A special flight transformed the journey to Walt Disney World into part of the magic for 14 children with critical illnesses.
Fourth Wish Flight to Walt Disney World
American Airlines and Orlando International Airport shared details about the former’s latest Wish Flight, a charity effort in partnership with Disney and Make-A-Wish to host families with critically ill children who wish to visit Walt Disney World. For this flight, 14 Philadelphia-area families were selected for the experience.
The journey began at Philadelphia International Airport, where American Airlines employees and Make-A-Wish volunteers hosted a special celebration for the families. The terminal was decorated for the occasion, and the children received Minnie ear headbands and other surprises.
Activities included face-painting, balloon art, a slime station, and a dance floor. SWOOP, the Philadelphia Eagles mascot, also made a special appearance before the families departed.
A charter aircraft staffed by volunteer American Airlines pilots and flight attendants then transported the group to Orlando. American Airlines employees and Make-A-Wish volunteers welcomed the families upon their arrival at Orlando International Airport.
Wish Flight was originally introduced under the name “Best Flight Ever” in 2023. The program is designed to make the journey itself part of the wish experience rather than simply serving as transportation to the final destination.
Sharing photos of the flight’s arrival in Florida on Instagram, Orlando International Airport commemorated the event, saying:
Making dreams come true, one flight at a time. ✈️✨ We were happy to welcome @americanair and @makeawishamerica® as they brought more than a dozen families to Walt Disney World Resort through Wish Flight, a special journey that creates unforgettable memories for children facing critical illnesses. From a festive airport welcome to a water cannon salute, the magic began the moment they arrived. 💙 This year marks the fourth annual Wish Flight with American Airlines donating the roundtrip charter flight to Orlando and providing a volunteer crew to help make this extraordinary experience possible.
The families are staying at Give Kids The World Village for six days and five nights while visiting Walt Disney World. The nonprofit resort in Kissimmee provides cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families.
Disney has worked with Make-A-Wish since the first official Disney wish was granted at Disneyland Resort more than 45 years ago. The company has since helped grant more than 175,000 wishes for children facing critical illnesses. According to Disney, it grants a Make-A-Wish experience approximately once every hour, on average.
Make-A-Wish has granted more than 650,000 wishes worldwide since its founding in 1980, including more than 400,000 in the United States and its territories.
Check out the full photo gallery from MCO on Instagram:
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The post Disney, American Airlines, and Make-A-Wish Send Philly Families on the Fourth ‘Wish Flight’ to Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.
