Celebrating 1000 Wishes Granted Through “A Disney Wish”: Bringing Disney Magic Closer to Home for Make-A-Wish Children in UK and Ireland

Disney and Make-A-Wish UK celebrated a special milestone, with 1,000 wishes granted through “A Disney Wish,” creating moments of joy, comfort and togetherness for seriously ill children and their families.

In collaboration with Make-A-Wish UK, “A Disney Wish” brings magic to wish children and their families who, due to complex circumstances, are not always able to travel to our parks. Over a few weeks, nearly 200 families enjoyed an unforgettable experience filled with magical moments at Dorking’s Wotton House.

Now in its sixth year, “A Disney Wish” creates accessible Disney experiences for Make-A-Wish families who face significant barriers to visiting Disney Parks. From a fully accessible carousel, often the first ride some children have ever been on, to a spectacular drone show, and immersive experiences with Disney characters, we bring the very best of the Disney experience to the wish children, which is adapted for specific medical, physical and sensory needs.

The UK event was just one wish moment that Disney and Make-A-Wish have collaborated on recently. Recently, Ireland’s first group wish experience welcomed 30 families to a unique weekend, which included a day aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship while she was docked in Cork, Ireland.

Disney Wishes Come True in an Enchanted Manor

“A Disney Wish” UK transformed Wotton House Hotel in Dorking, Surrey, into an enchanted manor for nearly 200 wish children and their families.

Across nine days, families enjoyed unforgettable experiences inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel, including a “Frozen” singalong, story time with Belle, a Pixar-themed play zone and Marvel Super Hero training. Special guests Hannah Waddingham, Sian Welby, and Giovanna Fletcher also joined the festivities.

“Today was really important for me because ‘A Disney Wish’ takes you out of yourself, whether you’re a wish child or a wish parent, and I can’t think of a better place for seriously ill children to spend time with their families,” said Hannah Waddingham.

Accessibility remained at the heart of the experience, with live shows signed in Makaton, an on-site sensory room and an arts and crafts area furnished with specially designed supplies for a range of abilities, ensuring every child could take part.

A First-of-Its-Kind Wish Experience Aboard the Disney Dream

During the Disney Dream’s visit to Cork, wish children and their families came together for a day of Disney magic aboard the ship.

Before embarking on the Disney Dream, the experience began with a welcome celebration featuring Joy and Sadness from Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out,” where each child received a Disney wish wand.

The following day, families boarded the ship for brunch at Royal Palace with Disney Princesses, themed arts and crafts, meeting Stitch in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, and a silent disco with Mickey Mouse and friends. Each child also received keepsakes including plush toys, pins, autograph books, and other souvenirs to commemorate the experience.

Make-A-Wish Child Tyler’s dad shared, “It was such an amazing day. It was filled with uplifting, rewarding moments from start to finish. Seeing the light in their eyes was so special. After all the heartbreak we’ve been through, to have a day like this — a day to simply enjoy and make memories together — was incredibly meaningful. It was just amazing.”

As Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its fleet and reach new destinations around the world, experiences like “A Disney Wish” can bring Disney stories, characters and magic directly to children and families in the communities it visits.

More than a Milestone

“A Disney Wish” creates meaningful, lasting memories away from the realities of treatment for children facing critical illnesses, when they need it most.

“I’ve been coming to “A Disney Wish” since it started, so seeing the 1,000th wish granted through the experience is incredibly special. Even as “A Disney Wish” has grown, every wish remains personal to the child and family at its heart. I’m hugely proud of what we’ve created with Make-A-Wish UK and everyone who helps bring it to life” said Deborah Armstrong, Country Manager for The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland.

Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together for more than 45 years, granting more than 175,000 life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses around the world. On average, Disney grants a wish every hour of every day. Learn more at Disney.com/Wishes.