All media courtesy Disney Parks BlogSince 1980, the Walt Disney Company has granted over 150,000 wishes to critically ill children and their families. But five-year-old Marie received a wish that will be impossible to replicate! Disney Parks Blog shared the story. Make sure you watch the video, even if you don’t speak French!
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This Disney and Make-A-Wish Surprise is One-of-a-Kind
by Shelby Grasser, Manager – Corporate Citizenship, Disney Experiences
At the exciting reopening of Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris, a special 5-year-old Make-A-Wish child made history as the first-ever person to step foot inside the hotel.
Marie’s wish was to become a princess. With a bit of pixie dust, Make-A-Wish France and Disneyland Paris granted her wish and issued a royal invitation as the guest of honor, an opportunity only offered on a magnificent occasion like this one.
On the opening day of the five-star Disneyland Hotel, Marie was whisked away on a magical adventure. The illustrious doors opened to a welcome party fit for a princess, with Mickey Mouse and a host of cast members filling the lobby and lining the grand lobby staircase in celebration of Marie, their first-ever guest.
As if Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother had planned the day herself, Marie enjoyed many of the enchanting experiences offered to guests at Disneyland Hotel. The first stop was Marie’s room for the night, the Disneyland Hotel Royal Suite, where she was transported to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace atop the North Mountain from “Frozen.” Marie spent the day completely immersed in her favorite movie. After settling in, Marie experienced her very own princess makeover with the help of a few cast members and a little bit of pixie dust. An abundance of smiles and laughter ensued when Queen Elsa herself stopped by the suite for a special visit. After this splendid moment, Marie explored the hotel and met other Princesses such as Snow White and Aurora.
As if it couldn’t get any better, Marie’s magnificent day continued with a visit to Sleeping Beauty Castle where she stepped up to the royal balcony and enjoyed a unique and exceptional view of the park. After her castle experience, Marie enjoyed many Disneyland Park attractions and watched the incredible “Disney Stars on Parade.”
“There is no word to describe the experience we had and the emotions we felt. This stay was beyond our wildest dreams. All the moments of escapism we experienced are just unforgettable,” said Marie’s mother Aurore.
In honor of the grand opening of Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris, Marie received an irreplicable wish, an extra special experience for an extra special occasion. Granting life-changing wishes like Marie’s is part of Disney’s commitment to deliver joy when it’s needed most. Wishes uplift spirits and unite families, friends and communities worldwide. Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted wishes for more than 150,000 children facing critical illnesses. To learn more, visit worldwish.org/disney.