As part of The Walt Disney Company’s first-ever “Disney Week of Wishes,” celebrating 45 years with Make-A-Wish®, Disney Cruise Line made dreams come true at sea. Three Make-A-Wish children and their families had their wishes granted with a magical voyage aboard the aptly named Disney Wish.
Disney Cruise Line’s dedicated cast and crew excitedly welcomed Kara, Delaney, Anthony, and their families aboard for their unforgettable cruise vacation. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, these families visited Nassau, The Bahamas, and Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Disney Castaway Cay. Onboard, they enjoyed amazing live shows, spectacular fireworks at sea, special moments with beloved characters, and much more.
These efforts underscore Disney’s role as the world’s largest wish-granter for Make-A-Wish, fulfilling a wish every hour, every day.
Meet the Wish Kids
- Kara Betancourt, 15, Colorado: For years, Kara dreamed of sailing with Disney Cruise Line. When asked her wish, nonverbal Kara joyfully signed “big boat” in American Sign Language. Her sister, Ella (also a Make-A-Wish recipient), and their parents joined the family adventure. They had a blast floating in the turquoise waters of Disney Castaway Cay and loved catching bubbles during The Little Mermaid stage show.
- Delaney Binker, 15, Florida: Delaney was thrilled to board the Disney Wish and visit another country—The Bahamas—for the first time. Along with her parents and brother, Delaney was joined by her best friend, her grandma. Onboard, Delaney met all her favorite Disney princesses. Her dad, Brian, summed up the experience, saying, “The smile that she’s had this entire trip has said everything it needs to. Only Disney can do it better than anybody else.”
- Anthony DiDonato, 17, Colorado: A huge cruising fan, Anthony thoroughly enjoyed his first time on a Disney Cruise Line ship. His younger sister, Aubrey, 10, noted that Anthony was “really happy” during the sailing, adding that “he loves spending time with his family.” Anthony, Aubrey, their parents, and extended family members dressed in pirate garb for the “Pirates in the Caribbean” deck party, dancing as fireworks lit up the upper decks.
The Magic of the Wish Makers
Onboard, Anthony, Delaney, and Kara forged friendships with many Disney Cruise Line crew members who helped make their voyages even more magical. “Crew and cast members have gone out of their way and just make you feel like you’re the most special person on the ship,” shared Delaney’s mom, Carolyn.
The courage and resilience of guests like Anthony, Delaney, and Kara deeply moved and inspired the crew as well.
Dining team members expressed their pride and honor in serving Make-A-Wish families. “You’re creating memories that they’re going to cherish for the rest of their life. It makes me happy inside,” said Gilmar “Gil” Carneiro from Brazil. Richard Allemant Vera, a crew member from Italy, added, “We do something magical; it’s really beautiful.”
Disney: The World’s Largest Wish Granter
Disney is proud to be the world’s largest wish-granter for Make-A-Wish, and Disney Cruise Line cast and crew are thrilled to play a part in creating magic for these special families.
Since 2010, Disney Cruise Line has granted over 5,600 wishes for kids worldwide. When the Disney Wish debuted in 2022, Disney Cruise Line even reimagined the ship’s godparent role by naming all Make-A-Wish children—past, present, and future recipients—godchildren of the Disney Wish.
Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish have partnered to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses globally. Historically, one out of every two wishes granted in the U.S. through Make-A-Wish has been a Disney wish. For nearly 45 years, Disney has brought joy to over 165,000 children and families when they needed it most. For children facing critical illnesses, a Disney wish can be transformative, instilling happiness, hope, and inspiration.
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