New Disney Area for Children in the Florida Hospital

Walt Disney World has recently opened a new pavilion for children at the Florida Hospital. Read more about this great project, that aims to let children make their sickness a bit less frightening for them:

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'A Sanctuary of Healing, a Beacon of Hope'

The Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger offered a message of hope, comfort and thanks during the dedication of the new Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando March 30.

Songs, confetti and inspirational stories also highlighted the celebration for the new seven-story pediatric care building that was made possible in part by a $10 million commitment by the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Worldwide Outreach. Included in that gift was the creation of a unique family-friendly lobby designed by Walt Disney Imagineers.

Speaking before a large group of doctors, nurses, employees, family members and young, now-healthy patients on the lawn outside the hospital, Bob said Disney was proud to be part of "such a wonderful place of healing and hope."

He described the significance of our company's involvement in the hospital and the Central Florida community as a natural extension of our mission to make to magic daily.

"On behalf of the more than 62,000 of our cast members and their families who live in this community, we're all honored to lend a little Disney magic to support children during what can be such a difficult time," Bob said. "Disney makes special moments for millions of people every day, and it's especially important for us to share smiles and make magic with children in hospitals, where it's needed most. "

The new 200-bed facility boasts a unique interactive lobby designed by Imagineers that features several beloved Disney characters, including those from "The Lion King," "The Little Mermaid" and "Brother Bear." Much of the hospital showcases colors and themes taken from the lobby and designed to relieve the fear of young patients and their families.

"That's why we send beloved characters to make bedside visits; deliver care packages to help patients pass the time with toys and movies, and build a wonderful new facility that might make being sick just a little less scary for kids in Central Florida," Bob said.

The ceremony included brief introductions of youngsters who have been helped by Florida Hospital, an appearance by Mickey Mouse, performances by two-time Grammy Award nominee Wintley Phipps, Disney performer Andrea Canny and the Forest Lake Academy Children's Choir and greetings from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Des Cummings Jr., Florida Hospital executive vice president, offered a prayer that "the Walt Disney Pavilion may be known as a sanctuary of healing, a beacon of hope and place for every hurting child."

Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, accompanied Bob and other Disney executives on a tour of the new hospital along with Florida Hospital leaders. They were greeted by children who thanked them for their commitment. 

"A hospital can be an overwhelming place, and we have worked very closely to learn how to make each experience special" said Marla Silliman, administrator of Florida Hospital for Children. "Our mission is to provide the best care possible for our patients. I believe that we have achieved our goal by creating a hospital that brings world-class physicians, top-of-the-line technology and a truly patient-centered experience for children all under one roof." 

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They have really done a great thing. This will truly make a difference for kids that have to pass weeks (if not months) in a hospital. Here's also a video of the area and more:



What do you think? If your child would become ill (we hope not), would you rather put him or her in a sad, white room, or would you rather choose an hospital that offers an interactive, Disney area that distracts them, and make them feel a little bit better?
We know that having an area like this will likely NOT speed up the healing process, but they will take the illness with more positivity. That'a great thing to do.