Families Of Fallen Military Heroes Enjoy Walt Disney World Trip On The Snowball Express

Actor Gary Sinise and the Gary Sinise Foundation are hosting 800 families of fallen military heroes at Walt Disney World Resort as part of its Snowball Express Program.

The five-day experience kicked off on December 3, and runs through December 7.

The trip began with around 2,000 family members from all across the country flying to Orlando aboard The Snowball Express to enjoy a magical stay here in Orlando, at Walt Disney World.

The foundation was established over 12 years ago by actor Gary Sinise to honor veterans, first responders and their families.

Snowball Express initially came to Walt Disney World in 2018, and this year's Snowball Express is the largest gathering of Snowball Families ever, with almost 2,000 loved ones coming from more than 500 cities around the county and overseas.

There is a Remembrance Garden with hundreds of flags and placards representing the fallen heroes, and families also will participate in a Walk of Gratitude at Magic Kingdom, where they can write personal messages to their fallen hero on a scroll.

The children of the fallen heroes will ring bells “to send those messages up to the parent(s) they lost as the scrolls are sent to heaven during a special show.”

The foundation said "The Gary Sinise Foundation is so honored to uplift these families with our special annual holiday trip by helping them during what is often the most difficult time of year." The message continued "This trip allows them to honor and remember their loved one while creating bonds and friendships with families who have experienced a similar loss and to let them know they are never alone."

The foundation has shared highlights from the first two days of this years Snowball Express, with families of fallen military heroes arriving at The Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World Resort here in Orlando!

On day one of this years Snowball Express, families received a hero's welcome at airports across the country from presenting sponsor American Airlines!

On day two, families enjoyed so many amazing activities, including a scavenger hunt, dance-off competition, karaoke, and a variety of fun games at the kid, teen, and adult lounges.

Families also took time to remember their fallen military hero at a special Remembrance Garden.

The Gary Sinise Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors whose contributions to Snowball Express have made this year's trip possible. Thanks to American Airlines, Amazon.com, WoodmenLife, Sunbelt Rentals, Owens Corning, American Tire Distributors, Vehicles For Veterans, E. & J. Gallo Winery, KPMG, Paul Mitchell Schools, Quanex, and Regal.

To donate to the Gary Sinise Foundation, please check out the foundations website.