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A Cinderella Dream Come True
Cinderella, the iconic princess whose kindness, courage, and impeccable style have captivated hearts for over 75 years, continues to inspire. Among those inspired is 10-year-old Rita from Georgia, who is bravely battling cancer. Rita’s wish? To meet the talented costuming team at Disney and learn the art of designing a princess ballgown, a dream inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.
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To celebrate the film’s 75th anniversary, Disney and Make-A-Wish collaborated to bring Rita’s dream to life at Walt Disney World. This special occasion allowed Rita to step behind the scenes and experience the magic firsthand.
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Designing a Cinderella-Inspired Masterpiece
Rita’s journey began with a visit to Disney Live Entertainment’s costume design studio. Guided by expert costume designers, she explored a world of colors, fabrics, and shimmering sparkles. With her family and new Disney friends by her side, Rita carefully selected her materials and began sketching her vision. The result? A breathtaking design she christened “Rita’s Rose Diamond Dress.”
“I was so excited because I got to go to a top-secret fashion place at Disney,” Rita shared. “I got to see all the ways costumes are designed, which was really cool.”
The Disney costuming team then surprised Rita with an incredible gift: a scale model replica of her “Rita’s Rose Diamond Dress,” a tangible reminder of her creative achievement. For Allison, a Disney costume specialist who worked with Rita, the experience was deeply personal. “As a child, I was in and out of the hospital myself,” Allison explained. “It means so much to be able to fulfill a wish for someone going through that because I know what it’s like. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at Disney, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it.”
Making Memories that Last a Lifetime
Now a fairytale fashion designer, Rita’s magical day continued with encounters with beloved characters from the classic film, including Cinderella’s mischievous stepsisters. These lighthearted moments provided a welcome respite during her medical journey. “We have a long road ahead of us,” Rita’s mom shared, “but having this time together as a family, having fun and smiling… there’s no words. It means so much to us. This will be a forever memory for us.”
After a touch of playful antics and a special serenade, Rita’s dream culminated at Cinderella Castle, where she was greeted by Cinderella and Prince Charming themselves. “I just had a blast!” Rita exclaimed, recounting her unforgettable day.
A 45-Year Partnership of Magic
Disney wishes, like Rita’s, bring joy and hope to children with critical illnesses when they need it most. These experiences create lasting memories for families and offer a powerful source of strength. This magic is made possible through the longstanding partnership between Disney and Make-A-Wish. For 45 years, they have worked together, with Disney proudly serving as the world’s largest wish granter for the foundation. Their collaboration continues to bring smiles and dreams to children like Rita, proving that happily ever after can come true!
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