The opening ceremony and dedication of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children was on Wednesday, March 30.
I arrived early because I had allowed extra travel time since the weather was supposed to be bad and it wasn’t- not that I’m complaining! When I arrived, I saw several familiar faces from Monday’s tour. They gave me a wristband for the tour following the ceremony and took me over to the lawn where the ceremony would be taking place. It had a nice view of the pavilion:
A stage had been set up to use for the ceremony:
The event was very well attended by Disney Cast Members and Imagineers, hospital staff, media and patients:
The mayor of Orlando, Buddy Dyer, spoke first. He was very enthusiastic about the pavilion:
Next, “When You Wish Upon a Star” was sung. The children’s choir was from a local school:
The Florida Hospital for Children administrators spoke and shared inspiring stories about two young children who beat incredible odds:
Next, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, was introduced. He spoke of how proud Disney is to be a part of bringing a smile to children when they need it most.
Mickey Mouse was on hand to help lead the choir and a local singer in singing “True Colors”:
After the ceremony, those going on the tour broke into their groups. We went many of the same places that the tour on Monday went to. For more information and pictures, please click here. One of the first places we went was the Pediatric Emergency Department:
We also went to the savanna-themed floor:
On this tour, we got to see one of the pediatric ICU rooms.
I left the hospital through the main lobby. Confetti was still on the ground and it was neat to hear the kids getting excited about it when they saw it:
I would like to say thank you to the staff of the Walt Disney Pavilion and Florida Hospital for Children. Their hospitality Monday and today was much appreciated and they couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. Everyone was so enthusiastic about it. Thank you for allowing us to have a peak at this wonderful facility and to be part of the opening ceremony. It is truly going to make a difference in the lives of so many children.
Have a great day!
My son has had several tests performed at the Disney Pavilion and the atmosphere has always been wonderful. I especially appreciate the greeter- who seems to have the true spirit of a CM- he always points the way to where we’re going and is so friendly.