My family and I recently attended Night Of A Million Lights at Give Kids The World Village. Give Kids The World is an 89-acre nonprofit resort in Kissimmee. It provides week-long, cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families from all over the world. Typically, the resort is not open to the public, but due to Covid there are currently no children at their facilities.
What Is Night Of A Million Lights?
Night Of A Million Lights is an amazing way for Give Kids The World to raise money for future families visits during this closure. It also provides guests a rare look at the resort and enjoy a spectacular holiday event.
The event runs through January 3rd from 5-10pm daily and tickets can be purchased online at www.gktw.org/lights. Your ticket will include access to the resort for a 2-hour slot of your choosing. During that time, you can stroll through over 3 million lights donated by Walt Disney World, ride their attractions and play games. You can also purchase concessions, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and ice cream, and take lots of pictures!
There are 45 family villas sponsored by businesses that have been decked out with lights and decorations galore! It’s the perfect way to stay socially distanced outdoors while still enjoying a holiday activity with those you love. Masks are still required outdoors.
We had such an amazing time seeing all the lights. It was a true bright spot this year when family activities have been so limited. I loved seeing my children get excited about the different decorations and listen to the volunteers talk about the resort and the holiday displays.
My favorite part was getting to go inside the Castle of Miracles where the ceiling is adorned with hundreds of thousands of mirrored stars with the names of children that have stayed there.
Overall Thoughts
During a year that has been difficult for so many, this event really put into perspective how lucky we are. I am so glad to know that there is such a wonderful place right here in our area that does so much for children who don’t often get to experience that kind of joy.
Once the resort opens again, we plan on volunteering as a family. You can find out more about volunteer opportunities at www.gktw.org.
