Give Kids the World Village: What you’ll see at Night of a Million Lights
They’re about to flip the switch at Give Kids the World Village. Night of a Million Lights will soon open to the public.
The first-time event allows a rare look inside the nonprofit resort, which grants wishes to (and houses) critically ill children and their families. After the complex was shutdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers looked for opportunity.
“There are no silver linings in this pandemic,” Give Kids the World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth said Tuesday night during a preview. “There is a silver lining to us being closed because it gives us an opportunity to share special moments with special friends like you. And, hopefully, you’ll go out and share this moment with others.”
Strings of lights dominate most of the 89-acre property in Kissimmee. Participants walk the streets, admire the facades and creativity of the houses, which are sponsored by — and frequently themed to — companies and organizations.
Proceeds go to Give Kids the World.
Here are five things to know before you go to the holiday event, which starts Friday and runs nightly through Jan. 3.
Echoes of Osborne
If you’re looking for a replacement for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, this should be up your alley. It’s more like the old Residential Street part of the attraction, which last shined at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in January 2016. There’s a less motion and show (forgive my “Feliz Navidad” flashback) but the coverage of the buildings — which are usually where Give Kids family stay — is similar.
Although Disney donated the 3.3 million lights to the project, they’re not direct from the old Osborne show. I’m told the lights have never been used before.
Side note: The pathways total more than a mile of walking, and they take longer to complete than it does to make one loop around Epcot’s World Showcase, an organizer says.
Attracting attractions
The attractions industry, which already has a big hand in the Give Kids the World activities, stepped up again. There are houses tied to businesses large and small, including Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida, WonderWorks, Crayola Experience, Fun Spot, Ripley’s, Kennedy Space Center and IAAPA.
There are apropos touches in many cases. Fun Spot, which features go-karts, sports wreaths made of tires. Ripley’s has a string of lights that resemble its trademark shrunken heads alongside other oddities.
Scenes and screens
A leisurely stroll is recommended to catch details. Some of the displays, though, are in your face, like the lit-up ring in front of the WWE NXT house. Some sponsors, such as ITEC, used their technological expertise. Its windows are transformed into silhouetted, animated scenes that appear to be happening inside the house.
Some presentations may come a little close to self-promotion, particularly for a charity event. However, who can blame Enterprise for bathing a house in Enterprise-green lights?
Walking papers
Grab a map and scope out the lay of the village in good, non-holiday lighting before taking off. The units' numbers and sponsors are listed there. It’s easy to get turned around in all the lit glory. Also note the food and beverage stops, the merchandise location, where the Wish Tree stands and where Santa is camped out.
Safe space
Face coverings are required for Night of a Million Lights, and entry is staggered. But once inside, visitors can go either direction, in any order.
Visitors are asked to keep at 6-foot distance, and there aren’t markings on the ground like folks have grown accustomed to, particularly at theme parks. So be aware of your surrounds and other people’s personal space. There should be plenty of room to swing wide of other merrymakers.
If you go: Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 3. Tickets are $25 to $40, depending on the date (Tickets for ages 3 through 17 are $10 to $25). The event is expected to go on rain or shine. The village’s address is 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee.
For tickets or more info, go to www.GKTW.org.
Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Want more theme park news? Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters or the Theme Park Rangers podcast at orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-podcast.
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