Make-A-Wish Ambassador Colby Helped Christen the Disney Wish

As 2022 came to a close, Disney Cruise Line spotlighted one of the year's most meaningful milestones: naming Make-A-Wish children as the first-ever godchildren of the Disney Wish during its June christening ceremony. Ten-year-old Colby, whose wish was to meet a Disney Imagineer, received a surprise visit from the Disney Cruise Line team at his Massachusetts home before joining the historic ceremony.

In one of Disney Cruise Line's most significant moments of 2022, the christening of the Disney Wish introduced a new tradition: honoring Make-A-Wish children — past, present, and future wish recipients — as the ship's first-ever godchildren. Colby, a 10-year-old from Massachusetts whose wish was to meet a Disney Imagineer, was one of three ambassadors to take the stage at the historic ceremony in June 2022.

Colby's Wish — and a Surprise Worth Celebrating

Before Colby arrived at the christening ceremony, the Disney Cruise Line team visited his home in Massachusetts to deliver the news in person: not only would he help christen a new Disney cruise ship, but his wish to meet a Disney Imagineer would also be fulfilled in the process. The moment Colby learned he would play a central role in one of the cruise line's most historic events was captured and shared as part of the broader Make-A-Wish ambassador series.

The Make-A-Wish Godchildren Tradition

The decision to name Make-A-Wish children as godchildren of the Disney Wish was a deliberate reimagining of maritime naming tradition. The christening included three ambassadors representing the full scope of the Make-A-Wish community — past, present, and future recipients. Fellow ambassador Jenna, whose wish was granted in 2015, was introduced the week prior. Megan, the third ambassador, was featured in a subsequent story in the series.

A Partnership Built Over Four Decades

The collaboration between Disney and Make-A-Wish began in 1980 and has since helped grant life-changing wishes for more than 145,000 children with critical illnesses around the world. In the United States, one out of every two Make-A-Wish grants has been a Disney wish. For many recipients, a granted wish — whether a visit to a Disney park or a sailing with Disney Cruise Line — provides hope and relief during an otherwise difficult chapter. The godchildren designation tied this legacy directly to the Disney Wish's identity from its very first day at sea.

What This Means for the Disney Wish

The stories of Colby, Jenna, and Megan collectively define what the Disney Wish represents beyond its stunning design and new onboard experiences. By placing Make-A-Wish recipients at the center of the ship's christening, Disney Cruise Line established a legacy of purpose that continues with every sailing. Learn more about sailing on the Disney Wish at DisneyCruise.com.