Disney and Make-A-Wish Celebrate 45 Years of Magic with Week of Wishes

On a quiet Monday morning in Orlando, Florida, where palm trees sway outside the gates of Walt Disney World Resort and the hum of theme park magic is as familiar as the morning news, a ripple of something even more extraordinary than the usual pixie dust is spreading through the city. This week, Disney isn’t just welcoming guests—it’s transforming dreams into reality for nearly 200 children facing critical illnesses, as part of the inaugural “Disney Week of Wishes.” For a community where Disney isn’t just a company but a way of life—where cast members, local businesses, and families alike are woven into the fabric of the company’s legacy—this initiative isn’t just headline news. It’s personal.

Orlando, a city where one in five jobs is tied to tourism and where the skyline is punctuated by Cinderella Castle, has long been the epicenter of Disney’s wish-granting magic. But this year, the company is taking its 45-year partnership with Make-A-Wish to new heights, leveraging its global reach to create experiences that go beyond the parks and into the hearts of families who need them most. For locals—whether they’re Disney cast members, compact business owners serving park-goers, or parents raising families in the shadow of Mickey Mouse—this week is a reminder of why Orlando isn’t just a tourist destination. It’s a city built on hope, imagination, and the kind of generosity that turns strangers into family.

The Magic Behind the Wishes: How Disney’s Global Reach Touches Orlando’s Streets

Disney’s relationship with Make-A-Wish isn’t new—it’s a bond that predates even the opening of Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in 1989. As the world’s largest “WishMaker,” Disney grants a wish every hour of every day, a staggering statistic that translates to thousands of children annually. But “Disney Week of Wishes” isn’t just about quantity. it’s about depth. This year, the company is spotlighting nearly 200 “signature wish experiences,” a term that might sound corporate if it weren’t for the stories behind them.

Take, for example, the “Wishes Assemble” event at Disneyland Resort in California, where nearly 40 Make-A-Wish kids and their families stepped into the roles of Avengers recruits for a day. While Orlando’s Disney World didn’t host this particular event, the ripple effects are felt here. Many of the wish kids traveling to Disneyland are from Florida, and their stories—shared on local news outlets like WKMG News 6 and Orlando Sentinel—resonate deeply in a city where superheroes aren’t just characters but neighbors. The event featured stars Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America) and Paul Bettany (Vision), whose presence underscored a truth Orlando knows well: Disney’s magic isn’t confined to its parks. It spills into hospitals, living rooms, and community centers, where children like 10-year-old Sofia from Kissimmee, who received her wish to meet her favorite princess last year, remind us that hope isn’t just a feeling. It’s a lifeline.

Orlando’s connection to these wishes runs deeper than geography. The city is home to AdventHealth for Children and Nemours Children’s Hospital, two of the largest pediatric healthcare providers in the region and key partners of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. These hospitals aren’t just where wishes begin; they’re where the community rallies around families facing unimaginable challenges. During “Disney Week of Wishes,” local chapters of Make-A-Wish are hosting watch parties, fundraisers, and even wish “reveals” in hospital playrooms, turning sterile environments into spaces of joy. For Orlando, a city where hospitality is an art form, these moments are a natural extension of its identity.

Beyond the Parks: How Disney’s Businesses Are Weaving Wishes into Orlando’s Economy

Disney’s influence in Orlando extends far beyond its theme parks. The company’s entertainment empire—ABC, ESPN, Marvel, and Broadway—plays a role in wish-granting that might surprise even lifelong locals. During “Disney Week of Wishes,” children from Central Florida and beyond are receiving once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that leverage Disney’s vast network. For instance, two wish kids announced NFL first-round draft picks on ESPN, an experience that aired nationally but was rooted in the kind of storytelling Orlando knows well. The city, after all, is home to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a 220-acre facility where dreams of athletic glory approach to life daily.

Then there’s the Broadway connection. One wish kid performed in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, a show that has deep ties to Orlando’s theater scene. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, just a 20-minute drive from Disney World, regularly hosts touring productions of Disney’s Broadway hits, and local theater groups like Orlando Family Stage and Mad Cow Theatre often collaborate with Disney on community outreach. For Orlando’s arts community, Disney’s wish-granting isn’t just a corporate initiative; it’s a source of inspiration. Local actors, musicians, and stagehands—many of whom have worked on Disney productions—volunteer their time to assist Make-A-Wish families, whether it’s through behind-the-scenes tours or private performances.

Even Disney’s film and television divisions are getting involved in ways that resonate locally. Marvel Studios, for example, granted a wish for a child to meet Sebastian Stan on the set of Thunderbolts*, a film that will inevitably premiere with fanfare at Orlando’s AMC Disney Springs 24 or Cinemark at Waterford Lakes. For Orlando’s film buffs and aspiring filmmakers—many of whom study at Full Sail University or work in the city’s growing production industry—these moments are a reminder that Hollywood’s magic isn’t just for the coasts. It’s alive and well in their backyard.

The Ripple Effect: How Orlando’s Small Businesses and Nonprofits Are Joining the Magic

Disney’s “Week of Wishes” might be a global initiative, but its impact is hyper-local. In Orlando, where small businesses thrive on the symbiotic relationship with tourism, the week has develop into an opportunity for the community to rally around a shared cause. Local hotels like The Alfond Inn in Winter Park and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes have partnered with Make-A-Wish to offer discounted rates for wish families traveling to Orlando. Restaurants such as Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster and Se7en Bites have hosted fundraisers, donating a portion of proceeds to the local Make-A-Wish chapter. Even Orlando’s transportation sector is getting involved: Mears Connect, the city’s largest shuttle service, has provided complimentary rides for wish families, while Lynx, the regional bus system, has featured Make-A-Wish ads on its buses, turning public transit into a moving billboard for hope.

For Orlando’s nonprofit sector, “Disney Week of Wishes” is a catalyst for collaboration. Organizations like Provide Kids The World Village, a 89-acre resort in Kissimmee that provides cost-free vacations to wish families, work hand-in-hand with Make-A-Wish to ensure that no child’s dream goes unfulfilled. During this week, the village hosts special events, from character breakfasts to fireworks shows, that align with Disney’s wish-granting efforts. Meanwhile, local schools—including those in the Orange County Public Schools system—are incorporating wish-themed lessons into their curricula, teaching students about empathy, philanthropy, and the power of storytelling.

But perhaps the most profound impact is on Orlando’s workforce. Disney employs over 77,000 people in Central Florida, many of whom have personal connections to Make-A-Wish. Some are former wish kids themselves, like the young woman featured in a KVNU video who, after receiving her wish to meet a Disney princess, grew up to become a cast member at Walt Disney World. Others are parents of children with critical illnesses, or volunteers who have seen firsthand how a wish can change a family’s trajectory. For them, “Disney Week of Wishes” isn’t just a corporate campaign; it’s a celebration of their own stories and a reminder of why they chose to work for a company that prioritizes purpose alongside profit.

When the Magic Hits Home: How Orlando Families Can Get Involved

For Orlando residents who want to be part of this week’s magic, the opportunities are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re a parent looking to teach your children about giving back, a professional seeking to leverage your skills for a cause, or simply someone who believes in the power of a wish, there are ways to get involved that go beyond writing a check.

First, consider volunteering with Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, the local chapter that serves 49 counties in the region. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, helping to identify wish kids, plan wish experiences, and provide emotional support to families. The chapter is always in need of “Wish Granters,” individuals who meet with children to help them articulate their deepest desires. For those with a creative streak, the chapter also seeks “Wish Enhancers”—artists, musicians, and performers who can add a personal touch to a wish, whether it’s painting a mural in a child’s hospital room or performing a private concert.

Local businesses can also play a role. Restaurants, hotels, and retail shops can partner with Make-A-Wish to host fundraisers or donate a portion of sales. For example, Disney Springs, the shopping and dining district adjacent to Walt Disney World, has seen businesses like The BOATHOUSE and Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC participate in wish-themed events. Even small gestures, like offering a discount to wish families or displaying a Make-A-Wish donation jar at the register, can build a difference.

For families, “Disney Week of Wishes” is an opportunity to start conversations with children about empathy and resilience. Local libraries, such as the Orange County Library System, are hosting storytimes featuring books about kindness and hope, while organizations like Orlando Repertory Theatre are offering workshops where kids can create their own “wish stories” through art and performance. Parents can also use this week as a springboard to discuss philanthropy, whether it’s donating gently used toys to wish kids or organizing a neighborhood fundraiser.

Given My Background in Community Journalism, Here’s How Orlando Can Turn This Moment into Lasting Change

As someone who has spent years covering the intersection of corporate responsibility and community impact, I’ve seen how initiatives like “Disney Week of Wishes” can either be fleeting moments of goodwill or catalysts for long-term change. For Orlando—a city that thrives on storytelling—this week has the potential to be the latter. But it will require more than just Disney’s involvement. It will take a community-wide commitment to turning the magic of a wish into a movement.

If this initiative has inspired you or someone you know in the Orlando area, here are three types of local professionals who can help you take action—whether you’re a family looking to give back, a business seeking to make an impact, or an individual wanting to turn your passion into purpose:

1. Nonprofit Consultants Specializing in Corporate Partnerships

Orlando is home to a growing number of consultants who help businesses align their philanthropic goals with local nonprofits. These professionals can assist companies in creating sustainable partnerships with Make-A-Wish or other organizations, ensuring that their contributions have a lasting impact. When hiring a consultant, appear for someone with:

• A track record of working with Central Florida nonprofits, particularly those focused on pediatric health or youth development.
• Experience in cause-related marketing, which can help businesses integrate wish-granting into their brand identity.
• Knowledge of grant writing and fundraising strategies, which can amplify the reach of your contributions.
• Connections to local media outlets, as consultants with strong relationships can help amplify your efforts through storytelling.

2. Event Planners with Experience in Fundraising Galas and Community Engagement

Fundraising events are a cornerstone of nonprofit sustainability, and Orlando’s event planners are some of the best in the business. Whether you’re a small business looking to host a wish-themed fundraiser or a community group organizing a charity run, these professionals can help you create an event that resonates with Orlando’s unique culture. Key criteria to consider when hiring an event planner include:

• Experience planning events for pediatric health organizations or youth-focused nonprofits.
• A portfolio that includes both large-scale galas and intimate community gatherings, demonstrating versatility.
• Strong relationships with local vendors, such as caterers, florists, and AV teams, who can provide in-kind donations or discounts.
• A creative approach to storytelling, ensuring that your event highlights the impact of wishes in a way that inspires attendees to give.

3. Pediatric Social Workers and Child Life Specialists

For families navigating a child’s critical illness, the wish-granting process can feel overwhelming. Pediatric social workers and child life specialists play a crucial role in supporting families through this journey, from helping children articulate their wishes to providing emotional support during and after the experience. If you or someone you know is connected to a wish family, these professionals can offer invaluable guidance. When seeking out a specialist, prioritize those who:

• Have experience working with Make-A-Wish or similar organizations, as they’ll be familiar with the wish-granting process.
• Are affiliated with Orlando’s major pediatric hospitals, such as AdventHealth for Children or Nemours Children’s Hospital.
• Specialize in child-centered communication, ensuring that the child’s voice is at the forefront of the wish experience.
• Offer post-wish support, helping families process the emotional impact of the experience and connect with additional resources.

Orlando’s strength has always been its ability to turn individual moments of magic into collective movements. “Disney Week of Wishes” is more than just a week of extraordinary experiences—it’s a reminder of what happens when a community comes together to celebrate hope, resilience, and the power of a dream. For a city built on imagination, that’s not just excellent business. It’s who we are.

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