Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) and The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland have unveiled a ‘‘Moana’’ and ‘‘Lilo & Stitch’’-themed indoor play space at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London. Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia, stars of Disney’s live action film ‘‘Moana’’, joined patients and families to open the new space ahead of the film’s release in cinemas nationwide on 10 July.
The new indoor play space is a first-of-its-kind inclusive extension of the Disney Reef play area at GOSH and a multi-sensory environment inspired by beloved Disney characters from ‘‘Moana’’ and ‘‘Lilo & Stitch’’. The space marks the latest milestone in Disney’s longstanding collaboration with GOSH Charity. Designed with accessibility at its heart, it can accommodate a wide range of sensory, physical and medical needs for children at GOSH, which treats children from across the UK and internationally with the rarest and most complex medical conditions. It has been shaped by input from the charity-funded hospital Play team, current and former GOSH patients, parents, hospital experts and Disney designers to help seriously ill children experience precious childhood moments while in hospital.
Features include an interactive game-technology water experience that lets children move water like ‘‘Moana’’. The fully wheelchair- and hospital-bed-accessible space also features a bespoke soundscape, integrated Braille for blind and visually impaired children, and a dynamic light experience with a digital sun that shifts in real time. Lighting and sound levels are adjustable to support both high and low sensory needs.
Bella’s mum, Sophie, said: “It was so special to see Bella meet the characters from the film that meant so much to her during her recovery. I honestly don’t think we’ll ever be able to top today – it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’ll never forget.”
Deborah Armstrong, Country Manager UK & Ireland at The Walt Disney Company EMEA, said: “Children need a space where they can just be kids, even in the toughest moments, and this new space helps make that possible. At Disney, we’re incredibly proud of our decades-long collaboration with GOSH Charity, and this inclusive, immersive environment is the latest way we’re bringing the magic of Disney to children and families who need it most. The exceptional attention to detail reflects the care and dedication of teams across our organisations, and its accessible design ensures we can bring comfort, joy and a sense of escape to even more children, regardless of their physical or sensory needs”.
Louise Parkes, Chief Executive of GOSH Charity, said: “GOSH Charity exists to ensure seriously ill children get the best chance and the best childhood possible, and thanks to Disney’s generosity and the expertise of our charity-funded Play team this wonderful new space will help more children at GOSH to experience the joyful moments of play that are so important in their formative years.”
“It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved through the longstanding partnership between GOSH Charity and Disney, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued support.”
The Disney Reef is dedicated to the children and young people of GOSH and the Young People’s Forum (YPF), a group of GOSH patients and siblings who help shape the patient experience and whose ideas helped bring the Disney Reef to life. The Disney Reef also includes a special thank you to Bob Iger, former Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. During Iger’s tenure as CEO, Disney contributed more than $12 million to GOSH Charity. This includes a commitment to create a MediCinema theatre that features a fully accessible cinema experience for patients and families and a new inclusive sensory play space expanding the Disney Reef.
Disney’s collaboration with GOSH dates back to 1951 when Walt Disney first visited Great Ormond Street Hospital. Since then, the partnership with GOSH Charity has evolved to become a key part of Disney’s commitment to supporting children facing serious illness, through continued investments in immersive, patient-focused environments, helping bring the comfort and joy through beloved characters to children and families who most need it.
For over 100 years, Disney has supported children and communities around the world through its social purpose programmes. That legacy continues through the Disney Moments That Matter programme where Disney works with healthcare experts and trusted charity partners to bring joy, comfort and togetherness to children experiencing serious illness or isolation across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 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.
