Disney and LIFT partnered up to turn an ordinary airplane ride into a fairy tale experience for children on a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The children submitted their Christmas wishes to Disney’s “Wish Agents” before boarding the flight, and upon landing, they were welcomed with an arena of dreams where they received their wished-for gifts, a Mickey plush, and a Disney+ subscription. This initiative was a tribute to the magic of dreams that Disney has brought to its audience for over a century.
How did Disney turn a flight into a fairy tale?
Disney’s #MayYourWishesComeTrue initiative, in partnership with LIFT airline, transformed an ordinary flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town into an enchanting experience. The children submitted their Christmas wishes to Disney’s “Wish Agents” at the boarding gate, which were then fulfilled during the flight. Upon landing, the children were welcomed with an arena of dreams, where they received their wished-for gifts, a Mickey plush, and a Disney+ subscription. This initiative was a tribute to the magic of dreams that Disney has brought to its audience for over a century.
Section 1: The Enchanting Departure
As the time of year rolls around when holiday cheer is in the air, a remarkable event took to the wings, seizing many hearts and filling the heavens with an invisible radiance of pleasure. The Walt Disney Company Africa, along with LIFT, an airline based in South Africa, embarked on their captivating #MayYourWishesComeTrue initiative, transforming an average air journey into an experience straight out of a fairy tale.
The story began to unfold on the first day of December at the bustling OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. A crowd of over 150 passengers, most of them children, gathered at their boarding gate, oblivious to the magical odyssey that was about to start. As they submitted their boarding tickets, they were met by Disney’s ‘Wish Agents,’ who inquired about their Christmas wishes from the young travelers. As the kids murmured their desires into expectant ears, the boarding gate morphed into a fountain of wishes, with aspirations and dreams decorating a Christmas tree inspired by Disney.
Each child boarded the flight GE123, their eyes shining with the purity of faith, their hearts abounding with the expectation of a normal flight. They were unaware that their wishes, once quietly shared with the Wish Agents, were being whisked away to Cape Town, fondly known as the ‘Mother City’.
Section 2: A Flight of Dreams
As flight GE123 gracefully sailed in the bright African heavens, another squad of Disney Wish Agents at the Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Cape Town sprang into action. The whispered wishes evolved into a shopping list of dreams – bicycles, ‘Disney Princess The Little Mermaid’ statuettes, Lego® kits, and even Spider-man Sony PlayStation 5’s. Filled with a sense of mission and haste, the wish agents shopped, packaged, and transported the gifts to Cape Town International Airport – perfectly timed for the flight’s landing.
As the plane touched ground and the passengers alighted, they stepped into an enchanting spectacle. The walkway was transformed into an arena of dreams with the dream-generators, the Wish Agents, ready to welcome the young passengers. The sheer joy and surprise evident on each child’s face as they received their wished-for gift was a memorable spectacle. In addition to their desired presents, each traveler also received a Disney Mickey plush and a Disney+ subscription, adding an extra dash of Disney enchantment.
Section 3: The Magic of Dreams
This spectacle of joy and amazement was more than just a campaign; it served as a testament to the power of dreams and magic that Disney has held over its audience for a hundred years. “What better way to conclude our year-long festivities than with this delightful festive moment,” says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa.
Jonathan Ayache, LIFT’s CEO, mirrored the sentiment, expressing his appreciation to The Walt Disney Company Africa team for turning a trip into an unforgettable experience. The #MayYourWishesComeTrue initiative not only granted the Christmas wishes of numerous children but also brought to life an inspirational story of dreams taking flight.
Section 4: A Journey to Neverland
As we whirl into the holiday season, this heartwarming occasion serves as a poignant reminder that occasionally, the magic of dreams, hope, and joy can transform even the most common instances into extraordinary ones. And while it was a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, for the young passengers aboard GE123, it was without a doubt, a magical journey to Neverland.
1. What is the #MayYourWishesComeTrue initiative?
The #MayYourWishesComeTrue initiative is a partnership between Disney and LIFT airline that transforms an ordinary flight into an enchanting experience for children. The children submit their Christmas wishes to Disney’s “Wish Agents” before boarding the flight, and upon landing, they are welcomed with an arena of dreams where they receive their wished-for gifts, a Mickey plush, and a Disney+ subscription.
2. What happens at the boarding gate?
At the boarding gate, the children are met by Disney’s “Wish Agents,” who inquire about their Christmas wishes from the young travelers. As the kids share their desires, the boarding gate transforms into a fountain of wishes, with aspirations and dreams decorating a Christmas tree inspired by Disney.
3. What happens during the flight?
During the flight, the whispered wishes evolve into a shopping list of dreams, which the Wish Agents in Cape Town shop, package, and transport to Cape Town International Airport. As the plane lands, the children step into an arena of dreams, where they are welcomed by the Wish Agents and receive their wished-for gifts, a Mickey plush, and a Disney+ subscription.
4. What is the purpose of the initiative?
The initiative serves as a testament to the power of dreams and magic that Disney has held over its audience for a hundred years. It is a heartwarming occasion that reminds us that occasionally, the magic of dreams, hope, and joy can transform even the most common instances into extraordinary ones.
5. Who organized the initiative?
The initiative was organized by The Walt Disney Company Africa, along with LIFT, an airline based in South Africa.
6. What did the CEO of LIFT say about the initiative?
Jonathan Ayache, LIFT’s CEO, expressed his appreciation to The Walt Disney Company Africa team for turning a trip into an unforgettable experience. The #MayYourWishesComeTrue initiative not only granted the Christmas wishes of numerous children but also brought to life an inspirational story of dreams taking flight.
