ORLANDO, Florida – Dante has a vivid imagination and is captivated by dinosaurs. Watching Mickey Mouse, minions and playing in water are pure joy to him, bringing out the sweetest smiles and giggles. He carried a special hope in his heart, and soon learned it was coming true.

During a therapy appointment, staff made a surprise announcement that Kids Wish Network was sending him to Disney World. Dante’s mouth dropped open in awe and then came the biggest smile. He could not wait.

It was an incredible feeling boarding the plane, knowing they were on their way to Florida. Kids Wish Network flew his family to Orlando, and it was so exciting finally arriving and being so close to all the fun.

“The Magic Kingdom was beautiful and magical,” said his dad Bernardo. Some of their fondest memories were seeing Dante so enchanted with the parade and singing along with the music, watching the brilliant fireworks display, and experiencing all the wonders of Disney as a family.

At Animal Kingdom, their favorite attractions were Pandora – The World of Avatar and the Finding Nemo themed show. At Universal, Dante loved seeing all the minions at Illumination’s Minion Land, but the biggest thrills were at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, exploring the dinosaurs and prehistoric attractions in Jurassic Park.

“I knew he was having a lot of fun because he wanted to keep walking to see everything,” said his dad. “Even though he was a little tired, you could see his energy wanting to be there and experience all of it.”

Dining experiences were also epic. Dante’s love of dinosaurs was celebrated at the T-Rex Café at Disney Springs. Dinner was an interactive adventure with themed rooms, play zones, life-sized animatronic prehistoric creatures and simulated meteor showers. Dante’s family felt so special being seated in a booth right next to the coveted 15 foot T-Rex. Dessert was legendary, with the restaurant surprising them with its massive signature dessert complete with a dry ice steaming volcano. Dante was also gifted a T-Rex sipper water bottle as a treasured souvenir.

All of their meals were standouts, with dinners at The Cheesecake Factory, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Longhorn Steakhouse. Staff at each restaurant were attentive to Dante and made his dining experiences extra memorable. All of the restaurants graciously provided his family’s meals.

Their accommodations were courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Orlando, where they stayed in a studio suite. They loved the spacious room and evening swims at the resort’s Grotto pool with cascading waterfalls and a water slide. It was the perfect way to end adventure filled days and keep enjoying time together.

Dante also received a surprise in his room. A dinosaur themed gift basket, brimming with toys, candy, other goodies and a mylar balloon, was donated by Mouse to Your House.

Dante’s wish was a much needed getaway focused on family togetherness.

“It was the first time that we’ve been away together as a family, having time away from work and school and experiencing everything together,” said his dad. “I got to see my kids so happy. The whole thing was special for us, from day one to the last. We’re so grateful for everything.”

Before his diagnosis, Dante began having symptoms such as loss of appetite, digestive and sleep issues, frequently losing his balance, crying at night and developmental complications. A CT scan revealed the unthinkable. Dante had a glioma brain tumor. He underwent surgery to remove it and recently had an additional operation. Dante continues his health journey with speech and physical therapies.

Many Thanks

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Dante without the help of the Hyatt Regency Orlando, T-Rex Café, The Cheesecake Factory, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Longhorn Steakhouse, Universal Studios, Disney World, Mouse to Your House, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Wish Sponsors:

Hyatt Regency Orlando

Hyatt Regency Orlando | Book Your Stay Near Universal Studios

FB: https://www.facebook.com/hyatt

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T-Rex Cafe

Home page : Paddlefish Restaurant at Disney Springs | Lake Buena Vista, FL

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TRexCafeOrlando/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/t_rexcafe/

The Cheesecake Factory

American Restaurant in Orlando, 32839 | The Cheesecake Factory

FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecheesecakefactory