Lilo’s Wish: From the Hospital to The Happiest Place on Earth 

All throughout Disney Week of Wishes, Disney is celebrating signature wish experiences around the world. A Disney wish is granted every hour of every day, and the company’s relationship with Make-A-Wish spans over 45 years, dating back to the organization’s very first wish which was granted at Disneyland Resort. One of nearly 200 wishes highlighted this week belongs to a little girl who’s wish to visit Disneyland Resort also came true.  

Meet 5-year-old Lilo, a Make-A-Wish kid who wished to meet Princess Cinderella at Disneyland Resort. But, Lilo and her family’s connection to Disney began way before her wish was granted.  

Back in December, Disney threw a holiday party featuring a character visit from Stitch,  a Zootopia 2 movie party and screening at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. There, we met Lilo and her family of Disney super fans. (That’s right, Lilo was named after Disney’s Lilo and Stitch.)  

“I first met Lilo’s parents Norma and Eder at the children’s hospital, where I had the pleasure of hearing their story and learning just how much Disney means to their family,” shared Kayla Springmyer Diez, Associate Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility Marketing & Communications at Disney. “As soon as they told me about Lilo’s wish to visit Disneyland and meet Princess Cinderella, I knew we had to make it special for them.”  

Going Above and Beyond to Make Wishes Come True

Flash forward a few months, and it was time to make Lilo’s wish come true! Wish granting is at the core of what we do at Disney – bringing joy to kids when it’s needed most. These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the thousands of Disney cast members and employees who go above and beyond to create extraordinary experiences for the kids. In fact, many cast members are wish-granting volunteers, parents of wish kids, or even wish alumni themselves.  

Their passion for Make-A-Wish was on display when Lilo and her family arrived at Disneyland Park, before it opened, and were welcomed by 158 Disneyland Resort cast members lining Main Street, U.S.A. to give them the royal reception they deserve.  

The magic didn’t end there. Once inside the park, Fairy Godmother made a surprise appearance, arriving inside Cinderella’s royal coach. After giving Lilo the biggest hug, she helped her into the coach for an early morning story time. 

“It’s an honor any time a child chooses Disneyland Resort for their most heartfelt wish,” shared Kimberly Chips, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility at Disneyland Resort. “Wish granting is at the heart of what we do. So many cast members from across the resort came together to add a little extra pixie dust to Lilo’s wish and make her feel like the princess she is.” 

A Sprinkle of Pixie Dust

Lilo later experienced the full princess treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where she got her hair and makeup done by a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice while donning her favorite Disney Princess’s dress – Cinderella.  

After her magical princess makeover, Lilo’s wish came true when she got her very own experience with Cinderella. 

“From witnessing the joy Disney brought Lilo in the hospital to seeing her face light up with pure giddiness when her wish to meet Cinderella finally came true, it was so special to be part of this full circle moment with Lilo and her family,” shared Springmyer Diez.  

After this magical morning, Lilo and her family enjoyed the rest of their vacation at both Disneyland Resort theme parks, staying at the Disneyland Hotel. Their adventures even included an encounter with Lilo’s friend, Stitch.  

From delivering comfort and joy to kids at children’s hospitals to the life-changing wishes we grant with Make-A-Wish, Disney is committed to supporting kids and families in ways that only Disney can.