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World Princess Week recently took the Disney Parks by storm, celebrating the classic tales and enduring charm of Disney princesses. The event was particularly noteworthy at Walt Disney World, where over 50 “wish kids” and their families were hosted from organizations such as Make-A-Wish, marking the park’s largest wish-granting event ever, named “Once Upon A Wish Party.”
“Granting wishes is some of the most important work that we do at Disney,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “We’re humbled that so many wish kids choose Disney – it’s an honor, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. It tells us what our brand and the Disney experience mean to people.”
During the event, wish kids had the opportunity to have transformative experiences. Many children wished to meet a Disney Princess, and Disney went above and beyond to make these interactions memorable. With the assistance of the Fairy Godmother character and various employees, a full day of fairytale activities was organized for the families. Highlights included the children being declared royalty for the day, a Wonderland tea party, and a Royal Ball where attendees could dance the night away.
Disney Publishing contributed a collection of books for the event, while shopDisney added a touch more magic, surprising families with Disney Princess dresses, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse ear headbands, wands, tiaras, and a plethora of other delightful items.
One standout moment was when Mikayla, a 17-year-old from Palm Beach Gardens who has been battling cancer for three years, got her wish granted. She took the stage during the Royal Ball, performing a special song alongside characters Belle and The Beast from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” This was a milestone as Mikayla’s wish marked the 150,000th Disney wish granted through Make-A-Wish.
“As the number one wish granter for our organization, Disney is helping deliver joy when it’s needed most,” said Leslie Motter, Make-A-Wish America President & CEO. “Through their stories and characters, Disney is creating unforgettable wish experiences that renew hope and uplift the spirits of children facing critical illnesses and their families.”
Plans are already underway for future wish-granting events at other Disney locations, including Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
For more information on Disney’s ongoing collaboration with Make-A-Wish and other recent initiatives, one can visit Wish.org/Disney.
