When Dylan, 2024-25 Disney Ambassador of Disneyland Paris, surprised the children of Dieppe Hospital in France with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Disney VoluntEARS, he was able to experience something unique among those who have spread Disney magic to hospitalized children.
That’s because this wasn’t just a trip for Dylan, it was also a homecoming.
Not only was Dylan one of the first babies born at Dieppe Hospital when its pediatric ward opened 30 years ago, but his mother, Rachel, is currently on the staff at the hospital.
“For over 30 years, Disney VoluntEARS have made special magic for hospitalized children all over France,” Dylan noted. And when it came to the Disney VoluntEARS’ visit to Dieppe, Dylan asked, “Who better than my own mom, head of the Pediatric ward, to help me?”
“The Magic of this Initiative”
Since Dylan became a Disney Ambassador, he’s dreamed of bringing the magic of Disneyland Paris to the children at Dieppe Hospital.
Thanks to the ongoing commitment that Disneyland Paris has to philanthropic causes, on September 18 Dylan’s dream of an enchanting experience for the children at Dieppe Hospital that he could share with his mother became a reality.
Alongside Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Disney VoluntEARS, and his mother, Dylan brought games and workshops created by the Disney VoluntEARS to over 30 children, their parents, and the hospital staff, making it an unforgettable day for all involved.
“If we look at these children, today they don’t realize they’re in the hospital, and that’s the magic of this initiative,” Dylan’s mom, Rachel, said. “It truly was a magical break in their everyday life where medical care monopolizes their time. And for us, the medical staff, too!”
Since 1992, Disneyland Paris has helped deliver joy to hospitalized children across France and Europe, impacting over 40,000 children. These efforts are part of Disney’s commitment to help reimagine the patience experience in children’s hospitals globally and support meaningful causes in the community.
