Disney launches second Week of Wishes for critically ill children

Disney kicked off its second annual Week of Wishes on Monday, mobilizing its theme parks, studios and stores worldwide to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses through a partnership with Make-A-Wish that spans more than 40 years, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The campaign carries a direct Orange County connection: Disneyland in Anaheim is among the primary venues where wishes are fulfilled, including a royal treatment experience granted to a 5-year-old child this week. Disney is the world's largest wish-granter for Make-A-Wish.

The partnership between Disney and Make-A-Wish dates to 1980, when 7-year-old Frank "Bopsy" Salazar, an Arizona boy with leukemia, received help from his community to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. That experience helped lay the groundwork for an organization that has since granted more than 165,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses worldwide, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

This week's grants spanned a range of experiences tied to Disney properties. A 16-year-old with aspirations in animation received an immersive experience at Walt Disney Animation Studios. A 5-year-old received royal treatment at Disneyland in Anaheim. Two other children are set to attend the 2026 NFL Draft as part of the campaign, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Good Morning America spotlighted several of the wish recipients Monday as part of its coverage of the launch, bringing national attention to the annual initiative.

Disney uses its full portfolio — theme parks, television and film production, and retail locations around the world — to fulfill wishes during the designated week. The company has not announced a total number of wishes planned for this year's campaign.

Make-A-Wish and Disney have not announced when the 2026 campaign will conclude, but the organization said the week-long push is part of a sustained, year-round effort to reach children with critical illnesses across the globe.