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Disney Grants Royal Dreams to Nearly 50 Make-A-Wish Kids at Walt Disney World
A little pixie dust—and a whole lot of heart—transformed Walt Disney World into a dream come true this week for nearly 50 Make-A-Wish children and their families during the “Once Upon A Wish Party.” From sparkling gowns to magical meet-and-greets, this storybook-style event made princess dreams a reality for kids battling critical illnesses, bringing hope, healing, and plenty of happy tears along the way.
Related: Disney Partners with Make a Wish & American Airlines for World Wish Month
Over two unforgettable days, the magic-makers at Disney Experiences pulled out all the stops, curating every detail to dazzle. The result? Pure enchantment, tailor-made for the children whose wishes were the heart of the celebration.
Among the stars of the event:
- 4-year-old Cora from Arizona, who is bravely battling leukemia and had one wish—singing “Let It Go” with Queens Anna and Elsa. Her moment came, snowflakes and all.
- 6-year-old Bailey from California, also undergoing leukemia treatment, glowed in her dream Rapunzel costume, letting her inner light shine.
- 7-year-old Debora from Massachusetts, who lives with a respiratory disorder, received a full Disney Princess makeover—glass slippers and all.
The fairytale journey included more than 55 character greetings, customized princess gowns, DIY crown-making, and immersive experiences themed to beloved stories like Frozen and Moana. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more magical, the evening culminated in a Royal Ball where the children were crowned as Disney Royalty.
“This means everything,” said Patrick Tenney, one of the wish kid’s parents. “Make-A-Wish and Disney allow us to just breathe. It’s joy in its purest form.”
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, summed it up perfectly:
“Disney grants a wish every hour of every day… and this is where optimism and happiness come to life.”
This celebration wasn’t limited to the parks in Florida—it was part of a global Week of Wishes:
- ✨ Disney Cruise Line welcomed three wish kids aboard the Disney Wish for an unforgettable voyage at sea
- ✨ Disneyland Resort gave 6-year-old Justice the royal treatment in California, including Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers and a princess breakfast
- ✨ Shanghai Disney Resort hosted three aspiring bakers for a magical day in the kitchen with Chef Donald Duck before they presented a cake to Cinderella, Ariel, and Rapunzel
- ✨ Disneyland Paris welcomed 75 families from across Europe during the Disney Music Festival, including performances with UK singer Sam Ryder
- ✨ Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa will soon host a special wish week in Hawaii from May 4–9, complete with island adventures and a very special meeting with Moana
- ✨ Tokyo Disney Resort made dreams come true with the first-ever Rapunzel wish at the soon-to-open Fantasy Springs
- ✨ Hong Kong Disneyland granted five wishes, including a starring role for 7-year-old Yee Sun in Mickey and the Wondrous Book
- ✨ Disney Consumer Products made magic with a Disney Store shopping spree and princess makeovers for two sisters who are both wish kids
Related: Celebs Enjoy the Magic at Disney Parks This Season
Leslie Motter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, praised the care and creativity poured into the event:
“The Once Upon A Wish Party is a shining example of how Disney transforms dreams into hope, joy, and lifelong inspiration.”
For 45 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have shared a powerful partnership, granting over 165,000 Disney wishes. Events like this one prove just how powerful those dreams can be—not just for the children, but for every person lucky enough to witness their magic.
Because at Disney, happily ever after isn’t just a fairytale—it’s a wish, granted.
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