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December 2023 by Kathleen Clark
Absolutely magical around Christmas time. The volunteers are the ones who make this place so special. A few hiccups during our stay but nothing that is worth lowering the rating. Some human compassion should probably be taught before letting volunteers around the families, there was one scenario where a child who was mostly stroller bound was throwing a fit in the cafeteria. The mom was doing the best she could but no one offered assistance everyone watched. I ended up asking the mom what she needed and brought the stroller closer so she could get the child off the floor.Another scenario involved the volunteers making snarky comments about me and my daughters shoes and they didn’t offer any explanation why people were standing around and waiting, a nearby mom answered my questions and we were waiting for more waivers before the line could move.Small things like that could make the human side of the experience at the village more comfortable.The food is up scale cafeteria food that is most suitable for children but the ice cream parlor is exceptional with unlimited topping options and the most sprinkles I have ever seen in my life.The villa we stayed in was well kept, sometimes the golf course needed to be cleaned off, and during the end of our trip there was an overwhelming smell of sewage centered around the mini golf course, but I have no idea if that is a every day smell or if we just noticed it during the end of our trip.Overall mostly everyone was pleasant and knew exactly how to talk to children and make them feel exceptional.P.s. ask the volunteers about the legendary white squirrel, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse during your stay ;)
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December 2023 by Dorothy Vosnick
Amazing and such a wonderful place . The staff is so nice and our cottage was amazing . Thank you for the experience ❤️
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November 2023 by Ryan Djakovic
One of the world's best organizations for supporting kids and families through hard times. Absolutely magical! Incredible group of volunteers make kids dreams come to life.
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November 2023 by Joey FLORIDA
This is such a wonderful organization. I've only been here as a volunteer a handful of times doing maintenance work over the years. Read their webpage to see how they started. Disney and Disney employees have contributed millions of dollars and hours of work. They run mostly on donations and volunteers with a small staff of full-time workers. On an average day they have around 100 volunteers helping with various jobs from maintenance, painting, front desk, runners, cafeteria, ride greeters, custodial, etc. I plan on returning for many years to help them with their vision.
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October 2023 by Edgar Maisonave Jr
My wife and I volunteered our services this past weekend to work on the hot line at their cafeteria, and I never imagined how rewarding it felt to help the parents and siblings whose child is suffering from this killer disease.Give Kids The World is for real. And what they are doing and what they stand for is a testament that there are good people in this world that genuinely care.How about you??Can you spare a couple of hours of your time to help?I guarantee that you will feel better about yourself and that you were able to give from your heart to those who needed it the most.I know that my wife and I did and will volunteer again.
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August 2023 by Dali S
A profoundly selfless place with amazing human beings who give of themselves to ensure that children and their families are taken care of...and can breathe, if only for a short while...an experience of kindness and simple joy. A remarkable place, made so, by the countless workers and volunteers, who may at some time have experienced everything this unique place has to offer, and others who just simply love. So eternally grateful to have this opportunity to serve and give. To ALL involved over the years, thank you for making this such a special place. If you can find it in your heart, and your circumstances allow, please join this awe-inspiring effort in whatever capacity you have.
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August 2023 by Aries
Hello, my granddaughters wish to go to Disney happened before Covid. The schedule to go was right when Covid hit. Her wish had to be postponed. When the Make A Wish team gave us a date to travel and the place we would be staying, she was excited beyond measure which is to be expected. Once we arrived Mr. Larry showed us where we would be staying. I can’t put into words how excited these two little girls were. Her last name had a name plate at the driveway, her own bed, the biggest bathroom I have ever seen with a walk in shower, shower chair, double sink one just for her to wheel her wheelchair up to so she can wash her face and brush her teeth all on her on, a jacuzzi tub at the right height for her to get in and out of, nice kitchen, living room, laundry room, other bedroom and other bathroom. The wish child along with her sibling received a special gift from the fairy everyday. Every gift put a smile on their faces. The people, oh my goodness were so nice to all of us and they had so many wonderful Volunteers to help with carrying her food tray and to getting her something to drink. The girls fell in love with everybody they came into contact with and they even asked a lot of them for autographs (11 and 10 years old asking and showing appreciation without being asked or told what to do) we even met a very sweet lady from our hometown who now resides in Florida who works at Give Kids the World. All the people had welcoming smiles on their faces and all said they loved what they did. Where can a wish kid go to have ice cream for breakfast lunch and dinner??? At Give Kids the World and they even have a theme every day. One day it’s Halloween the next day might be Christmas. I hope this place will prosper in so many ways. I lift every paid worker and volunteer up in prayer and to the many families that have had and are going to pay a visit here I pray for you all as well because nobody knows like a family member what a child goes through when they have an illness..The people at Make A Wish and the people at Give Kids the World are a part of our family now. I call them our forever family. I love ? each and everyone of you. I love you ? I love you ? I love you and thank you ?? for all that you do. They told me Nana, “We had the best time” and when asked what was their favorite. The answer was “EVERYTHING” with arms outstretched and a huge smile on their faces. Thank you again our new forever family ??????? Jennings/ Brown Family We Love You ?
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August 2023 by Amanda Hilsher
Where do I even start. This place is amazing and filled with wonderful staff and volunteers. They strive to make your stay carefree leaving you nothing to worry about. It just blew our mind every day how much they do to make our stay so wonderful. From the villas to the ? cart giving out amazing cookies! To the ice cream ? and the tasty food beautiful pool water park and movie. It was a wonderful place to stay and made my time as a parent of 4 seem so stress free!. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all you do for all the families that stay with you and our special needs children!
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July 2023 by Jeff B
Love this place. My son received a wish, and we stayed here back in 2002, and as a wish alumni, we can visit for the day when in Florida, and it is always an amazing place.
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July 2023 by Chris Turner
The most wonderful ❤️ and magical place we have ever stayed... nice village condos, nice clean rooms, awesome staff personnel volunteers, beautiful village amusement park, we loved the rides & arcade, the food @ breakfast, lunch & dinner were super awesome and great... nice everything at this village... 5 stars all the way... thank you so much... to Give Kids the World Village... ? our kids were so happy ? and full of joy ? I can't even explain how perfect this place is... super nice ppl everywhere and super kind and helpful... no matter what you need they found a way to deliver everything we asked and thank you for all the gifts they gave the kids everyday when they woke up to start the day... presents were at the front door... nice jacuzzi tubs too... our experience was so perfect we are still pinching our arms we can't believe they gave us a free year to go to a number of amusement parks in America and around the world for one day free of charge on them... and we can visit... for the day in Florida at this Village... twice to do the amusement park and visit the amazing cafeteria for free food and drinks on them... it's the most wonderful experience any kid or parent could ever experience... 5 stars ? forever ♥️ thanks eternally... The Turner Family. ?
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July 2023 by Midwest Duck slayer
Fantastic environment, everyone was so kind and friendly. Families helping one another. But the staff and volunteers earn the award for what stood out the most. Hospitality is off the charts at this place. Very welcoming and patient! Good job!
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May 2023 by Parker Stone
This place is absolutely magical & all of the volunteers are wonderful & so so kind. Those 5 days came & went way too quickly. I wish we could stay at GKTW forever. It will always hold such a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to bring my kiddos back to volunteer one day. So emotional about leaving today!!
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April 2023 by Todd Thomas
My daughter’s MAW trip here was nothing short of magical. What a special place with a phenomenal staff and volunteers. Pools, playgrounds, family rides, games, parties… you name it, they provided it. 10/10.
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April 2023 by Rachele Rissler
What an incredible place for children and families to go. This place is a gem and it deserves more recognition for what they do for children who have gone through so much. It's so whimsical and welcoming and warm. My family loved it here and we are so greatful for our experience.
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March 2023 by Aaron Prohaska
2/23/2022Work put together a team to volunteer for the breakfast hall. I think I got the best job. I would greet guests and offer to carry the tray for them. I'm these moments I could talk with the families about their trip.It was a great experience and I look forward to volunteering there again. Next time I want to bring my family too.
