Disney Cruise Line Grants Magical Journeys to Make-A-Wish Families
ORLANDO, Florida – As part of The Walt Disney Company’s inaugural “Disney Week of Wishes,” celebrating 45 years of partnership with Make-A-Wish, Disney Cruise Line recently helped make dreams come true at sea. Three Make-A-Wish children and their families had their wishes granted with an unforgettable voyage aboard the aptly named Disney Wish.
Disney Cruise Line’s dedicated cast and crew were thrilled to welcome Kara, Delaney, and Anthony along with their families for a magical cruise vacation. They sailed from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Nassau, The Bahamas, and Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Disney Castaway Cay. While on board, they enjoyed incredible live shows, spectacular fireworks, special moments with beloved characters, and much more.
These efforts highlight why Disney is the world’s largest wish-granter for Make-A-Wish, fulfilling a wish every hour of every day.
Meet the Wish Kids
Kara Betancourt, 15, from Colorado, had dreamed of sailing with Disney Cruise Line ever since seeing her first TV commercial. Nonverbal, Kara gleefully signed “big boat” in American Sign Language when asked her wish. She was joined by her sister, Ella, also a Make-A-Wish recipient, and their parents. The family loved floating in the turquoise waters of Disney Castaway Cay and catching bubbles during “The Little Mermaid” stage show.
Delaney Binker, 15, from Florida, was excited to embark on the Disney Wish and visit her first foreign country, The Bahamas. She sailed with her mom, dad, brother, and best friend, her grandma. Onboard, Delaney met all her favorite Disney princesses. “The smile that she’s had this entire trip has said everything it needs to,” her dad Brian shared. “Only Disney can do it better than anybody else.”
Anthony DiDonato, 17, from Colorado, is a big fan of cruising and enjoyed his first Disney Cruise Line experience. His younger sister Aubrey, 10, noted that Anthony was “really happy” during the sailing and “loves spending time with his family.” Anthony, Aubrey, their parents, and extended family members dressed up in pirate gear for the Pirates in the Caribbean deck party, dancing under the fireworks on the upper decks.
Meet the Wish Makers
While onboard, Anthony, Delaney, and Kara connected with many Disney Cruise Line crew members who helped make their voyages even more magical. “Crew and cast members have gone out of their way and just make you feel like you’re the most special person on the ship,” said Delaney’s mom, Carolyn.
The inspiration flowed both ways, as the courage and resilience of guests like Anthony, Delaney, and Kara deeply moved and inspired the crew.
Dining team members expressed their pride in serving Make-A-Wish families. “You’re creating memories that they’re going to cherish for the rest of their life. It makes me happy inside,” said Gilmar “Gil” Carneiro from Brazil. Richard Allemant Vera from Italy added, “We do something magical; it’s really beautiful.”
The World’s Largest Wish Granter
Disney proudly holds the title of the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, and Disney Cruise Line cast and crew are thrilled to play a significant role in creating magic for these special families.
Since 2010, Disney Cruise Line has granted over 5,600 wishes for children globally. When the Disney Wish debuted in 2022, Disney Cruise Line uniquely honored Make-A-Wish by naming all Make-A-Wish children — past, present, and future — as godchildren of the ship.
Disney and Make-A-Wish have collaborated since 1980, granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses worldwide. Historically, one out of every two wishes granted in the U.S. through Make-A-Wish has been a Disney wish. For nearly 45 years, Disney has brought joy to kids and families when they need it most, granting over 165,000 wishes. For children facing critical illnesses, a Disney wish can be transformative, providing happiness, hope, and inspiration during challenging times.
