For a child who is living with a critical illness, it often seems as though every aspect of their life is centered around their diagnosis. From how they are feeling that day to their medications and treatments, everything they do must be tailored to their condition and capabilities.

This is why the mission of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida® is so life changing!

Wishes allow these incredible children to enjoy things that many of their peers take for granted, such as a family trip to the Orlando theme parks! After everything they have been through, these kids deserve a truly magical experience, and one of the organizations that is dedicated to spreading the joy is the Give Kids The World Village.

This amazing organization is one of our most cherished partners, so we wanted to shed some light on how they help us grant thousands of wishes every year.

 

What Is the Give Kids The World Village?

The Give Kids The World Village is a place where children with critical illnesses can enjoy week-long family vacations in the Florida sun—completely free of charge! However, this isn’t your average hotel.

This 89-acre storybook-style resort is 100% kid-focused, offering a host of perks, amenities, and fun activities for the entire family. Because of their health issues, these children have become accustomed to hearing the word “no.” Just like Make-A-Wish, Give Kids The World wanted to be able to say “yes!”

Whether it’s ice cream for breakfast or bringing their wheelchair onto the carousel, guests at Give Kids the World can create wonderful memories free of any restrictions.

Because families are referred by a wish-granting organization and must meet certain eligibility requirements, they are surrounded by families who are familiar with their journey, struggles, and triumphs. Many of them form lifelong friendships during their visits!

 

What Is Included?

Like other wish-granting organizations, no detail is overlooked at Give Kids The World.

Instead of hotel rooms, families stay in fully accessible villas that sleep up to seven people. But there’s a lot more to a family vacation than a comfortable bed! When they’re not in the villa, guests can visit any of the Village’s amenities free of charge.

In addition to a splash pad and zero-entry pool, there are horse stables, a spa, ice cream shop, movie theater, and more—even a castle! To make sure everyone has a great time, everything was built with inclusivity and accessibility in mind.

Throughout the week, there are a host of celebrations, shows, and activities to enjoy. Guests can attend an enchanted tea party, perform in a talent show, and even celebrate the holidays all year long!

Give Kids The World and Make-A-Wish

Since it was founded in 1986, Give Kids The World has played an important role in supporting the mission of Make-A-Wish.

Families who visit Orlando as part of their wish trip often stay at the Give Kids The World Village, enjoying the resort’s many amenities.

Founder Henri Landwirth, a Holocaust survivor and former hotelier, wanted to ensure that all wish kids not only had a place to stay when they came to Orlando, but had a place where they could have the time of their lives!

For a child living with a critical illness, moments of joy don’t just distract them from a bad situation, they are a crucial part of supporting their mental health.

 

Giving Kids The World

Critical illnesses don’t just affect the health of one child; they have far-reaching effects on the life and wellbeing of every member of their family. At Make-A-Wish, our goal is to allow every eligible child to experience the joy of a wish come true!

Give Kids The World is one of our most treasured partners, but we wouldn’t be where we are today without volunteers and donors like you. Reach out to your local Make-A-Wish chapter or contact Give Kids the World to see how you can help!