Disneyland Paris Brings Magic to GHEF Pediatric Ward in Jossigny
Jossigny, France, April 23, 2026 – The pediatric services of the Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien (GHEF) at the Marne-La-Vallée site have undergone a magical transformation, thanks to new decorations designed and implemented by Disneyland Paris. Following the successful Disney-themed mural decoration in the pediatric emergency room in 2023, the entire pediatric ward was officially inaugurated on April 23 by Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, and Madame Muller, Deputy General Director of GHEF.
A Project Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering
The project, conceived by the teams at Walt Disney Imagineering in Paris, aims to infuse a touch of magic into an often challenging environment, providing a sense of calm and comfort for sick children. It features a series of frescoes depicting beloved Disney characters in various settings, specially adapted for the hospital’s pediatric spaces. These enchanting visuals adorn the walls and bay windows of corridors, waiting rooms, and examination rooms in the pediatric emergency department.
A unique interactive element is also available through the Disney Team of Heroes application, allowing children to engage with the decorations via a smartphone or tablet. Characters come to life on screen, immersing children in worlds inspired by films such as Zootopia, Cars, and Finding Nemo, as well as featuring classic characters like Winnie the Pooh.
Disneyland Paris teams collaborated closely with the hospital staff to best meet the needs of young patients. They meticulously managed the installation, paying particular attention to certain glass surfaces to allow light to pass through while seamlessly integrating the visuals into the corridors. The first phase of the project, focusing on pediatric emergencies, was completed in early 2023. The comprehensive decoration of the entire pediatric ward has been in place since January 2026.
Transforming the Hospital Experience for Children
Madame Anne Muller, Deputy Director of GHEF, emphasized the profound impact of this initiative: “This collaboration between GHEF and Disneyland Paris brings much more than simple decoration: it transforms the hospital experience for children. By creating a more playful and reassuring environment, these Disney-inspired universes help reduce anxiety related to care and promote a better experience of hospitalization, both for young patients and their families. It is a true support for the work of the healthcare teams, who can rely on these decorations to establish a climate of trust and appeasement.”
This latest development marks a new chapter in Disneyland Paris’s long-standing commitment to hospitalized children, a dedication that began in 1991. This commitment has been demonstrated through regular visits to hospitals by Disney characters, accompanied by Disney VoluntEARS, who lead painting and decoration workshops to brighten the daily lives of sick children. Over 40,000 children have received surprise visits from Disney characters since 1991. Additionally, hundreds of hospitalized children are welcomed to the Disney parks throughout the year when they are able to travel.
Through these ongoing efforts, Disneyland Paris continues its mission to bring comfort, hope, and moments of joy to children and families who need it most.
