Drawn to You

The Walt Disney Company today launched “Disney Week of Wishes,” an annual celebration of its longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish that harnesses the full power of Disney’s stories, characters, and experiences across the company to grant life-changing wishes for children around the globe.

As the world’s largest WishMaker, Disney grants a wish every hour of every day, and this special week will spotlight nearly 200 signature wish experiences. Highlights include Wishes Assemble, a first-of-its kind experience at Disneyland Resort, where nearly 40 Make-A-Wish kids and their families will step into the role of Avengers recruits and experience an exclusive, one-of-a-kind party. The special event will also feature stars Anthony Mackie and Paul Bettany. Other once-in-a-lifetime wishes taking center stage include performing in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, two wish kids announcing NFL first-round draft picks on ESPN, surprising a wish kid with an invitation to the star-studded The Mandalorian and Grogu premiere, and many more wishes that only Disney can make come true.

“We’re honored that so many wish kids choose Disney. Our stories bring joy, hope and inspiration to millions around the world, and that’s a privilege we take very seriously,” said Disney Chief Executive Officer Josh D’Amaro. “Our work with Make-A-Wish speaks to the connection that generations of families have with Disney and builds on Walt’s legacy of using storytelling to spread joy when it’s needed most.”

“For wish kids and their families, Disney represents joy, imagination, and hope during some of their most difficult moments,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO at Make-A-Wish America. “This 45-year relationship has never been stronger, and Disney Week of Wishes will spotlight the remarkable scale and lasting impact of Disney’s commitment to bringing life-changing wishes to children around the world.”

During this magical week, Make-A-Wish America will honor former longtime Disney CEO Bob Iger with the inaugural WishMaker Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the extraordinary impact on wish kids’ lives under his leadership, with more than 110,000 Disney wishes granted during his tenure. Last year alone, Disney provided Make-A-Wish with $30 million of support.

Disney Week of Wishes kicks off with the debut of Drawn to You, a new brand spot directed by Emmy®‑nominated filmmaker Goh Iromoto. The spot is inspired by true stories and the Make-A-Wish official Wish Discovery Phase that uses conversation, play and art to help children express their heartfelt wish. From dancing with Stitch, to winning the Piston Cup alongside Lightning McQueen, to having a playdate with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, this piece explores not just how a wish comes true, but how it comes to be — from imagination to reality.

Drawn to You premiered on ABC’s Good Morning America. The broadcast also highlighted a wish granted to EJ, whose wish helped inspire the brand spot. EJ is a 16‑year‑old liver transplant recipient who has been drawing since age seven. His wish was to experience a “day in the life” of a Disney animator, a dream fulfilled this month at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he got the chance to draw alongside renowned animator and incoming Disney Legend Eric Goldberg.

“When a child falls in love with a Disney story, that connection can become a source of comfort, creativity, and hope,” said Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, The Walt Disney Company. “Drawn to You was created to capture that journey of how fandom sparks imagination, and how that imagination often becomes the heart of a wish. It’s a powerful reminder that every wish begins with something deeply personal, and we’re honored to help bring those moments to life.”

Since the first official wish was granted at Disneyland 45 years ago, Disney and Make-A-Wish have teamed up to grant more than 175,000 life-changing wishes around the world.

All week, the company’s largest platforms will share wish stories in the U.S. and around the world for fans to follow along. To join Disney and become a WishMaker with Make-A-Wish visit wish.org/Disney. And read more about the 2026 "Disney Week of Wishes" here: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/week-wishes-launch-2026/.