It’s hard to believe that February 15, 2025, marks 75 years of Cinderella—a timeless tale of courage, kindness, and happily ever afters. For three-quarters of a century, Cinderella has inspired generations with her story of resilience and belief that dreams really do come true.
To celebrate this milestone, Disney worked with Make-A-Wish to create a magical experience for 10-year-old Rita, a young girl from Georgia battling cancer. Rita’s wish? To meet the talented costume design team at Walt Disney World and create a princess ballgown of her own—just like Cinderella’s.
A Dream in the Making: Rita’s Rose Diamond Dress
Rita’s magical day began behind the scenes with the Disney Live Entertainment costume design team. With the help of Disney’s expert designers, Rita chose colors, fabrics, and sparkles for her dream dress. After sketching out her design with guidance from her family and new Disney friends, the gown officially became “Rita’s Rose Diamond Dress.”
“I was so excited because I got to go to a top-secret fashion place at Disney,” Rita said. “I got to see all the ways costumes are designed, which was really cool.”
But the magic didn’t stop there. The costuming team surprised Rita with a scale model replica of her dress—created just for her.
A Magical Memory
Disney costume specialist Allison, who helped bring Rita’s dream dress to life, shared how meaningful the experience was.
“As a child, I was in and out of the hospital myself,” Allison said. “It means so much to be able to fulfill a wish for someone going through that because I know what it’s like. This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at Disney.”
The day got even more magical when Rita met some Cinderella characters, including the mischievous stepsisters. And, of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Cinderella Castle, where Cinderella and Prince Charming greeted Rita with warm hugs and royal fanfare.
45 Years of Wishes and Counting
For 45 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have been making dreams come true for children with critical illnesses. As the largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, Disney has helped create unforgettable memories for thousands of families when they need it most.
Coming this April, Walt Disney World will host a “Once Upon a Wish Party”. An exclusive Disney Princess celebration just for Make-A-Wish families. Stay tuned for more royal wishes coming true soon!
✨ Happy 75th Anniversary, Cinderella! Here’s to the magic, hope, and dreams that continue to inspire us all. Cinderella 75th Anniversary
