Wish Kid Experiences Magic of Orlando for the First Time, Eyes Bright
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 2024): Madelyn’s family was at Los Portales Dyersburg, enjoying her brother’s post baseball practice dinner with friends like they often do. While it felt familiar, this dinner would be very different with something amazing to celebrate. When it was time for dessert, a server revealed that Kids Wish Network was making Madelyn’s dream come true with a family trip to Disney World. The festivities continued with a beautiful Disney Princess sheet cake and matching mylar balloon donated by their local Walmart. Los Portales graciously provided everyone’s meals for their meaningful gathering, and so many were there to celebrate. “We all cried,” said her mom Christal. After Madelyn found out about her wish, each day was filled with anticipatory excitement. She kept asking her family “Is it tomorrow?”
When it finally was, they were Orlando bound! Kids Wish Network flew their family to Florida, and the adventure began with Madelyn’s first time flying on an airplane. She got to sit in the pilot’s seat, received her first airline wings pin, and was so excited to be on her way to the places she dreamed about for so long.
When they arrived at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, they were warmly welcomed and surprised with gifts in their room. Their trip had just begun, and they already had souvenirs receiving a tote and Disney insulated lunch bags. Her family was also treated to snacks, drinks, pampering products and games. They also enjoyed spending time at the resort’s pool with a lazy river and putt-putt golf course. Their beautiful hotel accommodations were generously provided by the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek.
Her family was able to maximize their time at Disney and Universal theme parks with their special passes that enabled them to skip the lines. “It allowed us time to visit every character,” said her dad Jon. “I don’t know if there is a character we missed. We went to the front of every single line at Disney and Universal! She got the best of the best treatment. It was a phenomenal time.” Other highlights were watching the fireworks show from the ferry with the spectacular patterns of light reflecting on the water, seeing the parade, and the Fantasmic show.
“My favorite part was watching her,” said her mom. “The way she looked at everything, mouth dropped and eyes bright. It was definitely an experience that I know she’ll never do again, not like this.”
Madelyn and her family were also invited to dinners by gracious wish sponsors Chuy’s I-Shops, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, The Wilson, Ford’s Garage, and The Capital Grille. The staff at Ford’s Garage also kindly came together to purchase gifts for Madelyn.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Madelyn without the help of Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Universal (admission passes), Merlin’s Magic Wand (LEGOLAND passes), Los Portales Dyersburg (Tennessee), Walmart Supercenter #677 (Dyersburg), and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also special thanks to The Capital Grille, The Wilson, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Chuy’s I-Shops, and Ford’s Garage for their support.
Sponsors:
Walmart Supercenter #677
https://www.walmart.com/store/677-dyersburg-tn
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Walmart677/
IG: @walmart
X: @WalmartInc
Los Portales Dyersburg
FB: https://www.facebook.com/losportalesdyersburg/
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
https://www.wyndhamgrandorlando.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/wyndhamgrandorlandoresort/
IG: @wyndhamgrandorl
Chuy’s I-Drive
https://www.chuys.com/locations/i-shops
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChuysOrlando
IG: @chuysrestaurant
X: @ChuysRestaurant
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
https://orlando-fl.miasitalian.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MiasItalianKitchenOrlando/
IG: @miasitaliankitchen_orlando
X: @MiasItalian_Orl
The Wilson
https://eatatthewilson.com/orlando/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thewilsonorlando/
IG: @eatatthewilson
Ford’s Garage
https://fordsgarageusa.com/locations/championsgate/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/FordsGarageChampionsGate/
IG: @fordsgarageusa
X: @FordsGarage
The Capital Grille
https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/fl/orlando/orlando-i-drive/8025
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheCapitalGrilleOrlandoIDrive/
IG: @thecapitalgrille
X: @CapitalGrille
Merlin’s Magic Wand
https://www.merlinsmagicwand.org/usa
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MMWUSA
IG: @merlinsmagicwandofficial
X: @MMWAND
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.