Disney Characters Make the Rounds with a Special Dose of Magic

Drawing wisdom from Mary Poppins, a dedicated team of Disney Parks cast members is using a dose of Disney magic much like “a spoonful of sugar” to help the medicine go down.

Throughout the year, Disney’s animal care team ventures into Orlando-area hospitals to lift the spirits of children in pediatric care.

Accompanied by all sorts of exotic animals on these special visits, Disney animal experts bring the joy and wonder of wildlife to young patients who get to learn and interact with them.

Special visitors make the rounds as well; Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Chip ‘n’ Dale have all been known to appear toward the end of the program.

It never fails to amaze me how magical it feels when “Nurse Minnie” and other Disney characters walk into these rooms. For a moment, kids seem to forget about what’s ailing them. Smiles abound and everyone is left feeling good.

While it is a temporary relief, these visits are much like pet therapy. They make the hospital experience a little less scary, encourage curiosity about nature and aid in the healing process by helping children journey into their imagination.