Walt Disney World is joyfully hosting one of its most extraordinary Make-A-Wish events ever, the Once Upon A Wish Party!
This delightful two-day celebration is bringing together nearly 50 Make-A-Wish families, all supported by the dedicated efforts of more than 500 cast members who have worked tirelessly to make this magical experience come to life.
Tajiana Ancora-Brown, the director of external affairs at Walt Disney World, expressed her excitement, stating, "It's an incredible feeling to be a part of a company with a long legacy of giving back and making a difference."
On the arrival day, guests—who are all girls—were greeted with the enchanting experience of being fitted in beautiful princess gowns, meeting some of their favorite Disney characters, and stepping onto a red carpet that set the stage for a truly memorable occasion.
The festivities continued with a delightful pajama party alongside beloved Disney characters, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. On Tuesday, the wish kids had the chance to meet characters before their magical makeover session, leading up to the Royal Ball, where they will officially be crowned Disney royalty.
Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, beautifully summarized the spirit of the event: "The Once Upon A Wish Party is the result of hundreds of Disney WishMakers stepping up to create a truly life-changing experience for wish kids who adore Disney Princesses and their families. We continue to see Disney find new and creative ways to deliver hope and happiness to families when it’s needed most, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing this two-day adventure to life."
The festivities are particularly special as they coincide with World Wish Day and kick off Disney's Week of Wishes across Disney Experiences worldwide. Over the course of 45 years of partnership, Disney has granted an astounding 165,000 wishes, illuminating the lives of countless families.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, shared, "As the largest wish-granter for Make-A-Wish, Disney grants a wish every hour of every day. It’s a special privilege to help families make joyful new memories when they need it most. Only Disney creates this kind of optimism and happiness."
This event truly embodies the magic of Disney and the goodness that comes from bringing smiles and joy to those who need it most.