In honor of World Wish Day and the 150,000th Disney wish granted, over 80 Make-A-Wish children and their families were invited to Disneyland Paris for a special pre-parade.
The Make-A-Wish children participated in the pre-parade on Saturday, April 29, alongside the three fairies from “Sleeping Beauty,” Genie from “Aladdin,” and Mickey Mouse.
“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 said, “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.”
A week earlier, three Make-A-Wish kids got to attend the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” premiere at Disneyland Paris. Oliver (UK, 10), Ollie (UK, 14), and Aëden (Belgium, 7) got to meet “Guardians of the Galaxy” stars Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldaña.
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.”
The children and their families got to stay at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel and visit 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 other non-profits.
World Wish Day & Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 520,000 wishes for children globally since 1980. Their wishes assist children with relieving traumatic stress, improving emotional well-being, creating a turning point in their treatment, giving strength to fight an illness, and promoting better health outcomes. This is done by providing memorable experiences and positivity in their lives.
World Wish Day is a yearly Make-A-Wish event that celebrates more than 40 years of giving life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and bringing delight to their families. World Wish Day takes place on April 29, in honor of the first wish that inspired the creation of the nonprofit.
The 150,000th Disney wish was granted for 16-year-old Mikayla, who visited Walt Disney World and stayed in the Cinderella Castle Suite. Disney revealed their new Make-A-Wish license plate during Mikayla’s visit.
Disneyland celebrated World Wish Day by displaying a trio of new windows on Main Street, U.S.A. dedicated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This is the company’s first window dedicated to a nonprofit company.
Last year, all Make-A-Wish children were dubbed the “Godchildren” of the Disney Wish cruise ship.
Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro was appointed to the national board of directors for Make-A-Wish America earlier this year.
Learn more about Make-A-Wish International at worldwish.org.
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