The day we had waited for all year finally arrived! Our families awoke to the sweet melody of their countdown clocks ringing, and we knew it would be a historical day! It was time to kick off our 20th-anniversary trip to Walt Disney World!
The energy was absolutely electric as the 2023 Bert’s Big Adventure families arrived at the Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel in complete luxury, thanks to the meticulous planning of our sweet friends, Ally and Makayla, at Fur Bus!
In honor of the 20th anniversary, we decided to go even BIGGER for our Wednesday Welcome Dinner. Thanks to our sweet Cindy Powers and the incredible folks at the Georgia Garrison: 501st Legion, we had an epic Star Wars themed evening! Not a detail was missed – there were themed treats, games, and activities! One of the night’s most memorable moments was when the Dusty Jawas broke into the Utinni Dance. It was everything and kiddos lit up when they saw their first glimpse of magic!
Our crew caught up with one another and continued to build the bonds that started at Orientation before dining on a delicious meal from Zaxby’s! After dinner, we enjoyed a sundae party courtesy of Häagen-Dazs while we all jammed out to tunes and danced the night away! Our dear friend, Holland Musico of Balloonacy, once again donated her talents and lovingly decorated the space.
Right before bedtime, Bert made a few major announcements! SURPRISE! Every family received a beautiful leather fanny pack from our friends at Go Forth Goods. We also have to thank Carter’s Charitable Foundation, who donated custom goodie boxes that included emergency travel money should anyone forget to pack anything for the trip or any midnight runs to the gift shop are necessary.
To everyone who donated to our Amazon Wish List – thank you SO much!
We would never be able to do this without the Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel! The hotel donates all our event spaces and generously provides a deeply discounted rate so that every Bert’s Big Adventure family can rest easy before Disney! They truly set the tone for a once-in-a-lifetime journey – THANK YOU!
Make sure to follow all the magical moments with the hashtag #BBA2023, #BBAturns20, and #MagicalMoments, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
Last but never least, thanks to our photographers, including Cassandra Young Photography, Monarch Studio, Sarah Esther Photography, and Amanda W. Coker. Thank you to Salt Run Creative and Aslyn Baringer Productions for capturing these magical moments on video!
Remember, we couldn’t do all of this without you! We’re asking our supporters to give just $5 or more! Every dollar you donate to Bert’s Big Adventure between now and February 28th will be matched by Zaxby’s. $5 from you + $5 from Zaxby’s can make a monumental difference in the lives of these very deserving children. Truly, it’s BOGO good karma! If extra credit is your thing, please consider donating $20 for 20 years. Please donate today.
The day has finally arrived because tomorrow…. we head to Walt Disney World!
