It’s Disney Princess Week, and dreams are coming true across the globe. For five-year-old Aurora in Italy, her wish to meet Cinderella came true thanks to Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish. At the same time, children’s hospitals worldwide received Disney magic through events, films, and special deliveries.
A First in Italy with Disney Cruise Line
During a summer stop at the port of Civitavecchia, the Disney Fantasy welcomed nearly 40 families from across Italy. For many children living with critical illnesses, this marked the first time Make-A-Wish Italia partnered with Disney Cruise Line to bring Disney characters closer to home. Aurora’s mother shared: “To be able to grant such an important wish means to give a child the strength to dream, to really believe in the power of dreams, of life, of everything beyond illness.”
Disney Brings Joy to Children’s Hospitals
Disney also extended princess magic to hospitals around the world. Efforts included murals, toys, and exclusive movie screenings through Disney Movie Moments. Children unable to visit theaters enjoyed early access to Elio, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Freakier Friday.
Themed movie parties for Lilo & Stitch and Elio took place in the U.S., Australia, and the UK. Pixar artists even visited some hospitals to sketch characters for patients. In partnership with MediCinema and Starlight Children’s Foundation, Disney also delivered films, themed gowns, and activity kits to provide comfort and entertainment.
Magical Moments at Resorts and Hospitals
At Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Disney hosted activities tied to the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. Patients made crafts, played games, and met classic characters. In Hong Kong, the resort’s 20th anniversary brought “PlayWell with Disney” parties to hospitals. Across Asia and Europe, colorful murals brightened treatment centers and helped ease anxiety for young patients.
The Power of Wishes and Care
From Aurora’s hug with Cinderella to immersive hospital movie parties, Disney shows how stories and characters inspire hope. Since the first wish at Disneyland nearly 45 years ago, Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted more than 170,000 wishes worldwide. Together with a $100 million hospital initiative, Disney continues to bring joy and comfort when it is needed most.
Inspiring Hope Around the World
World Princess Week is about courage, kindness, and magic. Whether aboard the Disney Fantasy in Italy or inside children’s hospitals worldwide, Disney is bringing princess dreams to life in ways that matter most. Stay tuned to Sam’s Disney Diary for more World Princess Week coverage, including Princess-Inspired Treats at Disney Parks and Disney Princess Sidekicks at Animal Kingdom
