Several Disney stars were on hand at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood to celebrate the DVD release of Disney Channel’s latest smash original movie, “High School Musical.” But perhaps the brightest smile to grace the red carpet belonged to 12-year-old Marlise, who wished to attend the DVD premiere and meet the stars of her favorite movie.

Marlise, who was diagnosed with Freidrich’s ataxia, a disease that affects her nervous system and muscles, has been a fan of “High School Musical,” since its debut in January. The movie has hit all the right notes with audiences, becoming the highest-rated program in Disney Channel history and selling more than 400,000 copies in its first day of DVD release in May.

As Marlise’s limo pulled up in front of El Capitan for the DVD premiere, she felt like she was one of the stars. Disney granted Marlise and her family VIP access to the red carpet outside the theater, where several of the “High School Musical” stars greeted her. Vanessa Anne Hudgens, who played the movie’s female lead, Gabriella, told Marlise that she looked great in the outfit she had selected for the premiere. However, Marlise’s biggest red-carpet thrill came when the movie’s male lead, Zac Efron, came over to meet her. According to one of Marlise’s wish escorts, “I thought Marlise was going to fall over. Her eyes just lit up like I’ve never seen.”

Marlise and her family then joined the rest of the VIPs for a special screening of “High School Musical.” Marlise laughed and sang with the rest of the crowd during the movie, and her family was clearly excited for her. Her mom and older brothers couldn’t stop smiling, and her dad even clapped during the film.

In true Hollywood fashion, the evening didn’t end when the movie’s credits rolled. Marlise, the cast and crew were off to the premiere party. The bash was an all-star affair, decorated in red and white (school colors of the fictional East High) and with props from the movie and a marquee simulating the DVD cover. Marlise and her family enjoyed wonderful food as star after star came over to her table to visit, share stories and pose for photographs.

By the evening’s end, Marlise had an autograph book filled with notes from her film favorites (including a whole page written by Zac), and a “High School Musical” gift bag including memorabilia, the movie soundtrack and, of course, her personal copy of the DVD. Marlise’s Hollywood memories will far outlast the evening of movie magic, knowing that she, her family, the cast and crew were all in this together for a fantastic premiere.