Recently our team was invited to a special preview of “Night of a Million Lights” at Give Kids the World, with a special performance by Jodi Benson. While we saw some wonderful displays during our previous tour, it looks like all the finishing touches have been made. Take a look at the dozens of decorated buildings we experienced at the village this week! Let’s start off our sneak peek tour with a video of all the night’s offerings, including a special performance by Jodi Benson:

Pamela Landwirth, President and CEO of Give Kids the World, welcomed guests and delivered a message of hope for the terminally ill children they serve.

Jodi Benson, known for voicing Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Barbie from Toy Story 3, appeared on the balcony of Town Hall. She delighted the audience by singing “Part of Your World“ and ”Jingle Bells”.

This pixel map Christmas tree has since been added outside of Henri’s Starlight Scoops. Each pixel can be individually controlled, allowing the lights to change and dance before your eyes with some spectacular displays.

A projection above Julie’s Safari Theater has been added with the Give Kids the World Village logo.

Gone are the cranes, crates, and pallets. Amberville and the Welcome Center are now complete. This tree also has lights that change throughout the night.

We were able to get a special look inside the Castle of Miracles.

Inside the Castle of Miracles are gold stars representing each child that has ever stayed at the village. Currently there are over 175,000 stars covering the ceiling. When you press a button alongside the Wishing Tree, icicle-like lights start to shimmer. Each bulb in the tree, located just outside the Castle of Miracles, represents ten wish children.

You may have seen these trees from the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs. Though there is no Christmas Tree Trail this year, you can still enjoy a Christmas Tree Stroll.

You can also take a socially distanced photo of Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Ho ho ho!

You can purchase some great holiday merchandise here, such as t-shirts, hats, light-up necklaces, and even fun 3D glasses. Put on a pair of these and watch lights transform into snowmen, stars, and more!

The walking trail is over a mile long, with holiday lights as far as the eye can see.

Even Stormtroopers have gotten into the gift-giving spirit at this Star Wars-themed villa.

This bright red truck carrying a Christmas tree has been added to the Enterprise villa since our last visit.

More lights were added to the Margaritaville villa, most noticeably to the golf cart parked in the driveway.

This display from Kennedy Space Center is out of this world!

This large whale tail and snowflake shaped signs were added to the SeaWorld villa since our last visit.

The Holiday Inn Club Vacations house had one of the most unique displays. Each giant postcard, window, and even the car had charming animated projections that truly brought their villa to life.

It looks like these friends from the Crayola Experience are still trying to give the place some color.

Give Kids the World of course has their own decorated villa. Circular signs adorn the front of this building, each providing viewers with interesting facts about their organization.

Here are some more fun facts about the event:

• Walt Disney World Resort donated 3.2 million lights to make the event possible.
• Towne Hall is bedecked with 30,000 lights.
• It took 24 lighting techs, a production team of five, and 400 volunteers to create Night of a Million Lights.
• Since 1986, Give Kids the World has welcomed families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries. Night of a Million Lights will help make it possible for Give Kids the World to continue fulfilling wishes once it reopens; more than 6,000 wishes have been delayed due to COVID-19.

“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told ”no” due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of ”yes’” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend precious time together,” said Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to sharing some holiday joy with the community while making it possible for future wish children to have their wishes fulfilled.”

You can purchase tickets for this event, taking place November 13th – January 3rd, through the Give Kids the World website. Admission includes complimentary ice cream and hot cocoa, as well as access to the Village’s wheelchair-accessible rides and attractions. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with staggered entry times to prevent crowding. Mask wearing will also be required for all guests.