In collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation, Walt Disney World was once again honored to welcome families of fallen military service members to Walt Disney World Resort for the annual “Snowball Express.” This five-day healing retreat brings together hundreds of military families to bond with others who share similar experiences and find comfort during their journey of healing.
Disney’s enduring support for active-duty military, veterans, and their families span over a century, beginning with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both contributed to war efforts during World War I – a tradition of respect and gratitude that continues today.
At Disney, we understand that military service is a family commitment. Through programs like Snowball Express, we take pride in creating magical holiday memories for those who have lost their loved ones in service to our nation.
A Fallen Hero’s Disney Wish
In 2003, U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens wrote a heartfelt letter to his wife and children before deploying to Iraq. In it, he shared one simple wish to take their children to Disneyland as he would be with them in spirit.
His son was just 5 years old when Jesse gave the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. That letter became a symbol of hope and inspired what we now know today as Snowball Express.
Just a few short years later, Jesse’s wish came true when his family joined other Gold Star families for a special visit to Disneyland Resort in 2006, the official start of the Snowball Express.
The following year, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise learned about Snowball Express and joined the mission. With his Lt. Dan Band, Gary performed for families at Disneyland Resort, creating unforgettable memories and marking the start of nearly two decades of support.
In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation officially brought Snowball Express under its wing, ensuring Jesse’s dream lived on. And in 2018, the tradition expanded to Walt Disney World Resort, where hundreds of families now gather each December for a holiday experience filled with hope, healing, and Disney magic.
VoluntEARS Show Support for Families of the Fallen
During a special sunrise event known as the “Walk of Gratitude” on December 9, hundreds of Disney VoluntEARS gathered in the Magic Kingdom to welcome and cheer on more than 1,600 children, surviving spouses and families of fallen military service members, and veterans as they embark on their journey down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle.
The heartfelt gathering offers moments of remembrance, connection, and joy, offering these families a chance to celebrate the lives and legacies of their loved ones as they send their letters up to heaven for the fallen to read during a special Disney magic moment.
Disney’s Avalanche of Kindness
Since 2018, more than 23,000 children of fallen military and first responder heroes and their surviving parents and guardians have participated in Snowball Express at Walt Disney World.
Gary Sinise Foundation has also expanded this annual program to include a second Snowball Express event at Walt Disney World for families of fallen first responders on December 13-16.
Keep reading to learn more about last year’s event!
December 12, 2024: 2024 Snowball Express
This holiday season, we were honored to help the Gary Sinise Foundation bring some healing and happiness to families of fallen U.S. military heroes at Walt Disney World Resort as part of the organization’s annual “Snowball Express” program which took place on December 7-10, 2024.
As part of this special gathering, the Foundation brought more than 1,700 family members from more than 90 cities around the nation and overseas, as far as Europe and Guam, to The Most Magical Place on Earth.
During this five-day healing retreat, the families connected with each other and enjoyed the magic of Disney while honoring the legacy of their loved one’s service and sacrifice.
The Walk of Gratitude Honors Military Families
On the final day of Snowball Express, the families participated in the “Walk of Gratitude” at daybreak inside Magic Kingdom. As the sun rose on a brisk morning, Disney cast members eagerly cheered them on as they made their way down Main Street, U.S.A., towards Cinderella Castle.
In a touching display of respect, nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS, including many cast members who are military veterans, lined the streets before 5 a.m. to stand in reverence of these military families for their sacrifices.
Letters for Fallen Heroes Sent to Heaven
Upon arriving at the castle, personalized notes from each family to their fallen hero were placed inside a magical cauldron on the castle stage. The letters were then sent up to heaven for the fallen to read during a special Disney magic moment. Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise and Mickey Mouse joined in to make this special moment even more unforgettable.
“While our hearts are heavy at the circumstances that brought these families together, I am grateful we can wrap our arms around them, that we can honor them while remembering their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom,” said Gary Sinise. “As we approach the holiday season, I am so glad that we are able to bring these deserving families together to create new and wonderful memories at The Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World.”
Since 2018, more than 17,000 children of fallen military heroes, fallen first responders and their surviving parent/guardian have participated in the healing retreat and the program is one of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s four programmatic pillars to support veterans, first responders, heroes, and defenders, along with their families and those in need.
The Origins of the Snowball Express
The Snowball Express has a special connection to Disney Parks. This annual healing retreat began in 2003 when U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens wrote a letter to his wife before his deployment to Iraq, which included a wish for his family to visit Disney Parks if he didn’t return.
This wish was fulfilled in 2006 when his family and others of fallen soldiers visited Disneyland Resort. Gary Sinise became involved in 2007, when he and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, performed for these families. In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation took over the program, and the first retreat at Walt Disney World took place in 2018, starting an annual tradition for the families of fallen U.S. military heroes.
For U.S. Army veteran Virginia Kiernan who serves as a Recreation Guest Experience Manager at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, this annual gathering is something she and her family would not miss for the world.
“I love the Snowball Express,” said Virginia. “As a veteran myself and a member of a large military family, I enjoy supporting military-focused organizations, but the Snowball Express is my favorite. Gold Star families hold a special place in my heart, so I’m honored to join fellow Disney cast members as we give back to those who have sacrificed so much.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teams involved in making this magical experience possible to recognize the needs of these military families, especially during the holiday season when the sense of loss is amplified.
“Disney’s enduring respect for military service members and their families runs deep, beginning with our founders Walt and Roy Disney serving our country during the first world war,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences.
“We thank the Gary Sinise Foundation for all the work they do to support military families who have given so much. We’re honored to help them make happy new memories during their visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.”
Gary Sinise Foundation will host a second Snowball Express at Walt Disney World for families of fallen first responders December 14-17.
