Starting with a window dedication at Disneyland Resort and a sweet surprise for a wish kid at Walt Disney World, we’ve been celebrating the transformative power of a wish all around the world. Here at Disneyland Paris, we wanted to honor Make-A-Wish with a celebration fitting for 150,000 Disney wishes granted … and what more magical way to do it than a park parade?
We invited more than 80 Make-A-Wish children and their families from around the world to enjoy a magical and joyful weekend together at the park. A highlight of the celebrations took place on Saturday, April 29, when the children participated in a special pre-parade in Disneyland Park alongside the three good fairies from “Sleeping Beauty,” Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, Genie from “Aladdin” and, of course, Mickey Mouse. It was a special moment for guests and cast members alike as they celebrated these incredible kids.
“Being here this weekend felt like we were living in a magical moment, it was good for the whole family to dream” said Audrey, mother of wish kid Chloé (France).
Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris shared “I am grateful to our cast members, partners, and Disney VoluntEARS who made this year’s World Wish Day at Disneyland Paris a tremendous success. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need, and we remain committed to doing so in the future.”
One week earlier, three special Make-A-Wish kids and Marvel super-fans – Oliver (UK, 10), Ollie (UK, 14) and Aëden (Belgium, 7) and their families – were invited by Disneyland Paris and Make-A-Wish to attend the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3” European Gala as guests of honor. At the event, they were even treated to a surprise greeting with Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldaña!
Upon meeting the actors, Ollie said, “I couldn’t believe it when I got to meet Star-Lord! It’s been the most amazing weekend I could have ever wished for.”
But the heroics didn’t stop there! As Marvel fans, they stayed in the middle of the action at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel and discovered Avengers Campus in Walt Disney Studios Park.
Since its opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris has granted more than 20,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses in collaboration with Make-A-Wish and more than 40 nonprofits. For more than 30 years, Disneyland Paris has been committed to delivering joy when needed most by helping grant wishes for kids with critical illness and their families. These experiences not only brighten lives but also help wish children and their families build emotional resilience.
Keep following along on the Disney Parks blog as we share more of our favorite wish-granting stories from around the world.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org.