We spoke with Brendan Yee, a Disney VoluntEAR, about his experience helping to create moments that matter for Wish children and their families at A Disney Wish over the past four years.
What was your first Disney VoluntEAR experience like? What’s kept you coming back over the years?
My first experience was Buzz’s Buddies, and it was, in a word: a fun, fulfilling whirl-wind. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I signed up, but I was ready to get straight into it.
I’ve kept coming back – in the least clichéd way possible – to give back. What is a day or two of my time in the grand scheme of things if I can help make a memory? And I don’t mean just for the children or the families, I mean for me too!
What’s the most magical moment you’ve experienced at A Disney Wish?
I tell this one a lot because it really stuck with me, and most of the volunteers will certainly have a similar story. I’m a firm believer that these moments are what keep us coming back!
It was with a child named Jake, who was the youngest of a large family, with three sisters and his parents. He was evidently a super-energetic kid.
He was a prodigy at batting, which was unfortunate for me, as I had the first shift on garden games and spent the hour pitching and chasing after the ball (in the heat). We had minimal dialogue in between bats, as it was obvious that he was a focused athlete.
After my shift ended, he asked when I was back out again. I said not until the next day, which he was visibly upset about. So, I worked with the other volunteers to get my schedule shifted so I could get as much time with him as possible.
We had this back-and-forth for two whole days: high fives in the hallways, catching up about his day when we met in other areas, and, of course, plenty of rounders.
By the end, when it was time to leave, I never got a chance to say goodbye. Despite this, as I was getting onto the bus at the front of the hotel, I heard my name called in a rather high-pitched tone that I was, by that point, very familiar with.
He sprinted up to the bus and gave me a hug, with his dad waiting by the entrance. He just wanted to see me off and said he really enjoyed the time we spent in the garden.
That’ll stay with me for a while.
Describe your experience at A Disney Wish 2026 in 3 words. Why did you choose these?
Enjoy little moments.
I chose these three words because they almost encapsulate everything about A Disney Wish. The little moments will surprisingly be the ones that will really stay with you years from now. With so much happening, it’s worth reminding yourself to pause and take in the atmosphere.
Just be open to what’s going on around you. If you’re at the Frozen sing-along and you find yourself as the only one not dancing, give it a go. Wiggle those hands, belt out a tune. The kids notice it and get more excited that you’re joining in. Just get involved!
What would be your advice to cast members who would like to get involved in A Disney Wish next year?
Do your best with names. Anyone’s name – the children, their mum, their nan, the hotel staff! It goes a long way, more than you might realise. Especially this year, I had a few different parents came up to me and say that they really appreciated the extra effort – as it’s just as special for the brothers and sisters, and having someone remember their name helps them feel part of the magic too.
What is something that surprised you about this year’s A Disney Wish compared to last year’s?
One of the new touches that stood out for me this year was the dancefloor in the Pixar Room. It was a crowd favourite and brightened up the room, literally!
What does the typical day of a VoluntEAR look like at A Disney Wish?
Getting up with a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling in your brain and stomach, surrounded by other volunteers with probably the same thoughts and feelings.
Heading to the venue all fired up once you get chatting. Then fuelling up with a hearty breakfast!
Then, heading to whatever your schedule has waiting for you – it could be anything from setting up crafts to getting your best salesman impression out in The Enchanted Emporium!
The families will have loads of things planned throughout their day, so just being there for them and your fellow volunteers is a key role.
Another little-known source of joy is to walk families from event to event – the perfect time to get to know them!
How would you describe A Disney Wish to someone who doesn’t know what it is?
For me, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, with so many memorable highs.
Seeing the effect that our storytelling has on the children reminds you just how special Disney is.
About Disney VoluntEARS
Volunteering is an important and enduring part of our company’s culture. Through our Disney VoluntEARS program, the company encourages passionate employees around the globe to donate their time and talents to their local communities. Our employees and cast members worldwide have collectively contributed more than 14 million hours of service to their communities.