The theme parks of Orlando Florida are by far the most popular destination for Make-A-Wish kids. Our Wish Family spent a week at Give Kids the World Village, a one-of-a-kind resort designed especially for Make-A-Wish children. 

 

The family enjoyed a luxurious condo featuring a fully-stocked refrigerator and separate TVs for parents and kids. The Village itself featured a beautiful carousel ride and a handicap-accessible swimming pool.

 

The special guests shared breakfast with Disney characters at the Gingerbread House restaurant and enjoyed the Ice Cream Palace, where ice cream is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

At the theme parks, our Wish Family was thrilled to learn that the special Make-A-Wish buttons they were wearing were their ticket to the front of every line. They explored the magical Disney grounds, experienced Hollywood special effects at MGM studios, and enjoyed numerous musicals and shows.

 

Our Wish Family’s week at Disney World was indeed a unique and magical adventure. Our Wish Child left with a heart full of memories, an arm full of souvenirs, and an album full of pictures.

 

When it was time for our second Wish Child to begin his special day, he was outside and ready for action. He proudly showed off his carefully typed shopping list and hopped into the 10-passanger limousine which would be his transportation for the rest of the day.
 

He was nervous at first, but felt right at home when they arrived at his favorite store, Wal-Mart, which he knew like the back of his hand. He was greeted by the store manager and several associates, who presented him with his own lanyard and nametag as an honorary Wal-Mart Associate. After being introduced to some of the store employees, he led the way to the toy aisles with a shopping cart decorated with a special sign and balloons. 

When he began shopping, it was obvious that our Wish Child had thought ahead. He had been to the store days earlier and strategically hidden a few of his favorite items.  His favorite purchase was a Power Wheels truck and he was excited to get the only black one left in the store.  

After Wal-Mart, the volunteers and our Wish Family were back in the limousine and headed to the Disney Store. Our Wish Child never stopped smiling as he sat proudly in the back seat, adjusting the music, air conditioning, and moon roof. 
 

After special greetings by the Disney store staff, a personal shopper assisted him as he shopped, helping him pick out a Lilo & Stitch backpack among other items. When he was ready to check out, our Wish Child helped the cashier scan his purchases. 
 

The day ended with a dinner at Ponderosa, where he gave all in attendance suggestions of the best buffet items. After dinner, the family headed home singing “Three Cheers for the Limo Driver.” 
 

Once home, the Make-A-Wish volunteers each received a big “thank you” and plenty of hugs.

Our third Wish Child is anxiously awaiting a day at the World Wrestling Entertainment headquarters, where his wish is to be a WWE executive for a day. There he will learn how WWE works – meeting with the writers, the wrestlers, and the stunt coordinators.

 

He will also be sure to spend some time sitting behind a big, impressive desk answering the phone and making tough decisions.

Make-A-Wish and their celebrity coordinators are working with WWE executives to determine when our Wish Family can visit. Everyone is working to make it an exceptionally memorable wish for everyone involved.

Your support allows us to fund these wishes and so much more!  Help Racing For Kids Charities enrich the lives of area children.  Contact Dave.stewart@surferie.net to get involved or donate!