Disney Brings Magic to Fire-Impacted Schools with Special Field Days

Disney Field Days brought so much joy to our students at a time when joy was especially needed. Watching thousands of children laugh, play, and meet their favorite characters right in their own schoolyards was truly inspiring. We are grateful to Disney for their generosity and to our PEF and PUSD staff for their hard work in making these days possible. This was a reminder of the power of community to lift one another up. Dr. Patrick Conyers, PEF Executive Director

This September, Disney brought joy and wonder to some of the youngest members of our community. In response to the Eaton Fire, Disney surprised fire-affected schools with their very own Disney Field Days. Hosted at Madison Elementary and Don Benito Elementary, the events welcomed more than 2,300 students from across PUSD and the Greater Pasadena area, including Washington STEM Magnet, Altadena Arts Magnet, and McKinley, along with students from Pasadena Rosebud Academy, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School, St. Mark’s Episcopal School, and Odyssey Charter South.

A Disney Experience on Campus

The school fields were transformed into miniature Disneylands, complete with activity booths, character meet-and-greets, and themed adventure zones. Students rotated through six interactive areas inspired by Disney favorites such as Mickey and Friends, Disney Princesses, Star Wars, Zootopia, Inside Out, and Marvel. From racing droids to solving animal trivia challenges and learning a Disney flashmob dance, there was something exciting for every child.

Meeting the Magic

The most unforgettable moments came when students met their favorite characters face to face. For many, it was their very first Disney in-person experience, made even more special because it happened alongside classmates and neighbors. Beloved characters including Mickey and Minnie, R2-D2, Spider-Man, Tiana, and even surprise guest Stitch brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of wonder that students will remember for years.

Gifts that Keep the Magic Going

Disney’s generosity extended beyond the events. The following Monday, every student received a goodie bag complete with their own Mickey or Minnie plush and autographed character photos. Host schools Don Benito and Madison also received a special gift: the remote-controlled droids featured in the activities, now permanent reminders of a magical day on campus.

Gratitude for Collaboration

PEF is deeply grateful to Disney for making these Field Days possible, and to the Disney VoluntEARS, cast members, Corporate Responsibility, and Live Events teams for ensuring a safe, joyful experience for every child. We also thank the PUSD departments of Maintenance and Operations, Food and Nutrition Services, along with the principals, staff, and custodians at the host schools, whose dedication and coordination were essential to welcoming thousands of students.

Together, this collaboration filled the day with laughter, wonder, and a little pixie dust, giving children recovering from the Eaton Fire memories to treasure.

Our Stories