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Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express Returns to Disney World, Bringing Healing, Joy, and Holiday Magic to Families of Fallen Heroes
Snowflakes aren’t the only things returning to Disney World this season. The Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express is officially back, bringing hundreds of families of fallen military heroes together for five unforgettable days of healing, remembrance, and pure Disney magic. This cherished annual tradition transforms the holidays for spouses, guardians, and children who have endured the unimaginable loss of a loved one in military or first responder service.
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Today, the foundation shared heartwarming updates from inside the parks, showing families laughing together, meeting beloved characters, riding favorite attractions, and finding comfort among people who truly understand their journey. For many participants, these moments offer something rare: a chance to breathe, smile, and simply be a family again.
Thanks to the foundation’s presenting sponsor, American Airlines, these families are flown to Orlando on charter and commercial flights, while others drive in and receive mileage reimbursement. Once here, lodging, meals, transportation, and all event programming are fully covered, allowing every family to focus entirely on connection and healing. From quiet moments between attractions to the emotional Remembrance Garden tribute, every detail of Snowball Express is designed to surround these families with support, community, and love at the time of year when grief can hit the hardest.
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The program, which serves surviving spouses and children of fallen heroes who died in service-related circumstances on or after 9/11, has supported more than 23,000 loved ones to date. Through retreats, workshops, curated community events, and this signature Disney experience, Snowball Express helps families build resilience, rediscover joy, and know without question that their hero will never be forgotten.
Those interested in supporting the program, volunteering, or registering as a Snowball family can do so through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s website. As Gary often reminds us, while we can never do enough for our nation’s heroes, we can always do a little more.
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