865 · When Wishes Assemble: The Story of Disney and Make-A-Wish

About this episode

This episode explores the history and impact of the Disney and Make-A-Wish partnership, highlighting personal stories and community efforts.

865 · When Wishes Assemble: The Story of Disney and Make-A-Wish 45 years. 175,000 wishes. One out of every two Make-A-Wish wishes granted in America is a Disney wish. The Disney Make-A-Wish partnership is about far more than theme park vacations. Every single hour, somewhere in the world, Disney helps grant a wish for a child battling a critical illness - creating moments of hope, joy, strength, and healing for families who need it most. In this very personal episode, Lou shares the extraordinary history of Disney and Make-A-Wish, from the very first Disneyland wish in 1981 to the incredible “Wishes Assemble” event at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure, featuring Anthony Mackie, MrBeast, Mark Rober, Paul Bettany, and 40 remarkable children and their families. Along the way, he explores the emotional impact of wish granting, the medical research behind why wishes matter, and why this cause has become such an important part of the WDW Radio community for more than 20 years. You’ll hear stories about wish kids meeting their heroes, Disney Cast Members who once received wishes themselves, and how the WDW Radio Dream Team Project has helped raise more than $550,000 to help…

People in this episode

Host: Lou Mongello

Topics covered

• Make-A-Wish
• Disney partnership
• wish granting
• children's health
• emotional impact
• community support

Keywords

• Disney
• Make-A-Wish
• wishes
• children
• critical illness
• community
• hope
• joy
• strength
• healing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Make-A-Wish, Disney

Places: Disney California Adventure

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