Dreamflight was co-founded in 1986 by Patricia Pearce and Derek Pereira, both of whom worked for British Airways. Patricia had previously helped to organise a BA project, Skyride, which raised money to take underprivileged children on a one-hour ‘Christmas party’ flight. Patricia and Derek decided to go one step further and take deserving children to Walt Disney World, and Dreamflight was born.
The first trip took place in November 1987. Dreamflight has operated every year since, and over 6,700 children have now experienced their ‘holiday of a lifetime’.
Each October, 192 children from across the UK come together to board Dreamflight’s privately-hired aircraft to Orlando. Parents are not allowed, but instead a huge volunteer team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other helpers look after the children for 10 days. Our volunteers and supporters fundraise for the charity year-round, in order to make the trip happen.
Dreamflight is not just a holiday; it does something that medicine can’t. The children get the opportunity to discover independence, confidence, and a whole new outlook on life. Often for the first time, they realise that they are not the odd one out. They gain perspective and experience things that they never thought possible.
Since 2021, Dreamflight has also taken small groups to fully-accessible activity centres in the UK.
Dreamflight is a registered charity in England and Wales (charity no 1117303) and Scotland (SCO44892).
We are the only charity that takes deserving children from across the UK to Orlando as a peer group, with no parents. Instead the children are accompanied by a team of volunteers from all walks of life, who support the children 24/7. We believe the 10-day experience helps build independence, confidence and friendships – and is huge fun!
We are:
All the love, dedication and passion makes such a difference to every VIC and adult and makes this charity as magical as it is! Calvert 2026 volunteer
It’s really fun, you get to do things that you would never dream of, you get to meet a lot of people, have new experiences. Calvert 2026 child
After the trip I was more confident at school and happy to be myself Dreamflight Child (The Simpsons Group)
Dreamflight has taught me to be more confident in who I am, be myself and make more friends Dreamflight Child (Shrek Group)
Dreamflight has encouraged me to try more and be less scared of new things Dreamflight Child (Scooby Doo Group)
Dreamflight has taught me that if you have a dream you can achieve it Dreamflight Child (Scooby Doo Group)
Going on the Dreamflight trip has encouraged me to talk to people more, make friends and be confident to do more! Dreamflight Child (Donald Duck Group)
Dreamflight has inspired me to not be scared or worried if someone says something might happen. I’m prepared and ready for change! Dreamflight Child (Donald Duck Group)
Dreamflight has inspired me to be more confident about myself and to tell people about my condition Dreamflight Child (Goofy Group)
Dreamflight has inspired me to embrace my scars and to help others like me to be more confident Dreamflight Child (Mickey Mouse Group)
Were you lucky enough to get a place in the London Marathon ballot? Congratulations! We’d love you to consider running…
Read moreOur next life-changing trip to Orlando is now under 100 sleeps away! The countdown is officially on and we’re delighted…
Read moreCongratulations to our wonderful ambassador, former Dreamflight child Aidan, on raising over £32,000 at his recent golf day at Garforth…
Read more40 years of Dreamflight starts here! This November we’re kicking off our 40th anniversary celebrations with a very special evening…
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