WGO NEWSLETTER: JULY 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.

MAYOR CLAYTON'S WONDERLAB OPENS!

July 10 was a WONDERful day indeed as we celebrated the grand opening of Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab - a one-of-a-kind, immersive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activity center! President & CEO Pam Landwirth was on hand for the ribbon-cutting of the new venue, which was designed by Give Kids The World Chief Innovative Officer Ian Cole, Give Kids The World Manager of Experiential Education Christie Miga, and Evan Miga, founder of MigaMe, to inspire curiosity; foster collaboration; and spread childlike wonder to visitors of the Village. This is just one of the many indoor venues at the Village that your families will enjoy while beating the summer heat. Learn more at www.gktw.org/wonderlab.

NEW OFFICE HOURS

To better assist you with all of your Village Vacation Planning needs, we now have a reservationist available from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. Please make note of these new office hours and do not hesitate to let us know how we can help.

The following are the schedules for each of our reservationists:

Sherlyn:               Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Lauren:                Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Nick:                     Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Kelly:                    Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Meggy:                 Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Meg:                     Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Trena:                   Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 7:00 pm

If you have something urgent, please feel free to reach out to any of our reservationists for assistance. They are here to assist you!

WEBINAR RECORDING AVAILABLE

Last month we hosted a webinar that outlined the Give Kids The World orientation process. If you missed the webinar or would just like a refresher on the topic, the webinar recording is available online. Just click the link, enter your name and email address, and then you will be able to watch the recording.

VILLAGE SAFETY

BEAT THE HEAT

During the summer months in Florida, high temperatures combined with high humidity can pose health risks. For their safety both at the theme parks and at the Village, please remind families to pack cool, breathable clothing, sunblock and hats, and to drink plenty of water while visiting.

POOL SAFETY

Our Park of Dreams and Audrey’s pools are two of our most popular venues, where wish families can enjoy fun in the sun and cool off after an exciting day at the theme parks. Please remind families that we do not have lifeguards at either pool. Parents must be on-site and attentive while their children are in the pool and the surrounding area.

MINOR SUPERVISION

The Village provides fun and adventure for family members of all ages. For the safety of all of our guests, children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Guests 13 years of age and older are welcome to explore the Village and enjoy our many amenities on their own.

DRIVING SAFETY

Speed Limit
To ensure that families, volunteers and other guests can walk safely throughout the property, the speed limit inside the Village is 10 mph.

Headlights
When picking up their rental vehicles, please request that families familiarize themselves with the headlights and other safety features before leaving so they can ask any questions they may have. The auto setting on the headlights should be adjusted to “manual” for rainy conditions.

REMINDER: PAPERWORK

Please make sure to provide forms and flights a minimum of 14 days prior to the family’s arrival. However, you are always encouraged to send these documents any time after you receive your confirmation of the wish.

Thank you for your support and best wishes for a safe and happy July.

Your GKTW Village Vacation Planning Services Team