Every day, people vacation in Walt Disney World and create memories they will never forget. This was particularly true for a seven-year-old girl named Maddie on her family’s most recent trip the Magic Kingdom. Maddie’s parents Joe Hawkey and Tiffany Bankert are no longer together, but they didn’t let that spoil the fun of a Disney vacation for their daughter.
Originally Maddie flew to the most magical place on earth with just her dad and stepmother Brianna, but she was later surprised when her mom and stepfather Luke showed up! To celebrate the comradery, the family made matching shirts in the iconic Disney font that said on the back, “#co-parenting”, with Maddie’s shirt simply saying, “#bestdayever.” Special memories like this one are created every day at Walt Disney World, but this story in particular reached news sites around the world including publications in New Zealand!
According to Maddie’s dad Joe, she was “beyond thrilled to have everyone there.” Although this family may be unique, their common love for their daughter is what holds them together. Joe said, “all of us (are) able to understand the love we have for the same child. We all want her to succeed in life. She is our number one priority.”
Credit: stuff.co.nz
Photos: Joe Hawkey Photography
Stephen "Steve" Porter started going to the parks with his family in 1996. Since then he hasn't looked back! Steve was a cast member participating in the Disney College Program in 2013. Most recently he graduated from Penn State University!
