For Tracy Martindale, being a cast member at Disneyland Resort means making wishes come true across the galaxy!
As an event manager at the resort, Tracy works behind-the-scenes to bring the magic to life, coordinating everything from grand openings to radio and television broadcast events. Her role is imperative in bringing teams together, leading partners across the resort like entertainment, food and beverage and more to make unforgettable experiences possible in ways that only Disney can.
Throughout her over 30-year career at Disneyland Resort, Tracy has planned and facilitated countless events, including the Make-A-Wish window dedication at Disneyland park, Disney’s Power of Joy: Creator Summit and more! Each of these events are important to her in different ways, teaching her how to create magic for a variety of guests. However, this month, Tracy led perhaps one of the most special events in her career — the first-ever, multi-day Star Wars-themed wish event.
“Having worked at Disneyland Resort for such a long time, I’ve seen many wishes taking place here,” Tracy said. “The magic of a wish is so important. When I heard about this new wish event, I immediately offered to be the event manager.”
This experience, Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure, invited 19 wish children and their families from Make-A-Wish and other wish-granting organizations for five days of Star Wars surprises and special memories at Disneyland Resort. This adventure was nothing short of extraordinary, with a thrilling scavenger hunt, exciting experiences on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, droid-building and even an epic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! To further surprise these young Padawans, the families were invited to a private dinner, dessert party and show, featuring noble Jedi and sinister Sith.
Behind the magic was Tracy, leading dynamic teams of cast members to bring the beloved Star Wars stories to life for these wish kids. Alongside partners from around the resort, Tracy ensured these families had an experience nothing short of magical, granting special gifts, character encounters and experiences personalized to their unique interests.
“Along with a very talented team of partners, we have taken wishes for a Star Wars experience at Disneyland Resort and turned it into a one-of-a-kind Star Wars fan experience these children will remember for years to come,” Tracy said.
Tracy’s tie to the event goes beyond her role as event manager — this project was even more special given her personal connection with Make-A-Wish. Tracy has been connected with Make-A-Wish for more than 10 years, beginning when she worked for the nonprofit as program services director in Southern Nevada, where she led the team responsible for creating the wishes in the area.
When she returned to Disneyland Resort, Make-A-Wish was still in her heart, inspiring her to volunteer her time through wish granting, event planning and raising awareness for the organization. For Tracy, wish granting is one of the most special ways to apply her skillsets with events; even outside of her role at Disneyland Resort, she is making wishes a reality day after day for children fighting critical illnesses.
“It’s so magical to be able to walk into a wish family’s home and say, ‘You’re going to Disneyland!’ and being a part of that, knowing how it’s going to help those children in their journey,” Tracy said. “My personal connection as a volunteer for Make-A-Wish gave me the insight needed to help develop a special experience for these wish kids and their families.”
Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure at Disneyland Resort bridged Tracy’s passions, both event planning and wish granting, making magical memories for wish children with an affinity for all things lightsabers and droids. Her decade-long relationship with Make-A-Wish provided her the unique ability to make the event the best in the galaxy for these brave younglings, something she will carry with her for the rest of her career.
“Being able to grant 19 wishes through this one-of-a-kind event is a career highlight and knowing that we will bring hope and joy to the wish kids and their families makes it that much more fulfilling.”
Have you heard? Disney has helped grant more than 155,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish. To learn more about how Disney and Make-A-Wish create magical wishes together, visit wish.org/Disney.