Mamie’s Dream: A First Fun Flight and a Whole Lot of Magic

At just four years old, Mamie had already been on more airplane rides than many kids her age but until recently, none of them had been for fun. This spring, everything changed. With Mickey ears proudly in place and a Disney suitcase in tow, Mamie rolled through the airport for her very first non-medical flight. Her destination? A dream come true, a magical trip to Orlando, Florida, courtesy of Toby’s Dream Foundation and Give Kids the World Village (GKTW).

From the moment she arrived at GKTW, Mamie’s world lit up with joy, wonder, and surprises around every corner. The Village itself was a dream, whimsical, welcoming, and full of magic. Her younger brother, Macon, fell in love with the movies-on-demand at the pool and the ship-shaped outdoor movie theater. The whole family was swept up in the charm of it all, from the special welcome to the farewell hugs.

The family spent an entire day exploring everything GKTW had to offer, “It was hard to do it all,” her mom shared. “The Village and the staff were incredible. They went above and beyond for everything.”

Mamie and Macon felt like VIPs throughout the week especially when riding around in their rental minivan, which they lovingly dubbed their “fancy living.” Daily visits to the on-site ice cream shop became a beloved routine, and surprise visits from favorite characters like Mickey and Minnie made the trip even more unforgettable.

One of the most amazing discoveries from the trip? Mamie loves roller coasters. From the 50-foot drop on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to zooming through the twists and turns of Slinky Dog Dash TWICE. She was fearless and thrilled every moment. Her joy was contagious.

A highlight for Mom was the Frozen Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sitting in the second row, Mamie was beaming as Elsa and Kristoff waved directly at her. “It was a truly magical moment,” her mom recalled.

Throughout the trip, Mamie and her family had front-of-the-line access to characters and attractions at both Disney and Universal Studios. A princess’s breakfast made Mamie’s royal dreams come true, while superhero sightings left her wide-eyed and starstruck.

One especially touching moment came when Mamie asked, “Is this trip because I did such a good job at all my doctors’ appointments?” Her family smiled and told her: “Yes, girl, it absolutely is the reason!”

For Mamie and her family, this Dream Trip was more than just a vacation. It was a celebration of resilience, bravery, and childhood joy. It gave them time together to laugh, discover, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Toby’s Dream Foundation is honored to have helped make this dream a reality for Mamie and we’re so proud of the joy, courage, and sparkle she brought to every moment.