Disneyland Paris and WEConnect International: A Year of Mentorship for Female Entrepreneurs

By KTW Magazine — your number one source for everything about Disneyland Paris

Over the past year, Disneyland Paris has been deeply involved in an initiative that reaches far beyond attractions and shows. Together with WEConnect International, the resort brought a unique mentorship programme to a close on 4 June — one that supported female entrepreneurs over the course of a full year. Twenty founders and owners of small and medium-sized businesses were coached by Disneyland Paris leaders, and we are delighted to look back on this remarkable journey.

An ambitious partnership with a clear mission

The pilot programme was announced in autumn 2024 with a clear goal: to support the growth of businesses founded or led by women. The initiative aligns with Disneyland Paris’s broader ambition to build a more diverse supplier network.

Since opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris has worked with more than 4,000 suppliers, 83% of whom are based in France. Their expertise and craftsmanship bring the magic of the resort to life every single day. Disney recognises that diversity in backgrounds and perspectives leads to greater innovation and stronger results — which is why investing in female entrepreneurship has become a structural priority.

From training to personal coaching

The programme began with a training phase delivered by Envi School, in which around 40 female entrepreneurs took part. From that group, 20 participants were selected for a personal mentorship journey with Disneyland Paris leaders, which launched in September 2025.

Cast Members as mentors — from VP to manager

The mentorship journey was launched with a special event at Le Cercle in Val d’Europe, where the 20 entrepreneurs met their mentors for the very first time. Numerous Disneyland Paris Cast Members volunteered to support the participants throughout the year.

The breadth of expertise on offer was truly impressive: from Finance to Corporate Social Responsibility, from Vice Presidents to team managers. Each mentor generously shared their knowledge and experience to help the participants achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

A year of reflection, learning and growth

From September 2025 onwards, mentors and mentees met regularly — both in person and remotely. During these sessions, challenges were explored, experiences shared, successes celebrated and new opportunities for growth uncovered. The personal guidance provided participants with invaluable insights into the unique challenges their businesses face.

A celebratory close at Village by CA

On 4 June 2026, the programme came to a joyful conclusion at Village by CA. The closing event centred on meaningful conversations, collaborative workshops and networking moments. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on their journeys and exchange ideas with fellow mentees and mentors.

The programme was rounded off with a heartfelt tribute to everyone who had contributed throughout the year — the participants and the Cast Members who supported them so tirelessly.

Disneyland Paris Ambassadors join the celebration

The Disneyland Paris Ambassadors also took the opportunity to meet the Cast Members who had stood alongside the female entrepreneurs throughout the year. This highlighted just how widely embraced the initiative was across the resort.

The impact, in their own words

“Thanks to this experience, I have been able to build my confidence and belief in my own abilities. Sharing my entrepreneurial challenges with my mentor left me feeling stronger and more resilient.”
— One of the mentorship programme participants

What do we at KTW Magazine make of it?

Initiatives like this show that Disneyland Paris aspires to be far more than a theme park. By actively investing in diversity within its own supplier network — and backing that commitment with time, expertise and genuine mentorship — the resort is not only building towards its own future, but also giving real, practical tools to entrepreneurs who might otherwise never have had access to them.

The combination of Envi School training, personal coaching from senior Disneyland Paris executives and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs is a blueprint we hope to see more of — not just at Disney, but across the wider theme park and hospitality industry.

For the 20 women who completed this journey, this past year has undoubtedly been a catalyst. And for Disneyland Paris, it reaffirms once again that the magic of the resort lives not only in its attractions, but also in the people behind the scenes — and in the network of inspiring individuals who help shape it.

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Source: DisneylandParis News