This year 2023 – The Walt Disney Company’s 100th – was momentous. Together, we carried on the Disney legacy and found new ways to create magic, from opening new lands and experiences to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Disney Make-A-Wish 2023 delivered 150,000 Wishes.
A Legacy of Wish Granting
This spirit of innovation extended to the world of wish-granting. We hit a major milestone with our partners at Make-A-Wish: the 150,000th Disney wish. Through first-of-their-kind events across our parks and resorts, we reimagined what it means to make wishes come true.
Disney is the top wish granter in the world for Make-A-Wish. Each wish takes an average of 200 cast members to fulfill—an incredible collaboration that’s rooted in our commitment to storytelling and hope.
World Wish Day: Main Street Windows at Disneyland
To celebrate World Wish Day, Disneyland Resort made history by dedicating three windows on Main Street, U.S.A. to Make-A-Wish. These first-ever nonprofit-dedicated windows honored past, present, and future wish kids, as well as the origin stories of Chris Greicius and Frank “Bopsy” Salazar.
A Royal Celebration: Once Upon A Wish Party
During World Princess Week, Walt Disney World hosted a royal ball for over 50 wish kids and their families. The event also served as the perfect moment to celebrate the 150,000th wish, granted to Mikayla—a singer who performed at the ball after receiving professional coaching and support from Disney Live Entertainment.
Wish Weekends and Global Celebrations
Disneyland Paris: Wish Weekends
Every month, Disneyland Paris hosted Wish Weekends, welcoming hundreds of wish families. In April, over 80 Make-A-Wish kids from around the world gathered for a pre-parade celebration through the park.
Aulani: Halloween Wish Week
In Hawaii, Aulani hosted 20 wish families for a Halloween-themed week filled with Hawaiian traditions, food, and fun. The event was made extra magical with appearances by Disney characters and local cultural touches.
Hong Kong Disneyland: World of Frozen
Eleven wish families experienced the magic of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland, including a behind-the-scenes Imagineering tour inspired by a child’s dream to understand how Frozen was brought to life.
Shanghai Disney Resort: Wishing Star Charity Concert
To honor 100 wishes granted in 2023, Shanghai Disney Resort hosted its first-ever Wishing Star Charity Concert with the Shanghai International Youth Orchestra and Make-A-Wish Shanghai. Characters and a surprise Genie appearance made the night unforgettable.
Behind the Magic: Exclusive Imagineering Experiences
Some wishes brought kids into the heart of Disney storytelling. Ross, an 11-year-old who watched “Behind the Attraction” on Disney+, wished to meet Imagineers and ride every Disneyland coaster. He received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Walt Disney Imagineering.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Disney cast members take immense pride in bringing joy to wish families. On behalf of all of us: thank you to those who help make magic happen, and to the wish families visiting in 2024—see you real soon!
