The terrorist attacks in the United States turned the day trip to Walt Disney World into a three-day stay that could have become a nightmare.

Instead, Americans opened their hearts and wallets to turn the experience into a happy one, said Gaye Gould, one of 64 volunteers on the trip.

"It was wonderful how everyone pulled together for the children," she said. "The people in Orlando were wonderful."

What happened in that city was a mirror image of the generosity Canadians showed to stranded Americans when all U.S. airports shut down after the attacks.

The trip to Walt Disney World was organized by Sunshine Dreams for Kids, a Canadian charity with 33 chapters across the country that tries to fulfill the wishes of disabled and very ill children.

Once or twice a year, Sunshine fills a plane with children and volunteers for a day trip either to Disneyland in California or to Walt Disney World in Florida, depending on where the selected children live. The Sept. 11 trip was for children from the Toronto area, with funds raised by the Optimist Club of New Hamburg, Ont.

Once the Skyservice plane from Hamilton, Ont., landed, the adults realized their predicament: Walt Disney World was closed; they had no place to stay; the children had enough medication for only one day, and they had no change of clothes.

Members of the Orange County sheriff's office and other volunteers, who were on hand to greet the children, went into action quickly, Ms. Gould said.

Accommodation was found at a Radisson Twin Towers Hotel in Orlando, which set aside a large convention room where the children could play during the day. A local hospital provided the prescription drugs and other medical supplies the children needed. As word about the children spread, T. J. Maxx, a large U.S. apparel retailer, delivered $30,000 (U.S.) worth of clothes.

Wal-Mart supplied underwear for everyone.

The hotel supplied free food in abundance, as did McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a local pizzeria, Ms. Gould said.

Since it was difficult for the children to go anywhere, entertainment came to them. Universal Studios sent Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. (The children will get to meet them again next spring when Sunshine is planning another trip for them to Walt Disney World.) The Boy Scouts joined them for minigolf and wheelchair races. Members of the Orlando Fire Department brought fire trucks and took children out to see them.

K-B Toys was holding a meeting at the hotel and gave the children all the toys they had on display.

The American Red Cross supplied personal kits for everyone containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and sewing kits. Unfortunately, the sewing kits were confiscated by customs officials at the airport because they contained needles and tiny scissors.

The police officers stayed night and day to help with the children in order to give the Canadian volunteers a break.

Not all the generosity was on a large scale, but it was equally important and appreciated, Ms. Gould said. Thanks to the Americans, children who have experienced many disappointments in their young lives all had a great time, Ms. Gould said.