Wishes Assemble: How Make-A-Wish Heroes Became Super Heroes

What happens when Disney, Make-A-Wish, and MrBeast join forces to grant nearly 40 Avengers-inspired wishes? You get a night of heroic proportions.  

As part of Disney Week of Wishes, our company-wide celebration of wish-granting around the world, Wishes Assemble is a first-of-its-kind wish event for nearly 40 kids battling critical illnesses and their families at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort.

Participants stepped into the role of Avengers recruits alongside some of the world’s most influential content creators, including Mark Rober, Dude Perfect, Sam & Colby, PrestonPlayz & BriannaPlayz, and Clix.  From start to finish, this day – full of magic and Avengers missions – is about celebrating resilience, imagination and the incredible strength inside each Make-A-Wish kid. 

So, what does a day following in the footsteps of Super Heroes look like? It began with a comic book art lesson on drawing Spider-Man, led by a professional artist.  

During the class, Captain America actor Anthony Mackie made a surprise appearance, gifting wish kids Hasbro Captain America Action Figures. He then spent a little time with 9-year-old wish kid Coen, who wished to meet Mackie “because he is my favorite Super Hero!” The two rode Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT together.  

Throughout the day, wish families experienced personalized moments as wishes came to life across Disneyland Resort. MrBeast led a scavenger hunt before welcoming wish kids to his signature-style Beast Games.

Mark Rober hosted a hands-on egg drop experiment from Avengers Headquarters, giving kids the rare opportunity to take part in a science experience inside Avengers Campus. The Dude Perfect Fan Zone featured themed trick-shot stations, games, and challenges.

Additional moments included PrestonPlayz and Clix spending time with wish kids in custom-designed gaming spaces, playing Fortnite and Minecraft before riding WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure together, while Sam & Colby hosted a spooky storytime with special guest, Agatha Harkness.

The day concluded with an unforgettable private evening celebration at Avengers Campus, where Vision actor Paul Bettany made a surprise appearance. YouTube also collaborated with Disney and Make-A-Wish, once again hosting the “Creator Corner” lounge, which included a special memento award ceremony for each child and an interactive thumbnail creation station, created in partnership with MrBeast’s team.

One of the most meaningful parts of Wishes Assemble was the care taken to extend the adventure beyond the park experience itself. With support from Disney Consumer Products, Disney Store and our licensees, including Berkshire Fashions, Corkcicle, Funko, Hasbro, the LEGO Group, Mad Engine, and Monogram International, kids were surprised with thoughtfully curated touches designed to help them gear up like Super Heroes and have fun through imagination and play.

From Avenger-sized welcome moments and hotel room surprises to special keepsakes, action figures, attire and gear inspired by favorite characters, these details helped ensure that the memories made during Wishes Assemble would continue to spark joy long after the families returned home.  

A highlight of Wishes Assemble was a powerful moment honoring former, long-time Disney CEO Bob Iger, who received the inaugural WishMaker Lifetime Achievement Award from Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the organization. During his tenure, Disney helped grant more than 110,000 wishes. Last year alone, Disney provided Make-A-Wish with $30 million of support.

“Something truly special happens when communities come together with one shared vision: to bring joy to wish kids in ways that surpass even their greatest imagination,” shared Leslie Motter, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO. “The smiles on those children’s faces when their wish comes to life — there’s nothing like it. And none of it happens without the commitment of incredible supporters like Disney, MrBeast, and more. These are the moments that families will carry with them forever, helping shape what they believe is possible. We are beyond grateful for everyone who made Wishes Assemble a reality.”

I’m so grateful to all my fellow cast members — the WishMakers — who went above and beyond to ensure each child felt celebrated and empowered. Our cast is the heart of Disney’s wish-granting legacy, which began right here at Disneyland Resort more than 45 years ago. Since then, Disney has helped grant over 175,000 wishes with Make-A-Wish — in fact, a Disney wish is granted every hour of every day. 

To our wish kids and families: thank you for letting us be part of your story. To our cast members and partners: thank you for answering the call, assembling with purpose, and helping us prove once again that the most powerful heroes are the ones who lead with heart. And to Make-A-Wish: thank you for more than 45 years of granting these life-changing wishes, together.  

Join Disney in making wishes come true with Make-A-Wish. Visit Wish.org/Disney to learn more.