What started as a regular day of treatments for patients at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando quickly turned into a fairytale adventure fit for royalty at an extra special Disney Princess party!
At this particular Disney Princess party, patients were surprised with princess dolls and plush toys from the Disney Store, books from Disney Publishing, and a new delivery of Starlight hospital gowns and pants inspired by heroines like Tiana, Ariel, Mulan, Cinderella, and Belle. Oh, and a visit from an iconic Disney Princess, of course (Spoiler alert! It was Belle).
“After the stressful week we had, this was the biggest blessing,” said one patient’s mom, Iris. “The moment she put on the gown, she said ‘mom, I’m a princess.’ It’s amazing to now see her happy, relaxed and motivated.”
Five Disney Princess Gowns Changing the Patient Experience
We all know Disney Princess ballgowns are unmatched in fairytale style, and this latest delivery of Disney Princess hospital gowns are no different as they’re making a big impact on the patient experience at children’s hospitals around the world.
They help patients feel like their favorite Disney Princess while taking on their treatments, alleviating stress and bringing new, happy memories for families during a hospital stay – even if just for a moment.
A Memorable Visit from a Disney Princess
No party is complete without magical moments – and this was a special one! Belle surprised young patients at the party, bringing books and tales of inspiration that helped patients and families find strength in their own stories.
“Every kid should be able to feel like a Disney Princess or superhero,” said Iris. “It makes the hospital experience less scary; it makes the kids feel comfortable.”
Disney’s Continued Commitment to Children’s Hospitals
This Disney Princess party is one of the many ways we’re helping to reimagine the patient experience in children’s hospitals around the world and builds on our long legacy of supporting children facing critical illnesses. It’s some of the most important work we do here at Disney!
“Being able to take patients away from the scariness and uncertainty of the hospital setting is really magical, and it’s cool that we’re able to partner with Disney in doing that,” said Casey Lashely, a Child Life Specialist at AdventHealth for Children. “Bringing that joy is huge. By doing that, we’re able to help normalize this environment as much as possible for patients. It helps them in their healing journey to be able to have something else to focus on.”
This event is also the most recent collaboration between Disney and Starlight Children’s Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that aims to provide programs to hospitals and medical facilities across the country to help kids cope with the stress and loneliness of being hospitalized.
Disney Supports Healthcare Heroes
An ENORMOUS thank you to all our local healthcare workers who are the real heroes of our stories. For more on Disney’s work in children’s hospitals around the world, visit Joy.Disney.com.
