Disney and Make-A-Wish UK are celebrating a major milestone, granting the 1,000th wish through “A Disney Wish” in the UK and Ireland. Part of the Disney Moments That Matter programme, the unique immersive experience brings the magic of Disney storytelling and characters closer to home for children experiencing serious illness and their families.
This year, more than 200 wish children and their families stepped into a world of Disney magic at Wotton House in Surrey. Now in its sixth year, “A Disney Wish” granted approximately 200 wishes over nine days, with every aspect of the experience designed to ensure every child could experience the event, regardless of their complex medical, physical or sensory needs.
This year’s experience transformed Wotton House into an enchanted manor inspired by Disney stories and characters. Families enjoyed immersive experiences including bespoke shows, character moments, themed play areas and more. Activities included a singalong show inspired by Disney’s “Frozen”, story time with Belle from ‘‘Beauty and the Beast’’, a Pixar-themed play zone and a training activity inspired by Marvel Super Heroes. 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, helping ensure every child could take part.
Deborah Armstrong, Country Manager for The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland said: “I’ve been coming to “A Disney Wish” for several years, 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, including our Disney Cast Members and Disney VoluntEARS.”
Jason Suckley, Chief Executive for Make-A-Wish UK, said: “Reaching 1,000 wishes granted through “A Disney Wish” in the UK and Ireland is an incredible milestone. Behind that number are 1,000 children, each with their own story, personality and idea of what their wish should be.”
“Critical illness can take so much away from childhood. A wish gives a child the chance to dream beyond their illness and experience something centred entirely around them, bringing joy, freedom and precious time together as a family. Through “A Disney Wish”, we bring Make-A-Wish’s understanding of wish children and their families together with Disney’s unique stories, characters and experiences to create something truly special for each child. That’s what this partnership is about, and why reaching this milestone means so much.”
To celebrate the milestone of the 1,000th wish, special guests Hannah Waddingham, Siân Welby and Giovanna Fletcher made special appearances to join wish children and their families.
Hannah Waddingham said: “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. Having had a daughter who was very poorly when she was younger, I always thought it would be a no-brainer that I would help Make-A-Wish and lend any support that I could.”
Disney and Make-A-Wish have collaborated for over 45 years to grant more than 175,000 life-changing wishes for children experiencing serious illness around the world. As the world’s largest wish granter, on average, Disney helps fulfil a wish every hour of every day through its stories, characters, experiences and Cast Members across the globe. The collaboration is a key part of the “Disney Moments That Matter” programme, which brings moments of joy, comfort and togetherness to children experiencing serious illness or social isolation during childhood.
About Disney: Moments That Matter Programme
The Disney Moments That Matter Programme brings moments of joy, comfort and togetherness to children experiencing serious illness or social isolation during childhood. Through collaborating with wish-granting organisations, healthcare experts in hospitals and trusted charity partners across its communities, Disney brings the power of its brand, stories and characters to help create magical moments when they are needed the most. These experiences support children’s wellbeing during times of stress, fear and uncertainty, helping to ease anxiety and create opportunities for connection, escape and emotional strength that lasts well beyond the moment itself. Since launching in 2020, half a million moments of joy, comfort and togetherness have been delivered by the programme for children and families across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. By 2030 Disney’s ambition is to deliver over one million moments for children when it matters most.
