Disney Day Parade for our Adults, Children and Young People

Once upon a time, in a place not so far away, the shimmering world of Disney visited for the day!

Guess what? This week, it’s National Disney Day, so we wanted to take a look back to earlier this year at some of the magnificent (and in this case, Maleficent!) costumes that the team here at Hollybank pulled together to transform the corridors into the streets of Disneyland itself! One staff member dressed up as Maleficent, and other characters visiting Hollybank include Minnie Mouse, a jedi knight from Star Wars, Spiderman and more!

For the individuals we support at Hollybank Trust, fancy dress is not just about having fun whilst wearing a costume – it offers them a chance to escape to the realms of their favourite stories and get lost in a truly magical experience. What made the day even more authentic was the Disney parade that our Hollybank team chose to put on for their guests. In advance of the day, our adults, children and young people who attended the Disney event designed their own bespoke autograph books by taking part in a book-binding activity and decorating their books with glittering stickers and colourful card. On the day, staff members took on their character roles with such enthusiasm, signing books for delighted adults who relished the chance to interact with their beloved Disney icons.

A grand parade danced its way through the corridors of our activity hub, which has become somewhat of a stage for some of our performances at Hollybank. Characters twirled, marched, and waved, filling the air with the magic fairy dust of Disney! The Disney fashion shoot had participants striking poses with their favourite characters, each capturing their inner Disney diva, prince charming, or magical creature.

Some the guests in attendance who we support commented:

“It was nice to meet my favourite princess”

 

“I liked my autograph book and picture with princess Elsa”

Next, it was time for a Disney Bingo extravaganza! During Bingo sessions at Hollybank, the individuals who we support are set up with Assistive Technology (AT) switches which shout ‘Bingo!’ when pressed. The Disney-themed pop quiz brought a competitive yet fun spirit; the quiz was adapted from open questions to a multiple choice style quiz to suit the individuals with complex needs who we support.

In all the wonderment of the day, one of our adults who has a knack for creative writing played a part in coordinating a small writing workshop, where everyone sat together to talk about the day Hollybank became an enchanted kingdom for Disney day. Everyone picked their favourite crunchy cookie that they had made from Disney-shaped cookie cutters earlier in the week.

Two members of staff who helped coordinate the Disney day won a Hollybank internal award for all their dedication and enthusiasm at work.

And with that, they all lived happily ever after!