Give Kids The World is a nonprofit village/resort that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Wish-granting organizations coordinate transportation to Orlando, while GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, attraction tickets, and meals for a week-long fantasy vacation. We were told the Village has over over two-thousand local volunteers.
Although we arrived with cameras in hand, the photos will never truly express the beauty and magic of the village. It was a vacation within itself and a kids dream come true. The Mayor of the Village is Mayor Clayton, a six foot bunny, the meals are served in a big gingerbread house, games galore in the arcade, full-sized carousel, the all-day ice cream parlor and pool and waterworks. The Disney characters even make special visits to have pictures taken with each family.
After a brief check in we were whisked off in a golf cart to our villa (#191). This was only one of 96 villas on the 51 acres at the village. Each villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen, laundry, and a living room. The kitchen table was covered with a variety of candy, the fridge was full of soft drinks, juice and milk. Whether it was a Disney movie, candy or a stuffed animal, there was always a new gift waiting in our villa when we returned home in the evening. One night Mayor Clayton, the six foot bunny, even came to tuck Paige into bed. Of course Paige wasn't ready to go to sleep, but we all certainly enjoyed the visit.
On arrival it's hard to miss the Amberville Train Station. The building looks like a giant toy circus train that is filled with larger than life toy animals and other playthings. The first time Paige saw it she smiled from ear to ear and took off running toward it. It was priceless. Among the many fun features was an impressive working model train that made it's way through a huge interactive model railroad village. With the press of a button you could bring to life anything from the carnival to an American flag that looked to be waving in the breeze. Also in the station, a nautical room from which children can pilot a fleet of remote-controlled boats along a sparkling waterway, and a carnival-themed game room. Of course what's a train station without a train. They offer rides to the entire family in the morning and again in the evening. Located right outside the doors is Marc's Dino-Putt. This dinosaur-themed miniature golf course was unbelievable with its lush, tropical landscaping. Paige had so much fun just putting the golf ball in each hole to find out what surprise was next. She was a little startled the first time the dinosaur roared as we walked past it. The caves, waterfalls, water and dinosaurs that spewed steam and water made for an exciting game.
Also located near Amberville is Julie's Safari Theater. This 100 seat theater had daily showings of newly released movies. Popcorn, pop and other treats were also available at the free concession area. We attempted to watch a show, but of course Paige was more interested in running up on the stage (it was very cute). Needless to say we didn't make it past the first 5 minutes. On to something else.
Down the cobblestone walk is the Village's delightful Castle of Miracles. A fantastic fairytale structure that appears to have popped straight out of a children's storybook. Paige loved it so much that we spent entire evenings here. It has a playroom with just about any toy you could imagine, a talking wishing well that clinkety clanks when you drop in the coin, a wall filled with surprise sounds when the drawers are opened, and much more. Also here is the enchanted forest, a mystical room with cave-like passages and built in slides. The sounds of crickets and twinkling stars built into the walls and ceiling made it feel as though you were a million miles away. Decorating the ceiling of the castle are hundreds of stars that have the name of a wish child who has visited. On our last evening we placed Paige's name and date on her star, made a wish, and left it in the golden box. The next morning we found that the "Star Fairy" had come during the night and magically placed her star on the ceiling where it will remain forever.
As you walked out the doors of the castle you were soon to discover a wonderful treat. There, connected to the castle, was a large red mushroom speckled with white spots which houses a carousel filled with whimsical mounts. There's even a place or two for a wheel chair to snuggle in. Paige would have been happy to ride all day long, and always on the pig. The only way to get her off the carousal was to tell her the animals needed to nap. It usually worked.
Continue to page 2 of our trip