Disney Days 2024 Reunites 200+ Siblings Separated in Foster Care

Thanks to the generosity of countless Foster Love supporters, Disney Days 2024 at Disneyland was a total success for over 200 siblings separated in foster care. A team of 97 chaperones and other supporters came together to create a magical experience, allowing these children to escape the stress of their everyday lives. The day at Disneyland offered a chance for them to simply be kids.

For many kids, this was the first time in years that they could see their brothers and sisters, and the excitement was electric. The day was a flurry of fun rides, tasty snacks, and of course, unforgettable memories. 

The event was made possible by Foster Love’s amazing supporters and volunteers, who dedicated their time and resources to making sure every child had the chance to enjoy a fun day at the park while bonding with their families. 

One Magical Day Together With Family

This year’s Disney Days brought together over 200 siblings separated in foster care for a magical day at the Happiest Place on Earth. With the help of dedicated Disney Days volunteers, every foster child had the chance to enjoy the full Disneyland experience: riding rides, meeting their favorite Disney characters, and having lots of fun.

The day began at Foster Love HQ, where kids met with volunteers and received bags packed with everything they’d need for the park— water, hats, sunglasses, disposable cameras, and snacks. As they waited for the shuttle to arrive at the gates, one sibling excitedly said, “This is my first time going to Disneyland and I heard all my friends go to Disneyland. I’m like, bro, I’m missing out on this!” perfectly capturing everyone’s energy and excitement for the day. 

Once at the park, small groups of kids were paired with volunteers to ensure everyone got to experience all the magic Disneyland had to offer. Throughout the day, volunteers added to the fun by surprising the kids with treats like bubble blowers and Mickey ears. And of course, no day at Disney would be complete without eating your fill of delicious snacks! Everyone enjoyed every sweet and savory treat Disney had to offer, from popcorn to churros and Mickey ice cream. 

As Disney Days 2024 came to an end, every child got to take home a special souvenir—for some, this was a stuffed Mickey Mouse toy as big as they were! These keepsakes were more than just gifts; they were reminders of the moments shared this Disney Days with their siblings. 

By the time it was time to go home, some kids were so exhausted that they had to be carried out by volunteers, clutching their new toys: a perfect end to a day full of wonder and joy. One of Foster Love’s workers reflected on the experience, saying, “Seeing everything come together and get done was just amazing.”

A Heartfelt Connection

Some volunteers had personal connections to the foster care system, which made their involvement even more meaningful. Jess V., who used to be in the foster care system as a child shared the magic of this year’s Disney Days with her little brother. She expressed her passion for volunteering:

“I felt so privileged to be able to volunteer and I felt called to volunteer because I remember growing up in foster care and how much it meant to me when people who didn’t necessarily have to spend time with me wanted to spend time with me…I can speak from experience when I say it means so much for these children to have the same opportunities and to be able to make the same magical memories with their siblings.”

Jess’s experience is a reminder of the essence of Disney Days and the importance of creating a space where siblings can connect and celebrate. Every smile and moment shared is a reminder of the impact of showing foster kids that they are cared for. The value of being cherished is a meaningful way to inspire hope and happiness for children in the foster care system. 

The Importance of Family Reunification Programs

Reunion with family is the number one goal for all children placed in the foster care system. Studies show that kids benefit from maintaining connections with long-standing figures in their lives such as biological family members. However, many children in foster care struggle with keeping those connections. Up to about 82% of children in foster care are placed separately from at least one of their siblings and in 2022, only 46% of the 201,372 foster children who exited the system were reunited with their birth families. 

Living apart from family can be incredibly difficult for children in foster care, often leaving them with feelings of anxiety, guilt, and lost identity. For many, the experience of growing up in foster care comes with the challenge of separation from their siblings, who are also often their closest friends.

Disney Days serves as a precious opportunity for foster kids to reconnect and strengthen their bonds with family. The joy of being together again can help them cope with the struggles of foster care and maintain a sense of attachment that is important for their well-being.

Disney Days not only creates new memories for these children but also reinforces the importance of family reunification efforts. By prioritizing family connections, Disney Days plays a pivotal role in helping children feel valued and supported. Ultimately, it is significant for many children to maintain family ties as they grow. 

Capturing Disney Days 2024 with Framing Forever

This year’s Disney Days event was an unforgettable celebration, and thanks to the photographers working for the Framing Forever initiative, every special moment will last a lifetime. As children reunited with their siblings and experienced the magic of Disneyland, Framing Forever’s talented photographers were on hand to capture every smile, laugh, and joyful moment. 

From candid shots of siblings riding their favorite attractions to heartwarming moments after years apart, every photo captured the joy and magic of the day. Every child attending Disney Days receives a booklet of these photos as mementos of their perfect day. 

Disney Days 2024 Was a Huge Success Thanks to You!

Disney Days 2024 was a success that was made possible by every volunteer, donor, and supporter. Over the years, Foster Love has been able to reunite over 2,600 siblings since Disney Days began in 2008. 

Without your help, many of these kids would not have had the opportunity to reunite with their siblings. Your impact lasts far beyond just one day – it has brought families closer together and created lasting memories they will cherish forever.

This magical day not only created lasting memories but also showed us the importance of family reunification, and the value of showing every child that they are cherished and loved.