We are so happy you will be joining us! Registration will be open all the way leading up to the event as well as walk-up registrations.
Also, everything is FREE for VIPs and their families (With some activities being exclusively for our VIPs). Somethings you should consider before attending…
Bring a water bottle to maximize our free filtered and chilled water stations, dress cool & comfortable / consider you might want to get a little wet to cool down, we will do a soft start at 7:40 am so remember the early bird gets the best parking, the south side of the lake (Osceola and Central) may have shorter lines & fewer crowds (there may not be a buddy match up though), and bring cash just in case the free parking lots are full.
DAY OF Informational Video Playlist
Answering the following questions: How do I check in? How do I download the app? Where can I find water? Where can I park? What can I expect at the big part? Who is invited to the party? Where can I get an event t-shirt? Where can I get medical assistance?
QUESTION: How do I check in?
QUESTION: How do I download the app?
QUESTION: Where can I find water?
QUESTION: Who is invited to the party?
QUESTION: Where can I get an event t-shirt?
QUESTION: Where can I get Medical Assistance?
Parking for VIP’s
Come early – parking available first come, first serve basis.
VIPs with Disabled Person Parking Permit *RECOMMENDATIONS*
1. Day Building – North East Corner of Lake Eola; FREE Parking – 200 spots available
4. Liberty & Jackson Parking Lot – Several blocks South of Lake Eola; FREE – 200 spots available
5. Thornton Park Garage – South East of Lake Eola; $14 a day – 270 spots available
1. Liberty & Jackson Parking Lot – Several blocks South of Lake Eola; FREE – 200 spots available
REGISTRATION
VIPs
- If you have not registered your VIP, please do so HERE. You will be sent a mobile ticket.
- If you are a VIP Club Member, you still need to register for MAKE ‘m SMILE! It will be easy, just enter your VIP # when asked.
Buddies or just Joining the Party!
- Buddies and friends need to register too. If you have not registered, please do so HERE. You will be sent a mobile ticket.
- EVERYONE who Joins the Party will need a wristband.
EVENT CHECK-IN LOCATIONS: Look for the RED & WHITE tents
- Robinson Street; North West of Lake Eola
- Robinson Street & Eola Drive; North East of Lake Eola
- Near Osceola Circle on Central Blvd.; South East of Lake Eola
- Central Blvd. (near Rosalind Ave.); South West of Lake Eola
- On Rosalind Avenue; West of the Walt Disney Amphitheatre and Lake Eola
Be sure to bring your tickets with the barcode, printed or on a phone.
Remember: FREE wristbands will be issued to VIPs, parents, and siblings who are residing in the home upon checking in. Extended family members and friends will be asked to make a minimal $5 per person donation per wristband. To save time, they can register for tickets online HERE.
JOIN the FRIENDSHIP STROLL
VIP
- After check-in, proceed to Buddy match-up (West end of Central Blvd.) to make a new Buddy Friend and enjoy the Friendship Stroll together! We encourage you to share your story with your Buddy about some of the unique challenges that a family with a VIP child faces. While they are able to assist you if needed, please note that the Buddies from our community are not directly affiliated with Nathaniel’s Hope. Please DO NOT leave your child unattended with your Buddy.
Buddies
- After check-in, head to Buddy match-up (West end of Central Blvd.) to get paired with a VIP family.
MEDICAL & RESPITE CARE TENT
There will be 2 VIP care stations available to tend to some of your child’s special needs. One is located south of the Amphitheatre between tent number 64/65 and another is located by the park bathroom, South of the Fun Zone, beside tent number 183. They will have a private changing area with a cot as well as electricity available and some extra hands to assist you. Medical tents will be staffed by hired medial professionals, EMT’s, and are available in case of medical emergencies.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us and share your pictures on Facebook , Instagram, and X (Twitter)! Use hashtags #MMSMILE or #NathanielsHope.
WEATHER – RAIN or SHINE – COME!
We will be there…unless there is a tropical storm or hurricane in the area! Be sure to bring your umbrella, just in case!
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS at the Party Place/Amphitheater:
Hosted by Ellis and Tyler from Z88.3 Morning Show
- 8:00 am – The Party Starts!
- 9:00 am – Special Guest Stroll!
- 10:00 am – Our annual VIP Kids sing-along on stage with Carolyn Pankalla
- 10:30 am – Hall of Hope Butterfly Release remembering VIPs that have moved to heaven
- 11:15 am – Character Parade Watch for Nathaniel!
- 11:30 am – Entertainment continues!
- 1:30 pm – We all go home smiling!
WHAT TO BRING
- Ticket(s) with barcode printed or on your phone.
- Water Bottle (This year, we will provide filtered cold water at water stations. Bring a bottle or purchase a souvenir cup or Nathaniel’s Hope tumbler).
- Suncreen
- Cash/Credit Card for parking (if you choose to park in a non-designated parking).
- Umbrella for rain or shine.
- Your BIGgest Smile!!
NEED HELP?
Visit a Nathaniel’s Hope Information Tent, stop a Smile Team member wearing a green or bright yellow t-shirt, or a person with a yellow umbrella!
FOR ALL IMPORTANT LAST-MINUTE DAY-OF INFORMATION
- Visit NathanielsHope.org
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) @NathanielsHope
- Listen to Z88.3
Come early to enjoy all the fun activities around the lake! You can still invite your friends to pre-register online to participate as VIPS or Buddies.
This day is planned in YOUR honor, to celebrate YOU! We pray that God would bless you with lots of smiles! Remember, “A merry heart doeth good like medicine!” Provers 17:22