Walt Disney World Resort and Starlight Children’s Foundation teamed up to host a Disney Princess-themed party for patients at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, which included some special surprises.
Disney Hosts Princess Party at AdventHealth for Children
For the party, patients were surprised with a new delivery of Starlight hospital gowns and pants inspired by Disney heroines like Tiana, Mulan, Ariel, Cinderella, and Belle, as well as princess dolls and plush toys from Disney Store, and books from Disney Publishing.
“After the stressful week we had, this was the biggest blessing,” said one patient’s mom, Iris. “The moment she put on the gown, she said ‘Mom, I’m a princess.’ It’s amazing to now see her happy, relaxed, and motivated.”
It’s not a Disney Princess party without a princess, and none other than Belle arrived to join the fun. She surprised the young patients at the party, and brought books of inspiring stories to share with the group.
Our characters demonstrate strength and courage, and that’s exactly what we hope to inspire in these young patients. Alleviating stress and bringing new, happy memories for families during a hospital stay — even if just for a moment — is some of the most important work we do.
Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World
Our clinicians work tirelessly to provide expert care and make hospital stays less scary for our young patients, because we’re not just in the business of treating a child’s physical ailments, but treating the whole child — body, mind, and spirit.
I can’t think of a better way to fill their hearts and lift their sprits than a visit from Belle herself and the opportunity to channel their inner princess with a princess party.
Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, Senior Executive Officer of AdventHealth for Children
This donation is the most recent collaboration between Disney and Starlight Children’s Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that aims to provide programs to medical facilities and hospitals to help kids cope with the loneliness and stress of being in hospital care. For over 20 years, the two have worked together to create positive memories for patients during hospital stays with experiences like these.
“We are so grateful to collaborate with Disney for so many years to deliver happiness to hospitalized kids and their families,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Our collaboration allows us to transform the hospital experience for kids across the country through our vital programs — like today’s princess-themed delivery.”
Offerings like this Disney Princess party are part of Disney’s $100 million global commitment to reimagine the patient experience in children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care worldwide.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.