Welcome to planDisney, Elaine! As a fellow Elaine, I'm glad you stopped by. Your family is currently soaking up that
Walt Disney World Resort magic, so let's look at how to add a dash of pixie dust to their visit.
First, a big Mickey-sized hug to your daughter for fighting the good fight against cancer. This disease has touched my family, so I know the trip will be healing; Disney is the best medicine!
I chatted with a supportive Cast Member who said guests are typically chosen randomly as the Grand Marshall of the
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. So, while there's no guarantee your daughter will be selected, I have some tips that might help her chances.
First, plan to arrive at
Magic Kingdom Park as soon as it opens and head straight to
City Hall on the left after entering. Explain the reason for her request to the Cast Members there, and even if she isn't asked to be a part of the parade, they might have other suggestions to make her day special.
I've heard that families who are positive and exude joy at Disney are often chosen for pixie-dusted moments. It never hurts to grab celebration buttons for the whole group to wear. You can personalize them with a simple phrase like "Beating Cancer!" to help get in warrior mode. Cast Members, characters, and even other guests will react to those buttons. You can get
complimentary buttons at your Disney Resort Hotel Front Desk, Guest Relations locations, and checkout counters at many shops in the theme parks.
The old phrase "Giving is better than receiving" might also hold true. I recently handed out tiny Disney erasers to random people at Walt Disney World, and seeing them light up made me just as emotional as they were. I've seen folks give trinkets with a note commemorating a special occasion or in memory of a loved one, so maybe your daughter can think of a creative way to share her positive spirit.
Being together and in that sparkling Disney bubble will be a grand celebration, but I hope I've given you some ideas to pass on to your family. I'm waving my magic wand so that they make some memories to treasure. Please
stop by planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine