Disney Makes Wishes Come True with Make-A-Wish
Walt Disney World was built on the belief that magic makes dreams come true. Since its founding, Disney and its cast members have brought that magic to life by granting wishes to children facing critical illnesses.
The Power of a Disney Wish
Granting a wish creates a ripple effect, reaching beyond the child to touch families, communities, Disney cast members, and Make-A-Wish volunteers. As the largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, Disney has fulfilled over 150,000 wishes. The very first Disney wish, granted at Disneyland in the 1980s, helped inspire the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since then, Disney has continued to deliver hope and joy to those who need it most.
Cast Members Share the Magic
For Jerome, General Manager of the Halcyon, Galactic Starcruiser, a wish represents hope. He recalls the joy of helping Make-A-Wish families experience Star Wars adventures firsthand. Stephie, a Pastry Sous Chef at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, describes a wish as a bridge connecting dreams and reality. She had the honor of mentoring a Make-A-Wish child who dreamed of becoming a Disney chef. Ali, a Walt Disney World Ambassador, sees wishes as miracles. She proudly participates in wish events like the Wishmaker’s Ball and the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
A Legacy of Wish Granting
Since the 1980s, Disney has partnered with Make-A-Wish to create unforgettable moments. Beyond granting wishes, Disney donates millions to support the foundation, hosts events like Orlando’s Walk for Wishes, and encourages cast members to volunteer. Special initiatives like the 50th-anniversary Make-A-Wish Florida license plate have raised over $1.5 million for the cause.
Continuing the Magic
Every wish story is a testament to Disney’s commitment to making dreams come true. Thanks to the passion of cast members like Jerome, Stephie, and Ali, Disney will keep granting wishes and spreading hope. Learn more about Disney’s partnership with Make-A-Wish at wish.org/disney.
