Meet The Young Disney Fan Who Received the First-Ever Tiana-Inspired Bionic Arm
9-year-old Disney fan Elisa’s dream came true when she was gifted the first-ever bionic arm cover inspired by Princess Tiana, just in time for a visit to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.
Photo: Disney
Elisa has always been proud of her congenital limb difference, which she calls her “lucky fin.” On her trip from her hometown in Georgia to Disney World, however, she was in for a surprise. Thanks to Disney and Open Bionics, Elisa was given the first-ever Princes Tiana-themed cover and a day full of magic at Disney World.
The Adventure Begins
After arriving at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Elisa’s parents and siblings revealed the new arm cover. The cover was adorned with Tiana’s green and yellow colors, floral details, and sparkles.
“Tiana is strong like me because she faces all her dreams and tries to make them come true,” explained Elisa. “I’m excited to show my friends my new cover because it’s Tiana and I like Tiana.”
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Elisa received her first bionic arm around a year ago, and she knows exactly how it works. The Hero Arm uses electrodes to send signals from her muscles to her fingers, which means improved mobility and a better quality of life.
Now, with her new cover, Elisa and her family were surprised with role-play costumes, accessories, T-shirts, and toys before being swept away to the Magic Kingdom.
Riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
There, Elisa and her family were among the first guests to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as a part of a special sunset soiree.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
After taking the plunge into the bayou, Elisa got to talk to Carmen J. Smith, SVP, Creative Development — Content, Product & Exclusive Strategies, Disney Experiences.
“Princess Tiana is both a dreamer and a doer. And that’s what you do – you draw and do all kinds of wonderful things,” Carmen said to Elisa. “We want you to feel happy, a sense of celebration, and in ways that many people may never be able to. You’ve got Tiana right with you, and Tiana’s special.”
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The celebration then concluded at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where Elisa and her family finally got to meet Princess Tiana herself.
A Magic-Making Collaboration
Elisa’s story is just the latest example of the collaboration between Disney and Open Bionics. The healthcare company “develops medical devices that enhance the human body, including the Hero Arm for people living with a below-elbow limb difference.”
“What we’re doing for Elisa is just another example of how we like to go above and beyond and make our users feel special and feel like the heroes that they are,” added Emily Shannon, a clinician at Open Bionics.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Since 2016, Disney has collaborated with Open Bionics to create Disney-themed covers for bionic arms.
“A lot of my patients who are kids have told me, and their families have told me, that they feel left out or get bullied or feel ostracized from their peers because of their limb difference,” Emily shared. “Open Bionics is so good about flipping that narrative and showing these kids it’s okay to be who you are, it’s okay to embrace what makes you special, and you are your own superhero.”
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
To learn more about Disney’s efforts to help those with disabilities, visit reimaginetomorrow.disney.com.
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