Holiday dreams are made of sugar plums, dancing fairies, and colorful ponies, and this season GKTW has a Pony all its own. "Twinkle Hope" the adorable addition to the MY LITTLE HOPE collection can be found at participating Wal-Mart stores. Hasbro, Inc, the makers of Twinkle Hope, will make a donation to GKTW for every Pony purchased. Twinkle Hope can also be found online at www.hasbrotoyshop.com.

[Return to Top]

Did you know that all GKTW Families receive a special edition of CANDY LAND during their Wish trip? The Give Kids The World Village edition was created by Hasbro, Inc. and features all the whimsical venues and memorable characters at the Village. Mayor Clayton, Ms. Merry and the Star Fairy take players for a sweet stroll down the sugar-sparkled Avenue of Angels. The Give Kids The World Village edition also includes Matthew’s Boundless Playground, where Village families can play the World’s Largest CANDY LAND Game every Sunday night.

[Return to Top]

Did You Know?

We have added a new feature to Clayton’s Corner. In each issue we will answer a few questions that came in regarding the Village, the attractions our families visit and other topics that will help you. If you have a question for “Did You Know,” please email us at VVP@gktw.org.

In this issue we answer a few questions regarding accessibility at the theme parks.

Question: What are the changing facilities like at the theme parks?

Changing Facilities – Most of the theme parks do not offer family/companion bathrooms or have changing facilities for larger children or adults. Each park does has a First Aid Station that is available to our Wish families. Families can also store medical equipment at the Station during their visit at the park.

Question: Will my handicap parking placard work for Central Florida?

Handicap parking – International handicap placards or passes are not valid in this country. Osceola County will issue a temporary handicap parking pass ($15 fee) for individuals with foreign handicap passes.

Families from the US should bring their handicap placard from home with them to allow them to park in all handicap areas. If your family has any questions, please have them see Guest Services in the Village.

On Friday, October 10th we dedicated our second train to former Wish child Brianna DiCarlo. GKTW President Pamela Landwirth, Ms. Merry and Village staff were on hand to celebrate Brianna and her family. Complete with a princess reception decorated in Brianna’s favorite colors, pink and purple, her family, cut the ribbon on the train and took the inaugural ride around the Village.

Brianna and her family stayed at GKTW in 2004, just a few months before she lost her brave battle with her illness. Brianna’s family was so moved by their experience here at the Village, they began to coordinate an annual community fundraiser, Brianna’s Fun Fair. Over the last several years the event has raised almost $20,000.

Brianna’s Express will transport Village families around the Village. Now that the Fairy Tale Forest is open, Brianna’s Express is sure to be very busy as it picks families up each day and night.

One of the prettiest times of year is the holiday season. Each year GKTW Village is decorated with a dazzling display of over one million lights. Each night the Village lights up the sky with a spectacle of shimmering lights, decorative Christmas trees, garland-filled doorways and a candy cane garden. Each Villa is adorned with twinkling icicle lights dangling from all sides and the magical Avenue of Angels sparkles with a warm glow of color.

The amazing spectacle of twinkling lights, holiday decorations and pure holiday magic takes place from Thanksgiving thru early January. Each year it takes almost 500 volunteers ten days to decorate the entire Village.

This year’s Disney Holiday Party at the Village will be on Thursday, December 11th. The celebration will be hosted by beloved Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck and will include our annual tree-lighting ceremony. If you have families staying with us that week – tell them to save the date for a fun-filled and memorable evening at the Village.

Fairy Tale Forest is open! The first fourteen Villas in the Fairy Tale Forest are now welcoming families. This will allow us to provide accommodations for 840 more families each year. The centerpiece of the Fairy Tale forest, Matthew’s Boundless, Playground is also now open! This CANDY LAND-themed playground is complete with bright colors, elevated walkways, interactive play areas, a climbing wall and whimsical delights around every corner. The Playground is fully accessible for children of all abilities and is where Village families can play the World’s Largest CANDY LAND Game every Sunday night.

New WGO Website is in progress! New additions including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and easy access to GKTW forms will soon be a mouse-click away! To visit the site dedicated just for our WGO Partners log on to www.gktw.org/wgo.

The new Village Guide is coming soon! Newer and better, the Village Guide will soon replace the Bunny Book. The Bunny Book has been a staple for Village families for over 10 years. The new edition now includes easy-to-use tabs, a full-sized, colorful Village map, updated directions and additional Village information.

A better survey for better service! GKTW is currently updating and improving our current Family Comment cards so that we can continue to exceed our families’ expectations. Our new comment card will be distributed to each family beginning in January. Stay tuned to future editions of the Clayton’s Corner for information and feedback that we receive from the comment cards

Have you sent back your 2008-2009 Liability (D) form to Village Vacation Planning yet? If not, please be sure to include your Foundation’s most recent Form 990 or financial statements. These forms are current for 365 days from the date printed on the sheet. All forms may be sent via e-mail to VVP@gktw.org or can be faxed to (407) 396-8847 or toll-free at (888) 834-7407. You may also send your forms through the postal service to GKTW, attention VVPS.

Also, it’s important to send any updated information about your Foundation and Staff so we can update our records to provide you better service.

If you have any questions or suggestions in helping us create a better wish request experience, please email us at VVP@gktw.org.