“Magic is in the air, and wishes are being granted left and right! In a week that’s been nothing short of extraordinary, the House of Mouse has been spreading joy and making dreams come true. From the electrifying world of superheroes to the stage of a beloved singing competition, Disney Entertainment has been celebrating a week of wishes that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
Meeting the Heroes: Aurora’s Marvelous Experience with Sebastian Stan on the set of Thunderbolts*
For 18-year-old Aurora, meeting Sebastian Stan, aka James “Buchanan” Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier, on the set of Thunderbolts* was more than just a wish come true – it was a life-altering experience. As a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) superfan, Aurora had been waiting for this moment for a long time. And when it finally happened, it exceeded all her expectations.
“I was so grateful that I got to hug this person who had done so much for me,” Aurora, who has lived with chronic gastrointestinal disorder and debilitating arthritis for much of her life, said on ABC News’ Good Morning America. “I wanted to make sure that I got the chance to tell [Stan] how much [he] did for me, and I got to do that. And I am so grateful.”
The meeting was just as impactful for Stan as it was for Aurora. Along with co-stars Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, and David Harbour, Stan signed autographs, posed for pictures, and spent time making memories with each wish child.
The production team also surprised Aurora with cupcakes to celebrate her 18th birthday on set – which, coincidentally, happened one year before Thunderbolts* releases in theaters May 2. But that wasn’t the only surprise. At one point, Stan suggested that he and Aurora should trade dog tags, as she had a replica of his character’s iconic tags made, and he continued to wear hers throughout the duration of filming.
“I just thought, ‘Maybe you should have mine and I’ll have yours,'” the actor recalled. “It was a good moment. It was very touching.”
Ultimately, Stan said, “Any time we have an opportunity to interact face to face and see the amount of joy and gratitude these kids have — just from a simple hello — it fills you up.”
Backstage Pass: Adira and Brantley’s Unforgettable American Idol Experience with Luke Bryan
Season after season, dreams come true on the American Idol stage. This year was a little different, though, as Luke Bryan made two wishes come true backstage before Monday’s taping.
Country music superstar Bryan gave 9-year-old Adira and 10-year-old Brantley a personal tour of the American Idol set, giving them an exclusive look at what goes on behind the scenes of the hit ABC reality competition series.
Not only that, but Adira and Brantley got to meet this year’s contestants, walk the blue carpet, and receive signed posters from all three judges and Ryan Seacrest to keep as a memento.
To cap things off, the wish kids and their families sat in the audience during a “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame/Iconic Idol Moments”-themed episode.
“When Brantley was 3 years old, he got to attend a Luke Bryan concert, and he’s just been the biggest fan ever since,” Paulson said. “And Adira gets very excited speaking about Luke. We’re so happy that we were able to bring them on set and have a private meet-and-greet opportunity on the blue carpet with their favorite artist.”
The Impact of Wishes
Filling Up with Joy: The impact of wishes on the children and the celebrities involved
For the past 45 years, The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish have made wishes come true for more than 165,000 children facing critical illnesses and their families around the world.
As part of the first-ever Disney Week of Wishes, three kids’ wishes were granted when they were invited to meet their heroes, Thunderbolts* star Sebastian Stan and American Idol judge Luke Bryan, on the sets of their respective film and television series.
“Our wishes are really tied to our superpower of storytelling,” Lizzy Paulson, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Disney Entertainment, said. “All wishes are unique and different, and in order to grant those that come to Disney Entertainment, we work across various internal stakeholders – including legal, HR, production, and talent relations, to name a few — because there are so many moving parts.”
Sarah Whitney, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Disney Entertainment, added, “At Disney Entertainment, we are able to create a more robust experience for each wish child as opposed to a simple meet and greet with their favorite celebrities. We offer some truly incredible day-long experiences — wishes that only Disney is able to provide.”
Creating Lasting Memories: How Disney Entertainment goes above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences
From granting wishes to creating unforgettable experiences, Disney Entertainment goes above and beyond to make sure that every wish child feels like a superstar.
Whether it’s a private meet-and-greet opportunity with their favorite celebrity, a behind-the-scenes tour of a hit television series, or a special birthday celebration on set, Disney Entertainment spares no expense to create lasting memories for each wish child.
As the largest and most experienced wish-granting organization in the world, Make-A-Wish has been making magic happen for children and their families around the world for over 45 years.
And for Disney Entertainment, it’s not just about granting wishes – it’s about creating a sense of belonging, hope, and joy for children facing critical illnesses and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Disney’s week of wishes was a resounding success, bringing joy and magic to numerous individuals and families. From the Marvel-inspired “Thunderbolts” to the life-changing moments on “American Idol,” the company’s commitment to making dreams come true is a testament to its enduring legacy. Throughout the article, we’ve explored the various ways in which Disney Entertainment has made a positive impact, from granting wishes for children with critical illnesses to providing a platform for talented individuals to shine. The significance of these efforts cannot be overstated, as they not only bring happiness to those involved but also inspire others to make a difference.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Disney Entertainment will continue to play a vital role in spreading joy and making a positive impact on the world. With its vast reach and influence, it has the potential to bring people together and create a sense of community and compassion. As the company moves forward, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative and impactful initiatives, further solidifying its position as a leader in the entertainment industry.
As we reflect on the power of Disney’s week of wishes, we’re reminded that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life. As the company continues to inspire and uplift, we’re left with a sense of hope and optimism for the future. In the words of Walt Disney himself, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” May Disney’s week of wishes serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all to chase our dreams and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
