Inside Disney Days as a Volunteer

Being a Disney Days volunteer with Foster Love is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help reunite siblings in foster care and witness the magic of family firsthand. For many kids, this is the first time in a long time they’ve been able to be with their brothers or sisters. As a Disney Days volunteer, you get to be a part of this magical day and help these siblings create lifelong memories.

This year’s theme says it all: 

“It’s not about where you are, it’s who you’re with.”

And as a Disney Days volunteer, you help make that message come to life.

Here’s what a typical day looks like:

Morning: Arrival & The First Hellos

Your day begins bright and early as volunteers arrive and check in. You’ll be given everything you need for the day, including your Foster Love Disney Days t-shirt, supplies, schedule, and group assignments.

Then the real magic happens: the reunions.

As the buses arrive, you’ll see siblings lock eyes and run toward each other. For many, this is the only day they’ll spend together all year. There are long hugs, excited laughter, and sometimes even tears. Some kids don’t say much, they just hold on.

These are the moments you’ll never forget.

Midday: Exploring the Park, Together

Once the kids are together, it’s time to step into the park! You’ll help your assigned group navigate the day and stick to the schedule: plan out rides, take snack breaks, refill water bottles, and make sure everyone feels included. There’s no rush! You’re there to make sure the day feels fun, safe, and unforgettable.

Guide your group to rides and photo ops with characters, grab tasty snacks, stop for silly photos, and everything in between. It’s all about letting them have a fun day together and watching the magic unfold.

You might find yourself riding Space Mountain with a pair of brothers who haven’t laughed like that in years, or helping a little sister pick out matching souvenirs with her older sibling. These will be the moments that stick with you.

Memories They Can Hold Onto

The day is filled with little moments that leave a big impression: dancing down Main Street, high-fiving and hugging after rides, siblings holding hands as they wait in line, or helping a child choose the perfect souvenir to remember the day. Each moment spent together helps build trust and joy, and for many of these kids, this is a rare chance to feel like family.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day is helping kids choose their souvenirs. Each child receives their own spending money in a labeled bag, and while some head straight for stuffed animals or Mickey ears, others pick out matching bracelets or T-shirts to remember the day with their siblings.

These keepsakes are something they can hold onto long after the day has ended: A plush toy they’ll fall asleep with. A picture frame for the rare photo of them and their brother. A pin they’ll wear as a reminder that someone showed up for them.

They’ll also have the photos taken throughout the day. For many, these photos become the only image they have of themselves with their family.

Late Afternoon: Wrapping Up and Goodbyes

As the sun starts to set and the groups return to check-in, everything slows down. The kids are tired, arms full of snacks and souvenirs, but no one’s quite ready for what comes next.

The goodbyes.

Some siblings cling to each other. Others get quiet. Volunteers gently guide them back to the right buses, making sure every child is safe and accounted for—but your heart stays heavy. Because while the day was filled with joy, the end always feels too soon.

It’s a reminder that for most of these kids, separation is still their reality. But for one day, they got to laugh, explore, and feel whole again.

Why Disney Days Volunteers Matter

We say that volunteers are the heart of Disney Days because the opportunity to reunite family only happens with your help. 

You’re helping brothers and sisters rebuild bonds that time and distance have strained. You’re the one that makes them feel safe enough to relax, laugh, and be themselves that day. 

Because of you, kids who often carry the weight of uncertainty get to experience something simple and beautiful: joy, connection, and love.

It’s not always easy. The goodbyes are hard. The emotions are real. But the impact you leave behind—the memories you help create—can last a lifetime.

Volunteers don’t just help make the day run. You make the day matter.

Ready to create lifelong memories?

Learn how you can become a Disney Days volunteer here: https://fosterlove.com/disney-days-volunteer/ 

Because for these kids, one magical day with their sibling can mean everything.