Marvelous Orlando Wish is Fit for a Superhero
ORLANDO, Florida - Christopher was at his Taekwondo class when Captain America walked in. He enthusiastically yelled Captain America! The adored superhero had a big surprise for Christopher, announcing that Kids Wish Network was giving him an adventure fit for a superhero, sending him to Disney World, Universal and LEGOLAND! The celebration continued with blue and white cupcakes provided by Publix. Captain America’s visit was courtesy of Dream Friends Entertainment. That night Christopher told his mom, “This was the best day ever!” And there were so many more best days still to come.
When it was time to travel, his adventure began with his very first flight ever. And to make it even more incredible, he and his family were given VIP treatment with upgraded seats. Christopher was also honored as a special guest over the loud speaker, received trading cards and snacks, and was invited to the cockpit to have his photo taken with the pilots. He felt so incredibly special.
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort continued the special treatment when they arrived. They were escorted to their adjoining rooms with pool views that were decorated with streamers in Christopher’s favorite colors, along with Marvel superhero themed decorations and a welcome sign and balloons in Avengers colors. There was also gifts, including a handmade cape personalized with his name, an Iron Man plush, snacks and treats for his family, and even gifts for his siblings. The hotel also indulged his family with the use of a cabana on his last day. They went above and beyond for Christopher, and also generously provided his family’s beautiful accommodations.
Other highlights were time spent at the theme parks. Christopher had a private meet and greet with Spider-Man, and the superhero even gifted him a Spider-Man stuffy as a special memento. Their experience was also elevated with gold passes to bypass all the attractions’ lines. Disney was also magical. Some of his standout experiences were Meeting Darth Vader and the stormtroopers, riding the Star Wars ride, going on his first rollercoaster, and eating a Mickey Mouse pretzel. Visiting LEGOLAND was also full of treasured family moments. The park was all decked out in wondrous holiday splendor, along with all the life-size LEGO sculptures and fun rides.
Christopher’s dining experiences were also memorable. At the Rainforest Café they had dinner in an immersive tropical rainforest with animatronic jungle animals. The restaurant also surprised Christopher and his siblings with animal themed water bottles and special gifts. Another dinner was at Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar where Christopher feasted on decadent snow crab. A breakfast was enjoyed at Maple Street Biscuit Company, where they received attentive service and extra goodies boxed up for them to enjoy at their hotel. His family’s meals were courtesy of the restaurants.
“The trip really gave him something to look forward to,” said his mom Taylor. “He was so carefree and full of energy.” Her favorite part was seeing how excited and happy he was throughout his wish.
Christopher said his Kids Wish Network wish coordinator was “the goodest person in the world” for sending him on his trip. It was a cherished family getaway they’ll always remember.
Christopher appeared to be healthy at birth, but at a week old starting showing concerning symptoms. Testing initially came back with no major concerns, but later that day he began vomiting, seizing, and went unconscious. He was rushed to a children’s hospital where they discovered he was experiencing an adrenal crisis. Christopher was not expected to survive, but miraculously recovered. He was diagnosed with salt wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition where his adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol for stable blood pressure and blood sugar, and his body struggles to maintain sodium levels. He was hospitalized for 5 weeks, and later that year had another massive crisis causing him to go unconscious for hours. He’s had multiple crises since.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Christopher without the help of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, Bonefish Grill, Rainforest Café in Animal Kingdom, Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Merlin’s Magic Wand (LEGOLAND passes), Disney World, Dream Friends Entertainment (Atlanta, Georgia), Publix bakery (Villa Rica, Georgia) and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
Sponsors:
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
IG: @hyattregencygrandcypress
X: @HRGrandCypress
FB: www.facebook.com/dreamfriendsentertainment
YT: www.youtube.com/user/dreamfriendsent
IG: @dream_friends_entertainment
Bonefish Grill (Central Florida Parkway)
FB: www.facebook.com/bonefishgrill
IG: @bonefishgrill
Rainforest Café in Animal Kingdom
FB: www.facebook.com/officialrainforestcafe
IG: @rainforest_cafe
X: RainForest_Cafe
Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar Lake Buena Vista
FB: www.facebook.com/people/Hungry-Crab-Seafood-Bar-Lake-Buena-Vista-Orlando/100076278537934
Maple Street Biscuit Company (Glass House Lane)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MapleStreetBiscuits
IG: @maplestreetbiscuitcompany
FB: www.facebook.com/Publix2011
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.