It is with profound heartbreak and immense love that we share the passing of 20-year-old Luis Escobar on March 31, 2026.
In February 2018, at just 11 years old, Luis and his beautiful family traveled to Walt Disney World with Bert’s Big Adventure.
Since then, they have remained a deeply cherished part of our community, often lighting up our Family Reunions with their warmth and radiant spirit. Luis loved being home with his family, drawing, exercising, listening to Spanish music, and driving.
For the past nine years, Luis bravely faced a relentless battle with a germ cell brain tumor, a rare cancer that develops from embryonic cells that become trapped in the brain. Through it all, his journey was defined by extraordinary courage, resilience, and a spirit overflowing with love and determination.
Luis held a special place in the hearts of Bert’s Big Adventure families, staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was kind, deeply compassionate, and carried an abundance of love for everyone he met, especially his family. Luis was surrounded by a large, close-knit family who supported and celebrated him every step of the way. His love for them was immeasurable.
He leaves behind four siblings who will miss him dearly, and we know his light, love, and joy will continue to live on through them.
Sarai, Luis’s incredible mother, beautifully captures the essence of his spirit:
We invite you to keep Luis’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Our generous friends at Zaxby’s are all about sharing “Zax of Kindness” and their mission is to enrich lives, one person at a time!
Life’s most delicious choices (like what you order for lunch, dinner, or dessert) can help create magical moments for children and families who need them most.
Life’s most delicious choices (like what you order for lunch, dinner, or dessert) can help create magical moments for children and families who need them most.
Our final Florida sunrise came early. Suitcases were zipped, Mickey ears were packed, and our families gathered one last time at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn for a live broadcast with The Bert Show.
Lions, tigers, stormtroopers, oh my! From Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom, the adventures were nonstop, from Tower of Terror and Kilimanjaro Safaris to thrills on Avatar and Slinky Dog Dash. The magic continued with a special dinner visit from Lilo & Stitch and front-row views of EPCOT’s spectacular fireworks show.
The Bert’s Big Adventure crew woke up to a picture-perfect, sunshine-filled Florida morning, buzzing with excitement for our very first full day in the park! As we strolled down Main Street inside Magic Kingdom, the moment they had all been waiting for finally arrived… 12 wide-eyed kiddos caught their first glimpse of Cinderella Castle.
The energy was electric as Bert and Kristin reunited on-air at Q99.7 Atlanta for the 2026 Bert’s Big Adventure Send-Off Party! Broadcasting live from the Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel, this beloved annual tradition was filled with laughter, happy tears, and BIG surprises for our families.
The much-anticipated day we been eagerly awaiting all year finally arrived! Our families awoke to the sweet melody of their countdown clocks ringing, signaling the beginning of our 22nd annual trip to Walt Disney World. Finally, it was go time!
A little kindness goes a long way. Just $5 creates meaningful moments for a child in need, and Zaxbys is doubling donations this February.
We’re all about underwater adventures, meaningful connections, and welcoming new families into the magic of Bert’s Big Adventure!
Some stories remind us just how strong a family can be!
SURPRISE! We’ve been keeping a BIG secret… and the day has finally arrived to share all the magic with you!
