If getting there is half the fun, then ten-year-old Wish Kid Colton’s Wish adventure started the second they loaded their luggage into the car at their home in Salem, NY, and road-tripped over 1,200 miles to Colton’s Wish destination, Walt Disney World Resort, in Orlando, Florida.

Colton had a list of must-dos while at Disney, including visiting The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and SeaWorld.

At EPCOT, Colton sampled Japanese cuisine at Takumi-Tei, as he wanted to try new and different types of cuisine. Colton said that this was his favorite experience at Disney, and he especially enjoyed the knowledge that their server shared about Japanese culture.

Colton wandered through Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where he tried the popular wizarding favorite Butterbeer in various forms. At SeaWorld he watched orcas swim and learned about their daily lives, routines, and conservation efforts. And, as a trip to Walt Disney World isn’t complete without mingling with the locals, Colton had the wonderful opportunity to meet The Grinch, Johnny from “Sing,” Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and even Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Even though Colton is typically shy around people and places that are unfamiliar to him, there was something magical in the air that seemed to erase that trait. At Give Kids the World, a resort for Wish Kids and their families, he was the leader of his family group and was ready and willing to try anything and everything new. And he was simply over the moon when he discovered a painted rock on the nature trail there. It was the second time he had found one, and it meant so much to him, as he’s been an avid rock collector ever since he was a toddler.

From pre-breakfast ice cream treats at Give Kids the World to fireworks over Cinderella Castle, Colton’s Disney World experience was one he’ll never forget. It’s what happens when the power of a Wish meets the magic of Walt Disney World. Colton’s mom summed it up best when she told us

“Colton has repeatedly stated that these were the best days of his life. We’re sending Make-A-Wish the biggest thank you for creating so many blessed memories that we will all treasure forever.”