If you say make a wish, I think of birthdays, genies and Disney. The phrase gives me the warm fuzzies but Disney wish granting is serious business that changes lives. I learned a lot about granting wishes at the Disney Social Media Celebration in Orlando. Let’s look at some important facts and interesting details regarding wishes.
1. Disney grants over 50% of wishes in the United States.
I’m not surprised considering Disneyland is the happiest place on earth and Walt Disney World is where dreams come true. Disney wishes are fulfilled other places though too. We heard a story about a boy who wanted to meet Wall-E. That’s not an experience offered at Disney Parks so the company made it happen at The Walt Disney Studios.
2. On average Disney grants one wish every hour.
So basically during your work day, eight kids experience life-changing magic. Got it.
3. Disney has granted over 130,000 wishes since 1980.
Genie would be exhausted but Disney keeps at it.
4. The average number of people it takes to grant one wish is 200.
It really does take people to make the dream a reality.
5. There is a Disney Wish Lounge in First Aid at Magic Kingdom.
This is a special place where wish kids and their families can relax, hydrate, watch movies and take a break. Disney friends regularly pop in for special visits. You can watch this quick video about a Cast Member who works at the Disneyland Wish Lounge and see inside it here.
6. Disney helped Make A Wish change the perception surrounding the organization.
The two partnered to help change the idea and messaging surrounding wishes from sad and sick to moving and empowering. Now it focuses on wording like improved quality of life, renewed energy and strength, being a part of something larger and the transformative power of wishes.
7. The #ShareYourEars partnership campaign between Make A Wish and The Walt Disney Company did more than raise money.
Remember when everyone was sharing pictures of themselves in ears so Disney would donate to Make A Wish? It raised money but also helped grow awareness and build the social media following of Make A Wish. It actually completely shifted the demographic of the organization’s online audience in a younger direction. This will make an impact for years to come.
8. Disney sends characters to Give Kids The World Village every week.
Give Kids The World Village is a special resort where children with critical illnesses and their families can stay during their wish trip. The Village has restaurants, an incredible zero entry pool for accessibility and even its own attractions and characters. The best part is, there is no cost for the families staying at Give Kids The World. It runs on donations and volunteers and it’s one of my favorite places in the world. I wrote about it so you can Get to Know Give Kids The World Village if you don’t already. I’ve been helping GKTW in different ways for over a decade and love to talk about it. Please ask me any questions about donating, volunteering, racing, fundraising, or what it’s like to be there serving the families!
9. Terminology surrounding wish children is purposeful and powerful.
Those making a wish are facing the biggest challenge of their life. There’s a small but meaningful difference in how we refer to these special folks. The mission behind granting wishes isn’t creating a marvelous last hoorah. That’s why it’s important to use a term like critical illness versus terminal illness. Critical is serious but optimistic and that’s what everyone is going for here.
10. Granting wishes can change outcomes.
Research shows happiness has a positive effect on your health. I was surprised to find out that most wish children overcome and survive their illnesses and conditions! Wishes make a difference and bring hope to the lives of children and their families when they need it most.
If you’re moved by these Disney wish granting facts or anything in this article, please share it to amplify awareness of this special cause.