Disney Wish Delivers Dreams for Make-A-Wish Kids
Disney Cruise Line recently celebrated the first-ever Disney Week of Wishes aboard the Disney Wish, granting the heartfelt wishes of three remarkable young guests and their families. Sailing from Port Canaveral on a three-night Bahamian itinerary, Make-A-Wish recipients Kara Betancourt, Delaney Binker and Anthony DiDonato stepped into a world of wonder that blended island adventures with classic Disney storytelling.
Fifteen-year-old Kara, who is nonverbal and communicates in American Sign Language, chose “big boat” as her wish. Accompanied by her sister Ella—also a Make-A-Wish honoree—and their parents, Kara experienced her dream Disney Cruise Line voyage for the first time. From the moment the family disembarked in Nassau to their carefree day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, Kara’s joy was unmistakable. Her laughter rang out as bubbles drifted through The Walt Disney Theatre during The Little Mermaid stage performance, and she beamed as she explored the island’s powder-white beaches and turquoise waters.
Florida native Delaney, also 15, embarked on her first trip abroad when she boarded the Disney Wish. Joined by her parents, brother and grandmother, she met her favorite princesses and collected autographs under the warm Bahamian sun. Delaney’s father, Brian, noted that his daughter’s radiant smile throughout the voyage spoke volumes, adding that only Disney could create such a magical moment for her.
Seventeen-year-old Anthony, an avid cruiser from Colorado, took to the high seas with his family for his inaugural Disney Cruise Line adventure. Anthony, his younger sister Aubrey, parents and extended relatives danced under fireworks at the Pirates in the Caribbean deck party and sampled the ship’s signature dining experiences. Aubrey described her brother’s delight in spending treasured time with their family against the backdrop of the ship’s spectacular evening light show.
Disney Cruise Line crew members personalized every detail to ensure these Make-A-Wish families felt uniquely celebrated. From surprise character breakfasts to impromptu dance parties, cast and crew went above and beyond. “You’re creating memories that they’re going to cherish for the rest of their life,” said Gilmar “Gil” Carneiro, a dining team member, while Italian crew member Richard Allemant Vera reflected, “We do something magical; it’s really beautiful.”
This tribute voyage is part of Disney’s four-and-a-half-decade partnership with Make-A-Wish. Since the program’s inception in 1980, Disney has granted more than 165,000 wishes—making it the world’s largest wish-granting organization. Disney Cruise Line alone has fulfilled over 5,600 wishes since its first Make-A-Wish sailings in 2010, with the Disney Wish debut serving as godchild to every Make-A-Wish child past, present and future.
As the ship returned to Port Canaveral, the three Make-A-Wish families disembarked with treasured souvenirs, from signed princess portraits to photos of sandcastle-building contests on Castaway Cay. For Kara, Delaney and Anthony, the voyage aboard Disney Wish was more than a holiday—it became a beacon of hope, healing and joy.
In celebrating these wish voyages during Disney Week of Wishes, Disney Cruise Line reaffirmed its commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences that uplift young guests and their families. By combining world-class entertainment, immersive character encounters and the unparalleled magic of a Disney vacation at sea, Disney continues to transform dreams into reality, one voyage at a time.
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