Every day, magic unfolds at Disneyland Paris. But sometimes, that magic means more than just a thrilling ride or a spectacular show. It’s about creating unforgettable moments for children facing serious illnesses through the Disney Wish program. We recently sat down with Marie Françoise, the incredible woman leading this program within the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) team, to discover the dedication, the challenges, and the pure joy behind making 25,000 wishes come true.
Marie Françoise has a remarkable journey at Disneyland Paris. She joined in February 1992, driven by a simple curiosity to see “behind the scenes” of attractions, having already experienced Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. She quickly climbed the ranks, moving from field trainer to coordinator, and eventually becoming a manager in Frontierland.
After a decade, Marie Françoise sought a new challenge, drawing on her background in teaching. She joined the Casting team, where she soon spearheaded a professional integration program for individuals with unconventional career paths. This was a turning point. She realized her passion lay in opening doors and finding solutions for others, far beyond standard recruitment. This initial success allowed her to build and structure Disneyland Paris’s very first professional integration program.
Today, Marie Françoise leads the Disney Wish program as part of the CSR team. Her role is anything but routine! It involves strategic planning for the wish program and fostering long-term relationships with key partners like Make-A-Wish, an organization with deep historical ties to Disneyland Paris.
On the operational side, she handles everything from booking requests and tailoring wishes to specific family needs, to coordinating internal departments, preparing gifts, and orchestrating the magical welcome. Marie Françoise splits her time between her office and the parks, always present alongside families during special wish weekends.
What does a “Disney Wish” weekend look like for Marie Françoise? It kicks off bright and early on Friday at 7 AM. She and her team set up their welcome area at the hotel, check equipment, and receive gifts. Throughout the day, families arrive, eager to receive their personalized programs and surprises. Friday evening often includes accompanying families to the night show, and Marie Françoise stays at the hotel overnight, ready for any needs.
Saturday morning is just as busy. From 8 AM, she’s at the convention center, welcoming families again and coordinating the Disney VoluntEARS. These amazing Cast Members volunteer their time to accompany families throughout their stay. Marie Françoise ensures they have all the necessary information, answers their questions, and provides support if any issues arise. During the day, she’s constantly moving through the Disney Parks, overseeing special moments they’ve arranged – like character meet and greets or private viewing areas for the parade. Once the events conclude, she manages stock returns and tidies up equipment. Her weekend only truly ends on Sunday, once the very last family has departed the resort.
It’s a demanding job, full of complex situations. Imagine last-minute train cancellations requiring extended hotel stays, or sudden weather changes demanding a swift poncho distribution for the VoluntEARS! Despite the packed schedule, Marie Françoise always makes sure to carve out time to share moments of joy with the children during character encounters. For her, staying connected to the reality on the ground is vital.
Over her career, Marie Françoise has naturally gravitated towards philanthropy. She attributes this to her upbringing, where her parents instilled the importance of giving to others and showing kindness. It’s a deeply ingrained value. Even in her HR and integration roles, which weren’t pure philanthropy, the underlying principle remained the same: genuinely caring for others and finding solutions.
Today, her role in CSR feels like a logical evolution, both personally and professionally. As years pass, we all seek more meaning and a lasting positive impact in what we do. Her son is incredibly proud of her job, which is a wonderful reward in itself. But the true motivation comes from the families: “When parents tell us they were able to forget their child’s illness for three days, or when a doctor writes to say a visit gave a young patient the strength to keep fighting, I know why I do this work. It’s what drives me every single day.”
With over 34 years at Disneyland Paris, Marie Françoise has countless stories. She originally planned to be a French, Latin, and Greek teacher. Fun fact: for her Master’s in medieval literature, she even presented an exposé on the character of Merlin, using Walt Disney’s animated version as a reference! Some things are just meant to be.
On a more personal note, the most touching story in recent years involves a little boy welcomed three years ago for his wish. His mother was so inspired by the visit that she founded an association to bring gifts to hospitalized children. That same little boy, still battling his illness, remains deeply involved in his mother’s association. He regularly returns to Disneyland Paris, and they’ve stayed in touch. One day, he looked at Marie Françoise and said, “Later, I want to do for others what you did for me.” Hearing that from a 7-year-old child is profoundly moving. Knowing they not only brought him joy but also passed on the “solidarity bug” is the most beautiful proof of their actions’ value. It’s moments like these that confirm she’s exactly where she needs to be.
