Cinderella is an icon. Her courage, kindness and incredible sense of style have inspired millions over the past 75 years, including a young girl from Georgia who is battling cancer.
10-year-old Rita wished to meet our talented costuming team to learn how to design a princess ballgown of her own after watching the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.
So, we worked with our friends at Make-A-Wish to bring her behind the scenes at Walt Disney World and make her wish come true just in time for the film’s 75th anniversary, originally debuting on February 15, 1950.
Designing a Cinderella-Inspired Dress
With the help of our expert costume designers at Disney Live Entertainment, Rita selected colors, fabric and sparkles and sat down to sketch out a princess ballgown design. After consulting with her family and new Disney friends, she officially named the illustrated gown “Rita’s Rose Diamond Dress.”
“I was so excited because I got to go to a top-secret fashion place at Disney,” Rita said. “I got to see all the ways costumes are designed, which was really cool.”
The costuming team surprised Rita with the news that we’d bring her design to life, creating a scale model replica of Rita’s Rose Diamond Dress for her to keep.
“As a child, I was in and out of the hospital myself. It means so much to be able to fulfill a wish for someone going through that because I know what it’s like,” said Allison, a Disney costume specialist who helped Rita with her dress. “It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at Disney, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it.”
A Forever Memory in the Making
Now officially a fairytale fashion designer, Rita met with a few other characters from the beloved Disney Animation film – like Cinderella’s stepsisters – whose antics help keep her spirits high through her medical journey.
“We have a long road ahead of us, but having this time together as a family, having fun and smiling … there’s no words,” Rita’s mom said. “It means so much to us. This will be a forever memory for us.”
After a bit of mischief and a special serenade of “Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale,” Rita made her way to Cinderella Castle where Cinderella and Prince Charming were waiting to greet her.
“I just had a blast!” Rita said, recounting her day.
45 Years of Disney and Make-A-Wish Magic
Disney wishes bring happiness to kids with critical illnesses when it’s needed most. They build hope, lift spirits and offer new, joyful memories for the whole family.
Magic like this is all made possible thanks to the decades-long connection between Disney and Make-A-Wish. We’ve been working alongside Make-A-Wish to grant wishes for 45 years now, and we’re honored to be the world’s largest wish granter for the foundation.
In fact, more royal wishes are coming true soon as we host “Once Upon A Wish Party” at Walt Disney World this April. It’s a Disney Princess party like no other, just for Make-A-Wish families. Stay tuned!