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Disney transforms local children’s hospital adding magic murals, windows and more

Disney has a long relationship with AdventHealth for Children, including opening the Walt Disney Pavilion wing of this hospital in 2011. The company brings a little bit of its pixie dust to provide magical experiences for children who are fighting battles against illness that prevents them from leaving the children’s hospital to enjoy the resort experience just down I-4.

Simple things like a hospital gown and sheets featuring Disney characters, having a Disney character stop by for a visit, or walls and windows that magically transform can go a long way to creating a healing environment for young patients and their families. These experiences are now possibilities at AdventhHealth for Children, as the first hospital in Central Florida to debut Disney transformed spaces and elements for their patients.

We have a look at how the new murals and windows work in this video:

The immersive concept was part of the inspiration for Disney’s philanthropic and outreach program aimed at delivering joy and comfort to children facing serious illness, which will roll out at children’s hospitals across the country over the next several years. Today, the Disney team returned to AdventHealth for Children to expand on this program and debut all new, state-of-the-art experiences.

Magic windows will provide mesmerizing views into the active, living worlds found in Disney stories. Magic Portals will engage patients and families with games and favorite characters.

And patients can customize their hospital visit by choosing their favorite Disney stories and characters, which will surround them during their stay. The wireless system will also unlock special elements to further personalize and enhance the experience, such as “enchanted” artwork that comes alive.

“AdventHealth for Children is unlike any other children’s hospital. Our collaboration with Disney, combined with world-class, whole-person care, makes for an unparalleled experience for our patients and their families,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children. “We are thrilled that Disney is bringing its magic to our patients. Any time we can divert a child’s attention away from the health challenges they may be facing, it can do wonders for healing their spirit.”

“Helping children and families facing serious illness dates back to when Walt Disney himself joined animators and characters at children’s hospitals to bring patients a little more comfort and joy,” said Elissa Margolis, senior vice president of Enterprise Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “Sharing the magic of Disney with children in need continues through Disney’s philanthropic and outreach commitment dedicated to delivering compassion and inspiration to children and families.”

The Disney elements will expand to several areas, including the emergency department, patient rooms and in frequently used areas such as imaging. These additions include:

  • Themed patient rooms featuring interactive murals of Disney stories, bed linens and gowns featuring each child’s favorite characters, and personalized in-room entertainment. 
  • Murals around the hospital, which feature a variety of Disney characters that come to life in stories and games that can be accessed via Disney apps on mobile devices.
  • Disney first-run movies and television shows, available both in-room and in themed pop- up movie theaters in the hospital, along with other Disney entertainment options.

Disney’s initiative to reimagine the children’s hospital experience is part of the company’s community outreach and philanthropy efforts. It is being facilitated at AdventHealth for Children through a grant to the AdventHealth Foundation.