On their 35th anniversary, Give Kids the World Village officially opened the Henri’s Starlite Scoops ice cream shop. This new ice cream shop will be able to help Give Kids the World carry on their favorite tradition…ice cream for breakfast! Of course, any kids staying at Give Kids the World will have access to Henri’s Starlite Scoops throughout the day.

Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with Universal Creative, with support from community partners and individual donors, every aspect of Henri’s Starlite Scoops has been built with accessibility in mind. Disney’s own Buena Vista Construction Company was the general contractor for the project – which was all done free of charge to Give Kids the World Village.

Custom-built 28-inch tall ice cream chests in lieu of the traditional 34-inch cases make it possible for all children, including those in wheelchairs, to pick out their favorite flavors. Similarly, lower countertops, an accessible ice cream toppings bar and an open floorplan enable those in wheelchairs to easily navigate the venue and enjoy its immersive theming.

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.

During the grand opening, we were able to hear from Give Kids the World CEO Pamela Landwirth, retired US Navy Captain and former NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, and former Give Kids the World wish child Grace Callwood.

Rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator, with 90 cents of every dollar going to its mission, Give Kids The World Village is located at 210 S. Bass Road in Kissimmee, FL. For more information, please visit www.gktw.org.