@Give Kids The World Village is a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. Since opening, they’ve welcomed over 200,000 children from 77 countries, giving families the chance to laugh, heal, and make memories that last forever. We visited during their weekly Halloween party — an unforgettable night filled with costumes, candy trails, and more joy than we could’ve imagined. Thanks to a recent $10,000 MrBeast challenge, we were able to donate to the Village so even more kids can have their wishes come true. One of the most moving places here is the Castle of Miracles, where every wish child decorates a gold star and places it inside the castle — a permanent reminder that they are loved, seen, and part of something magical forever. ✨ Other incredible things we saw: 🍦 Ice cream from 7:30am–9pm (yes, dessert for breakfast!) ♿ All rides are fully ADA accessible 🎬 A zero-entry, dive-in movie theater with wheelchair access 🏠 Families stay in villas (some up to 7 guests!) for 6 nights, 7 days 🎡 Wish families go to the front of the line at Disney, Universal, and more 🔬 They even have a hands-on STEM Wonder Lab! And it all runs on heart: 💫 1,800 volunteer shifts are filled every week 💫 93¢ of every $1 donated goes straight to the families If you’re planning a trip to Central Florida or live nearby, please consider volunteering even just one day. You’ll walk away changed — and help create memories that truly last a lifetime.
We Drove to One of the Most Magical Places on Earth — A Village Where Kids Battling Critical Illnesses Are Told “YES” to Everything
There are places on Earth where the impossible becomes possible, where dreams are not just entertained but encouraged. Among those places is a village that holds a special kind of magic, where the worries and struggles of daily life are put on hold. This village is a sanctuary for children battling critical illnesses, a place where everything they wish for is met with an enthusiastic “YES.” It’s a village where the word “no” is reserved for the outside world, where the impossible is made possible, and where every child can feel like a regular kid again.
My family and I had the privilege of visiting this extraordinary place, and the journey was nothing short of enchanting. The village is not just a destination; it is a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of community. As we drove toward this magical place, the anticipation was palpable. This wasn’t just any trip—it was an opportunity to witness something truly special, where joy and laughter are the common currency, and every child’s happiness is the ultimate priority.
The village, called Give Kids the World Village, is located in central Florida, just a short drive from some of the world’s most famous theme parks. But this isn’t just another vacation destination; it’s a place built for healing. The mission of Give Kids the World Village is simple yet profound: to grant wishes and offer a stress-free, joyful escape to children and their families who are navigating life-threatening illnesses. The families who visit the village are referred by organizations like Make-A-Wish, and the village provides them with accommodations, access to theme parks, and most importantly, a space to reconnect and make memories in a world of joy and wonder.
As we approached the village gates, a sense of excitement enveloped us. The village is beautifully designed to feel like a fairy tale come to life. The streets are lined with whimsical houses, and there are giant candy-cane trees that seem to be made of dreams. It’s clear from the moment you step foot inside that this place was created with the goal of making children feel like they belong to something bigger than their struggles. The vibrant colors and cheerful atmosphere reflect the promise of freedom—the freedom to be a child, to feel joy without limits, and to create lasting memories with family and friends.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the village is its approach to making every child’s dream come true, no matter how big or small. It’s a place where kids can experience things they never thought possible, and where the rules of the outside world don’t apply. The “YES” mantra is woven into every interaction. For example, kids can have ice cream for breakfast, something that would normally be seen as a treat, but in this village, it’s just another part of the magic. There’s no guilt, no restrictions—just a sense of freedom and joy that comes with the simple act of indulging in something delicious and fun.
Beyond the ice cream and treats, the village offers endless opportunities for adventure. Children are able to skip the lines at theme parks, ensuring that they don’t have to worry about long waits or missing out on experiences due to fatigue or medical concerns. Instead of the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies trips to crowded tourist attractions, here, every child is able to jump straight into the fun. It’s a place where accessibility is a priority, and where every kid, no matter their illness or condition, can participate in the magic of the experience.
For many of these children, this village is not just a vacation; it’s a healing space. The emotional and mental relief that comes with being in an environment designed to cater to their needs and wishes is profound. These kids are often dealing with the overwhelming stress of medical treatments, hospital visits, and the uncertainty of their health. At Give Kids the World, they are given the chance to put all of that aside, even if just for a little while, and immerse themselves in the world of possibilities. The village offers a refuge where they can let their guard down, be themselves, and experience the simple joys of being a kid again.
The village also plays a crucial role in supporting the families of these children. Parents and siblings are invited to join the children in their adventures, and they too benefit from the stress-free environment. For parents who have spent countless hours in hospitals and doctors’ offices, this place offers a respite, a place to breathe and connect with one another. It’s not just about the children; it’s about the whole family finding peace, joy, and strength in the midst of their struggles. This is a place where the whole family can be together, focusing on happiness and making precious memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the highlights of the village is the nightly “nightly celebration,” where children and families are treated to a spectacular event that includes music, dancing, and special appearances by beloved characters. It’s a celebration of life, of perseverance, and of the unbreakable bond between families. The energy is infectious, and you can’t help but be swept up in the excitement. It’s not just about the performers or the decorations—it’s about the joy in the faces of the kids who are experiencing something magical, something they will carry with them forever.
But beyond the fun and excitement, what truly makes Give Kids the World Village special is the sense of community that permeates every corner of the space. It’s a place where everyone understands the challenges the children and their families are facing, and there’s a deep, unspoken connection that ties everyone together. The staff and volunteers are more than just helpers—they are caregivers, friends, and a source of comfort. They offer not just their time but their hearts to the children and families, ensuring that every moment spent in the village is filled with kindness and compassion.
As we spent time at the village, it became clear that this was not just a place of fun and relaxation; it was a symbol of hope. It was a place where kids could forget, even if only for a short while, the weight of their illnesses and embrace the joy of childhood. It was a place where every wish was granted with a resounding “YES,” and where love and care flowed freely from every corner.
When we left the village, our hearts were full, and our spirits were lifted. It was clear that the magic we had witnessed was real, not just in the enchanting surroundings, but in the joy, laughter, and hope that filled the air. Give Kids the World Village is a place where the impossible becomes possible, where children battling critical illnesses are given the freedom to dream and the opportunity to experience life to the fullest. It’s a place where “YES” is not just a word—it’s a promise. A promise that every child deserves to be a kid again, no matter what challenges they face.
In the end, the village is a reminder of the power of kindness, generosity, and community. It shows us that when we come together, we can create something truly magical. For the kids who visit, and for the families who walk through its gates, it’s a place where hope is restored, memories are made, and the impossible becomes possible. And that, in itself, is the greatest magic of all. 💜
