Make-A-Wish and Disney Help Cora Meet Corra

Make-A-Wish is one of the great organizations in the world. The foundation grants wishes to young people with critical illnesses. Some kids choose to meet their favorite athlete or celebrity. Others opt to learn more about their favorite hobby. But a vast majority of kids choose a Disney or Universal vacation, and for good reason. The two companies go all out when granting wishes. Just ask Cora, who was able to meet Animal Kingdom’s newest baby elephant, Corra, on her wish trip.

Five-year-old Cora has battled coronary heart disease her entire life. She had her first procedure when she was four days old, her first open heart surgery when she was just one. Doctors determined early on that she needed a heart transplant, so much of her life has been spent in hospitals. She and her family turned to Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom to help deal with the stress. The Disney+ show highlights Disney World’s animals and their awesome caregivers.

“We started watching the show at the hospital, and it gave Cora an escape. She was watching the animals go through some of the same things she was going through during treatments, and it calmed her fears. It means the world to now see her wish come true and enjoy being a kid with the people most special to her.”

Cora’s Mom

Cora’s Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World

When it was time to choose her Make-A-Wish wish, Cora didn’t hesitate. She wanted to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Once that decision was made, Cast Members jumped into action. 50 CMs helped plan Cora’s week, which included an exclusive Animal Kingdom Lodge safari, an up-close Tamarin encounter at Animal Kingdom, and a party with Russell and Dug. But the highlight of the trip happened when Cora met Corra. That’s a big deal. We just got back from Disney World. I rode Kilimanjaro Safaris four times and went on the Caring for Giants tour, but I never saw Corra.

Disney vets Dr. Jen and Dr. Geoff spent time with Cora, teaching her about the animals they care for every day. She donned a stethoscope to listen to Mickey’s heart. She’ll be doing plenty of that in the future since she plans to be a doctor.

Watch this video to see just how special these Make-A-Wish trips can be. You’ll also be able to see elephant Corra acting like an awesome little goofball.

Cora’s wasn’t the only Animal Kingdom wish trip. Three other children recently had their wishes granted by Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team. All told, Disney has granted 155,000 wishes, making it the largest Make-A-Wish contributor.