Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating World Wish Day by honoring the thousands of wishes granted at its parks and resorts every year, and is investing $20,000 in Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida to help make the dreams of even more children a reality.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 29, 2019—Nearly half of the children eligible for wishes through wish-granting nonprofit organizations in the United States choose a Disney-inspired wish, including visits to Walt Disney World Resort.
This World Wish Day®—a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible impact a wish come true can have on a child battling a critical illness—Walt Disney World Resort is honoring the more than 8,400 wishes granted at its parks and resorts every year, and is investing $20,000 in Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida to help make the dreams of even more children a reality.
“Seeing the magic of Disney through the eyes of a wish child is an unforgettable experience,” said Rena Langley, senior vice president of public affairs at Walt Disney World Resort. “Granting these inspiring wishes at Walt Disney World Resort creates magical memories not only for the families, but also for our Cast Members who help make these special wishes come true.”
Also today, The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish launched the #FriendLikeMe Challenge to celebrate the May 24, 2019 release of the studio’s much anticipated new move “Aladdin.” To learn more, visit FrindLikeMe.org.
Disney has a longstanding partnership with Make-A-Wish, dating back to 1980 when the first official wish kid’s dreams came true at Disneyland Resort, lasting through today as Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, sits on the national board of directors for the organization. Throughout the years, more than 130,000 Disney-inspired wishes have been granted through Make-A-Wish, including visits to our theme parks, Disney cruises, and meet and greets with beloved Disney celebrities and characters. One of every two Make-A-Wish wishes in the United States comes true each year in partnership with The Walt Disney Company.
“Disney-inspired wishes have long been the most requested among wish kids across the country,” said Anne Cuba, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. “Granting a child’s wish is already a magical experience, but folding the Disney magic into it as well makes for an unforgettable, life-changing moment for the child and their family.”
Walt Disney World Resort has also supported Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit vacation resort for critically ill children and their families, since the resort doors opened in 1986. With the help of nearly 40,000 Disney VoluntEARS hours annually, Give Kids the World Village provides unforgettable experiences to 7,000 families each year. Wish families staying at the resort receive expedited attraction entry to Walt Disney World Resort attractions, complimentary stroller and wheelchair rentals, and have exclusive access to the Disney Wish Lounge at Magic Kingdom Park. Families staying at the resort also enjoy weekly visits from Disney VoluntEARS and Disney character favorites.
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