Disney Parks to donate up to $1 million to Make-A-Wish

ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 22, 2016— To honor the 100,000th Disney wish granted globally, and in celebration of Disneyland Resort’s 60th Anniversary, Disneyland and Make-A-Wish® are inviting fans to Share Your Ears and share the power of a wish®.

Disney and Make-A-Wish fans around the world can make a difference for children with life-threatening medical conditions by unlocking a donation with a simple photo. Disney Parks will donate $5 to Make-A-Wish, up to a total of $1 million, for each photo taken and shared of people wearing Mickey Mouse Ears — or any creative “ears” at all. Photos can be uploaded to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #ShareYourEars between now and March 14, 2016.

“For 35 years, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has been proud to work with Make-A-Wish to make dreams come true for thousands of children, and now we’re excited to give Disney fans the opportunity to help us make a difference for even more,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Actor and Disney fan-favorite Neil Patrick Harris helped kick off the campaign in style last night during the ABC special, “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60.” Sporting an assortment of ears and a “dazzled” Mickey Mouse Ear hat, Harris shared the importance of wish-granting and the impact it makes on the lives of children and families. The exclusive dazzled Ear hat — adorned with a diamond “D” — will be part of a Make-A-Wish sweepstakes campaign to raise additional funds for wish-granting.

Guests visiting Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, can also purchase collectible 60th Anniversary Ear Hats that say “Wishes Really Do Come True.” Only 7,500 hats will be sold, and all proceeds will go to Make-A-Wish — up to an additional $150,000.

Nearly 8,000 Disney-related wishes are granted worldwide every year — including experiences at Disney theme parks, voyages on Disney Cruise Line, meetings with Disney characters, and visits to TV and movie sets — making Disney the most popular request by Make-A-Wish children.

“The Share Your Ears campaign captures the excitement and creativity that we all associate with Disney. Since the very first wish, Disney has provided wish kids and their families with experiences beyond their wildest imaginations,” said David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. Jon Stettner, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish International added, “Disney continues to surprise us with its ingenuity and generosity, allowing its guests and fans around the world to share in Disney’s passion for our mission. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

For more information, visit www.ShareYourEars.org.