Disney and Make-A-Wish: Nearly 45 Years of Making Dreams Come True

Disney and Make-A-Wish Team Up to Make Dreams Come True

For nearly 45 years, the magic of Disney and the heartfelt mission of Make-A-Wish® have intertwined, creating a powerful force for good in the lives of children facing critical illnesses. This enduring collaboration has blossomed, establishing The Walt Disney Company as the world’s largest wish granter, a beacon of hope and inspiration woven into the fabric of countless young lives during their most challenging times.  

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“We’re enormously proud of Disney’s relationship with Make-A-Wish, which dates back nearly 45 years to the first official wish at Disneyland,” shared Bob Iger, Disney CEO. “It’s a privilege to use the power of Disney’s stories and characters to lift children’s spirits when they need it most, and we’re honored to work with Make-A-Wish to grant a Disney wish every hour of every day.”  

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Across the vast landscape of The Walt Disney Company, dedicated Disney WishMakers collaborate closely with Make-A-Wish to craft life-changing experiences. These wishes span a delightful array of possibilities, from enchanting theme park and resort vacations and thrilling cruises to exciting shopping sprees, behind-the-scenes film and TV set visits, cherished meet-and-greets with beloved characters and talent, and exhilarating sports-themed adventures.  

Building upon their annual World Wish Day celebrations, Disney is amplifying its impact this year with the inaugural Disney Week of Wishes. This extraordinary seven-day initiative will see the granting of over 170 special wishes to children across Disney’s diverse business segments worldwide, all while fostering crucial support for Make-A-Wish.  

A Wish Every Hour of Every Day: Disney & Make-A-Wish By the Numbers

As Disney embarks on this remarkable week, the profound impact of their nearly half-century partnership with Make-A-Wish shines brightly through these compelling figures:

• The Walt Disney Company proudly stands as the world’s largest wish granter.  
• On average, Disney grants a life-changing wish every single hour of every single day.  
• Since the first official wish in 1981, Disney has brought joy to 165,000 wish recipients.  
• In the United States, historically, one out of every two wishes granted by Make-A-Wish each year – out of over 16,000 – is a magical Disney wish.  
• At this year’s Once Upon a Wish Party at Walt Disney World, approximately 50 princess wishes will be granted, creating unforgettable moments of enchantment.  

At the heart of this powerful alliance lies a shared and unwavering goal: to bring immeasurable happiness and profound joy to children navigating the complexities of critical illnesses.

Walt Disney’s timeless words, “My business is making people, especially children, happy,” resonate deeply within this ongoing mission. In that very spirit, Disney remains honored to collaborate with Make-A-Wish, providing transformative experiences that deliver not only happiness but also much-needed comfort and hope to children facing serious health challenges.  

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