This past April 29, Disneyland Paris hosted a heartwarming celebration of World Wish Day, honoring the profound impact of wishes in bringing joy and rekindling hope. This special day also marks the anniversary of the first wish granted by Make-A-Wish in 1980. Disneyland Paris has been a vital partner in this mission since 1992, granting wishes to an astounding 20,000 children battling serious illnesses and their families.
Over the weekend, the resort welcomed 85 Make-A-Wish children from across Europe to embrace the magic of Disneyland Paris. The children enjoyed various attractions, captivating shows, and memorable interactions with beloved Disney characters. As a highlight of their visit, the children participated in a pre-parade event through Disneyland Park, receiving a warm and enthusiastic reception from all the guests.
The success of these unforgettable moments relied heavily on the dedication of Disney cast members, who worked tirelessly to ensure each child’s experience was nothing short of magical. From the gracious Disney VoluntEARS to the vibrant entertainers, hundreds of cast members demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating joyous memories for these families.
Coralie, a mother from Make-A-Wish France, expressed her gratitude: “This experience was unique. Thank you to Make-A-Wish France and Disneyland Paris for making this dream come true. Jade’s joy and freedom from hospitals and doctors were touching and deeply moving.”
In making these magical moments possible, over 150 cast members meticulously attended to every detail, showcasing their exceptional dedication. Their ability to create happiness for those who need it most stands as a testament to the inspiring efforts of everyone involved.
Reflecting on the weekend, Marie-Françoise, head of the Disneyland Paris Wish Program, emphasized the importance of this celebration. Elise Murray from Make-A-Wish International echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the collaboration with Disney VoluntEARs and the Disneyland Paris team for their extraordinary efforts to bring smiles to the children’s faces.
Since Disneyland Resort in California granted the very first official wish, Disney has globally fulfilled 155,000 wishes in partnership with Make-A-Wish. At Disneyland Paris alone, more than 1,000 wishes are granted annually, with Disney VoluntEARS contributing over 15,000 volunteer hours last year. Their dedication is truly commendable and highlights the extraordinary impact that magic and compassion can have.
Have you ever participated in a World Wish Day celebration at a Disney park or have a heartwarming wish-granting story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the joy by sharing this story with your friends and family. Let’s keep the magic alive together!
