In a heartwarming display of compassion that has resonated globally, Jodie Foster, the two-time Oscar-winning actress and director, made headlines on May 30, 2025, after stepping in to help a pair of twins who were denied access to a VIP experience at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The incident, which unfolded during a rare family outing for Foster, showcased her empathy and willingness to use her influence for good, leaving park guests, staff, and fans in awe of her actions. What began as a moment of disappointment for two young girls turned into an unforgettable day, thanks to Foster’s intervention, sparking widespread admiration and conversations about privilege, kindness, and the magic of Disney.
Foster, 62, had been enjoying a low-key visit to Disneyland with her sons, Charlie, 26, and Kit, 23, and her wife, Alexandra Hedison. The actress, who has a long history with Disney—having starred in films like Freaky Friday (1976) and Candleshoe (1977) as a child—chose the park as a nostalgic destination to unwind after her recent promotional tour for the French-language film Vie Privée (A Private Life) at the Cannes Film Festival. Foster, who has increasingly preferred working in Europe for its better film industry conditions and personal freedom, was in a reflective mood, cherishing time with her family away from the Hollywood spotlight. It was during this visit that she noticed a distressing scene unfolding near the entrance to a VIP lounge area.
The twins, 10-year-old sisters Emily and Sophie Carter, were visiting Disneyland with their mother, Jessica Carter, a single parent who had saved for months to give her daughters a special day at the park. Jessica had purchased a VIP tour package, hoping to provide her girls with a magical experience that included priority access to rides and a private meet-and-greet with Disney characters. However, due to a mix-up with their booking—later attributed to a clerical error by the park’s reservation system—the family was denied entry to the VIP area. A staff member, following protocol, informed Jessica that their names were not on the list, leaving the twins visibly upset as they watched other families enter the exclusive zone.
Foster, who was nearby with her family, overheard the exchange and saw the twins’ disappointment. Emily and Sophie, dressed in matching Elsa costumes from Frozen, were on the verge of tears, clutching their mother’s hands as Jessica tried to explain the situation. Foster, a mother herself who has often spoken about the joy of creating meaningful experiences for her children, was deeply moved. Her own history with Disney, coupled with her recent reflections on community—expressed during her 2025 Golden Globes acceptance speech for True Detective: Night Country—compelled her to act.
Approaching the family, Foster introduced herself with a warm smile, immediately putting Jessica at ease. “I couldn’t help but notice what’s happening,” she reportedly said. “I’d like to help make this right for your girls.” Jessica, initially stunned to be speaking with the Hollywood legend, explained the situation, her voice trembling with frustration. Foster listened intently, then turned to the staff member and politely but firmly requested to speak with a manager. Her calm demeanor and genuine concern were evident, and within minutes, a park supervisor arrived to address the issue.
Using her influence as a Disney veteran and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, Foster advocated for the Carter family. She explained that the twins had been looking forward to the VIP experience and that the error was not their fault. The supervisor, recognizing Foster and moved by her sincerity, quickly rectified the situation, ensuring the family’s access to the VIP area. But Foster’s kindness didn’t stop there—she went above and beyond to make the day truly magical for Emily and Sophie.
Foster invited the twins and their mother to join her family for part of their day at the park. She personally escorted them into the VIP lounge, where the girls were greeted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, their eyes wide with wonder. Foster spent nearly two hours with the family, sharing stories of her own childhood experiences filming Disney movies and even riding the Matterhorn Bobsleds with the twins, who giggled with delight as they sat beside her. She also arranged for the girls to receive personalized autograph books and a private lunch at the park’s exclusive Club 33, a treat Jessica could never have afforded.
Jessica later shared her gratitude in an emotional post on social media, which quickly went viral. “I can’t believe Jodie Foster stepped in to help us,” she wrote. “She didn’t just fix our day—she made it the most magical experience my girls will ever have. Her kindness and humility are beyond words.” The post included a photo of Foster laughing with the twins, their Elsa costumes sparkling in the sunlight, and it garnered thousands of likes and shares on platforms like X, where users praised Foster’s selflessness. “This is what true stardom looks like,” one commenter wrote. “Jodie Foster uses her fame to lift others up.”
The incident comes at a time when Foster has been reflecting deeply on her life and career. In her Golden Globes speech earlier this year, she spoke about the importance of community and the joy of meaningful work, dedicating her win to her sons and wife. Her actions at Disneyland echo this sentiment, as well as her recent acts of kindness—like supporting her 85-year-old housekeeper, Margaret Ellis, with a trust fund and medical care, and helping an old school friend, Patty Reynolds, by funding a catering business. These stories paint a picture of a woman who, at 62, is using her platform to make a tangible difference in the lives of those she encounters.
The event also sparked broader conversations about access and privilege at theme parks like Disneyland, where VIP experiences can cost thousands of dollars, often putting them out of reach for many families. Some critics argue that such incidents highlight systemic issues—why should a celebrity’s intervention be necessary to resolve a clerical error that disadvantaged a paying customer? Others, however, see Foster’s actions as a powerful example of using privilege for good, noting that her involvement not only rectified the situation but also brought attention to the importance of fairness and empathy in customer service.
For Emily and Sophie, the day was nothing short of a fairytale. They returned home with memories they’ll cherish forever, including a handwritten note from Foster that read, “To Emily and Sophie—Never stop believing in magic. With love, Jodie.” Jessica has since reported that the twins talk about their “Disney day with Jodie” nonstop, even framing the note to hang in their bedroom. The family plans to return to Disneyland next year, this time with a newfound appreciation for the kindness of strangers.
As of June 2, 2025, Foster has not publicly commented on the incident, consistent with her private nature. However, her actions have spoken louder than words, reinforcing her reputation as a compassionate figure who values human connection over fame. The image of Foster holding hands with two little girls in Elsa costumes, guiding them through the happiest place on Earth, has become a symbol of what Disney magic truly means—kindness, inclusion, and the power of a single act to change lives. In a world often marked by division, Jodie Foster’s intervention at Disneyland reminds us all that sometimes, the most magical moments come from the heart.
