Wish is Magical Visiting Harry’s Wizarding Worlds

ORLANDO, Fla. (November 2023): Olivia was almost done painting her masterpiece at Painting With A Twist in Carmel, Indiana, when along came the piece de resistance. The instructor painted a visual picture for Olivia, having her imagine she was going to the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal, and then surprising her that she was going! She found out that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true, sending her on a getaway to Universal Studios and Disney World. Painting With A Twist provided her family’ s painting class for the big reveal. 

Weeks before Olivia’s trip, she was already wanting to pack. It wasn’t easy waiting with so much anticipation, but it was also exciting having something so amazing to look forward to. And then they were off. Kids Wish Network flew her family to Orlando for her once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Olivia is a big fan of Harry Potter movies, and was filled with awe entering Universal’s Wizarding Worlds at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It was so surreal experiencing the authenticity of Hogsmeade Village, Hogwarts Castle, riding the Hogwarts Express locomotive, and experiencing all the thrilling rides. Having fast passes enabled her family to ride the attractions multiple times without having to wait. “At Universal they actually walk you right up to the beginning of the line and you get VIP treatment,” said her mom Tabatha. “She probably rode Flight of the Hippogriff seven times!” Olivia was also selected to participate in the wand ceremony where the wand chose her. Experiencing the Wizarding Worlds at both parks is where she had some of her most meaningful memories.

Her family’s Disney park hopper passes enabled them to visit all four of its parks. Highlights were going on every ride at the Magic Kingdom, and Olivia’s reaction riding Test Track at EPCOT. “Watching her enjoy herself and getting to be a kid was my favorite memory,” said her mom. They loved seeing her so carefree and joyful on all the rollercoasters throughout her wish.

Her family enjoyed exceptional dinners courtesy of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. who also gifted Olivia a light-up cup and stuffed animal, and Paddlefish where they dined aboard an iconic anchored steamboat. They were also invited for complimentary meals at Carrabba’s Italian Grill Kissimmee and IHOP. Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration generously provided beautiful accommodations for Olivia’s family.

“Thank you so much for everything that you have done for our family,” said her mom. “It truly means the world to us. We have so much to be thankful for this holiday.”

Olivia has mid-aortic syndrome, a very rare condition where the portion of the aorta that runs through the chest and abdomen becomes narrow. She also has renovascular hypertension, a condition causing high blood pressure due to the kidneys’ hormonal response to narrowing of the arteries. Olivia suffers with severe headaches from fluctuating blood pressure, and takes medications multiple times a day along with frequent testing to attempt to control it. She has recurring doctor appointments and testing, and is expected to undergo a bilateral kidney transplant and aortic bypass surgery in the future. Olivia is also coping with a new painful diagnosis. 

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Olivia without the help of Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration, Paddlefish restaurant, Carrabba’s Italian Grill Kissimmee, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., IHOP, Universal Studios, Painting With A Twist, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. 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.