PHILIPPINES – Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) recently joined hands with Make-A-Wish® to create a memorable ‘Summer Snow Day Wishes Celebration’ at the new World of Frozen, marking a significant moment for critically ill children and their families.
This heartwarming collaboration brought together eleven children with critical illnesses from various corners of the globe, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. These children, among approximately 130 guests, embarked on a journey to Hong Kong to experience the enchanting World of Frozen and witness their wishes coming true.
“Making wishes come true is some of the most important work that we do at Disney,” shared Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International, highlighting Disney’s longstanding commitment to Make-A-Wish. The event at HKDL aimed to offer a magical experience to these children, emphasizing the significance of wish-granting and spreading joy.
The inspiration for the event stemmed from Dominic, a wish child from Singapore battling hemophilia. His passion for knowledge in mathematics, science, engineering, and space was ignited by the creativity and technology showcased in Disney’s documentary “The Imagineering Story” on Disney+. His wish was to meet the Imagineers behind the scenes.
Dominic’s wish was fulfilled as he explored the innovative attractions, including Frozen Ever After and the Iron Man Experience, guided by Jo Phoa and Angus Chan from Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong. His enthusiasm for science and technology further ignited after his immersive experience.
Rhianne, a wish child from the Philippines, expressed her excitement about her first overseas trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. Her anticipation to visit the World of Frozen and experience attractions like Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs mirrored the anticipation she held during the pandemic-induced wait for her wish to materialize.
Dr. Kevin Lau, Board Director of Make-A-Wish International, expressed gratitude to Hong Kong Disneyland for orchestrating this special event, marking the first time wishes from the Southeast Asia region were granted at the park. To commemorate the event and celebrate Make-A-Wish Hong Kong’s 25th anniversary, HKDL will donate a portion of sales proceeds to support Make-A-Wish Hong Kong’s initiatives.
The collaboration between Disney and Make-A-Wish has fulfilled over 150,000 Disney-inspired wishes globally over 40 years. HKDL remains committed to creating lasting magical memories for wish children and supporting Make-A-Wish’s noble cause.
