Disney Costume Designers Make a Royal Dream Come True for 10-Year-Old Make-A-Wish Kid
Rita Turns Her Cinderella Gown Dream into a Reality
Walt Disney World is the place “where dreams come true," and one Make-A-Wish kid recently fulfilled their own Fairy Godmother dream of creating a Disney Princess ballgown inspired by Cinderella!
What’s Happening:
- Disney’s costuming team planned a full day of magic for Rita, a 10-year-old aspiring designer battling cancer, during her Make-A-Wish trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Inspired by the ballgowns in the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic Cinderella, Rita dreamed of designing a royal dress of her own.
- Rita enjoyed a one-on-one gown design session with Disney designers, along with a behind-the-scenes tour of the costuming building and fabric library.
- The team surprised Rita with a doll-sized replica of her dress, named “Rita’s Rose Diamond Dress."
- Thanks to Disney’s costuming team, her vision became a reality—just in time for the film’s 75th anniversary on February 15, 2025.
- Rita met beloved Cinderella characters, including Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the stepsisters.
- Disney and Make-A-Wish have been granting wishes together for 45 years, bringing joy to kids with critical illnesses. To date, more than 165,000 Disney wishes have been granted.
- Rita’s visit is one of many Disney Princess wishes that will be granted at Walt Disney World this year. In April, 50 more wishes will come to life as Disney hosts the Once Upon A Wish Party, a one-of-a-kind Disney Princess celebration created just for Make-A-Wish families.
What They're Saying:
- Rita, Make-A-Wish Kid: “I was so excited because I got to go to a top-secret fashion place at Disney. I got to see all the ways costumes are designed, which was really cool."
- April, Rita’s Mom: “We have a long road ahead of us, but having this time together as a family, having fun and smiling … there’s no words. It means so much to us. This will be a forever memory for us."
- Allison Atmore, Costume Specialist at Disney Live Entertainment: “As a child, I was in and out of the hospital myself. It means so much to be able to fulfill a wish for someone going through that because I know what it’s like. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at Disney, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it."
- Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World: “Creating happiness for Make-A-Wish families is what we’re all about here at Disney. Our stories, parks and cast members help them make new memories that bring strength and hope."
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