A dream is a wish your heart makes, and for 11-year-old Corey from Columbia, MD, that dream was sprinkled with extra pixie dust! Corey is battling a serious endocrine disorder but remains an always smiling and happy child. He loves fantasy characters so his wish decision was easy – he wished to go to Disney World!

Corey and his family had a wonderful time exploring the Orlando theme parks together. The trip was planned for Corey’s medical needs. He had wheelchair access accommodations throughout all the parks, special designated places for him to relax, and was able to go to the front of the lines for some rides. At Disney, Corey lit up seeing Mickey and Minnie Mouse, The Beast (from Beauty and the Beast), and the Star Wars Stormtroopers. When the family experienced a few days at Universal Studios, they also discovered Corey’s love for Harry Potter! “He got his own wand and waved it around casting spells!” his mom, Melanie, said.

Corey and his family stayed at Give Kids The World Village (an accommodation designed for critically ill children) during their wish trip. Corey couldn’t get enough of the village’s ice cream shop, where he “had vanilla ice cream just about every day,” Melanie said. “Corey and his brothers received gifts every day at Give Kids The World! They got board games, stuffed animals, the ship from Star Wars, a Baby Yoda and candy too! Corey was given a star that will become a permanent sparkle in the tower of stars at Give Kids The World. They also made five pillows for him to take home and he shared them with his siblings.”

Not even the rainy Florida weather could dampen Corey’s magical wish! This special time bonded Corey’s entire family, and Corey had so much fun. “It will be treasured by my family always,” Melanie said.