Celebrating 10 Years of Delivering Joy with Disney Animation’s ‘Frozen’

On November 27, 2013, Walt Disney Animation Studios released its 53rd feature film, Frozen—which quickly snowballed into an Oscar®-winning blockbuster that continues to enchant fans around the world a decade later.  

Disney celebrated the impact of the film and especially its ability to deliver joy to children and their families facing critical illnesses throughout the 10th anniversary celebration.

Six-year-old Katherine’s wish for a Frozen room makeover was inspired by her deep love for the film and its role in helping her face her leukemia treatments. Katherine’s mother noted that the music and hope the film gave Katherine got the family through tough moments and that, with her wish, “healing is taking place.” Katherine’s wish represents a decade of Frozen wishes granted for children facing critical illnesses by Disney and Make-A-Wish® all around the world.   

The most recent Frozen-inspired wishes were granted December 15^th , 2023 at the newly opened World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort—the world’s first Frozen-themed land. Make-A-Wish Affiliates in Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and Taiwan sent 11 wish children and 150 guests to join the Summer Snow Day Wishes Celebration – a celebration dreamed up for these very special guests. The celebration included a welcome breakfast for the children and their families; an exclusive performance in the Playhouse in the Woods; VIP access to the brand new Frozen-themed attractions; special meet-and-greets with beloved characters Elsa, Anna, and Olaf; as well as a behind-the-scenes tour led by Disney Imagineers, giving the children a unique opportunity to see how the magic of Frozen comes to life! 

“Making wishes and dreams come true is some of the most important work that we do at Disney,” said Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International. 

As well as inspiring countless wish experiences, Frozen has also played an integral role in Disney’s commitment to help reimagine the patient experience in children’s hospitals around the world. 

Disney and its long-time non-profit collaborator Starlight Children’s Foundation celebrated the 10th anniversary of Disney’s Frozen with deliveries of Frozen toys, costumes, and books to 300 children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care across the country. 

At Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago on November 17, 2023, young patients were the first in the nation to see and wear the newly redesigned Frozen-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns and Pants, featuring the beloved characters Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Sven. The fun-filled day included activities; film screenings; exploring the Frozen-themed toys, books, and costumes available for the young guests; and a very special visit from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.  

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, commented, “I’m excited to share we’ll be introducing brand new Frozen gear featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and the gang to children’s hospitals all across America. We hope this brings a little bit of comfort to these brave kids and the people who care for them.” 

“We’re honored and grateful to have a longstanding relationship with Disney in helping us achieve our mission of delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Together for 20 years, we’ve been transforming the hospital experience through programs that entertain and provide comfort to kids at a time when they need it most.” 

And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Through year-round programs supporting children with critical illnesses, Disney aims to help kids feel like kids rather than patients, by sharing unforgettable moments with their families. Learn more about Disney’s commitment to delivering joy when it’s needed most at joy.disney.com.