IT IS the dream holiday for many families.

Children from across the world would sacrifice their pocket money for such a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Now, with a wave of the Fairy Godmother's wand and a sprinkle of Tinkerbell's fairy dust, one Hampshire family are about to have that dream turn into a reality - several times over.

The Challens will travel the world as Mickey Mouse's very own grand marshals, making special guest appearances in the traditional daily parade at every Disney resort around the world.

The lucky family from Fareham will soon be off on their magical jaunt around the world thanks to Disney's Year of a Million Dreams celebrations.

The unique Disney dream became a reality for John Challen and his family when he was sat in Downtown Disney, Florida, enjoying his seventh Disney holiday.

With just one tap on the shoulder from one of the Disney Dream Squad, John was told that he was the winner of the Disney Grand Marshal trip around the world.

Now he and his wife, Kim, their ten-year-old daughter Sarah and mother-in-law, Joy, will join Mickey, Minnie and Donald to take centre stage and parade in every Disney Resort.

The 14-night experience will see the family travel worldwide to Disneyland in California, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong to appear in the parades.

Out of those locations, the only one they have visited before is Paris.