WGO NEWSLETTER: DECEMBER 2024

Hello, wish-granting partners!

We are happy to provide you with an update on Give Kids The World Village policies, procedures and activities, with a goal of providing your families with the best possible experience while making the planning process as seamless and efficient as possible.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY UPDATES

We’d like to inform you about changes to our transportation policy. Give Kids The World Village has been absorbing the cost for Uber and taxis for families who will not be using rental cars during their visits.

However, to ensure that the Village can continue to provide magical, truly unforgettable experiences for every single family while remaining fiscally responsible, on December 15, 2024, wish-granting partners will assume responsibility for all transportation costs – including Uber and taxis. Families will receive round-trip transportation from Amtrak as well as MCO and Sanford International Airports, along with six (6) round trips from GKTW to WDW parks, Universal parks and SeaWorld Orlando during a standard wish trip.

Transportation to other area attractions and locations will need to be approved in advance by the WGO, with all transportation costs added to the total cost of the wish in GKTW’s WGO Portal. Wishes that are already booked for arrivals on or following December 15, 2024 will not be grandfathered, and the new transportation policy and costs will apply. We appreciate your understanding and are here to assist you with any questions you may have.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!

The Village is bedazzled with millions of lights and ready to celebrate the season with your families! If you may be in the Orlando area this month, please join us at one of our fun and festive fundraising events for a memorable experience with a purpose – including Ice Cream for Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Tours, Festive Favorites parties, and more. Purchase tickets and learn more: https://www.gktw.org/holidays.

SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS: PARK OF DREAMS POOL

We would like to inform you and your families about new safety enhancements at the Park of Dreams Pool. Jeff Ellis Management (JEM), the world leader in aquatic training and pool safety – with 45+ years serving Walt Disney World resorts, cruise lines and water parks for all of their aquatic needs – will be providing a certified lifeguard during all pool operating hours.

In addition to the lifeguard, one designated pool safety attendant will also be on duty during all pool operating hours to measure the height of all children entering the pool area. Any child under four (4) feet (48 inches) tall will now be required to wear a new U.S. Coast Guard certified life jacket provided by JEM. The pool will be open during our busiest hours, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Once these updated safety procedures have been firmly in place, we will add additional pool hours, with the goal of having the pool open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. If families choose to provide their own life jacket for their children, the life jackets must be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Jack’s Wacky Water Works, Bob’s Sparkleberry Nature Trail and the fishing gazebo will be open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Noah’s Nook snack shack will remain open with regular hours from noon to 9:00 pm.

We appreciate your support in making sure your families enjoy a safe, fun experience at all of our aquatic venues and throughout the Village.

MORE VILLAGE UPDATES

RESERVATION
PORTAL

We are here to support you in any way possible as you book and plan for your families’ wishes. For your convenience, here’s the direct link to our portal. We recommend using Firefox web browser when using the portal.

MEAL TIMES

 Breakfast
8:00 am – 10:00 am

Lunch
11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Dinner
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Food Delivery
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

WEBINAR

 We were happy to share news and updates with so many wish-granting partners during our recent webinar on November 19. If you were unable to participate in the webinar, you can view a recording here: November 19th Webinar (PASSWORD: VVPS1224).