When a child is living with a critical illness, it isn’t only their health that is affected. Every aspect of their daily life is often centered around their condition and their capabilities. This is exactly what makes the mission of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida® so life changing!

By granting a wish, these incredible children and their families have the chance to experience the joy and freedom of things that others take for granted, such as a family vacation to the Orlando theme parks. It takes a lot of assistance from the community to make these trips memorable, and one of our most helpful partners is the Give Kids The World Village.

Because their mission overlaps so closely with ours, we wanted to shed some light on this incredible organization and share how they are able to help us in our mission of changing the lives of children living with critical illness.

 

What Is the Give Kids The World Village?

The Give Kids the World Village is an 89-acre Storybook-style resort dedicated to providing week-long, no-cost vacations to children diagnosed with a critical illness.

Whether they’re coping with cancer or kidney disease, these kids are often used to hearing the word “no.” But at Give Kids the World, they can truly have it all—whether that’s ice cream for breakfast or another pony ride!

Visitors to Give Kids the World are referred by a wish-granting organization (such as Make-A-Wish) and meet certain eligibility requirements. As a result, they are surrounded by families who are familiar with their journey, struggles, and triumphs.

What Is Included?

A trip to Give Kids the World is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Families stay in a fully equipped villa that can accommodate up to seven people. During the day, they often visit local attractions, but there is plenty to do at the Village as well! Guests can visit the castle, movie theater, ice cream shop, horse stables, spa, and more. Furthermore, attractions are all designed for maximum accessibility, from the carousel to the pool.

Throughout the day (and well into the night), a wealth of activities keep the celebration going. Guests can attend an enchanted tea party, perform in a talent show, and even celebrate the holidays all year long!

Just like with Make-A-Wish, visitors to Give Kids The World do not have to pay for their experience and all amenities—from food to housing—are free of charge!

 

Give Kids The World and Make-A-Wish

Give Kids the World has been an important partner of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida since Day One.

The Village was founded in 1986 by a former hotelier who wanted to ensure that all wish kids not only had a place to stay in Orlando, but a place where their family could have the vacation of a lifetime!

Give Kids The World is not only dedicated to spreading joy, they understand the importance of supporting children’s mental health during a difficult time.

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.

 

Giving Kids The World

When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, it can often feel like their world is crashing down on them. At Make-A-Wish, we want every 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!