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Many Disney fans might think that the Disney magic is lost — but sometimes, there are happy occasions that remind the disillusioned Disney enthusiasts of that magic! One pair of Walt Disney World Resort Guests recently found this happy Disney magic in a very special way.
James Emanuel and his wife, Heather Luter Emanuel, are big fans of Walt Disney World Resort and its holiday celebrations. James has been contending with end-stage renal failure and waiting for a match for a kidney transplant, but the couple decided to visit Walt Disney World Resort this year despite the wait.
Credit: Heather Luter Emanuel
The Tampa-based couple headed to Hollywood Studios for some Disney and holiday festivities, and enjoyed a magical Disney day before heading back to their Disney hotel room at All-Star Music Resort.
Most Disney Park visitors are familiar with the deep sleep that follows a busy day in a Disney theme park — but James and Heather were woken around 4 a.m. by a phone call in their Disney Resort room.
Credit: Heather Luter Emanuel
James was being called because he finally had a kidney transplant match; he and Heather rushed to the Tampa General Hospital from their Disney Resort. According to an interview with FOX35 Orlando, Heather said that “he was shocked and I cried. We packed all our stuff in about 5 minutes.”
James was able to get to the hospital and go through with a successful transplant!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios/Disney
Heather shared an update on a Disney World Annual Passholders Facebook page, confirming that the couple is home, James is recovering, and “hopefully in about 6 months we can go back to Disney“.
Have you ever gotten some huge and potentially life-saving news while enjoying a Walt Disney World Resort vacation?
