Earlier this month, Walt Disney World Resort again welcomed the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express, a program dedicated to supporting families who have sadly lost a loved one in military service or as a first responder. The annual event brings hundreds of families together for five days of healing activities, community-building, and time to reconnect in a supportive environment.
Snowball Express began in 2006 and has grown into a major yearly tradition. The program moved to Walt Disney World in 2018, and since then, more than 23,000 children and surviving parents or guardians have attended the retreat. As he spoke to families in the Magic Kingdom, Gary Sinise emphasized the importance of the event, noting the program’s role in honoring sacrifice while giving families space to remember their loved ones in a hopeful environment.
This year’s retreat spans two weeks and offers families opportunities to strengthen bonds and connect with others who share similar experiences. The schedule features a mix of entertainment and remembrance, blending Disney’s sense of joy with moments of reflection.
One of the most meaningful parts of the retreat is the early-morning gathering at Magic Kingdom. Families receive exclusive access before the park opens to the public. The “Walk of Gratitude” down Main Street, U.S.A. takes place at daybreak, where nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS, many of them veterans, line the route to cheer the families on. The walk concludes at Cinderella Castle with a ceremony in which families place written messages to their fallen heroes into a ceremonial cauldron. In true Disney fashion, the notes are symbolically “sent to heaven” through a moment of staged magic.
Snowball Express continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military and first responder families and the importance of creating community around shared loss and healing.
To better understand the heart and impact of “Snowball Express,” we [Disney] sat down with Gary Sinise, founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, acclaimed philanthropist and actor, best known for his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump. His vision and dedication have transformed this program into a lifeline of hope for so many families of fallen heroes.
Head over to the official The Walt Disney Company website to read the entire discussion.
