This is the kinds of stories that I desperately want to hear more of! Give Kids the World Village has just opened up their accessible Henri’s Starlite Scoops ice cream shop.

Give Kids the World Village has made it possible for over 176,000 families from the United States and 76 other countries, to visit the Orlando area. The organization helps “provide magical experiences with a vacation that means the world to children with critical illnesses and their families.”

The organization started in 1986 and in 1989 the actual location opened. Now it’s an “89-acre resort with 166 villa accommodations, unique entertainment attractions, whimsical venues, and fun activities for children of all abilities.

“Every child whose wish is fulfilled by Give Kids The World and his or her family receives an all-inclusive stay including transportation; accommodations; donated theme park tickets; all meals and snacks; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; unique interactive experiences at the Village, a magical accessible destination all its own; and of course, unlimited ice cream…including the Village’s favorite tradition of Ice Cream For Breakfast!”

Henri’s Starlite Scoops Ice Cream

Since it’s made for children of all abilities they made sure to keep accessibility in mind when designing Henri’s Starlite Scoops. Disney’s Walt Disney Imagineering worked in collaboration with Universal Creative and support from community partners and donors to create this fantastic new space.

They included custom built 28 inch tall ice cream chests, lower countertops, and an “accessible ice cream toppings bar” so that children in wheelchairs could see into the cases and pick what they wanted. They also went with an open floorplan so it was easier for those with mobility issues to navigate.

Then there’s the out-of-this-world design that includes:

“Walls inside the rotunda feature false windows that offer a glimpse into space, as if guests are dining inside a 30-foot flying saucer, which sits atop the building. Historic photos and NASA memorabilia – including a space suit, moon rover, and a Give Kids The World flag which John Glenn took with him on a Space Shuttle Mission – complete the out-of-this-world venue, which pays tribute to the life and legacy of Give Kids The World founder
Henri Landwirth.”

CEO Pamela Landwirth gave this statement:

“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told “no” due to the limitations of their illness. Unlimited ice cream is an important part of giving wish children and their families a week of “yes” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend priceless time together. We are grateful to the many treasured partners who have made it possible for us to continue our 35-year legacy of transforming lives one precious moment at a time.”

It’s so refreshing to see such a wonderful story where Disney and Universal creative teams worked together with the community to do something so wonderful. This makes me so happy and I would love to hear more stories like this one.

If you would like to learn more about Give Kids the World Village you can visit their website HERE.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!