The COVID-19 situation forced most of the world to alter their travel and vacation plans and in April, when the pandemic was raging across the country, a young boy had to postpone his 8th birthday trip to Disney World.

But thankfully Sam Olsen, has the best big sister in the world, 10-year-old Ella. “She spent about six weeks planning this for him,” Angela Olsen said of the Magic Kingdom-inspired day that took place in their then-home in northern Minnesota.

Big Sister creates Disney World at home

Ella made sure they had everything over the top for her younger brother’s birthday, from four ride experiences to an ice cream cart selling Mickey Bars to the background music, everything was just like a perfect Disney trip.

Olsen said, “Once Sam put on his Magic Band, it became very real.” She created a cardboard box which became the center of attractions. Ella, her mom said, painted each side with a different experience scene and then had a “ride” along. A video of Sam on “Splash Mountain” that his mom posted to Instagram has been viewed thousands of times.

“It’s completely surprised me,” Olsen said, of the attention her video has received since she posted it in September. “Ella is so glad it’s brought joy to other people. She and Sam adore each other.” What a beautiful way to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday and make a gloomy situation into an unforgettable one.