“Use what you have for good” is a sentiment that comes up frequently in discussion or thought but isn’t always acted on. This week, Disney showed exactly how it could use what it had for good. In doing so, they provided not just a positive experience for wish kids but also provided hope.
Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure saw 19 kids and their families from Make-A-Wish and other organizations invited to the Disneyland Resort for the first-ever Star Wars-themed wish. This was a five-day wish that created an experience that will follow these kids throughout the rest of their lives. It also empowered them to blaze their path into the future.
All of these kids had made a wish for something Star Wars-themed. Little did they know, this would lead them to Batuu. They also would get to choose a path on the light or dark path of the Force. During this experience, they were able to experience droid building, go on a scavenger hunt, assemble a lightsaber, and experience surprise character visits. On top of all of that, they were invited to an immersive private dinner and dessert party in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.
“We’re humbled that so many children choose Disney to make their dreams come true,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences and Make-A-Wish America board member. “We’re constantly finding innovative and uniquely Disney ways to grant wishes at our parks and experiences around the world.”
One of these innovative and uniquely Disney experiences that was offered showed Rey Skywalker facing off against Kylo Ren above the speeder garage at Black Spire Outpost. There was an epic lightsaber fight, Stormtroopers shooting blasters, and more! It showed the power of Disney’s storytelling and production and how it could be used to help inspire hope and empowerment for wish kids and their families!
There were many wishes that came true during this five-day experience. These wishes are powerful. They help renew hope and raise spirits up for those children facing critical experiences. Experiences like Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure can be transformative not just for the child, but the entire family as well.
For each of the children who attended this wish, it was the realization of a Star Wars-related wish that would come true. Disney shared some of the wishes that were made:
- 14-year-old Dylan from California wished to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Resort.
- 13-year-old Kenobi from North Dakota wished to make his own lightsaber and droid at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- 10-year-old Shepherd from Texas wished to visit Disneyland Resort and meet some of his favorite Star Wars characters.
“It’s a testament to the passion and commitment to the Make-A-Wish mission that Disney continues to find new and creative ways to deliver truly life-changing experiences for wish kids and their families,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. “This event gives wish kids and their families a chance to feel like a normal family again – perhaps for the first time since the start of their medical journey. The stress, fear and anxiety that come with their illness are the furthest things from their minds.”
The Disney wish trips also see these families getting to spend the rest of their visit to the Disneyland Resort by enjoying the theme parks and staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
On top of all of the experiences at the Disneyland Resort, these wish kids and their families are getting to experience during their stay, they also received gifts that were put together by Disney Consumer Products. Extra magic was given to these families with a surprise delivery of a Star Wars backpack containing themed accessories, LEGO® toys and sets, Funko Pop! figures, pins, and more. Disney Publishing then also added to the magic by contributing a variety of Star Wars books.
The partnership between Disney and Make-A-Wish goes back nearly 45 years. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort, Disney has helped fulfill more than 155,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish. The company is also the largest wish granter in the world for Make-A-Wish. More information can be found about this partnership at Wish.org/Disney.
Events like Blaze Your Path are a wonderful example of how a company like The Walt Disney Company can use the resources it has for good. This wish was undoubtedly life-changing for many of these young ones and their families. It not only provided an incredible memory, it also provided hope for what could be in the future. It was also offered to wish kids and their families as a gift, and not something an upcharge experience that can only be had by those who can afford it. This is an example of doing good that can’t be replicated by any other company. It is Disney providing magic in only a way that Disney can.
Daps Magic takes off our hats to Disney and the organizations it partnered with for this very special event. Way to use what you have for good. Way to look after the children of the world and make it a better place in a uniquely Disney way. Thank you for continuing to inspire and empower with your stories and storytelling. This is the kind of positive story that can change the world, one kid at a time.
