We’re once again bringing some Disney magic into the community. Recently, patients and families at two children’s hospitals in Florida received a surprise visit – and a bit of pixie dust – as we delivered two new mobile movie theaters along with Disney-themed Starlight Hospital Wear, toys, books and more.
These donations were made in collaboration with Starlight Children’s Foundation and are part of Disney’s global commitment to help reimagine the patient experience at children’s hospitals around the world – a $100 million commitment that first began in 2018.
These distinctly Disney mobile movie theaters will offer patients and their families a place to create moments of joy and comfort while enjoying new releases and beloved classics through complimentary Disney+ access and Disney Movie Moments. In fact, we shared a special viewing of Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto with some patients when making the first of many of these special deliveries.
At AdventHealth for Children, a part of AdventHealth Tampa, Mickey Mouse joined Walt Disney World cast members to officially celebrate the first of six mobile movie theater donations by Disney to hospitals and nonprofit organizations across central and south Florida. These efforts build on Walt Disney World Resort’s long legacy of supporting those in need and join other recent initiatives like welcoming back regular character visits to local Central Florida children’s hospitals.
“We know that a little Disney magic can go a long way in making someone’s day, and that’s exactly why events like these are so important to us,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World Resort. “A hospital stay can often be overwhelming, and we hope these special deliveries will bring new happy memories, inspire hope and help build resilience for these patients and families across Florida and around the world.”
Meanwhile, Captain Minnie Mouse joined Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members in Fort Lauderdale at the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health for the first wave of deliveries the cruise line will be making to children’s hospitals in several port communities across the country. In addition to a second children’s hospital in south Florida, Disney Cruise Line will be making deliveries to children’s hospitals in New Orleans, Louisiana, Galveston, Texas, and San Diego, California.
Crew members from the Disney Dream volunteered their time at the event and found it both gratifying and heartwarming.
“We jumped at the chance to participate in the event,” said Shameem Adam, Crew Engagement Manager. “Of course, we love bringing happiness and magic to our guests onboard, but today was really special. We were grateful for the opportunity to help bring some joy and smiles to the children and their families.”
Throughout March, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line will be delivering nine additional mobile movie theater units to hospitals and nonprofit organizations across Florida and the United States – with more theaters arriving at children’s centers around the world very soon.
To learn more about Disney’s ongoing commitment, visit TheWaltDisneyCompany.com.