Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed below, please contact us.
General Information
What is Give Kids The World Village?
Rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator, Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that provides cost-free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families from around the world who want to visit Central Florida. A stay at the Village is much more than a vacation.
During their visit, wish families laugh, play, and create priceless memories together away from hospital visits and medical procedures. It's a magical vacation full of "YES" where wish kids can experience the simple joys of childhood, and where families can recapture some of the precious moments that may have been missed due to illness. Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed nearly 200,000 families from all 50 states and 77 countries.
The Village is made possible by the support of generous donors and community partners, as well as thousands of passionate volunteers – who donate their time and talent making wishes come true.
Do I need spending money while at the Village?
Give Kids The World Village is for you and your family to enjoy and all meals are cost-free, so you will not need any cash for meals and snacks at the Village. However, we do have a gift shop on property - and online - that accepts AMEX, MasterCard, Visa, and Tap To Pay.
The only real money you will need is for the basics such as food outside of the Village, gas for your car, souvenirs, and any items you wish to purchase while visiting the theme parks and attractions.
What do I need to bring with me to the Village?
While we do try to provide all of the comforts of home, there are certain things that we are sure you will not want to forget:
- Disabled person parking permit (if necessary) –required by all theme parks to utilize designated parking
- Please bring any medications you need in your carry-on bag.
- You will need your driver’s license or photo identification to board the plane and to pick up your rental car.
- Your camera and/or video camera to capture special moments of your trip. Don’t worry if you do not own one, you can borrow an iPod Touch from Guest Services.
- Florida is warm and sunny most of the year. We recommend bringing sunscreen to protect your family from prolonged exposure to the sun.
What kind of weather can I expect?
Orlando's climate ranges from hot to mild year-round, making it suitable to visit throughout the year. Summertime is hot and humid, with high temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s (Fahrenheit). From June through to September, afternoon thundershowers often pass through quickly. For more information, visit www.weather.com.
What else is at the Village besides my villa?
Give Kids The World has many magical Village venues for you and your family to explore—Marc’s Dino Putt, Amberville Train Station, Julie’s Safari Theatre, the Village Chapel, Castle of Miracles, Enchanted Carousel, Matthew’s Boundless Playground and more! Check out our Village Tour to get more information on our venues and entertainment offerings.
Attractions & Entertainment
What parks and attractions are available to us outside of the Village?
As far as the entertainment options outside of the Village, there is more than can be done in the time you are here!
You will receive the following tickets for each of the eligible people in your group: a 3-day park-hopper ticket to Walt Disney World parks, two-day park-to-park ticket good for both Universal theme parks, and one-day tickets to Sea World Orlando.
In addition to visiting the world-famous theme parks during your stay, your family may also visit a number of additional local area attractions and a dinner theater. We offer our wish families entertainment, events, shows and tickets so that you can customize your wish to fit your family’s personal preferences. If you speak to our Itinerary Coordinators prior to your visit and choose additional attractions to visit during your stay, those tickets are available at Guest Services. Our Itinerary Coordinators will reach out to you via phone and email 10-14 days prior to your scheduled arrival at GKTW. If you’d like to reach out to them directly, please email or call us at 407.396.1114 ext. 4508.
How far is the Village from the parks and attractions?
The Village is about 15 to 20 minutes from all four Disney parks, about 25 minutes to Universal Orlando and about 20 minutes to SeaWorld.
Is there anything for us to do at the Village after we leave the parks and attractions?
Each and every night is special at the Village. As you return home from the parks you will find the fun continues back at the Village. There are different entertainment activities for you and your family to enjoy each night and all are sure to make your stay with us as magical and memorable as possible. Check the daily schedule to see all of the activities taking place at Give Kids The World.
Village Amenities
What are the accommodations like at the Village?
If you are staying at the Village, you will be in one of our whimsical villas. You will have a fully accessible, two bedroom, two bathroom villa, complete with all of the comforts of home including:
- Washer and Dryer with complimentary laundry detergent
- Hair Dryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Refrigerator
- Microwave Oven
- Stove Top
- Blender
- TV (a DVD Player is available at Guest Services upon request)
- Bed rails
In your villa, you’ll find gifts from the Gift Fairy on the coffee table. In the bedroom closets you will find extra blankets, pillows, and a travel crib. A roll-away bed is available upon reuqest from Guest Services.
How many guests can sleep comfortably in a villa?
Our villas can sleep seven people plus one baby in a crib.
The Village does not have public computers, however there is a console available for use in the House of Hearts. If a computer is needed for longer use, there is a Fed-Ex/Kinko’s location one mile away. Personal laptops can access the Village WiFi in the House of Hearts, Amberville Train Station and in your villa.