On April 29, the Avengers recruited several new heroes into their ranks. And as far as we’re concerned, these are the braves to ever assemble. On this day, the Walt Disney Company, together with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, welcomed almost forty “Wish Kids,” children facing serious illnesses, and their families to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. There, they spent the day with Marvel characters, showed off their science skills, and were celebrated as the heroes they are. The event, known as “Wishes Assemble,” was all part of Disney’s Week of Wishes. This is a longstanding tradition in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to children overcoming dire medical obstacles.
The day began at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, with artist and Executive of Marvel Experiences Development Brian Crosby giving the Wish Kids a tutorial in comic book art, teaching them how to draw the perfect Spider-Man. After class was over, one especially fortunate Wish Kid named Coen got to meet his hero, Captain America Sam Wilson a.k.a. Anthony Mackie. After playing some Fortnite and Roblox with creators like Preston Arsement and Cody Conrod, the Wish Kids journeyed to Avengers Campus with their families, where YouTubers Mark Rober and Science Bob performed live science experiments with them, before they got to spend the day in the park just having fun and riding attractions.
Later in the evening, a buffet dinner took place in Disney California Adventure. Being on Avengers Campus grounds, of course, meant Ant-Man mini-burgers, and other MCU-themed goodies. As dinner entertainment, Mark Rober and Science Bob dazzled the Wish Kids with both scientific knowledge and toilet paper guns. The latter, in particular, went over very well with the intended audience. Then, one of the biggest internet celebrities of all time, YouTuber Mr. Beast, arrived. He immersed the Wish Kids in a child-friendly version of his world-famous Beast Games. For these Gen Alpha kids, meeting Mr. Beast is tantamount to meeting a rock star.
The most emotional part of the day came next. Dozens (if not hundreds) of cast members created a spirit tunnel, waving Hulk fists, Cap shields, and Thor hammers as the Wish Kids and their families walked through it, through hoots and cheers. Everyone in attendance recognized these kids as the truly worthy warriors that day. Given everything they’ve been through in their lives, it was hard not to get emotional during this part of the event. Everyone who was there knew what a special moment we were witnessing.
As night fell on an emotional day for the Wish Kids and their families, the reason this event took place at Avengers Campus became clear. Mr. Beast gathered Earth’s Mightiest Heroes on stage to put on a show that left the Wish Kids (and this adult) speechless. Although Avengers Campus is often teeming with MCU characters, they are rarely all there together. But for this special night, Disney and Make-A-Wish arranged for almost their entire MCU roster to appear together. Black Widow appeared to train the new recruits, but Loki (in his classic villain mode) materialized on the roof to spoil the fun.
After a big (and very well-choreographed) battle with Loki’s hypnotized S.H.I.E.L.D. soldiers, Captain America Steve Rogers, Doctor Strange, Wasp, Black Panther, and Spider-Man join in the fight. Hawkeye, Shang-Chi, and Thor were also on hand to save the day. As the Wish Kids cheered for the heroes to defeat Loki, another actor from the MCU appeared. Paul Bettany (the Vision) emerged into the crowd, gifting the Wish Kids with several Funko Pop! toys, and signing autographs. And the Wish Kids got to go home with several other Marvel-themed gifts as well.
Seeing the faces of these kids at the end of the day, one couldn’t help but find inspiration in them, and be thrilled that they had a full day to forget their troubles and forge memories that will last a lifetime. Working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Disney and Marvel helped these children tap into their inner superpowers to continue overcoming the biggest challenges life could throw at them. And it was truly a privilege to be there to see them triumph. To donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, click the link here.