Disney Cast Member VoluntEAR Group Transform Orlando VA Fisher House into a Winter Wonderland for Veterans and Families
By Melanie Thomas, Public Affairs Officer
The Orlando VA Healthcare System partnered with Disney cast members today to bring holiday cheer to Veterans and their families at the Orlando VA Fisher House.
The heartwarming event transformed the facility into a festive winter wonderland, kicking off the holiday season with joy, gratitude, and community spirit.
For the sixth straight year in a row - Disney’s talented team of volunteers, many of whom are Veterans themselves, spent the day decorating the Fisher House with twinkling lights, garlands, and cheerful holiday displays. Known as the “Disney VoluntEARS,” this special group included Disney employees who proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces and now continue their service by giving back to fellow Veterans and their families.
“The Fisher House is truly a home away from home for our Veterans’ families,” said George Denby, Orlando Fisher House Manager. “Thanks to our friends at Disney, families staying here during the holidays will feel surrounded by warmth and support.”
The Fisher House program provides free lodging for families of Veterans and service members receiving care at the Orlando VA Medical Center or nearby military medical facilities. By eliminating the burden of hotel costs, the program allows families to remain close to their loved ones during hospital stays for illness, injury, or recovery.
In addition to decorating, Disney provided a delicious lunch for everyone involved, prepared by Disney chefs. The meal added a touch of culinary magic to the day, offering participants the opportunity to relax, connect, and celebrate the upcoming season together.
For Disney’s Veteran employees, the event was deeply meaningful. “As a U.S. Navy Veteran, it’s an honor to be here and give back to those who understand the meaning of service,” said Chappy Surette, Strategic Communications Leader, Disney Experiences. “Bringing a little Disney magic to the Fisher House is our way of saying thank you.”
The day concluded with smiles, laughter, and a shared sense of community—reminding everyone that the holidays are about compassion, connection, and caring for one another.
The Orlando VA Healthcare System extends its heartfelt appreciation to Disney and all the volunteers who helped make the Fisher House shine this holiday season.
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About Orlando VA Healthcare System: Established in October 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System (VAHCS) was designated a 1a facility (most complex) in 2021, with more than 5,660 employees and an annual budget of $1.5B and serves more than 149,000 Veterans in Central Florida. The Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona provides outpatient, inpatient, and emergency services. Lake Nona’s 65-acre medical campus encompasses 134 acute inpatient beds, providing complex Medical/Surgical/Mental Health specialty care, advanced diagnostic services, and a large multispecialty outpatient clinic, as well as a 120-bed Community Living Center, two Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs/Domiciliaries (60-beds located at Lake Nona Campus and 56 beds at the Lake Baldwin Campus). Outpatient services are provided at a Health Care Center in Viera, a Multispecialty Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Daytona Beach, and five Community-Based Outpatient Clinics located in Clermont, Lake Baldwin, Kissimmee, Deltona, Palm Bay and Tavares.