Disney Dream Brings a Day of Magic to Make-A-Wish Families in Ireland
A visit from the Disney Dream to Cork, Ireland, became something much more meaningful than a port stop when Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish Ireland came together to create a special day for more than 30 wish children and their families.
The first-ever “A Disney Wish” experience in Ireland gave families the opportunity to step aboard the Disney Dream for a day filled with Disney characters, entertainment, special activities and plenty of unforgettable memories.
For the families taking part, it was an opportunity to put medical appointments and hospital visits aside for a little while and simply enjoy being together.
The multi-day experience began the evening before the Disney Dream visit with a special welcome celebration. Children met Joy and Sadness from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out and received their own Disney wish wands to mark the beginning of their Disney adventure.
Then came the big day aboard the Disney Dream.
A Magical Day Aboard the Disney Dream
As the families stepped aboard the ship, each wish child received a personalized welcome in the atrium before heading off to enjoy a special brunch at Royal Palace.
And this wasn't just any brunch.
The families were joined by several Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana and Belle, creating a memorable dining experience for the children.
The Disney magic continued throughout the day with themed arts and crafts, a visit with Stitch at Disney's Oceaneer Club and a silent disco featuring Mickey Mouse and his friends.
The children also received special Disney keepsakes to remember their day, including plush toys, pins, autograph books and other souvenirs.
Behind the scenes, dozens of Disney Dream crew members from across the ship took part in welcoming the families and helping create the experience.
Making a Dream Come True for Ella
For the Leavy family, the day was especially meaningful for their daughter, Ella.
Her parents, Arlene and Chris, shared how much time their family had spent dealing with medical appointments and surgeries. Ella's wish was simple: she wanted to see Disney characters and meet her favorite, Minnie Mouse.
That wish became a reality aboard the Disney Dream.
The family described seeing Ella's reaction to the characters as a moment they would never forget.
During lunch at Royal Palace, another magical moment came when Ella met Cinderella.
Her mother, Arlene, described seeing the smile on Ella's face as “pure joy” and said the experience was incredible for the entire family.
Tyler Meets Captain Mickey
Ella wasn't the only child whose Disney wish came true aboard the Dream.
For Tyler, the highlight was meeting Captain Mickey Mouse.
“Today, I met Captain Mickey Mouse on the cruise ship,” Tyler said. “I was on the cruise ship and dancing with Mickey Mouse.”
Tyler's dad, Alan Curtin, reflected on what the day meant for their family.
After everything they had experienced, he said having a day where the family could simply enjoy themselves and make memories together was incredibly meaningful.
Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish
Disney and Make-A-Wish have been working together for more than 45 years, helping grant more than 175,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world.
Disney Cruise Line has been part of that effort for more than a decade, granting nearly 6,000 wishes since 2010.
In 2022, Disney Cruise Line also announced a special connection between Make-A-Wish children and the Disney Wish, naming all Make-A-Wish children, past, present and future, as godchildren of the ship.
The partnership with Make-A-Wish Ireland is another example of how Disney Cruise Line can bring its characters, stories and experiences directly into the communities visited by its ships.
“Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together for many years to grant wishes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children when they need it most,” said Tracy Wilson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line.
Wilson noted that as Disney Cruise Line continues visiting destinations around the world, the cruise line has opportunities to bring Disney stories and characters closer to the families who live in those communities.
A Growing Tradition Around the World
The Ireland event follows another special Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish gathering in Europe.
In 2025, Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish Italia welcomed more than 35 families aboard the Disney Fantasy for the cruise line's first wish-granting event in Italy.
The Ireland gathering continues that effort, using a Disney Cruise Line ship as a backdrop for families to experience Disney magic together.
For Make-A-Wish Ireland, which has been granting wishes for children with critical illnesses since 1992, the partnership provided an opportunity to bring hope, connection and happiness to families without requiring them to travel far from home.
Since its founding, Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted more than 3,700 wishes across Ireland, including 229 wishes in 2025.
Bringing Disney Magic to the Communities DCL Visits
One of the unique things about Disney Cruise Line is the opportunity its ships have to connect with communities around the world.
The Disney Dream's visit to Cork wasn't simply about passengers exploring a new destination. For these families, the ship itself became the destination for a day.
From meeting Disney characters and sharing a meal with Princesses to dancing with Mickey and receiving special keepsakes, the “A Disney Wish” experience gave these children something they could take with them long after the Disney Dream sailed away.
And perhaps that's one of the most special parts of a Disney Cruise Line visit — sometimes the magic doesn't just happen on the cruise.
Sometimes, the cruise ship brings the magic to you.
Spreading Happiness Around the World
Disney Cruise Line's partnership with Make-A-Wish continues to create opportunities like this as the fleet expands into new destinations.
The cruise line's growing presence around the world gives Disney the chance to connect with children and families in the communities where its ships visit, creating experiences that go far beyond a traditional port call.
For the families who stepped aboard the Disney Dream in Cork, it was a day filled with characters, laughter, dancing, princesses and memories.
Most importantly, it was a chance for these families to experience a little Disney magic together.
Thanks to Disney Experiences for the original article and photos.
