The Gary Sinise Foundation and Disney Honor Gold Star Families at Walt Disney World
More than 700 families from around the country are on their way to World Disney World this week for the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express retreat.
Serving families of fallen service members, the annual retreat is meant to be a time of healing and restoration for those who have lost so much.
“That’s the heartbeat of the Gary Sinise Foundation is trying to lift these folks up — you know, they don’t ask for much and they give a lot,” Sinise told ClickOrlando.
The Walk of Gratitude
During the weeklong program, families will participate in numerous activities, including the yearly Walk of Gratitude at Magic Kingdom.
Before arriving at the park, each family member can write a personal message to their fallen hero on a scroll, which is then placed in a magic caldron in front of Cinderella Castle.


Photo: Disney Parks Blog
After the ringing of bells, the scrolls are sent skyward toward heaven.
“You can see what it is to bring so many children together who’ve all lost a parent and the healing that happens when they meet other kids and they see they’re not alone and they’re going through the loss they suffered in service to our country,” Sinise explained.
Remembrance Garden
In addition to the Walk of Gratitude, the Snowball Express also helps cultivate the Remembrance Garden inside Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.


Photo: Gary Sinise Foundation
Here, over 700 flags sit, each representing a fallen hero from one of the families. The families can then leave small items and personal notes alongside their family member’s flags.
“It’s very powerful when you walk through here,” Sinise said.
To learn more about the Snowball Express and the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/