First Make-A-Wish Wishes Granted in Italy by Disney Cruise Line

In a first for the Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish, wishes were granted to children in Italy. The Disney Parks Blog shared about these magical wishes that were granted as Disney celebrates World Princess Week. These wishes not only provide happiness, they provide hope. Read about the granting of these wishes below.

It’s been 5-year-old Aurora’s dream to meet her favorite Disney Princess, Cinderella, for as long as she can remember. There was just one small thing standing in the way: Aurora lives in Italy, far away from Cinderella’s castle at a Disney park.   

But through the power of some special Disney magic, Aurora’s dream was able to come true with help from Disney Cruise Line. “Today I met Cinderella, and I hugged her!” Aurora said.  

Making Wishes Come True for Nearly 40 Families 

During one of the Disney Fantasy’s stops at the port of Civitavecchia this summer, Disney and Make-A-Wish Italia came together to create an extra special experience for nearly 40 families from across Italy to enjoy a magical day onboard the ship, experiencing all the Disney magic at a time when it is needed the most. 

“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,” Aurora’s mother, Daniela, said. 

For the first time ever in Italy, our crew members brought the happiness, joy and magic of Disney to children living with critical illnesses who had wished to meet their favorite Disney characters. 

With many Make-A-Wish families unable to travel to a Disney park, this day provided an opportunity for wish children to enjoy a magical day close to home.  

A Day of Fun and Adventure with Disney Characters 

Together with their families, the children were the guests of honor onboard, starting their day full of fun with a Royal Tea Party where they met up with their favorite characters, including Disney Princesses, Thor, BB-8, Woody and Jessie. Next, it was off to explore activities in the Oceaneer’s Club hosted by the ship’s crew members.  

“Witnessing the joy that this day brought to the children and their families was an unforgettable experience that made me deeply grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference in their lives,” said John, Manager of Human Resources onboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney VoluntEAR. “It reminded me of the power of kindness and community, two things that are very dear to my heart.” 

And what better way to wrap up an amazing day than to celebrate with a dance party hosted by Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto! 

“Disney Cruise Line’s warmth, care, and attention to detail created magical moments that these families will cherish forever. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with joy, laughter, and wonder,” said Luciano Manzo, President & CEO Make-A-Wish International. 

The Walt Disney Company is the largest wish granter in the world for Make-A-Wish, granting a wish every hour of every day. This special event in Italy is one of the many experiences that Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to create. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort nearly 45 years ago, Disney has helped fulfil over 170,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish, delivering happiness when it’s needed most to wish kids and their families.