Disney fulfils a young girl’s wish of performing on stage

In a heartwarming celebration of World Wish Day on April 29, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) joined with Make-A-Wish® Hong Kong to fulfill the wish of Yee Sun, a courageous seven-year-old girl who has faced life-threatening illnesses with remarkable resilience.

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Diagnosed with biliary atresia at just two months old and a rare type of lymphoma at the age of four, Yee Sun’s early childhood was marked by immense challenges. She has endured four organ and bone marrow transplants and numerous rounds of chemotherapy before finally recovering. Yet through it all, she found hope and inspiration in the magic of Disney.

On a recent day at HKDL, nearly 1,000 guests gathered to witness Yee Sun’s wish come true: to become part of “Mickey and the Wondrous Book,” one of the park’s most beloved stage shows. Throughout her visits, Yee Sun always dreamed of joining Mickey Mouse on stage. Each time Mickey posed the question, “Who will open the book next? Who has the heart of a storybook hero? Could it be you?” Yee Sun’s hand would shoot up with hopeful anticipation.

For World Wish Day, the HKDL entertainment team went above and beyond to make her wish a reality. They meticulously planned a special pre-show moment, allowing Yee Sun to step onto the stage in a dazzling costume crafted by the resort’s Costuming team. She received a magical makeover and hairstyling at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, fully immersing her in the experience of being a Disney performer.

In preparation for this special day, Yee Sun dedicated herself to rehearsals, practicing choreography and her script every day for a month. She even added a unique flair to the script, ensuring that her performance was both memorable and heartfelt. “I was nervous and excited at the same time, facing such a large audience,” Yee Sun shared. “I’m so happy my wish came true!”

After the show, Yee Sun was treated to a surprise visit from her favorite Disney character, Queen Elsa, who offered encouraging words and praise for her performance. The moment was made even more magical by the presence of other wish children from Singapore and Taiwan, whose wishes of visiting Hong Kong Disneyland were also realized that day.

Yee Sun’s parents expressed their gratitude, saying, “Hong Kong Disneyland is a truly magical place. It’s like stepping into a fairytale. We are overjoyed that Yee Sun’s wish was granted here. This performance will be an unforgettable memory for her and a wonderful boost to her confidence.”

The occasion held special significance for HKDL, as the resort marks its 20th anniversary this year. “This year is especially meaningful as HKDL celebrates two decades of creating happiness and magical moments,” said Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. “Since 2008, we have been privileged to have granted more than 340 wishes, reaffirming our commitment to supporting wish children and their families.”

Ernest Leung, board director of Make-A-Wish Hong Kong, highlighted the importance of such moments: “Children are full of imagination, making their dreams boundless and unique, regardless of their health condition. Yee Sun’s special wish reminds all wish children that everyone is the hero of their own story, showcasing extraordinary courage, resilience, and strength in the face of critical illness.”

The celebration continued as more than 45 representatives from Make-A-Wish Hong Kong and 12 other affiliates across Asia and the Middle East gathered at HKDL for their first offsite roundtable conference in eight years. The event provided an opportunity to share best practices and insights into making wishes come true for children facing serious illnesses.

For 45 years, Disney has worked with Make-A-Wish to bring joy and hope to children and families during their most difficult times. As the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish®, Disney fulfills a child’s wish every hour, every day. Hong Kong Disneyland remains committed to working with Make-A-Wish Hong Kong and Make-A-Wish International to create magical, memorable moments for children with critical illnesses and their families—reminding everyone that in the world of Disney, dreams really do come true.