Snowball Express Marks 20th Year at Walt Disney World as Thousands Gather for Healing Retreat
Donated charter flights bring thousands of surviving spouses and children for a five-day healing retreat featuring early park access.
Overview
- American Airlines provided 16 charter aircraft and millions of AAdvantage miles, flying more than 2,600 family members from 29 cities.
- The 2025 gathering began on December 7 and spans two weeks at the resort, with families cycling through a structured five-day program.
- Lodging, meals, local transportation and all event programming are fully covered to let families focus on connection and healing.
- Activities include exclusive early entry to Magic Kingdom, the Walk of Gratitude down Main Street U.S.A., and remembrance tributes such as the Remembrance Garden.
- Nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS, many of them veterans, support ceremonies and on-site needs, while Gary Sinise greeted departing families at airport sendoffs including Nashville.