Walt Disney World’s Once Upon a Wish Party.Photo:Copyright: The Walt Disney Company
Copyright: The Walt Disney Company
Disney magic has ascended to a whole new level.
As part of theMake-A-Wishprogram,Walt Disney Worldrecently invited 50 wish kids to its inaugural Once Upon a Wish party, which “proclaimed wish kids as royalty for the day and had them meet more than 30 Disney Princesses and characters,” according toan official release.
“Every little girl dreams of going to a royal ball,” Mikayla, who was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, told PEOPLE ahead of the party, which was held Aug. 25 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Florida.
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Walt Disney World’s Once Upon a Wish Party.Copyright: The Walt Disney Company
“As a performer, having the opportunity to sing at the ball is more than I could have ever imagined,” added Mikayla, whose wish was to sing at a Disney park.
And of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse made an appearance, dressed in their majestic best.
Asked which Princess is her favorite, Mikayla told PEOPLE, “I have always identified the most with Elsa. Like her, I too have a younger sister, Makenna, I am extremely close to; she’s my best friend.”
“I also admire Elsa’s strength in being confident in who she is and wanting to protect others,” the talented teen added.
Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, told PEOPLE ahead of the event, “For more than 40 years, Disney has been providing hope to wish kids and their families when they need it most.”
“I can’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of these wish kids, who have had to endure so many challenges, as their wishes come true,” she said. “It will be truly life-changing for everyone involved.”
Mikayla said that she’s about to begin her senior year of high school, which she’s “looking forward to finishing strong.”
“After that, I plan to go to college and hopefully see what doors in music open,” she says. “I am so thankful to be healthy, and look forward to whatever the future holds!”
Aside from Mikayla, other attendees at the event included 8-year-old Lily from Middletown, Delaware; 7-year-old Scarlett from Orlando, Florida; and 4-year-old Andi from Bridgewater, New Jersey. All three had Disney Princess-related wishes.
“The Once Upon A Wish Party gives wish kids and their families a chance to feel like a normal family again – perhaps for the first time since the start of their medical journey,” Motter says. “We hope that the power and positivity of the wish serves as a springboard for the families, helping them to face and overcome whatever challenges come their way.”
source: people.com
