Roy P. Disney Joins Volunteers for Disney Days This March

Every year, Disney Days brings an unforgettable experience for children in foster care. Last week, Foster Love was excited to restore the magic once more to 60 siblings separated by foster care.

This year, the event reached a new level of excitement when Roy P. Disney joined the celebration, sharing smiles and magic alongside volunteers, foster youth, and families.

While Roy P. Disney’s visit was an unforgettable highlight, the heart of Disney Days comes from all of our volunteers.

From first-time participants to longtime supporters, some of our volunteers shared their experiences, showing how the day is not just important to the children, siblings, and families in foster care, but also to the community and everyone who comes together to support them.

Want to Join the Magic? Sign up to Be a Volunteer at the Next Disney Days Event This Year!

Volunteers Share the Magic

Zach Cohen, attending for the third time, reflected on what makes the day special: “Just to see the smiles on their faces as we go throughout the day, as they get to know each other again, as they get to go and rise, and just build memories together. Really, that’s what it’s all about.”

First-time volunteer Kira excitedly told us, “I’m really excited for all the little surprises throughout the day. I feel like it’s already such a special day, them getting to be with their siblings. But making them feel extra special is what I’m looking forward to.”

Barbara, a photographer who has volunteered since 2017, shared the deeper impact behind her work. “Seeing the joy on their faces and being able to spend that time with them when they’re with their siblings is just such a treasure, and then being able to take photos of it for them to keep as a memory is icing on the cake.”

Sandra, another longtime volunteer, said she was looking forward to the unique energy of the day: “Just the excitement after a really good, thrilling ride, or even just like a slow, quiet moment of the magic and just seeing it across the children’s faces, I think that’s what makes the day so special.

Volunteer Nia Su said, “I’m a Disney fan, and I think that kids being at Disney is a way for them to have so much fun, to experience joy, happiness. And I think we may need more of that nowadays.”

Corporate Volunteers

Corporate and community volunteers use Disney Days as a chance to support child welfare programs and give back to the community. Jamie from Malarkey Roofing Products explained, “Working with [Foster Love], it means a lot to not only me but my family, to be able to give back to the community, and it’s important every once in a while to us, right, to to pause, be grateful for what we have, and give back where we can.”

First-time volunteer Claire from AData Technology echoed this sentiment: “I’d like to thank Foster Love for giving us this opportunity and to be able to contribute and help these foster children. I think it’s a great opportunity, and it’s a great thing that Foster Love is doing, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

Two Siblings Continue Their Tradition of Celebrating at Disney

Melissa and Malik are siblings who were separated in the foster system and later reunited. They understand firsthand the challenges most children face when separated from their families. This year, they returned as volunteers to help other children experience the same joy they felt when they celebrated reuniting at Disney.

Melissa explains:

“When I was two years old, I was adopted, and we celebrated by coming to Disney World, actually. And when I was 14, the same family adopted my then nine-year-old sister, and we celebrated by coming to Disneyland. So Disney is a really special place for us.”

Malik reflects on the difficulties of being separated from a sibling:

“Honestly, it’s rough. It feels like you may never see [your brother or sister] again; I felt like I had lost a part of myself because I was so used to growing up with them, and then we ended up in foster care due to some unfortunate situations, and the whole situation just felt uncertain.”

Melissa shared how Disney Days helps create lasting memories:

“These are the kind of childhood memories that really create a core memory. You know, you might not remember standing in the long lines in the heat, but you’re going to remember laughing over that ice cream cone and meeting your favorite character. So, Disney is super special.”

Malik added:

“I’m just excited to watch them enjoy the day at Disney and see all their big smiles as soon as they like, see something they’ve never seen or always wanted to see, watch their dreams come true.”

Through their volunteer work, Melissa and Malik helped children create meaningful memories, supporting a foster care experience that can positively shape their lives.

Roy P. Disney: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment

This year, the event reached a new level of magic when Roy P. Disney, one of the Disney family’s last living members, joined as a volunteer. He explained, “The smiles on their faces is the best moment…I think this place is universally joyful and open and fearless, and I think that’s perfect for what Foster Love does.”

Roy’s presence highlighted the extraordinary community effort behind Disney Days and gave foster youth and volunteers a moment they will never forget.

Reuniting Siblings and Supporting Foster Families

Around 70% of foster siblings in most states are separated during care, making events like Disney Days crucial. The program helps children navigate trauma, reconnect with their roots, and strengthen family connections.

From classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion to thrilling rides like Guardians of the Galaxy, each experience is designed to create core memories shared with siblings and foster parents. Hannah Stocking described her favorite moments: “I love going along with the children, seeing Disneyland through their eyes. Even just a quiet ride can become a cherished memory.” Cierra Ramirez, a sibling herself, added, “This is such a special day to see siblings reunite. Being part of it gives me hope for the future of foster youth.”

The Future of Foster Care Support

Disney Days is a reminder of the importance of community, volunteers, and resources for foster youth and their families. These experiences not only bring joy but also support the mental health, development, and well-being of children navigating foster care.

From foster parents witnessing their children reconnect with family, to volunteers dedicating their time and love, to special moments with figures like Roy P. Disney, every person contributes to a day that has a lasting impact.