Give Kids the World
A cost-free dream vacation for children with critical illness
Episode 108 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny
In this special year-end episode, we spotlight a place where hope takes center stage: Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. This 89-acre nonprofit resort grants cost-free weeklong vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families—offering not just relief, but joyful memories that last a lifetime.
Rob and Danny are joined by DJ Klasi, Development Coordinator at Give Kids the World, to share the inspiring story of how the village began, how it’s grown, and the incredible experiences families can expect when they visit.
🎙️ In this episode:
- The powerful origin story of Give Kids the World, founded by Holocaust survivor Henry Landwirth
- How the resort partners with Make-A-Wish and other organizations to grant trips to Central Florida
- What a typical week looks like for a visiting family—from nightly themed parties to character meet-and-greets, pony rides, pool days, and more
- Why some families say the best part of their wish trip wasn’t the theme parks—it was staying at the village
- The impact of alumni families and how many return year after year to give back
🎁 A peek into the magic:
- 🎃 Halloween every Monday – costumes, trick-or-treating, and a kid-friendly fashion show
- 🎄 Christmas every Thursday – Santa visits with gifts for every child
- 🍿 In-house movie theater with recent Disney releases
- 🎠 Wheelchair-accessible attractions, pony rides, and daily family-friendly programming
💖 Get involved:
- Volunteer – from scooping ice cream to running attractions, every shift helps. Families can volunteer together!
- Donate – fundraisers like the Gingerbread Run or Over the Edge rappel support the village’s life-changing mission
- Spread the word – even learning about the village helps more families receive the gift of joy and hope
🌐 Visit gktw.org to learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer.
💬 “The vibe here isn’t sadness—it’s joy. It’s magic. You leave with a full heart.” – DJ Klasi
🎧 Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok: @thefamilyvacationer
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!