Happy World Wish Day!

Thomas Smith

by , Editorial Content Director, Disney Experiences

To all who make wishes and to those who make wishes come true — Happy World Wish Day!

On April 29, 1980, Make-A-Wish was founded upon the inspirational story of Chris Greicius, a young boy who dreamt of being a police officer. Since that day, Make-A-Wish has grown into a global organization and granted nearly half a million wishes worldwide. 

These special moments have touched the hearts of so many people over the years, leaving a lifelong impact on both the wish child and the roughly 200 people it takes to make every wish come true.

Today also marks the 40th anniversary of Disney’s relationship with Make-A-Wish, as Disneyland Resort was part of the first ‘official’ wish for a boy named Frank “Bopsy” Salazar.

Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to make over 140,000 wishes come true around the globe. Every one of them is special to us, and a chance to celebrate the hope, courage, and perseverance of the amazing children at the heart of every wish experience. 

Today, we also celebrate the organization that helps make those wishes come true. So from all of us here at Disney – Happy Anniversary, Make-A-Wish! Here’s to 40 more years of making extraordinary wishes come true together.