Alexandra Huger is in charge of show events for Artistic Production. She is also responsible for the Make a Dream Program, whose mission is to make the dreams of seriously ill children come true.
Alexandra, can you tell us about your career at Disneyland Paris?
Last July, I had the honour of celebrating 25 years of working at Disneyland Paris!
I started out working for Disneyland Paris in the Entertainment division, where I was promoted to Team Leader, Parades. Then, with the help of my managers, I launched the ‘Make a Dream’ Program that we have at Disneyland Paris – a kind of ‘dream factory’.
Every year, a number of seriously ill children have dreams that they want to fulfil at our resort, such as meeting their favourite Disney Characters and Marvel Super Heroes. The artists who perform in our shows are also involved. With the help of my team, my role is to ensure that these wishes are granted as successfully as possible.
There’s something magical about making dreams come true. Can you tell us about your work and your responsibilities?
Every day, I receive requests for wishes from children related to shows, such as meetings with Disney Characters or artists. I do everything I can to make them happen. Some requests require special organisation and coordination with the Entertainment teams, such as the stage directors, or other departments. The operational teams really help me make these dreams come true. I have a fantastic team who collaborate with me to get everything ready for the wish granting weekends. From a logistical point of view, I make sure that everything is perfectly prepared!
My role is to respect the child’s wishes as closely as possible. If they want their wish to come true, that’s no mean feat. I have to consider every detail so that the child can have the most magical time and create an unforgettable moment for them and their family.
To do this, I work with collaborate with Cast Members from operations and various other departments to make these dreams come true. Since the program was launched, we’ve been able to arrange over 10,000 private, exclusive meetings.
Are you present during the weekends when many children’s wishes come true?
I’m there on the big day to ensure that everything we’ve worked on runs smoothly for each of the children’s wishes. My role is also to support the operational teams who work with us by discussing their emotions with them.
What makes this mission unique for you? What do you get out of it?
We’re at Disneyland Paris – the place where dreams come to life. This statement is just as important, if not more so, for the children and families in the program who find themselves facing very tough times. During the visits that we organise, they can forget everything, and above all, reconnect with each other.
It’s very important for us to see them smiling together, and especially to watch them as the dream comes true when the Disney Characters meet the children for special, personal encounters. All the moments we’ve been able to share throughout the 20 years since the program started, by organising the events, have always given me immense personal satisfaction and made me very proud to work for Disneyland Paris.
I’m proud of the work that’s been done, and I’m also proud of the work done by the Cast Members, who, I have to admit, sometimes cause me to shed a little tear.
It’s at moments like these that the Disney magic comes to life for me, and there’s nothing more beautiful than bringing a smile back to the face of a child.
Do you have a magical memory to share with us?
A magical memory … it’s really hard to choose just one. However, I can think of one incredible moment that stands out – when I found myself with a seriously ill child who fulfilled his wish to be on stage with the actors and dancers from our shows. I had prepared for his arrival in advance and for his inclusion in the show with the stage directors, and I made sure that I got a costume in age 5 for his mum to dress her in. I was backstage with her, all of us holding hands, and I became their partner in that moment! And then, all of a sudden, it was time. I was almost nervous for him, and he was so proud, he let go of my hand to go on stage and join the other artists with a huge smile on his face. This absolutely incredible moment will remain engraved in my memory forever.
If you had to describe your job in one word, what would it be?
Realising someone’s dreams and bringing them to life is a very difficult thing to do and something that’s really unique. But if I had to choose just one word, I think I’d choose humanity. What I experience on a daily basis is truly the most humanitarian adventure I’ve ever encountered. Everyone really listens and does their utmost to make as many dreams come true as possible. When you see the eyes of a child and their parents sparkling with anticipation when they meet their favourite character, time stands still. I can’t think of anything more beautiful – the emotions are so powerful!