This blog is a little out of the ordinary because it isn’t about something you may do while on vacation yet it is about the magic that exists so near the parks. It is about Give Kids the World, a non-profit organization supported by The Magic for Less Travel.
Give Kids the World is a wish fulfilling, magical, carefree resort for children with life threatening illness and their family. It is a cost free resort for week long vacations. Families with ill children are given a vacation through wish granting organizations. The idea for Give Kids the World was inspired by a six year old child whose one wish was to meet Mickey Mouse. Unfortunately the child died before it could be arranged. Led by Henri Landwirth people and corporations came together to create a place for families to visit the parks. In 1986 it started with a few donated hotel rooms and has grown to serving 7000 families a year.
We all know what an exciting time vacation can be and how seeing the wonder on a child’s face is priceless. Give Kids the World works with 250 wish granting organizations worldwide to make this happen for these special families. They have built 146 villas for the families’ accommodations. They are 2 bed, 2 bath with full kitchen and living areas. They are building more as the demand is always growing.
Meals are provided either in their onsite restaurant or delivered to rooms. The most exciting food opportunity for the children is the ice cream available 14 hours a day. I suspect there are more than a few adults who like this too.
Disney, Universal and Sea Worlds donate tickets for the families. Once at the parks the families are identified as wish families and get a few special surprises. Transportation to the parks is also provided.
Give Kids the World is just a fun place to hang out. There are parades, character meet and greets from the different parks, activities and a fabulous pool and water play area. Everything is designed to appeal to the imagination of children as well as being disability accessible. There is always something for ages 3 to 18 to do. So much so that I’ve heard from parents that the kids don’t want to leave. What better comment to a vacation would a parent want to hear?
This organization is supported completely by financial donations and in kind goods and services. The real life and blood is the volunteers who do almost everything. They use about 1400 volunteer shifts a week. Give Kids the World is an amazingly magical place. You can learn more by listening to the Be our Guest podcast. They do an annual fund raise for GKW. While in Orlando on vacation, feel free to contact them to see if you can volunteer. Give Kids the World 407-396-1114.
