Since 1955, the Disneyland Resort has been a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. That same mission inspires the resort’s efforts in the community to bring happiness to the lives of families across Southern California. Here are some of the ways that the Disneyland Resort made an impact in 2024.
Helping make wishes come true has been a huge part of the magic being made at the Disneyland Resort. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort, The Walt Disney Company has helped fulfill more than 160,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish. This year, Disneyland Resort continued to make dreams come true, as it fulfilled over 570 wishes for children with critical illnesses. 2024 also marked the first-ever, multi-day Star Wars-themed wish event, Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure, for 19 wish children and their families — a unique and immersive experience full of special Star Wars surprises and Disney magic.
While Disneyland Resort Cast Members make magic for thousands of guests each and every day, many also make magic in the community as part of the Disney VoluntEARS program. For over 40 years, Disney Cast Members have worked on meaningful projects across the globe, with a primary focus on communities where Disney businesses operate.
In 2024, cast members contributed over 33,000 hours to the local community through Disney VoluntEARS. These magic makers dedicated this time to serving the City of Anaheim and beyond with events like food distributions, military care kit donations, back-to-school supply drives and more!
Children’s Hospital of Orange County, also known as CHOC, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. The Disneyland Resort was proud to continue its longstanding support of the hospital in a variety of ways, including the beloved annual fundraiser, CHOC Walk in the Park. This year, the event raised over $2.3 million for CHOC Children’s thanks to support from cast and community members, providing unwavering support for children’s health and well-being.
During National Veterans and Military Families Month, Disney VoluntEARS came together to bring a token of appreciation to deployed service members overseas. Cast members, including members of the SALUTE Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), packed over 2,000 USO care kits to send to U.S. service members around the world.
Disneyland Resort is committed to making a difference by empowering jobseekers in Orange County through its Community Workforce Development Initiative, collaborating annually with school districts and nonprofits that serve a diverse set of community needs. In 2024, the resort hosted over 80 workforce development sessions for Anaheim nonprofits and school districts, helping to develop and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Disneyland Resort further provided over $1 million in workforce development grants to 11 organizations, including two newly supported Anaheim-based organizations, Caterina’s Club and Love Anaheim.
Work in the community continued to ensure that Anaheim students started the school year off right. Disneyland Resort cast members worked hand in hand to donate over 8,000 new school supplies to local elementary schools, everything from colored pencils to spiral notebooks. Thanks to Disney VoluntEARS, over 700 Anaheim elementary students were prepared to head back to class and ace the school year.
2024 marked another year of spreading holiday cheer with the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive in support of the Marine Toys for Tots program! In line with the spirit of the season, Disneyland Resort cast members and guests came together to collect over 17,000 toys to be donated to children in need. Thanks to the work of Disneyland Resort guests and magic makers, this holiday season was much merrier and brighter for children in the community.
The Disneyland Resort remains committed to honoring the magic and legacy of The Walt Disney Company by bringing happiness, inspiration and opportunities to youth and families in the community. The Disneyland Resort looks forward to the joy that will be created in 2025!
What do you think of the impact the Disneyland Resort has made on the community? Have you ever taken part in any of these events? Let us know in the comments.
