Since being a part of the first wish that Make-A-Wish officially granted in 1981, The Walt Disney Company has had a strong connection with the organization, helping to make the dreams of more than 150,000 children come true. “We know the power of the Disney brand when it comes to evoking positive emotions,” said Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro, who is a board member for Make-A-Wish America. “And we take great pride in the fact that we have granted 150,000 wishes with Make-A-Wish since 1981.”
In honor of this wonderful tradition, Disneyland Park has dedicated three windows on Main Street U.S.A., right above the Wish Lounge, which serves as a calming respite in Disneyland Park for wish kids and their families during their visits to the resort. The center window is dedicated to Make-A-Wish as a whole, celebrating all the wish kids’ past, present, and future. The two-sided windows honor Make-A-Wish inspiration Chris Greicius and Frank “Bopsy” Salazar, who was the first official receiver of a wish by Make-A-Wish.
The window dedication ceremony included remarks from Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Leslie Motter and Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro.
‘Since we began partnering with Make-A-Wish in 1980, wish-granting has been in our DNA. At every level across the company, Disney cast members are passionate about working with Make-A-Wish to create hope, happiness and make dreams come true,’ said Potrock. ‘Today, we are thrilled to celebrate our relationship with the very first window dedicated to an organization at Disneyland in honor of all Wish kids – past, present and future.’
Disney Parks Blog
Take A Closer Look At Disneyland’s Make-A-Wish Windows
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
