As the world’s largest WishMaker for Make-A-Wish®, on average, a Disney wish is granted every hour of every day. New video inspired by true stories reveals the spark behind every wish and how Disney turns imagination into reality.
Today, The Walt Disney Company EMEA has launched “Disney Week of Wishes,” an annual celebration of its longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish that harnesses the full power of Disney’s stories, characters, and experiences across the company to grant life-changing wishes for children around the world.
As the world’s largest WishMaker — granting a Disney wish on average every hour, every day — this special week will spotlight nearly 200 signature wish experiences around the world.
Highlights include welcoming wish families to Disneyland Paris for the World of Frozen Grand Opening, where a Frozen-themed weekend featured a special performance by Lou, a Make-A-Wish child, during the ceremony, marking the 25,000th wish granted in the park through tailored wish experience weekends throughout the year, as well as bringing together 80 children from 10 European countries to celebrate World Wish Day during a three-day Frozen-themed experience – and many more wishes that only Disney can make come true.
“We’re honoured that so many wish kids choose Disney. Our stories bring joy, hope and inspiration to millions around the world, and that’s a privilege we take very seriously,” said Disney Chief Executive Officer Josh D’Amaro. “Our work with Make-A-Wish speaks to the connection that generations of families have with Disney and builds on Walt’s legacy of using storytelling to spread joy when it’s needed most.”
“For wish kids and their families, Disney represents joy, imagination, and hope during some of their most difficult moments,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “This 45-year relationship has never been stronger, and Disney Week of Wishes will spotlight the remarkable scale and lasting impact of Disney’s commitment to bringing life-changing wishes to children around the world.”
During this magical week, Make-A-Wish America will honor former longtime Disney CEO Bob Iger with the inaugural WishMaker Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the extraordinary impact on wish kids’ lives under his leadership, with more than 110,000 Disney wishes granted during his tenure. Last year alone, Disney provided Make-A-Wish with $30 million of support.
Disney Week of Wishes kicks off with the debut of Drawn to You, a new brand spot directed by Emmy®‑nominated filmmaker Goh Iromoto. The spot is inspired by true stories and the Make-A-Wish official Wish Discovery Phase that uses conversation, play and art to help children express their heartfelt wish. From dancing with Stitch, to winning the Piston Cup alongside Lightening McQueen, to having fun with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, this piece explores not just how a wish comes true, but how it comes to be—from imagination to reality.
“When a child falls in love with a Disney story, that connection can become a source of comfort, creativity and hope,” said Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, The Walt Disney Company. “Drawn to You was created to capture that journey of how fandom sparks imagination, and how that imagination often becomes the heart of a wish. It’s a powerful reminder that every wish begins with something deeply personal, and we’re honoured to help bring those moments to life.”
Since the first official wish was granted at Disneyland 45 years ago, Disney and Make-A-Wish have teamed up to grant more than 175,000 life-changing wishes around the world.
All week, the Disney UK and Ireland LinkedIn will share wish stories around the world for fans to follow along.