Imagine stepping into Disneyland Paris as the very first child to have your wish come true. That’s exactly what Anne-Lise did 34 years ago, a moment that didn’t just change her life but also sparked a beautiful, long-lasting partnership between Disneyland Paris and the Petits Princes association.

Back in 1992, at just nine years old, Anne-Lise walked through the park gates. She tells us, “I had the chance to light the Christmas tree in Disneyland Park… How can I describe it? It was simply spectacular! More than magical, it was incredible.”

Now, over three decades later, Anne-Lise returned to where her wish began. Her visit was full of emotion, cherished memories, and immense gratitude, truly showing the powerful, lasting impact a wish can have on a child and their family.

Since Anne-Lise’s pioneering visit, Disneyland Paris has granted over 25,000 wishes for children from all across Europe.

What started with Anne-Lise blossomed into a deep and ongoing commitment. For instance, in 2025, the Disney Wish team granted 1,147 wishes, working with more than 45 European associations and foundations. Nearly twenty of these Disney Wish trips gave children and their loved ones a timeless escape, where magic helped create memories that stay with them long after their visit.

During her recent return to Disneyland Paris, Anne-Lise experienced several incredibly symbolic moments. She had breakfast at the Disney Newport Bay Club, where she met about twenty Disney VoluntEARS.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with these dedicated volunteer Cast Members who give their time to support ill children and their families. Sharing her personal story, Anne-Lise genuinely showed how deeply and lastingly a wish can touch someone’s life.

“When you walk through the park gates, you don’t think about illness or any of your problems at all. You disconnect from the real world, and ultimately, it brings such relief. It gives you strength to go back and face the daily fight,” she explained.

She also had a special message for the Disney VoluntEARS: “You are part of that whole experience. You bring magic, you are those little specks of stardust that accompany this dream, and you bring so much to people.”

Anne-Lise’s day continued across both Disney Parks, where she revisited the places that marked her childhood. Accompanied by her brother, who was also there during that first stay in 1992, she relived countless memories, recalling the emotions of that initial visit, which remains etched in their family’s history.

This day also highlighted just how far the initiative has come since 1992. While a wish might only last a few hours or days, its positive effects can truly last a lifetime. Anne-Lise’s moving return illustrates this perfectly: behind every Disney Wish trip lies a unique story, a family, and memories that continue to shine for decades.

By welcoming Anne-Lise back, Disneyland Paris celebrates not only the very first wish ever granted at the resort but also its unwavering commitment over more than three decades to seriously ill children and their families. It’s a story that keeps unfolding, one wish at a time.