Disney recently celebrated their 10th Wish Week at Aulani Resort in Hawaii, bringing together dozens of Make-A-Wish kids and their families.
Disney Celebrates 10th Annual Aulani Wish Week
During Disney’s 10th Aulani Wish Week, 28 wish children and their families came together for six days filled with the spirit of aloha, Disney magic and a little Halloween fun. This was the tenth group wish event since Aulani Wish Week was launched in October 2023.
Since opening in 2011, Aulani Resort and Make-A-Wish Hawaii have worked together to grant more than 2,000 wishes. Across the company, Disney is the world’s largest Make-A-Wish granter, helping fulfill about one wish every hour.
October Wish Weeks are particularly special at Aulani, as every child gets to pick out a Halloween costume, gifted by Disney Consumer Products, to show off at Aunty and Uncle’s Backyard Jam-BOO-ree dance party at the end of the week.
For some kids, like 10-year-old Alex, a heart transplant recipient from Texas, the occasion marked the start of a hopeful new chapter.
“When I was on the beach watching my family, I was reminded of every moment we fought to be here,” said Alex’s mom, Karen. “It felt like the closing of a chapter. We don’t always have to be surviving — we get to thrive. That’s this gift.”
For others, the friendships formed among children, siblings, and parents who understood one another’s journeys brought profound comfort and care in knowing they were not alone.
Seven-year-old Austin from Florida, who loved Disney characters like Stitch and Angel, experienced the joy of stepping into a place filled with friends and new memories. For her parents, there was a rare sense of ease. “We’re seeing her make friends with others who have gone through the same thing, and I was able to connect with other moms who just get it,” said Austin’s mom, Crystal. “It feels so easy.”
Other kids found joy in the activities and characters offered at Aulani Resort. 11-year-old Max from California, who has kidney disease and loves to swim, enjoyed a chance to play and be a kid with Aulani’s water activities. “We love being able to be together as a family and enjoy Max in a good spot,” said Max’s dad, Jason. “We’re enjoying the moment, and this is one of those great moments.”
For five-year-old Nairi from California, she wished to meet Moana at Aulani Wish Week, because she says that Moana is strong, just like her. Her wish came true when Moana herself stopped by for a surprise visit. Her brother, Chris, who has remained by her side throughout her cancer treatment, said one of his favorite parts of the week was simply seeing his sister smile as the wayfinder greeted her.
In other Aulani news, a currently unknown television show will be filming in January at the resort, potentially disrupting guests wanting to use Ko Olina Beach.
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