Magic windows and characters part of new patient experience as Disney transforms AdventHealth for Children

February 06, 2020 — ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 6, 2020 — Being in the hospital can be a scary time for a child. But it may not be as intimidating if you get a pep talk from your favorite Disney character, don a themed hospital gown, and the walls magically transform into scenes that come to life.

These experiences are now possibilities at AdventHealth for Children, as the first hospital in Central Florida to debut Disney transformed spaces and elements for their patients.

AdventHealth and Disney have worked together for many years. When the Walt Disney Pavilion at AdventHealth for Children opened in 2011, it was the first children’s hospital of its kind, with an interactive lobby and themed patient floors featuring beloved Disney films.

The immersive concept was part of the inspiration for Disney’s philanthropic and outreach program aimed at delivering joy and comfort to children facing serious illness, which will roll out at children’s hospitals across the country over the next several years. Today, the Disney team returned to AdventHealth for Children to expand on this program and debut all new, state-of-the-art experiences.

Magic windows will provide mesmerizing views into the active, living worlds found in Disney stories. Magic Portals will engage patients and families with games and favorite characters.

And patients can customize their hospital visit by choosing their favorite Disney stories and characters, which will surround them during their stay. The wireless system will also unlock special elements to further personalize and enhance the experience, such as “enchanted” artwork that comes alive.

“AdventHealth for Children is unlike any other children’s hospital. Our collaboration with Disney, combined with world-class, whole-person care, makes for an unparalleled experience for our patients and their families,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children. “We are thrilled that Disney is bringing its magic to our patients. Any time we can divert a child’s attention away from the health challenges they may be facing, it can do wonders for healing their spirit.”

“Helping children and families facing serious illness dates back to when Walt Disney himself joined animators and characters at children’s hospitals to bring patients a little more comfort and joy,” said Elissa Margolis, senior vice president of Enterprise Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “Sharing the magic of Disney with children in need continues through Disney’s philanthropic and outreach commitment dedicated to delivering compassion and inspiration to children and families.”

The Disney elements will expand to several areas, including the emergency department, patient rooms and in frequently used areas such as imaging. These additions include:

• Themed patient rooms featuring interactive murals of Disney stories, bed linens and gowns featuring each child’s favorite characters, and personalized in-room entertainment.

• Murals around the hospital, which feature a variety of Disney characters that come to life in stories and games that can be accessed via Disney apps on mobile devices.
• Disney first-run movies and television shows, available both in-room and in themed pop- up movie theaters in the hospital, along with other Disney entertainment options.

Disney’s initiative to reimagine the children’s hospital experience is part of the company’s community outreach and philanthropy efforts. It is being facilitated at AdventHealth for Children through a grant to the AdventHealth Foundation.

About AdventHealth for Children

AdventHealth for Children’s care network includes 292-pediatric beds in Central Florida, including an acute-care medical center in Orlando, home of the Walt Disney Pavilion that serves as AdventHealth’s main campus for pediatric care. The flagship children’s hospital is the heart of a network that includes primary care pediatricians, specialty clinics, emergency departments and Centra Care Kids pediatric urgent care. AdventHealth for Children is a two-time Magnet designated hospital by the ANCC, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best children's hospital for neonatology.