A little Disney magic made its way to AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, where Rapunzel surprised patients with a special princess party that brought joy and imagination into the hospital.
The visit was coordinated by Disney in collaboration with AdventHealth for Children and Starlight Children’s Foundation, part of a longstanding effort to create meaningful moments for kids and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
A Fairytale Celebration Filled with Courage and Creativity
From the moment patients arrived, the celebration felt fit for royalty. Through Starlight Children’s Foundation, children received Disney Princess-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns inspired by beloved heroines who remind kids that bravery and strength come in many forms.
Rapunzel greeted each young guest with warm hugs, plush toys, and plenty of imagination. Together, they decorated lanterns, colored their own masterpieces, and shared stories from Rapunzel’s adventures with Pascal, Maximus, and Flynn, turning hospital hallways into a tower filled with creativity, laughter, and possibility.
“I love to see the joy and hearing her laugh,” said one patient’s dad, Edward. “This really gives her a chance to be a kid. It’s all part of the process of healing.”
For many families, these moments offer a welcome reminder that joy and hope can shine through, even on the hardest days.
A Full Circle Moment for One Starlight Family
Among the patients attending the celebration was four-year-old Azalea Marbury, who receives frequent care at AdventHealth for Children as she undergoes treatment for Bcell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Azalea and her family are part of the Starlight Families community, a program that supports children and their families beyond the hospital setting, making the day especially meaningful.
Adding to the magic, Azalea’s parents will be running for Team Starlight during the upcoming Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, where Starlight Children’s Foundation is the celebrated charity for the race. The princess party became a full circle moment, connecting the joy brought directly to patients with a larger community coming together to support children like Azalea.
“Azalea loves dressing up like a princess, so with the Starlight hospital gowns she gets to express herself and feel a little more at home,” said Azalea’s parents. “Events like today just brighten her day. She gets to dress up, have fun, and meet Rapunzel. She gets to be a normal kid again.”
Bringing Comfort Through a Powerful Community Partnership
Moments like Rapunzel’s visit are made possible by a shared belief that every child deserves joy, especially during difficult times. For 25 years, Disney has worked alongside Starlight Children’s Foundation to bring comfort and imagination into hospitals through Disney-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns, Toy Deliveries, and special character experiences that help kids feel brave, seen, and supported.
“We’re honored and grateful to have a longstanding relationship with Disney in helping us advance our mission of delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families through programs that unleash the power of play,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Together with AdventHealth for Children, these moments help transform hospital days into ones filled with smiles, creativity, and hope.
“At AdventHealth for Children, healing goes beyond medicine. When Rapunzel steps into a room and a child lights up, you can feel the power of joy,” said Kristi Baker, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children. “Moments like these bring light, ease fear, and strengthen hope for families. We are grateful to partners like Disney and Starlight Children’s Foundation for helping kids be kids, even during treatment.”
A Magical Reminder of What’s Possible
Rapunzel has always believed in following a dream, and that same spirit filled the halls of AdventHealth for Children during her visit. For patients on their own courageous journeys, the celebration served as a reminder that imagination, hope, and possibility can shine even in the most challenging moments.
Through meaningful partnerships and moments that matter, Disney continues to support children’s hospitals across Central Florida and beyond, helping ensure that wherever a child’s story unfolds, a little magic is never far away.
