Disney Celebrates World Wish Day With Donation and #FriendLikeMe Challenge

Today is World Wish Day and to make this year’s celebration just a little cheerier, Walt Disney World resort is investing $20,000 into Make-A-Wish in Central and Northern Florida. But the magic isn’t stopping there. The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish have launched a new #FriendLikeMe Challenge putting the power of wish granting into everyone’s hands.

What’s happening:

  • In celebration of today’s World Wish Day, the Walt Disney World Resort is investing $20,000 in Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.
  • Every year over 8,400 wishes are granted at Disney’s parks and resorts thanks to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
  • Through generous support, donations, and investments, children with life threatening illnesses can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is truly magical.  
  • Also today, The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish are launching the #FriendLikeMe Challenge to celebrate the May 24, 2019 release of the new movie Aladdin.
  • “Where there’s a wish, there’s a way” to help children with critical illnesses and Disney is about to start granting wishes!
  • Starting today through 24 May, for every public Twitter and Instagram post with #FriendLikeMe from, Disney Worldwide Services will donate $5 up to $1 million to Make-A-Wish to help grant life-changing wishes all over the world. To learn more, visit FriendLikeMe.org.

What they’re saying:

  • Rena Langley, senior vice president of public affairs at Walt Disney World Resort: “Seeing the magic of Disney through the eyes of a wish child is an unforgettable experience. Granting these inspiring wishes at Walt Disney World Resort creates magical memories not only for the families, but also for our Cast Members who help make these special wishes come true.”
  • Anne Cuba, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida: “Disney-inspired wishes have long been the most requested among wish kids across the country. Granting a child’s wish is already a magical experience, but folding the Disney magic into it as well makes for an unforgettable, life-changing moment for the child and their family.”

Did you know?:

  • Nearly half of the children eligible for wishes through wish-granting nonprofit organizations in the United States choose a Disney-inspired wish, including visits to Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Disney has a longstanding partnership with Make-A-Wish, dating back to 1980 when the first official wish kid’s dreams came true at Disneyland Resort.
  • Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, sits on the national board of directors for the organization.
  • One of every two Make-A-Wish wishes in the United States comes true each year in partnership with The Walt Disney Company.
  • Throughout the years, more than 130,000 Disney-inspired wishes have been granted through Make-A-Wish.