ORLANDO, Fla. (April 2024): London is a big Lilo & Stitch and Harry Potter fan, and loves the rides at fairs, but hadn’t yet been to a theme park. More than anything, she wanted to go to Disney and Universal to experience all the things she loved at the places she’s heard so much about. Kids Wish Network turned her dreams into a reality with a trip to Orlando, also known as the theme park capital of the world!

London found out her dream was coming true at a surprise reveal hosted and provided by Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center. Her family received a memorable experience with dinners and VIP bowling before London found out the real reason she was there. The center’s mascot, Strike, presented her with a Dumbo stuffed animal with a special message attached. London smiled as she read the dangling card that revealed Kids Wish Network had an amazing Orlando wish planned to Disney World, Universal and SEA LIFE Aquarium! London literally jumped up and down with excitement. She’d soon be heading to Florida.

London’s wish experience was full of magical moments. One of the most unexpected was a custom artfully decorated Harry Potter cake that was a big surprise awaiting London in her family’s hotel room at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The cake was one of many ways the resort made her feel special. They also gifted her candy, a stuffed animal and other goodies. The Orlando World Center Marriott provided her family’s beautiful accommodations with stunning views of the property and beyond on the 25th floor. It’s nightly laser shows and waterpark with slides, a lazy river and lagoon, also made their stay memorable. 

The rides at the theme parks were so amazing for London. The Harry Potter themed areas at Universal and Islands of Adventure were more than she could have imagined. It was so surreal being transported into one of her favorite movies. Universal donated her family’s passes, and provided an elevated experience enabling them to bypass any lines. London additionally loved the rides at the Disney parks, and also had a special pass to avoid waiting in line. It was a very endearing moment when her favorite character Stitch waved to her during a parade.

Her family’s meals were also special celebrations. They dined at Rocco’s Tacos, The Wilson, House of Blues, and Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews.  Sickies went above and beyond to celebrate London, outfitting her booth in Harry Potter décor and floating candles above their table. One of the servers also dressed in themed garb, and her family enjoyed Harry Potter’s iconic nonalcoholic butter beer, with London’s being served in a special goblet. The restaurant manager also gifted London a large Stitch plush, and one of their regular customers gave London and her brother book bags with water bottles, shirts, hat, lanyards, and $50 gift cards. The Wilson also presented London with a handmade card signed by all the staff, and House of Blues gifted her water bottle stickers for her growing sticker collection. All of the restaurants graciously provided her family’s meals.

“It was a very good mood booster for sure, as it raised her spirits and all of ours,” said her mom Ashley. “I don’t think I realized just how badly we really needed it. We are very grateful for all of you guys and all of our sponsors. It just blows my mind having so many strangers do so many nice things. Everybody was so good to us. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we will never be able to match this trip.”

They still have SEA LIFE Aquarium to look forward to, having a location close to their home. Passes are courtesy of Merlin’s Magic Wand. 

London’s condition was discovered after undergoing an MRI. It showed she had hydrocephalus, and she underwent an emergency brain surgery that revealed something even more serious. She had a craniopharyngioma, a type of brain tumor, however its location made it inoperable. It grew over the next couple years, and she was treated with proton radiation. London also copes with additional medical complications, and continues to see doctors to monitor her health.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to London without the help of Orlando World Center Marriott, Merlin’s Magic Wand, Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, Rocco’s Tacos, The Wilson, House of Blues, Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Sponsors:

Stars and Stripes Entertainment Center

https://www.starsandstrikes.com/locations/summerville

FB: https://www.facebook.com/starsandstrikessummerville/ 

IG: starsandstrikes

Orlando World Center Marriott

www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcowc-orlando-world-center-marriott

FB: https://www.facebook.com/worldcenter 

IG: orlandoworldcenter

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

https://sickiesburgers.com/locations/kissimmee/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SickiesKissimmee/

IG: sickiesburgers

Roccos Tacos & Tequila Bar

https://www.roccostacos.com/orlando/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/roccostacosorlando/ 

IG: roccostacos

The Wilson

https://eatatthewilson.com/orlando/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/thewilsonorlando/ 

IG: eatatthewilson

House of Blues

https://locations.houseofblues.com/restaurant-and-bar/fl/orlando/1490-e-buena-vista-dr.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/HOBOrlando/ 

IG: hoborlando 

Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs. Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. We are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We started with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions but have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance.

Every kid’s wish is worth the investment because every wish changes a life.

If you would like to sponsor a child’s wish, or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish-granting services, please call 727-789-0008.