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 Bert and Kristin.
We filled our plates high with one last delicious breakfast spread. Because you simply cannot leave Walt Disney World without one more Mickey waffle morning. Between bites of syrup-covered happiness, the magic kept rolling. An airbrush tattoo artist added colorful flair, a caricature artist captured big personalities on paper!
One by one, moms, dads, and siblings read personalized letters to their brave kiddos. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Every letter was different. Every story unique. But the heartbeat was the same:
Josiah: Raising a Lightsaber
Josiah’s family lives and breathes Star Wars. From the rides to building droids and crafting lightsabers, it was a galactic dream come true. During the lightsaber ceremony, when “The Gatherers” instructed the kids to raise their sabers for the very first time, Toni and Chris couldn’t hold back their tears. Seeing Siah standing there, surrounded by glowing light and limitless imagination, was something they’ll never forget.
Sebastian: A Droid With a New Home
At Droid Depot, Sebastian carefully built his very own droid. But it was what happened after that melted every heart nearby. As he gently transferred his droid from its box into his backpack, he softly reassured it, “It’s okay. I’m just moving you to your new home.”
Ayden: Conquered TRON
Ayden had one goal: ride everything, and he did, including TRON twice! His dad even filmed the whole thing, but Sebastian didn’t believe him at first. Once he saw the video, his mind was officially blown. Immediately, he ran to grab Forrest, Josiah, and Gunner one by one so he could proudly show them just how brave Ayden had been conquering TRON.
Forrest: Making Best Friends
Saturday night at dinner, Jameson hurt his pinky. Without hesitation, Forrest rolled over to check on him and offer comfort. The rest of the night? Pure joy. Jameson perched on the back of Forrest’s power chair as they zipped through the park after hours, giggling into the night. Friendship at full speed!
Kendell: Belle’s Special Guest
On Saturday in Hollywood Studios, Kendell had the best seat in the house at Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. The cast noticed her radiant smile from the stage and invited her backstage after the show to meet Belle and Prince Adam! Because sometimes when you shine that bright, the magic notices.
Asher: A Wild Encounter
Since arriving at Walt Disney World, Asher had one thing on his mind: Animal Kingdom! On Saturday, he threw his hands in the air, ready to visit his buddies at Kilimanjaro Safaris. The moment he hopped on, his eyes lit up and the adventure was on. His favorites? Hippos, giraffes, lions, oh my! He loved it so much, he rode twice! And the second time was extra magical, the giraffes came so close that the driver had to pause the vehicle and wait for one to stroll right past Asher. Now that’s a wild encounter!
Jameson: The Sweetest Stitch Superfan
It started with a giant Stitch surprise from Libby on Friday in the parks, then movie night featured Lilo & Stitch. And then the moment os shock and awe finally came as Stitch himself appeared during dinner at Epcot’s Living Seas. Core memory unlocked.
Rowan: Bringing R2-D2 to Life
Rowan is one of our biggest Star Wars superfans, whose favorite film is Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back! He received the ultimate surprise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and got to build his very own R2-D2 at Droid Depot! In this moment, one of his Star Wars heroes was brought to life right before his eyes. R2-D2 plays a crucial role in helping the heroes survive and evade Darth Vader, making the moment even more meaningful for Rowan.
Gunner: The Old Soul Explorer
Gunner is truly an old soul. Over breakfast and dinner, he sparked thoughtful, in-depth conversations with both the kids and the grown-ups, hanging right in with every topic. He proudly filled two lanyards with pins and could tell you the story behind each one if you asked. And while at Hollywood Studios, he added another milestone to his collection of memories, riding his very first roller coaster, Slinky Dog Dash.
Lani: A Princess Moment
Lani’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transformation was such a tender moment. A true girly girl at heart, she absolutely adores her mom and her big sister, Mari. And Mari? She’s endlessly helpful, fiercely protective, and always one step ahead. She has a beautiful way of knowing exactly what her siblings need without them ever having to say a word.
Manny: Our Prince
Manny communicates with hugs, kisses, fist bumps, and tickles! He always made sure everyone was holding the rail on the buses and buckled on rides. With a heart that big, it’s no surprise he was transformed into Prince Charming at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Brooke: Brave Beyond the Fear
Brooke showed incredible bravery by conquering Slinky Dog Dash, not once, but twice! That confidence gave her just enough courage to take on Tower of Terror. While it may not have been her favorite ride, she still did it, and having big sister Alizah cheering her on every step of the way made it even more special.
After a beautiful and heartfelt morning, we boarded the flight home with our wonderful friends at Endeavor Air. Upon arrival at the gate, the sweetest employees from Endeavor Air greeted the families with custom made signs for each kiddos!
But there was one final surprise waiting just around the corner at the Hilton Atlanta Airport. Each Bert’s Big Adventure family was greeted with a custom tote bag personalized with their child’s name, favorite snacks, fun arts and crafts activities, cozy fluffy blankets, and a $50 Instacart gift card, so parents could head home without worrying about grocery shopping after a long, magical trip.
Following the final squeeze, each of our sleepy families boarded their own individual comfy ride home. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable trip!
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!
The magic doesn’t stop here! There’s still time to keep it going through February 28th. We’re inviting our supporters to give just $5 or more, because every dollar donated to Bert’s Big Adventure between now and February 28th will be matched by Zaxbys.
That means your $5 becomes $10, and together, those dollars can make a truly beautiful impact in the lives of these incredible, deserving children.
