Disney Celebrates World Wish Day by Granting Over One Hundred Wishes Worldwide

Today, The Walt Disney Company joins Make-A-Wish® to celebrate World Wish Day. From safari-themed wish-granting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to a very special American Idol wish, every Disney segment has planned uniquely Disney experiences for over one hundred wish kids and their families worldwide.  

April 29, World Wish Day, marks the anniversary of the original wish that inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish in 1980. In 2024, Disney continues to be the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish and we have granted more than 155,000 wishes together over the past 44 years. 

“It’s an honor to witness first-hand the transformative power of a Disney wish in the lives of thousands of wish kids and families every year,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Make-A-Wish America Board Member 

The entire Disney family works with Make-A-Wish to grant life-changing wishes throughout the year, and this World Wish Day is no different:  

Walt Disney World Resort made four ‘wild’ wishes come true for kids who wished for up-close experiences with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team. One wish kid named Cora even had the chance to meet a baby elephant – named Corra.

Disneyland Resort granted two Star Wars–themed wishes. Five-year-old Lucas visited Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and built his own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. Eight-year-old Kanton met the Mandalorian and Grogu before battling against the First Order at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. 

Disneyland Paris held a Wish Weekend, an unforgettable experience that granted the wishes of over 70 wish kids from 12 countries across Europe. 

Shanghai Disney Resort celebrated World Wish Day by granting its 200th wish. 

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort granted a wish of Heison, a passionate fan of Lightning McQueen and racing cars, to meet and ride alongside McQueen, accompanied by professional race car driver Jonathan Hui. 

Disney Theatrical Group fulfilled Gabby’s wish to make her Broadway debut in a one-night cameo performance of Aladdin, the musical. 

Pixar granted Jake’s wish to be a Pixar filmmaker and visit Pixar Animation Studios. 

Walt Disney Animation Studios granted Leah’s wish to meet the animators and watch them work. Leah drew alongside the artists behind some of her favorite Disney characters. 

The Walt Disney Company in Asia Pacific revealed a special “Wish Space” at Shanghai Children’s Medical Center for children with critical illnesses to reflect on what their most heartfelt wishes could be. 

Additional World Wish Day activations and celebrations are happening throughout the day:

• Tokyo Disney Resort will celebrate wish children and their families from Make-A-Wish Japan. 
• Disney Consumer Products will help grant 16-year-old Alex’s wish to build his own custom lightsaber. 
• American Idol and Ryan Seacrest are spotlighting World Wish Day live on the show tonight and will make a Katy Perry fan’s wish come true after the taping. 
• ABC celebrated World Wish Day with the help of talent from Will Trent, The Good Doctor, and The Rookie, and granted a wish on the set of Grey’s Anatomy. 
• ESPN will re-air the 2023 My Wish Special today on ESPN2 and ESPNEWS. 
• The Walt Disney Company in Latin America will help grant a child from Chile’s wish to visit Walt Disney World Resort and meet Ariel, her favorite character. 

“This World Wish Day, we’ve had businesses from across the company work in tandem to design some of the most special Disney experiences we’ve seen to date. The collaboration and creativity in service of wish kids and their families has been extraordinary.” said Lisa Haines, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility. 

To learn more about Disney’s work granting life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses with Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/Disney or worldwish.org/disney outside of the U.S.