Give Kids The World

IAAPA’s support of the Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida, USA, is very important to the children with life-threatening illnesses who visit this special place. When a child and family arrive at the Village, they have already faced the many challenges of a world filled with hospitals, doctors, and medical treatment. For six magical days, those worries are forgotten, as they visit the Central Florida attractions and stay at the Village, all for free.

At the Village
Since opening in 1989, the Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village has hosted more than 100,000 families from 70 countries around the world. It has grown to include 140 family villas, the Castle of Miracles, the Gingerbread House restaurant, the Park of Dreams waterpark and swimming pool, a nature trail, Julie's Safari Theater, Matthew's Boundless Playground, a nondenominational chapel, and the Amberville Train Station.

Once families arrive in Florida, GKTW arranges their vacation from start to finish: volunteers greet families at the airport, provide transportation to the Village, and show them to specially equipped two-bedroom, two-bath, wheelchair-accessible villas. Services offered throughout the week include daily breakfasts and dinners, gift packages, admission to Central Florida attractions, and more! Visit www.GKTW.org to learn more!

The World Passport for Kids—Get Involved!
Kids with life-threatening illnesses need booster shots of fun, and that’s exactly what the World Passport for Kids Program provides them and their families. Through this GKTW and IAAPA partnership, IAAPA member facilities offer free admission to “wish” children and their immediate families for a one-year period following their visit to GKTW.

As simple as it seems, the generous act of joining is priceless to GKTW kids, and creates lasting memories for their families.

Here's how it works:

When families leave the GKTW Village, they receive a World Passport and a list of participating IAAPA member facilities.
Once back home, families coordinate a visit directly with the facility. Attractions have different call-ahead policies but should be flexible if families arrive unexpectedly, as illnesses and required medical treatments often make planning ahead impossible.
The Passport is valid for the entire immediate family, not just the Wish child, and is valid for one year from date of issue.
As a member of the program, facilities are only obligated to provide free admission; however, many participants include other services, such as parking, wheelchairs, and meals.

To join the World Passport for Kids Program, complete the Partner Contact Information form and submit. If you have additional questions, contact the World Passport for Kids coordinator, Jan McCool, directly at +1 703/299-5747 or by e-mail at jmccool@IAAPA.org.

To Help Give Kids The World in Other Capacities
IAAPA members help these children smile, both during their visit to the Village and when they return home. Running GKTW is just like running a theme park, for the Village contains rides, games, recreational water facilities, and restaurants, while making use of everything from plush to furniture to computer software.

To help meet those needs, IAAPA manufacturer and supplier members can donate to GKTW year-round, including the expertise needed to assist with maintenance and other follow-up issues. The Village maintains a wish list especially geared toward the products and services provided by the global amusement park and attractions industry. To request a copy or discuss other ways of supporting the organization, please contact GKTW at +1 800/995-KIDS (5437).