Walt Disney World hosts ‘Once Upon A Wish Party’ for Make-A-Wish families
Walt Disney World Resort hosted its largest wish-granting event ever with a “Once Upon A Wish Party” for 50 wish kids and their families.
The first-of-its-kind event featured more than 30 iconic Disney Princesses and characters, a tea party in Wonderland, and, of course, a royal ball.
“Granting wishes is some of the most important work that we do at Disney,” said Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Josh D’Amaro. “We’re humbled that so many wish kids choose Disney – it’s an honor, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. It tells us what our brand and the Disney experience mean to people.”
Each child attending the “Once Upon A Wish Party” wished for something related to a Disney Princess, including eight-year-old Lily from Delaware, who wished to have a princess tea party; seven-year-old Scarlett from Florida, who wished to have a Disney Princess experience at Walt Disney World; and four-year-old Andi from New Jersey who wished to visit Walt Disney World and meet Ariel and Tiana.
In preparation for the royal ball, shopDisney surprised families with Disney Princess dresses, Disney Princess character-themed Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse ear headbands, wands, and tiaras. Disney Publishing provided an extra sprinkling of pixie dust with gifts of Disney books.
150,000 Disney Wishes – and Counting
Disney has worked with Make-A-Wish since 1980, and one out of every two wishes granted in the U.S. through Make-A-Wish has been a Disney wish. This special event not only granted the wishes of 50 wish kids but also featured the 150,000th Disney wish as 17-year-old Mikayla from Florida (who began fighting cancer three years ago) was granted her wish to perform at Walt Disney World by singing during the ball.
“As the number-one wish granter for our organization, Disney is helping deliver joy when it’s needed most,” said Leslie Motter, Make-A-Wish America President & CEO. “Through their stories and characters, Disney is creating unforgettable wish-granting experiences like Once Upon A Wish Party that allow families the space to create happy new memories together that I know will last a lifetime.”
To complete their Disney wish trips, the families enjoyed several days in the theme parks and a stay at Give Kids The World Village, an organization that plays an integral role in wish-granting efforts at Walt Disney World Resort.
Click here to learn more about other ways Disney is supporting Make-A-Wish.
