disney World.

Our 20 princesses, joined by their moms and guardians, were treated to beauty preps, inspirational mentoring, scrapbooking and a traditional tea and lunch with the HBCU Queens, a day fit for all the royalty permeating the walls in a decorative ballroom at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The icing on the cake was a special guest appearance by Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap, a native of the city of Orlando, who moderated the tea. But the piece de resistance was a “surprise and delight” visit by Disney Princess Tiana! Thank you to our Disney family for a truly magical weekend, and for an experience our Queens and princesses will not soon forget! Learn more about EBONY’s HBCU Campus Queens here.