Make A Wish Sends Lauren to Disney World! * IT IS FINISHED...* *Updated 1/28/09*

[maroo]

Lauren's Make A Wish Trip Report



*** Welcome to the DISboards! It has been brought to my attention that Google is directing people to this thread when they are looking to plan a wish trip to Disney World!

You have found the right place to help plan your wish trip!

I would like to invite all of you reading this to come and join our Wish Trippers Unite thread - Just click HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2807833) and it will take you to the most recent information about planning wish trips. We have LOTS of families planning wish trips and some former families that are still here answering questions and helping families plan!

You may want to just "lurk" - which means you don't register for the website, but just read things...Or you may want to register at http://www.disboards.com and jump right in and introduce yourself and even write a pre-trip or trip report. Many families have indicated one of the highlights of their wish trip experience was being part of the DISboards while they planned and meeting other families going through similar circumstances.

Welcome to the DISboards!!


Now on to the TRIP REPORT!!!


To skip all of this and go to the TR....

CLICK HERE TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE TRIP REPORT!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28115679&postcount=74)

Otherwise...

continue on...


:)

And thank you so much for reading and posting!!!! :thumbsup2


Hello all! For those of you guys that have already read this TR... everything has changed about the trip! We are very excited, but Lauren could not do Wish Flight (long story) and GKTW was full by the time they figured it all out...

OUR Dates are October 3 - 9, 2008! :)

SO>>>> Let's start over!! :) Let me introduce the cast for the trip:

Lauren: The Wish Teen! Lauren is 15, has progressive cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair to get around. She qualifies for a wish because she has a significantly low lung capacity and uses a baclofen pump and has progressive cerebral palsy. She is a diva! :cutie: Makes straight A's in school because she works really hard :teacher: and is so excited about Disney World.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/747/205728100_0484-2b.jpg

William: Lauren's little brother. William is 9 years old. :yay: William actually has some medical issues, too. He is lactose intolerant, has stomach ulcers, frequent headaches and generally doesn't feel well a lot of the time. :sick: He, too, is excited about Disney World. :)

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/205728BrandisCameraBeach08504-1c.jpg

Richard, Lauren's Dad: Richard is a Type I brittle diabetic. And he might just be the most excited about going to DW! He is a very fun and funny :rotfl2: person and has never met a stranger! He will be a trip on this trip!

Lauren's Mom, Lisa: Momma of Lauren and William, Wife to Richard and my best friend. Lisa gets a little stressed sometimes...as she has lots to do :laundy: to take care of her 2 awesome kids and loving husband!

Then there is Me: My friends call me Maroo. :) Short for Mary...although it isn't much shorter. But it sounds more fun! I am going on this trip to help Lauren with her medical stuff (I am her CNA) and keep Lisa sane. :) Make A Wish is going to let me go to help considering we have three folks with medical needs and Lisa sometimes can't handle them all at once. :)

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/747/205728IMG_1649-1b.jpg


I have been to Disney World many times as a child, once in High School with someone that was disabled and once in college...but that was a while ago...so I need any help you guys can give me to help plan this trip!!


We are currently working on figuring out how much we can get done in a day and how to organize our days so that William gets to do as many rides as possible, Lauren doesn't get too hot or worn out and does as much as she can and Lisa doesn't go crazy with too much rushing around and activities. :)

Yeah...I know...:rotfl:


Agenda: See below on this post!

Links for Pre-Trip Report:
Change of Plans! Read this first... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27324398&postcount=12)
Contemporary Resort, Here we come! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27340115&postcount=20)
Pixie Dust! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27366059&postcount=23)
An Update...sorry, no pictures! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27721110&postcount=40)
The Big Give - Part One! (Can you believe all of this stuff?) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27790236&postcount=43)
The Big Give - Part Two! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28114540&postcount=71)
MAW Pre Trip Send off Party! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28115173&postcount=73)



*** UPDATE (9/26/2008): This is the FINAL (well, maybe) schedule!

Friday - I am actually DRIVING Lauren's wheelchair to Disney World. There are multiple reasons for this, not the least of which was that the airline told me "we treat it like luggage"... I have SEEN what they do to luggage! So, we are not putting her wheelchair on that plane. Lauren and William have never been on a plane, so this will allow them to fly and will help Lauren A LOT so that she is not too tired when she gets there.

I plan to catch the GKTW orientation at 9:00 AM OR catch the afternoon one, depending on when they have orientation. The plane lands at 12:30, so I plan to meet them at the airport. Before I head to the airport, though, I will get the luggage unloaded at the Contemporary. Our rooms probably will not be ready, so I will leave our luggage at the Concierge area.

Once they land, we will head to GKTW. We plan to play at GKTW all afternoon, because they won't have much time there after today. We will eat supper at GKTW and then go to the Contemporary and check in, get our luggage, etc. Someone will head to Walmart to get some last minute items like milk (Lactaid for William) and such. We already have most of our snacks purchased, though!


Saturday - Eat breakfast in the room to save some park time. Magic Kingdom!!! Hopefully by rope drop...or soon thereafter. We will ride stuff, explore and hang out. If Lauren needs a break, we will go to the Wish Room. Lauren and her mom have an AWESOME lunch at the Castle at 3:00, so we will eat some snacks or something earlier in the day. I don't have major "goals" or ride plans for this day. We will probably just start walking around and catch the rides that look fun to the kids. I do have a list of all of the rides and how Lauren can ride...do I have to transfer her to a seat on the ride...or can her chair fit, etc. So we are prepared...we are just going to go with the flow.

The Magic Kingdom closes at 7:00 for a MNSSHP (but we aren't going tonight!). We are not sure what we will do for the evening. If everyone is tired, we will head back to the room. If we want to explore some more, we will head to Epcot. I think the plan is to head to the World Showcase and eat some "Food and Wine Festival" appetizers for supper, if we have the energy. :) Depending on where we are in the Contemporary (tower room?? On the park side?), because we may head back to the room to watch the fireworks from the Halloween party, IF we can see them from our room.


Sunday - Sea World!!! We will have breakfast in the room again and our goal is to be at Sea World by 8:15 (hopefully we will really make it by 8:30 or 8:45). Lauren REALLY wants to feed and hang out with the dolphins...so that is our first stop when we get there. Hopefully they will be hungry and come get some fish from Lauren. We have already signed up and paid for "Backstage at Believe"...buffet lunch where they can see the back of the Shamu show and get a behind the scenes look at the training area for the whales. Honestly, we did this because it was not terribly expensive, no lines to wait to get food, and we can eat in a covered place and rest for a while. We will catch all the major shows...Believe (Shamu), Blue Horizons (Dolphin), Clyde and Seamore (will get there early for the pre-show), and Odyssea.

THEN...we will leave Sea World about 4:30 or 5:00 and head to the Pirates Dinner Adventure. We will get discounted tickets through GKTW. We plan to pay a little extra for the "VIP upgrade" so that William can sit near the front and possibly participate in the show! He would LOVE that!


Monday - Character Breakfast at GKTW! We plan to be there in time to do the 9:00 character pictures and then eat breakfast. Then we are going to go back to the Contemporary and head to Epcot (Future World). We will ride Soarin' (I have NO idea how we are going to get Lauren on that ride...but we ARE...somehow... :)) and anything else that we can catch (depending on time, etc). We have a late lunch reservation at Coral Reef at 3:00. We did the late lunch since we were having a late breakfast and to save some $$ by not doing dinner prices. Then...it is up in the air. Have we seen the World Showcase yet? Do we want to? Do we have more to explore at Epcot? If not, we will probably head back to the Magic Kingdom. We definitely want to catch the night parade and fireworks at MK. Then, back to the room. :)


Tuesday - Sleep IN!! At least a little. :) We are going to Downtown Disney to shop. We plan to eat at Rainforest Cafe for an early lunch. Then Lauren is going to have a makeover! She is registered to do Hannah Montana, but after some research, it looks like she might want to do Tinkerbell instead. She loves getting all made up and we have the big Halloween party tonight!!! YEAH!! (William will be busy at the toy store and lego store while Lauren is doing this.)

Then we will head back to the room for a little rest time and get ready for MNSSHP! I heard from the grapevine that you can actually get in to MNSSHP at 4:00, so we might head over there early to get this party started!!! We will ride lots of rides, dance, eat lots of candy, and basically have a blast until we completely drop! I anticipate us going to back to the room in shifts, but we can, since it is a monorail hop away. So, as we get tired, we will head to the room. :)


Wednesday - Late Breakfast at Bouma (Animal Kingdom Lodge). Hang out there as long as we want. Then to MGM. (I know, I know...but it will always be MGM to me...sorry, Disney.) We will stay for the rest of the day and catch everything we can. It is our last park day. We do have an ADR at 50's Prime Time Cafe in the middle of the afternoon (considering a big late breakfast!). And we will see Fantasmic! THEN...so sad...back to the room.


Thursday - Swim at the hotel (I will drive Lauren's power chair home, so I will leave early). Totally chill out! They will eat at The Wave for breakfast. Their flight leaves mid-afternoon, so they will need to be at the airport a little bit after noon.

[NicoleDisneyFan]

Great start to your trip report! It is great to see that the family has your support!! Make sure that Lauren's mother Lisa gets some of that stress taken away even if it is just for the week to have a special time with her family. Also, make sure to rest as much as possible especially because of both children(teenager)I never like being called a child at Lauren's age...and for Richard too because I am also a diabetic and a lot of walking, running around and activity can really put strain on blood sugars.

Here is a link for the food and wine even http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/events/

It is our first time to disneyworld so I wish that I could give some information. Looking forward to hearing about your planning and the trip. All the best

[GoofyDoo]

So cool that you get to go, and EXTREMELY cool that you all get to be on the Wish Flight!!! I want to hear all about that! I can't imagine why Lisa would be stressed out very often!! :rolleyes: I know she'll be so thankful to have you there to help out. Sounds like a great prospective itinerary to me! If EPCOT and AK aren't must-dos for you, I think you'll be able to get a TON done in MK! I felt pretty well satisfied that we spent one full day plus one evening there. That was the most important to me! Sounds like your plans to do Blue Man Group at US while the others ride rides will work out great, too. My DH so wanted to see Blue Man Group, but the week we were there they were appearing on Thursday night, and that was Christmas at GKTW. We weren't missing that!

Need some pics!! I'm so looking forward to more. :)

[bex271]

This is great start to the report and Lisa is lucky to be able to have you go and help with everything. can't wait to read more and hear about the wish flight.

becca

[AmberGreenawalt]

Great start to your report. I'm looking forward to reading all about your planning and then the trip itself :)

[maroo]

Thanks Nicole, I definitely have a goal of helping plan a non-stressful trip! Which I know is a trick at Disney. :) And I am going to start walking 3 times a week now, so that I can get my stamina up. Richard is very athletic, so hopefully that will help with the blood sugar issues. He might actually get less exercise on the trip, as he is a soccer player and runs all the time. So hopefully that will work out to his benefit (and ours! :))

I will look at the food and wine event and see if Lauren would like that. :)

GoofyDoo, We are very excited about the WishFlight! Our trip is working out so that we aren't going to be there on Thursday night, which I am a little disappointed about. Because I have read a lot of good things about the Christmas Party. But we are very excited!

Well, more info to come!! :) Thanks for you help!! :)

[maroo]

Ok...we had some flight changes and have talked with the whole family and have a new agenda! :)
Some questions for you guys: Lauren's little brother has some issues with chronic pain, etc, from his stomach ulcers, :sick: as well as GI difficulty and headaches... Lauren (uses a wheelchair full time and has CP) will get a GAC from GKTW and shouldn't have any trouble...but there may be some rides that William can ride with his parents and Lauren can't...so do we get William a GAC, too? Would he qualify for one? Our fear is that he will end up in a long line and have to run to the restroom...but we can save his spot? :confused3 Or not?

Also...Dinner Shows...I think we have settled on the Pirates pirate: after talking to friends, this board and researching the options... so does anyone know how GKTW deals with Pirates Dinner Show? I think they have a discount or something for the family, but not sure if it is always available? Should we make reservations anyway?

Thank you all for your help!! We are SOOOO excited.

Also..how do I post a picture? I was going to try to post a picture of the "cast"... :)

[maroo]

This is a quick update. Not sure if there are any folks out there really reading this... but we got a call today that Lauren can't go on the WishFlight. :confused: Evidently it is not safe to have Lauren travel on the plane that they had us booked on. I am not sure I totally understand it. But if it is not safe...we aren't doing it!! :)

Which means we might not be able to stay at GKTW. Lauren didn't know about WishFlight anyway...so they won't "miss" it...and it will allow us to fly directly there instead of going to Dallas and then Orlando.

Anyway...we should get some more details tomorrow or Monday regarding what the new plans are. The dates will stay the same, because they work VERY well for Lauren's intense school schedule - high school, here we come! (she has exams that end Thursday and then off to DW for the week!! :)) It is possible we will be staying on the WDW site...but not sure where. We are a little nervous about the room we will have...since there are 5 of us and I am not related.

[kimmylaj]

i thought this trip report might help with some of the planning and it is uplifting and wonderful to boot. she has muscular dystrophy (?) and if i remember correctly she talks about what she can and cant ride due to her needs. hope it helps. and have fun http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1427306&page=0&highlight=medical+need+custom+rvn

[maroo]

i thought this trip report might help with some of the planning and it is uplifting and wonderful to boot. she has muscular dystrophy (?) and if i remember correctly she talks about what she can and cant ride due to her needs. hope it helps. and have fun http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1427306&page=0&highlight=medical+need+custom+rvn

YES!! that is a fabulous trip report! I have actually read it. All of it, if I am not mistaken! :) It was very, very helpful! :)

[maroo]

We are still not exactly sure how the trip is going to end up...where we will stay or how we will get there. We think the dates are still the same, though :)

We are supposed to get some confirmation from the National Make A Wish office at some point in the next week or so. So I will let you guys know what we end up doing.

It is possible we will fly. And it is possible we still stay at GKTW...or we might drive and stay at GKTW or we might fly and stay on property. Once I we know how we are getting there, what time, etc and where we are staying, I will update the pre-trippie!

[maroo]

We are still not exactly sure how the trip is going to end up...where we will stay or how we will get there. We think the dates are still the same, though :)

We are supposed to get some confirmation from the National Make A Wish office at some point in the next week or so. So I will let you guys know what we end up doing.

It is possible we will fly. And it is possible we still stay at GKTW...or we might drive and stay at GKTW or we might fly and stay on property. Once I we know how we are getting there, what time, etc and where we are staying, I will update the pre-trippie!

OK>>> start over!!! You can go back to page 1 and re-read this... :) Because it all changed. So, if the comments before this post don't make any sense... well... just read on... hopefully they will start making sense soon!! :)

[mrsksomeday]

Hi, my b/f has CP, is in a power wheelchair, and he has been to WDW 9 times, I have been with him on 4 of those trips. Everyone must be so excited.

May I ask which airline told you that they treat the weelchair "like luggage"? We have flown Southwest each time and they treat his chair with complete and total respect. They allow us to get on the plane first, I transfer him, then they take the wheelchair down on the tarmac. I actually watch them load it on the plane. I have taken pictures each time while they are loading it. That just baffles me that someone would tell you that about the chair. It is an extension of Lauren's body.

It is so great that you get to go and help out.

[mistymouse5001]

I love it when everything changes and we get to try to edit pages of post :rotfl: It's so neat that you get to help! Sounds like you have your hands full! You're doing a great job!! :surfweb: Good luck reporting:hug:

[SallyfromDE]

I came across your TR and find I am now having to stick around to see how this mystery ends. :rotfl: Do you have dates yet? My only reccomendation, would be to avoid the MK on the weekend. The crowds can be pretty bad. You most likely may not have to wait in lines becuase of your wish buttons and wheelchair. But it is just a suggestion. I always look for the low level days, then make my plans around that. We went Easter week a few years ago, and never waited more then 15 minutes in a line. Yet I read report after report about how bad the lines were and the crowds.

Can't wait to read more.

[mom2lilnick]

I hope that the plans are more concrete now. So are you all staying at GKTW? I am so confused reading this? I am subbing tho so I can keep up. LOL!!

[Lambflock]

Just found your report!!! Can't wait to hear more!!!

[ibdamamma]

Hello there! You seem like a wonderful person to help this family enjoy their time on this magical trip! I am subbing too, I would love to see how everything unfolds!

[oklamomof4boys]

I'm glad all of your plans are finally getting worked out. What a special friend you are-I hope your drive with the chair isn't too far! While GKTW is supposed to be wonderful ( at least I hope it is since we're staying there!) I think Lauren ( and all of you) will love staying on property.

I can't wait to hear all of your plans.

Also, what is Wish Flight ( I think that is what you called it)?

Carol

[maroo]

I hope that the plans are more concrete now. So are you all staying at GKTW? I am so confused reading this? I am subbing tho so I can keep up. LOL!!

I am so sorry!! Half of the comments refer to stuff I put in the first post...but then we changed almost EVERYTHING...

She was going to be on the Wish Flight... but now she is flying Southwest with her family. But Wish Flight had a layover and she will fly direct with Southwest, so that may work out better.

We were going to fly together, but now I am driving her wheelchair. :) It is only 12 hours or something like that. And we will get to keep her van with us the whole time. Which will be nice. :)

We were going to stay at GKTW, but now they don't have any room, because of all the changes with Wish Flight, etc. But they are putting us in the Contemporary Resort. Which will be AWESOME since Lauren will really need to rest during the day. :)

We will still get to go to GKTW and hang out there whenever we want, etc. So we will still get some of that experience! But we would probably never stay in the Contemporary ever again, so that will be wonderful, too. :) Best of both worlds, I guess.

[maroo]

I'm glad all of your plans are finally getting worked out. What a special friend you are-I hope your drive with the chair isn't too far! While GKTW is supposed to be wonderful ( at least I hope it is since we're staying there!) I think Lauren ( and all of you) will love staying on property.

I can't wait to hear all of your plans.

Also, what is Wish Flight ( I think that is what you called it)?

Carol

Carol, :)

Wish Flight has a website...

http://www.somethingmaagic.org/index.html

basically it is put on by American Airlines each year and about 25 or so Wish Kids and their families are all put on the same flight from Dallas to Orlando. It is sort of a party in the sky. They have a party at the airport and make a big deal out of everything. It would have been really cool to participate!!! But they were concerned about the fact that Lauren can't hold herself up in a plane seat and American Airlines eventually said she couldn't fly American at all. So much for that. :)

I think there were some safety concerns...like how does she get out in an emergency. ??? Hello?? [Side note: First, how many people walk away from those plane crashes?? :confused3 Second, if anyone thinks Lauren wouldn't get out, they are crazy! :rotfl: She would be tossed out first! :)] :rotfl2:

But, after talking to Southwest and explaining that she can stay in a car seat (she is only 65 lbs), they agreed that she can fly! First time for both Lauren and William (her little bro) to fly. :)

But there is concern that her particular wheelchair could be damaged in a plane. (She has an elevator feature that raises her up and a recline feature...so with both, her chair is very tall, heavy and fragile.)

We will be hanging out at GKTW...but not staying there. We would love the villa... and will miss that! But we did get two hotel rooms and one has a roll in shower, which will help us, too!

When are you guys going??

[maroo]

Hi, my b/f has CP, is in a power wheelchair, and he has been to WDW 9 times, I have been with him on 4 of those trips. Everyone must be so excited.

May I ask which airline told you that they treat the weelchair "like luggage"? We have flown Southwest each time and they treat his chair with complete and total respect. They allow us to get on the plane first, I transfer him, then they take the wheelchair down on the tarmac. I actually watch them load it on the plane. I have taken pictures each time while they are loading it. That just baffles me that someone would tell you that about the chair. It is an extension of Lauren's body.

It is so great that you get to go and help out.

WOW!! I really wish we had talked to you before we planned on me driving!!! :) But, Lauren's Mom is really anxious about her chair. Lauren's chair has an elevator feature (goes up several feet) and a recline feature...so her "wheelchair guy" said that it would not be safe at all for it to ride on its side. And both airlines told me that it would have to ride on its side because it is too tall.

To answer your question though...it was American that told me the luggage thing. She quickly transfered me to a specialist, though, when I said we definitely would NOT be flying if they treat her chair like luggage! Southwest is who we are flying with...so hopefully that will work out!

And I can't wait to read your trip report!! Sounds like we all have something in common! :)

[maroo]

GUESS WHAT!! I experienced my first bit of Disney Magic! Pixie Dust!

pixiedust: Lauren said something tonight about wanting to have a nice meal with just her mom...so I thought...it would be SOOO cool if I could get her a meal somewhere really nice and fun! BUT...we are leaving in less than 1 month..........

SO>>>> *drumroll* pixiedust:


I called the ADR line. And told them that I wanted a cool place for Lauren and her Mom to eat on the day we will be at MK... and they said.... pixiedust:

HOW ABOUT A LUNCH AT CINDERELLA'S CASTLE!!!!!

Oh My GOSH! Someone had just canceled. A table for 2. So, Lauren is going to get have an awesome meal with just Lauren and her mom! :) How cool is that??? In Cinderella's Castle! WOW!


I just had to tell you guys!!!!!!!! :)

[mrsksomeday]

That is wonderful about the lunch at Cinderella's Castle!! You are so sweet to think of that.

Bill has taught me so much about doing Disney with disabilities. He loves it there. There are links to previous trip reports in my signature. I took pictures of Bill's chair being loaded on the plane, pictures of him getting on the Magical Express, people are amazed at how high he is up there, pictures of him getting on and off Disney busses, pics of the wheelchair on the rides etc. I would be happy to try to help if you have any questions.

[mom2lilnick]

Sounds like things are falling into place!

[HeatherN]

Ok...we had some flight changes and have talked with the whole family and have a new agenda! :)
Some questions for you guys: Lauren's little brother has some issues with chronic pain, etc, from his stomach ulcers, :sick: as well as GI difficulty and headaches... Lauren (uses a wheelchair full time and has CP) will get a GAC from GKTW and shouldn't have any trouble...but there may be some rides that William can ride with his parents and Lauren can't...so do we get William a GAC, too? Would he qualify for one? Our fear is that he will end up in a long line and have to run to the restroom...but we can save his spot? :confused3 Or not?

Also...Dinner Shows...I think we have settled on the Pirates pirate: after talking to friends, this board and researching the options... so does anyone know how GKTW deals with Pirates Dinner Show? I think they have a discount or something for the family, but not sure if it is always available? Should we make reservations anyway?

Thank you all for your help!! We are SOOOO excited.

Also..how do I post a picture? I was going to try to post a picture of the "cast"... :)


Sory it took me so long to get over here, just finishing up my trip report nad now I have more time on my hands.
As far as he guest assistance pass.....when you go to orientation at GKTW you will recieve all your park passes and one Guest assistance pass.This has the number of people in your party(look at this carefully and make sure you all are included-if not speek to the orientation person and they will change it)You will also recieve one badge that the wish girl wears.When you go to the lines for rides usually they will see the badge and let you all right into through the wheelchair entrance.Sometimes they ask to see the GAP.This will allow you all to go in.Now if you decide to seperate and Lauren's brother wished to go on a ride, have him take the GAP with him.They should give him no problem ,even if the wish girl is not with him.My husband did this a few times for the rollercoasters and they never once questioned him about it.I don't think we ever waited more than 15 minutes for any ride and most of them we walked right on or waited for maybe 5 minutes.You can also go to guest relations at any park and request a guest assistance pass for her brother , but I really don't think you will need to.Lauren's should take care of you all.Also remember that at Magic Kingdom and Epcot there are air conditioned wish lounges were you all can take a break and rest.
Congrats on scoring lunch at Cindrella's castle for Lauren and her Mom.If it's the Cinderella's royal table-we did that and it was fabulous.I know whatever it is, they will have a great time.I can't wait to read about all of your adventures!

[Tanyann]

I am sooooo ExCiTeD to meet someone that is going to be there the same time we are. :woohoo:

We still dont have our itenerary. The call we got last week from Wisconsin MAW office said that our granter would meet with us 2 weeks befor we leave to give us everything we need. Did you have to ask for MNSSH tickets or did they just set it up? If they dont, Im going to get them. My oldest 19 and my 14 yr old are dressing up as the blues brothers and my youngest son is going to be a prince. (if I ever get the costume done) :sad2:

We are going to have to figure out something to do together so we can meet. Funny thing is we were supposed to go 5th through 11th but there was a flight change and this was the next best thing. We are not going on wish flight.. wasnt even offered. :sad2: Matter of fact we are going to have to leave our house by 3am to make our flight at 7:20. :scared:

Did I mention how excited I am you guys are going at the same time!!!!!!

YAY ALL OF US :grouphug:

[teresajoy]

Hi Mary, I just found your PTR! I have to say, I find it sad that you are skipping AK and Epcot! I love them both. Of course, I love all the parks, so I may not be the best authority on that!

Can't wait to read some more!

[Lynn5700]

Hi!!! just found this and love it!!! You guys are going to have so much fun!

YAY for lucnh at CRT!!!!!

[maroo]

Hi Mary, I just found your PTR! I have to say, I find it sad that you are skipping AK and Epcot! I love them both. Of course, I love all the parks, so I may not be the best authority on that!

Can't wait to read some more!


Actually, we have a "free" last day where we are going to either go back to MK or MGM or go to Epcot. We dont have anything planned that day, in case we miss something and want to go back. I don't think we will do AK, because Lauren gets hot easily and she can't sit up on a long safari ride. And the kids are not very interested in the animals.

We probably are going to go to Epcot that last day. We are on the monorail system now, so it won't be hard to get there. And they want to ride Soarin, although I am not sure Lauren can really ride it? I need to check some more on that. Lauren is interested in the countries, too. Epcot was one of my favorite parks, too. :)

We are going to go to AK Lodge, though, so we will get to see them from a distance! :) They have never been to Disney! So maybe they will be able to go back at some point and catch AK.

I am also feeling better about the lines...since she probably won't wait much, it may be that we can fit more in. Just depends on the endurance she has.

Anyway!! We are SOOOOOO excited!!! :)

[maroo]

Hi!!! just found this and love it!!! You guys are going to have so much fun!

YAY for lucnh at CRT!!!!!


Thanks, we are SOOO excited!! 23 more days! :)

[maroo]

I am sooooo ExCiTeD to meet someone that is going to be there the same time we are. :woohoo:

We still dont have our itenerary. The call we got last week from Wisconsin MAW office said that our granter would meet with us 2 weeks befor we leave to give us everything we need. Did you have to ask for MNSSH tickets or did they just set it up? If they dont, Im going to get them. My oldest 19 and my 14 yr old are dressing up as the blues brothers and my youngest son is going to be a prince. (if I ever get the costume done) :sad2:

We are going to have to figure out something to do together so we can meet. Funny thing is we were supposed to go 5th through 11th but there was a flight change and this was the next best thing. We are not going on wish flight.. wasnt even offered. :sad2: Matter of fact we are going to have to leave our house by 3am to make our flight at 7:20. :scared:

Did I mention how excited I am you guys are going at the same time!!!!!!

YAY ALL OF US :grouphug:

Hi there! :) I can't wait to meet you guys! Since we arrive on the same day, hopefully we will get to see you at GKTW. I know that we are supposed to arrive around 1:00 on Friday and go to GKTW until dinner time. Then we have orientation and head to the Contemporary. :) So we will be at GKTW most of that day. Hopefully we can meet up! :)

I am sooo excited! :)

[jessica52877]

I am so glad I was directed over here! What a sweet family and wonderful trip you'll will have. Seems as if you are part of their family, which makes it even better that you can go along!

[maroo]

I am so glad I was directed over here! What a sweet family and wonderful trip you'll will have. Seems as if you are part of their family, which makes it even better that you can go along!

You are so sweet! I definitely feel like I am a part of their family. :love: :) We are going to have a blast! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[maroo]

I am so glad I was directed over here! What a sweet family and wonderful trip you'll will have. Seems as if you are part of their family, which makes it even better that you can go along!

Hey!! THE BIG GIVE!! :cheer2: Thank you so much for blessing Lauren and her family. (They are the BEST!)

You guys are AWESOME! :cheer2: I can't wait to see what you guys have in store for Lauren and her family. :) I appreciate you guys more than you know! :)

I want to join the BIG GIVE after our trip...I want to make jewelry for you guys. :) But, I can't join yet...I would cheat and read our thread! (Isn't that horrible! :scared1: )

So...for now...I am just going to have to read the trip reports and contribute that way. :)

Thanks a MILLION! :)

[HeatherSue]

We'd love to have you help out with the big give after the trip! :cool1: It's always great to have more volunteers! My sister (teresajoy) found your TR and she said she wanted to squeeze you guys in because you just seemed so sweet!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and tell you I'm reading and I'm excited for your trip!

[maroo]

We'd love to have you help out with the big give after the trip! :cool1: It's always great to have more volunteers! My sister (teresajoy) found your TR and she said she wanted to squeeze you guys in because you just seemed so sweet!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and tell you I'm reading and I'm excited for your trip!

I am so glad you found the TR! We are SOOO excited! :banana: :banana: :banana: Less than 3 weeks and I will be on the road. :woohoo:

You guys are awesome to do this for Lauren and her family. They are awesome and really need this trip. Sweet Lauren is at home doing homework as I type this. She is so conscientious (I am sure I spelled THAT wrong), working hard to make great grades. Her little brother puts up with a lot. And her parents are awesome.

I am starting to look for jewelry ideas. :woohoo: I would love to make stuff for the Big Give. Do you know if they named it after the Oprah Big Give? Just curious.

I am actually leaving town for the weekend...but I will be checking back on Sunday night.

[teresajoy]

I am so glad you found the TR! We are SOOO excited! :banana: :banana: :banana: Less than 3 weeks and I will be on the road. :woohoo:

You guys are awesome to do this for Lauren and her family. They are awesome and really need this trip. Sweet Lauren is at home doing homework as I type this. She is so conscientious (I am sure I spelled THAT wrong), working hard to make great grades. Her little brother puts up with a lot. And her parents are awesome.

I am starting to look for jewelry ideas. :woohoo: I would love to make stuff for the Big Give. Do you know if they named it after the Oprah Big Give? Just curious.

I am actually leaving town for the weekend...but I will be checking back on Sunday night.


Yep, it is after Oprah's Big Give. Beth, AKA: MouseTriper, was inspired by the Oprah Big Give. She had read about our fellow Diser, Alicia, AKsunshine, who's little boy Levi, was killed in a car accident just a week after their return from Disney. They were planning another trip with their daughter, Isabelle, and Beth wanted to make it extra special for them. So she asked the Disboutiquers if we would like to make things for Isabelle. That went so well that Heather and I wanted to keep it going, so Heather posted on the Disboutique thread suggesting we keep doing this for other Disboard families. It was suggested we do MAW families, and there you go!

We are really excited that you want to join too!! We are always looking for new recruits!!! We need all sorts of craty folks to help out. So, if anyone is worried to join because they can't sew, that's ok!!

[maroo]

Yep, it is after Oprah's Big Give. Beth, AKA: MouseTriper, was inspired by the Oprah Big Give. She had read about our fellow Diser, Alicia, AKsunshine, who's little boy Levi, was killed in a car accident just a week after their return from Disney. They were planning another trip with their daughter, Isabelle, and Beth wanted to make it extra special for them. So she asked the Disboutiquers if we would like to make things for Isabelle. That went so well that Heather and I wanted to keep it going, so Heather posted on the Disboutique thread suggesting we keep doing this for other Disboard families. It was suggested we do MAW families, and there you go!

We are really excited that you want to join too!! We are always looking for new recruits!!! We need all sorts of craty folks to help out. So, if anyone is worried to join because they can't sew, that's ok!!

Wow... I read AKsunshines story after I saw this post. That was so sad! I cried! Thank you so much for sharing that with me...anyone else reading this.

I can't wait to see what The Big Give has in store for the Compere family! :) :banana: :thumbsup2 :cool1:


AND...We only have 16 days before we leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :dance3: :dance3: :yay: :yay: :yay: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: (can you tell i am a little excited!)

[maroo]

What's Up guys!! :) Can I just say......... 12 days till our trip!!! WOO HOO!!

:banana: :banana: :banana:

I have noted a flaw in our plan...You see, all of you guys doing TRs actually live with the kids going on the trip...so when you get packages, etc... you are there to see the kids open them...well...not so with me. :confused3 I am at Lauren's a couple of evenings a week and sometimes on Saturdays. So, u will have to bear with me on pictures! :)

Update..for one, we got the shirts we ordered from Zazzle in the mail on Thursday night. :woohoo: (Yes, I did take pictures...but, with Lauren's camera...and Lauren's camera does not like my computer. :sad2: So...I will have to get pictures this week when I go back to her house.) We did love the shirts. In fact, William pirate:, who was not wild about the idea of ordering shirts at all...begged :worship: to wear his to school on Friday! His mom :laundy:, being the nice person she is, said yes! :) And I missed it! I didn't even see him in it, much less take a picture. Oh well. I promise, I will post a picture soon! :)

We have gotten some fun postcards from "The Fairy Godmother"... and we are not quite sure who that is. :) But we were glad to get some mail.

We also... (drumroll please)...got our first package from the DisBoutiquers. How much fun! We got shirts and loved them. ** Thank you, Jessica! ** Again...pictures to come, I promise!!

Anyway...we are getting so excited!

More to come....

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Hey! I came over after reading your PM. You guys are going soon! It's going to be nice staying at the Contemporary right there. I'm glad they put you guys in the middle of the action. The kids will love the monorail going through the building! I agree, driving the chair down is the best thing to do. That way she has her van and al right there. She is going to love BBB too. I can't wait to see which dress she chooses.

[bex271]

I saw on another thread that you only have 9 more day :banana: :banana: :banana: I'm so excited for y'all.

becca

[maroo]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you - Disboutiquers! You guys are awesome. For those of you that may not know, Lauren's family was selected by the DISBoutiquers to be part of The Big Give. :banana: :banana: :banana: We have received several packages already and have been floored by all of the stuff you guys have made and sent. Here are some pics, as promised! Everytime I think I am going to post these, they get new stuff :eek:...so this is Part One...as a little birdie has told me some more stuff is on its way...:rolleyes1


For the past several days Lauren has looked like this...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3062.jpg

Because her family is getting cool gifts, like these clothes...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mickeyshirts.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3090.jpg

William has done his share of opening cool stuff...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3054.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3074.jpg

William and Lauren are excited about the colored pencils. William could not believe that all of you guys knew that he loved Lightning McQueen! :rolleyes1

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3079.jpg

William wanted to take his new pillowcase to school with him this morning to show his friends...(how cool is that!)

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3084.jpg

But Lauren was even more excited...when she saw hers, she totally freaked out :yay:
and told her parents she wants to redecorate her WHOLE ROOM to match it! :rotfl: (uh oh!) :scared1:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3087.jpg

We have particularly enjoyed the notes and pictures included in our packages, like this one...:hug:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/IMG_3064.jpg


We have been overwhelmed with all of the gifts that we have recieved! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: You guys are so kind and thoughtful to do this for us. William, who is 9, asked if we were going to get to help the "next family" going to Disney on a trip. He said it would probably be "around Christmas" and wants to send the next family some stuff! (Is he not the coolest 9-year-old ever!)

Anyway...you guys have gone above and beyond...and on very short notice! Thank you so much! And I will post another Big Give Update when I am back at their house again (which may be closer to the trip). You guys are the best!! Thanks soooo much!!

.

[jessica52877]

What fun! Lauren looked so sweet! I wish that we would have made William a few more things! Boys always think they are too old for stuff but then like it!

[HeatherSue]

Thank you for posting the pictures, you really made my day!! :cloud9:

Tessa was thrilled to see the picture she colored. But, she wants to know what happened to the other 1/2 of Piglet! :lmao:

I love to see the kids faces! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I hope you have a magical trip and I can't wait to see what else you get!

[Stephres]

That is so nice! I love her and William's faces!

I knew she would go wild for that pillowcase Heather made for it: I want one!

Can't wait to see what else they get!

[ibdamamma]

Wow the kids look so happy!!! Those outfits are amazing!

[maroo]

Hey! I came over after reading your PM. You guys are going soon! It's going to be nice staying at the Contemporary right there. I'm glad they put you guys in the middle of the action. The kids will love the monorail going through the building! I agree, driving the chair down is the best thing to do. That way she has her van and al right there. She is going to love BBB too. I can't wait to see which dress she chooses.

Thank you so much for your info re: BBB! That really helped us decide what to do. Lauren keeps telling us that she wants to dress up like Tinkerbell...so hopefully they will have a Tinkerbell costume. She will be PUMPED that she is getting a makeover! She loves that stuff. I just need to decide what to bring her to wear under it...so she won't itch sitting on a costume all night! :)

We are excited about staying at the Contemporary. No one in the family knows about that yet...except Lisa...Richard doesn't even know. Lisa wants to surprise him, too!

I saw on another thread that you only have 9 more day :banana: :banana: :banana: I'm so excited for y'all.

becca

I know it!! We are SOOOO excited!! :) I leave in 7 days now (since I am driving!) :)

What fun! Lauren looked so sweet! I wish that we would have made William a few more things! Boys always think they are too old for stuff but then like it!

William has been more excited about this than I anticipated. But he has decided he wants to wear his Karate suit for the Halloween party (he just got is Senior Blue Belt!) and he is so particular about clothes, that it worked out well! :)


Thank you for posting the pictures, you really made my day!! :cloud9:

Tessa was thrilled to see the picture she colored. But, she wants to know what happened to the other 1/2 of Piglet! :lmao:

I love to see the kids faces! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I hope you have a magical trip and I can't wait to see what else you get!

Heather, I read your TR the other night...part of it...it was sooo funny! Very entertaining! I have not made it to Teresa's yet, but that is on my list for tonight! :) I wish I could write like you guys do!

Tessa's picture was so sweet...and her note was precious! :)

We can't wait either! I just hate that I won't be at her house for several days. I am going to be doing laundry, getting stuff done, etc, this weekend, so I won't be at her house again till next week! (Which should work out since we will be together LOTS at DW!)

That is so nice! I love her and William's faces!

I knew she would go wild for that pillowcase Heather made for it: I want one!

Can't wait to see what else they get!

Aren't they sweet! :) They both loved the pillowcases...and the shirts...Lauren's skirt...and the colored pencil holders!

Wow the kids look so happy!!! Those outfits are amazing!

The outfits are amazing! :)


Thank you all for posting! :) I am so excited...one week left!! :) :banana: :banana: :banana:

[The Moonk's Mom]

Thanks for posting the pictures! The kids look so excited!:goodvibes One week!!! I know you guys are excited! Have a great time!;)

[teresajoy]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you - Disboutiquers! You guys are awesome. For those of you that may not know, Lauren's family was selected by the DISBoutiquers to be part of The Big Give. :banana: :banana: :banana: We have received several packages already and have been floored by all of the stuff you guys have made and sent. Here are some pics, as promised! Everytime I think I am going to post these, they get new stuff :eek:...so this is Part One...as a little birdie has told me some more stuff is on its way...:rolleyes1


For the past several days Lauren has looked like this...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/th_IMG_3062.jpg


.

Mary thanks for posting the pictures!!! I love Lauren's face!!! Those kids are just so sweet!!!!! I love that they were so excited about everything!

[maroo]

I have updated this report to include a new agenda! Yep, it changed again. Mainly because we planned to see the electric parade (does that date me?) and the fireworks on Saturday night...but now they have a MNSSHP, so we have to leave MK by 7:00.

We are SOOOO excited! This time next week, we will be PLAYING at GKTW! Woo Hoo! :banana: :banana: :banana:


So...you will have to go back and see post 1... Here is a link (Thanks, Teresa, for telling me how to do this!)...

Link to POST #1...Click Here to see NEW AGENDA! :) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26979908&postcount=1)

[teresajoy]

I have updated this report to include a new agenda! Yep, it changed again. Mainly because we planned to see the electric parade (does that date me?) and the fireworks on Saturday night...but now they have a MNSSHP, so we have to leave MK by 7:00.

We are SOOOO excited! This time next week, we will be PLAYING at GKTW! Woo Hoo! :banana: :banana: :banana:


So...you will have to go back and see post 1... Here is a link (Thanks, Teresa, for telling me how to do this!)...

Link to POST #1...Click Here to see NEW AGENDA! :) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26979908&postcount=1)


I'm so excited for you guys Mary!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[kimmylaj]

have a wonderful time your plans look great

[mrsksomeday]

Have a fantastic time and remember to just breathe and take it in. Once I realized there was no way we could do everything and just focus on having fun the trip was a breeze. Just let the magic take over and things will be wonderful.

I can't wait to see your TR and read about your experiences with helping someone with CP in WDW. I usually read about it from the person with the disabilities viewpoint. It is going to be nice to read about someone like me being a helper.

[maroo]

Have a fantastic time and remember to just breathe and take it in. Once I realized there was no way we could do everything and just focus on having fun the trip was a breeze. Just let the magic take over and things will be wonderful.

I can't wait to see your TR and read about your experiences with helping someone with CP in WDW. I usually read about it from the person with the disabilities viewpoint. It is going to be nice to read about someone like me being a helper.

That is true...this is a different viewpoint! :) I am planning on writing lots of stuff down, taking an insane amount of pictures (and using photopass) and doing an awesome TR when we get back. I am praying that I can hang in, too...and not get totally exhausted (I know you understand that).

We are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited (my "so" keeps getting bigger!) :lmao:

[maroo]

We got MORE stuff for the Big Give! I have seen the stack...but have not had time to take pictures yet...and now it is all getting packed. I am so sorry that I don't have pictures yet. But I promise to update you all on all of that stuff and the big TRIP REPORT when we get home!

I leave tomorrow to drive everything to DW!!! And everyone else will catch the plane on Friday!! Woo Hoo!

So...pray for us...for safe travel and a magical time!

Talk to you guys later!! :) :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[mrsksomeday]

Have a magically enchanted time. Take care, drive safely, and remember you can't do it all so don't push yourself too hard. We will be waiting patiently for the trip report!!

[bex271]

be careful driving and hope y'all have a wonderful time and can't wait to hear about the adventure when y'all return

becca

[tigertamm]

My friend! Excellent trip report. You know I will do anything I can do to make your trip more enjoyable. I am in Orlando at a meeting right now, but will be at the parks on Friday night with my niece, Tyler. Be sure to call me if you go to MNSSHP on Saturday night! We are so excited.

The contemporary is great. We stayed there once and the kids absolutely loved it. The family will be so happy, and you have two rooms now. That's great. Tyler and Iwill be staying at OKW. I have never stayed there before and I love trying out all the resorts.

Be sure to get the kids a first visit button at town hall when you get to the parks.

I just know your trip will be magical!

[jillalvarez2003]

Have a safe and magical trip! Can't wait to here the details when you get back!

[maroo]

Hey guys! First of all, we had an absolutely MAGICAL first few days! I can't wait to tell you all of the details...

But, we are having some issues. Lauren and Lisa got sick first...stomach bug...and now William has it. Lauren had to go to the emergency room last night and get fluids and some antibiotics as well. She seems to be feeling better today, although we have taken the day off and hopefully that will help...we could really use your prayers!! Hopefully we can get back to a magical vacation tomorrow!

Thank you guys!! I can't wait to give you all of the details of the trip! Although we are disappointed that we have been sick, the trip has overall been awesome with lots of cool surprises (PIXIE DUST!) :)

:) maroo

[jessica52877]

Oh no! I hope everyone is on the up and up and mends quickly. Prayers coming for all of you!

[mom2lilnick]

Hugs! I am sorry to read this and I hope everyone is feeling better soon.

[mrsksomeday]

All of you are in my thoughts and prayers :hug: :hug:.

[tigertamm]

Hey girl,

Sorry you guys have had that bug! Hopefully it won't be long and you can get back to feeling the magic. Tyler and I had fun and are back in LA! Hope the rest of your trip goes well.

[teresajoy]

Oh no! It's no fun being sick on vacation! I hope everyone is feeling better very soon !:hug:

[maroo]

WE ARE BACK!!!!!!! Woo Hoo...:banana: :banana: :banana:

Actually...I am totally depressed! :rolleyes1 We had such a good time!

Thank you all for all of your prayers! After taking the day off on Monday, we were able to get back to the magic on Tuesday! I can't wait to give you all of the details!

I still have the pictures from the last part of the Big Give! And I will post those soon!!! Also...I will be starting a NEW trip report...soon...I promise! We have LOTS of pictures...although I wish I had taken more! We will get Photopass and have a couple of other sources of pictures...several different cameras, etc, that have to be downloaded and organized...so it may be a few days before I can give you guys the full scoop!

We did have an awesome time!

[mrsksomeday]

Welcome back!! I can't wait to read all about your trip!

[mom2lilnick]

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about it!

[teresajoy]

Welcome home Mary!!! I'm glad no one stayed sick for long!!! Now lets see some pictures!!!

[maroo]

We have been overwhelmed with the gifts and support we have been given from all of our DISboards friends!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

By the last few days before our trip, though, I was not at the Compere house as much (we were trying to give us all some space from each other so that when we were TOGETHER all week long we would LIKE each other! :lmao:)

all that to say...it took me a while to get these pictures together to pose this update...sorry!!! :surfweb:

First I have to share this...Lauren had Homecoming week at school the week before we left and this is what she wore for "Rocker Day"...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/100_1136-1.jpg


And Lauren with her PRINCIPAL! :lmao:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/100_1134-1.jpg

She thought the skirt was soooo cool that she wore it to school before we even left to go on the trip!

Then we got this skirt...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/IMG_3651.jpg

And this bracelet, which was so cool, it has an official Mickey Mouse hand on it! So cute!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/IMG_3655.jpg

And these pillow cases. Note...these are all ON pillows! We have used them every night since we got them. They were all perfect for us!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/IMG_3636.jpg

The Big Give was SOOOOO awesome. We appreciate all of your hard work! I will be signing up to help today...so I hope you guys "approve" me. This was so much fun for us...I can't wait to pay it forward!

[Stephres]

Oh Lauren looks so cute in the skirt, I am so happy it is cool enough to even wear to school!

We would love to have you in our group!

I can't wait to see more pictures!

[maroo]

Wow...we were totally surprised when our awesome friends from MAW showed up on Monday night with all of this stuff....

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/IMG_3105.jpg

including a cake...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/IMG_3109.jpg
And a basket full of goodies...no picture! can you believe that I forgot to take a picture of THAT? :confused3

Is this family not SOOO sweet!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/pre%20trip%20report/IMG_3106-2.jpg
(I snuck in a picture of Muffin...my precious yorkie...see her? Is she not the cutest dog ever! She did NOT get to go to Disney World. :sad2: Oh well.)



And the schedule...and expense check (ok, I almost fainted)...and lots of smiles and congratulations to prep us for the trip! It was so much fun.


AND THIS IS IT!!!!!!!!! the END of the PRE-TRIP Report...HERE is a LINK TO THE TRIP REPORT!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980494) and I can't wait for you to see it!!!


Have you ever flown through a rainbow? :cool1:
Is it possible to be poisoned at Cinderella's Castle? :sick:
Will Lisa ride Space Mountain? :rolleyes1
Can we REALLY avoid doctors for one week? :sick:
Will Mary ride Tower of TERROR? :eek:
Is there EVER a good reason to call someone at 3:30 in the morning? :scared:
What exciting thing does Mickey do? princess:
Is Fantasmic Fantastic? :)
How many times can you go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party? pirate:
Will it rain on our parade? :rolleyes:
Who STARTS a NEW addiction on this trip? :thumbsup2
What ruins Mary's 15 minutes of relaxation in the hot tub? :rotfl2:
What happens when salt and pepper dance with Chip and Dale? :rotfl:

And the most important question...
Will we have FUN?????????? YES, YES, YES! Best trip of our whole life!

But for the rest of the answers... you will just have to go HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980494) and subscribe and check it out!

[maroo]

A VIDEO Update!!! The Video Documentary of our trip! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg5bLRZXvAo)

Is it possible to MAKE a rainbow? ** YES: See post 33!
Will Lisa ride Space Mountain? :rolleyes1 **YES!! See post 341!
Can we REALLY avoid doctors for one week? :worship: **NO! See post 233...
Will Mary ride Tower of TERROR? :eek: Nope! See post 360!
Is there EVER a good reason to call someone at 3:30 in the morning? :scared: **YES! See post 196!
What exciting thing does Mickey do? princess: It's COOL!! See Post 360!
Is it possible to be poisoned at Cinderella's Castle? :sick: **Nah...but you can FEEL like you were...see post 196!
Is Fantasmic Fantastic? :confused3 Not so much...see post 318!
How many times can you go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in one trip? pirate: **TWO, for two of us! Post 341!
Will it rain on our parade? :rolleyes: YES! And we LOVED it!! **See post 455!
Who STARTS a NEW addiction on this trip? :thumbsup2 ** See post 264!!
What ruins Mary's 15 minutes of relaxation in the hot tub? :rotfl2: See post 143!
Do dolphins BITE? :sad2: ** YES! See post 212 (pg 15)

But the most important question of them all...Will we have FUN? YES, YES, YES!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

But for the answers to the rest of the questions...you will just have to subscribe and stay tuned!!


For now...Let me introduce the cast for the trip:

Lauren: The Wish Teen! Lauren is 15, has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair to get around. She qualified for a wish because she has a significantly low lung capacity and uses a baclofen pump. She is a diva! :cutie: Makes straight A's in school because she works really hard :teacher: and had a blast in Disney World.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/747/205728100_0484-2b.jpg

William: Lauren's little brother. William is 9 years old. :yay: William actually has some medical issues, too. He is lactose intolerant, has stomach ulcers, frequent headaches and generally doesn't feel well a lot of the time. :sick: But he had a BLAST in Disney World!

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/205728BrandisCameraBeach08504-1c.jpg

Richard, Lauren's Dad: Richard is a Type I brittle diabetic. He is a very fun and funny :rotfl2: person and has never met a stranger! He was a trip on this trip!

Lauren's Mom, Lisa: Momma of Lauren and William, Wife to Richard and my best friend. Lisa gets a little stressed sometimes...as she has lots to do :laundy: to take care of her 2 awesome kids and loving husband!

Then there is Me: My friends call me Maroo. Short for Mary...well, not really, but a lot more FUN. I went on this trip to help Lauren with her medical stuff (I am her CNA) and keep Lisa sane. Make A Wish was wise to send me, because we certainly needed three adults on this trip!

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/747/205728IMG_1649-1b.jpg


I am in the process of organizing pictures from 4 CD's and two cameras...so it will be a few days before I can get this party started!

But for some background info... you can check these out...

For the Agenda and Pre-Trip Report...including LOTS of pixie dust moments, The BIG GIVE...CLICK HERE!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1923404)

CLICK HERE for a thread devoted to Wish Kids and their families! Lots of GREAT links to other Wish Trip Reports...and other info! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1606643)


The TRIP REPORT BEGINS!!!!
Mary's BORING...or maybe not...Drive to Orlando! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28143173&postcount=12)

A surprise guest!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28160885&postcount=25)

A surprise send off party! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28161334&postcount=26)

A Rainbow Surprise! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28165454&postcount=33)

Give Kids the WORLD!!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28205553&postcount=55)

What has Maroo been doing this whole time??? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28223468&postcount=62)

Give Kids the WORLD - Part ONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28224261&postcount=63)

Give Kids the WORLD - Part TWO! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28237675&postcount=70)

Give Kids the WORLD - Part THREE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28251195&postcount=82)

Give Kids the WORLD - Part FOUR! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28252576&postcount=88)

Magic Kingdom!! Part ONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28296445&postcount=117)

Magic Kingdom!! Part TWO! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28331302&postcount=138)

Magic Kingdom!! Part THREE - BBB and CRT! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28342090&postcount=143)

Magic Kingdom!! MNSSHP - Part ONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28380023&postcount=163)

Magic Kingdom!! MNSSHP - Part TWO! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28380035&postcount=164)

Magic Kingdom!! MNSSHP - Part THREE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28395218&postcount=179)

A very, very long night... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28415453&postcount=196)

Sea World - Part ONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28415516&postcount=197)

Sea World - Part TWO! - Dolphins!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28435536&postcount=212)

Pirates Dinner Show! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28484088&postcount=230)

A very, very, very long night... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28484944&postcount=233)

A REAL Halloween Party...(I hijacked my own TR!) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28485699&postcount=239)

Downtown Disney! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28516878&postcount=264)

Hollywood Studios - Take ONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28628080&postcount=318)

Another MNSSHP! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28724507&postcount=341)

The Back, Boma and Mickey's Surprise! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28845917&postcount=360)

Hollywood Studios - Take TWO! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29401723&postcount=396)

One Electric Last Night (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29636131&postcount=455)

It is finished... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29936257&postcount=479)

[firechick139]

Can't wait to hear your report! We will be there in 3 weeks!

[teresajoy]

I'm on board Mary!!! I can't wait to read your report!!!!!!!!

And, I'm SOOO glad the skirt made it before you guys left! I was worried!

[teresajoy]

OOOOH, so many questions!!! I am intrigued!!! And, I'm so glad you got the skirt. And, how cool that Lauren wore the zebra pink skirt to school!

Yeah Steph!!!

Lauren's principal looks like fun!

[mrsksomeday]

Hi Mary, I am here. I know you probably won't have installments up before I leave so I wanted to make sure I subscribed so when we get back from our trip I can catch up!!

[jessica52877]

Wow! I am going over right now to check out the next part! Looks and sounds like everything was great so far.

[jessica52877]

I can't wait to hear more!!!

[mom2lilnick]

I can't wait to read more!!

[Stephres]

Hooray! I can't wait to hear all about it!

[bex271]

I can't wait to hear about your trip.

[jillalvarez2003]

Maroo, I can't wait to hear all about your trip with Lauren and her family! :cool1:

[Khalana]

I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip! :)

[maroo]

Can't wait to hear your report! We will be there in 3 weeks!

I know you are so excited! What a great time to go! The weather was wonderful, crowds were low and it was simply wonderful! I can't wait to go back.

I'm on board Mary!!! I can't wait to read your report!!!!!!!!

And, I'm SOOO glad the skirt made it before you guys left! I was worried!

Yep! The skirt made it!! You guys are so awesome. I can't wait to join the Big Give team!! :)

Hi Mary, I am here. I know you probably won't have installments up before I leave so I wanted to make sure I subscribed so when we get back from our trip I can catch up!!


Yes, I can't wait to read your trip report as well!!! :) Woo Hoo!!

I can't wait to hear more!!!

I can't wait to tell you more, either! We got more pictures today to add to my stash...I am so excited!!! :)

I can't wait to read more!!

Me either! :) Thanks for subscribing! :)

Hooray! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Thanks for subscribing! It was a wonderful trip! :) I can't wait to tell you guys all about it! :)

I can't wait to hear about your trip.

Hello! A new person! Woo Hoo!! :) I can't wait to get started! Waiting on one more camera worth of pictures to get this party started! :)

Maroo, I can't wait to hear all about your trip with Lauren and her family! :cool1:

Her family is the COOLEST! I can't wait to tell you about the trip, either. We had lots of adventures! :)

I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip! :)

:) Thanks for subscribing! :) I can't wait to share all of the details! :)

[maroo]

Ok...so...disclaimer first. This is my FIRST trip report! :thumbsup2 I went to DW with such GRAND intentions of taking pictures of EVERYTHING. But, I can already tell, on day one for goodness sakes, that I did not take ENOUGH pictures!! :sad2: I PROMISE that I have more pictures and more fun stuff for future installments!

So hang in there with me...subscribe...and stay tuned!! :happytv:

Ok, so this first installment is a little boring...I mean...how exciting can a drive to Disney World be? Well, you never know...

But, first, a little background. Lauren's wheelchair...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3130-1.jpg

is a pretty complex piece of equipment. Even for those of you guys that are familiar with power chairs...this one is a Mercedes! It has an elevator that allows her to rise up to over my height (we wanted her to really dance with her prom date :hug: - eye to eye - and it helps when we move her to and from her chair, too) AND it has a recline feature that allows her to recline all the way back so that she can shift around and get comfortable in her chair. Not a cheap piece of equipment. Actually worth twice the value of my car...and I don't drive a piece of junk! :rolleyes1

All that to say...we were NOT going to put THAT chair on ANY airplane...no matter how nice they were or how they insisted they would take care of her chair. Lauren calls her chair her "legs"...and we were not putting her legs laying on its side in the belly of the plane to hang out with the luggage. NOPE...sorry.

So...that brings me to the drive. I decided to drive the 12-14 hours from Misssissippi to Disney World so that I could drive her chair, our luggage, lots of food/snacks/drinks to save money, and some more of Lauren's medical stuff AND we would have her van to use while we were there. Lauren and her family were going to fly to DW the next day. This way Lauren would not be so tired before we even got started! (And, if all 5 of us drove down together...we might not like each other so much when we got there, ya know!)

Lauren had school on Thursday...the day I was supposed to leave. So...I had to wait till she was ready for me to steal her legs. (Poor thing!) She told me I could come after her history test and take her chair. Now here is a funny moment...We have the van loaded down with everything but her chair and I show up at her school and tell the lady guarding the door (we affectionately call her the "attendance nazi") that I need to see Lauren so I can steal her legs. :scared1: The attendance nazi did not think this was funny. :lmao: I mean, come on, get a sense of humor!! Lauren would laugh! :confused3

So, I go to exchange Lauren's mercedes with this piece of junk...but the DISboutiquers should note that she ALWAYS has that pillow you guys made her!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3132-1.jpg
and off I go...Now picture this...If I had an extra hand, I would have taken a picture... :eek:

I am driving her EMPTY chair down the hall at school and out the door. Which would be funny enough, except I can't drive it well...I run into the the wall...I run into the door and off the sidewalk before I finally get a handle on driving that sucker! Meanwhile...the attendance nazi is giving me "the stare" :sad2: ...she was not sure WHAT I was doing...where was I going with Lauren's legs? So I stopped by the desk and told her I was taking it to Disney World and then walked off...and left her staring at me like I was crazy! :rotfl:

So...OFF I GO!! The chair gets loaded and I set my cruise on FAST...uh...I mean...I follow the speed limit all the way to Disney World. :rolleyes1

I made it all the way to Orlando by midnight (this should tell you something...but NOT that I sped at all! No, I would never break the law.) Aw...come on...it was all for THE CHILDREN!

So, I found a Best Western. I had Best Western gift cards from the Make a Wish foundation, so that was my choice...Best Western or Best Western. Ok, Best Western. I called and found a place that was close to Give Kids the World, which was my stop for the following morning. Now, at this point, I should have been worried when the directions said, "We are located right behind the IHOP." Ok, I don't have anything against pancakes...but IHOP's are usually not located in the nicest area of town and this was no exception. :scared1: When I arrived to check in the guy behind the desk was watching TV that was not appropriate for my eyes...or ears...:rolleyes1 so...once I was checked in...I RAN to my hotel room....LOCKED the door...and went to sleep.

Next installment...GIVE KIDS THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

till then...if you have NO idea what Give Kids the World even is...you can check out this website...

www.gktw.org

and send them money. Or buy some souvenirs.... Or just check out the COOOOOOOLLL stuff that sick kids get to do while they are there!


CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE.... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28160885&postcount=25)

[MousekaMaddi]

love it so far, keep it coming please:cloud9:

[jillalvarez2003]

yes, yes, more PLEASE!:flower3:

[teresajoy]

OOH, as soon as you said Best Western, I was worried!! Looks like you made it out of there ok though!!! So funny about the lady at the front door of the school!!! Poor Lauren without her cool wheels!!! At least she had her pillow though!

[jessica52877]

Love it! Love it! Love it!

Can I ask some questions! As in how long have you been working with Lauren and the family, I mean you are their family now and just fit right in! And how did you meet to start working with her! Sorry, I am just so curious! It seems everyone gets along so well.

[bex271]

I can't wait to hear more. We call Jonah's chair his hot wheels. Best Westerns aren't always in the best of places either. I definitely understanding running to your room.

becca

[mrsksomeday]

Fantastic start!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!! Lauren is beautiful. I am really looking forward to this trip report.

[maroo]

love it so far, keep it coming please:cloud9:

Ok...wow...you must have been reading as I was writing! You sure did send a comment FAST!! Maybe as fast as I drove to Disney World...

Uh...I mean.... Uh...

*runs away*

*sticks her head back in*

:) more coming, I promise!! :) I will post another update later today...I am working on it as I type...or will be...soon :)

[mom2lilnick]

Can't wait to read more!!

[maroo]

Ha! My multiquote didn't work on that last post... this time I will preview...sorry, rookie mistake!! :)

yes, yes, more PLEASE!:flower3:

More is on the way today! :) I have the day off today, so I will be sending out installment #2 and working on #3. !! :) And it is really fantastic!!

OOH, as soon as you said Best Western, I was worried!! Looks like you made it out of there ok though!!! So funny about the lady at the front door of the school!!! Poor Lauren without her cool wheels!!! At least she had her pillow though!

Yeah...I have never stayed there. In Make-A-Wish's defense, though, they had made me reservations at a "nice" one (they are all individually owned and operated) and I just got there so FAST (did I say that?) that I kept driving. Then I was on my own. :) And I didn't really reserach it...AT ALL...so I just stayed there. I was just glad to be all the way and able to sleep all night.

Love it! Love it! Love it!

Can I ask some questions! As in how long have you been working with Lauren and the family, I mean you are their family now and just fit right in! And how did you meet to start working with her! Sorry, I am just so curious! It seems everyone gets along so well.

I definitely don't mind the question. It is actually a very long story...but I will tell you the short version and you guys can me let know if you want to know more. :) I started working with special needs kids at a camp in Arkansas. I spent many hours there in High School and fell in love with those kids! Fast forward many years...past college...and I end up going to a church here in town that is fabulous! They had a support group for parents of special needs children. And they needed a babysitter that had a clue to take care of the kids during the class. Honestly, they never used me for the class, I am sure that those parents were not going to leave their kids with some stranger and many of them have support systems that allow for others to keep their kids. So I ended up actually attending several of the meetings. I met Laurens parents through that group.

Then our church, which is very large, decided to launch a satellite campus closer to where I live. I hated to leave the big church location (which was a 30-40 min drive), where I had lots of friends. But I knew I was supposed to. I prayed for friends at the new church...specifically for someone that I could train for a triathlon with (believe me, I needed serious training!) and someone to each lunch with on Sundays (since I am single and bored!). So...the first Sunday I ran into Laurens family. At this point, I only knew the parents. But I begged them to go out to eat (funny, now, looking back). I think Lauren thought I was a crazy person. But if I could talk her parents into eating out, I was OK!

Turns out, they ride road bikes and also wanted to train for a triathlon. So I got BOTH of my prayer requests in one family! (Cool, huh!) Eventually I learned that Laurens dad was sick. That is a long story and not really mine to tell, but eventually Laurens parents had to leave town for 11 days to go to Mayo clinic to get some answers. During that 11 days, I helped both sets of grandparents make sure the kids were taken care of...get ready for school, meals (which were mostly provided by our church), carpool, homework...you know the drill. And I was working my full time job...and it was CRAZY!!!

So...after they got back, I told them I was available to them as much as they needed me till her dad got to feeling better. (He is doing a lot better, by the way!) So, I basically moved in to the upstairs room for several months. I do help with Lauren, but I am also friends with all of them. We have so much fun...Lauren's mom and I are work out buddies. I can now ride a bike over 30 miles without rolling over and dying. And we DID complete a small triathlon!

Now I am actually on the payroll from Medicaid that allows for a nurse assistant to help Lauren a few hours a week. So I do that and have a job now that is only 32 hours a week. This has helped me to be able to have some down time and still help Lauren and her family as much as possible.

Sorry, that was kinda long! And the short version!! If you want a longer version, let me know! :) :lmao:

I can't wait to hear more. We call Jonah's chair his hot wheels. Best Westerns aren't always in the best of places either. I definitely understanding running to your room.

becca

Becca, thanks for joining us!! :) I have been watching your TR, too!! :) Yeah...don't stay at the Best Western by GKTW. When you drive by there, you will see what I mean...it is by all of those strip stores on 192. :lmao:

Fantastic start!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!! Lauren is beautiful. I am really looking forward to this trip report.

Lauren is beautiful!! She is beautiful on the inside, too!! :) And it shows in all that she does. princess: I can't wait to tell you more about the trip!!

[jessica52877]

Thank you for the sweet story of how you met! I knew there was so much more there then being Lauren's helper! It shines through in your personality.

[iu97alum]

LOVE IT! More please!!! :lovestruc

[mom2lilnick]

What a great story!!

[maroo]

Ok, what you have all been waiting for…the real trip begins! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Now, I must tell you. Lauren is ALL teenage girl. She loves makeup…and wants her hair to look perfect every day. But especially on this trip! princess:

So, her FIRST surprise was that an awesome friend of ours offered to come fix her hair and makeup :worship: - her hairdresser – so, she was a real pro! She came very early on the morning that they left (I was already in Orlando…so this is second hand info).

Lauren is SO excited - but I guess that is pretty obvious! :yay:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1268-1.jpg

And getting beautified! Isn't she cute! Forget the hair...she is already beautiful! :hippie:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1269-1.jpg

We would have brought Aunt Patty (that is what we call her, but she is not Lauren’s aunt) with us all the way to Disney World to do her hair. In fact…we might have to hide her in the luggage next time. :rolleyes: Or she could just come help me drive! :thumbsup2 And do Lauren’s hair EVERY morning. :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:



Aunt Patty showed up very early in the morning and it was worth it! Lauren looked FABULOUS! princess:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1270-1.jpg

And it was a good thing, too...because more surprises await....... :cheer2: But first... the drive there. I know lots of Wish kids get a Limo ride to the airport, but the Mississippi Chapter does not provide this, most likely because all wish kids get free parking for the whole trip! We will take another opportunity to do a limo ride at another time.

They all did seem to enjoy the trip to the airport, though...especially William, who kept taking pictures of himself! He is so handsome! pirate:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1274-1.jpg

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE.... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28161334&postcount=26)

[maroo]

** ALERT! Side Note Ahead!! :teacher: Now, at this point, you are going to have to put up with a little side note or the rest of this may not make sense. Lauren was originally selected to participate in the American Airlines annual WishFlight. :cool1: Because of the long layover, longer flight and inability for her chair to really fit into the schedule, we decided to bow out of the WishFlight activities. :sad2: BUT they did end up choosing another wish child to go on WishFlight from our area :thumbsup2 …and the party was at the same time that Lauren’s flight was leaving…SO…


Lauren and her family arrive at the airport...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/072-1.jpg

And they have a little surprise...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/117-1.jpg

:banana: :banana: :banana:
They included Lauren in the party! Was not that not SOOOO sweet! (Thanks, Make A Wish and American Airlines!)

They had cake…check it out, Lauren’s name is on it!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1287-1.jpg

The party theme was pirates pirate: and princesses princess: ! Complete with folks all dressed up and decorations...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/133-1.jpg


And the other wish child even crawled up in Lauren's lap to take a picture. Evidently she was really shy, so this was quite a magical moment! :hug:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/123-1.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/121-1.jpg


Now...if you thought all of this was cool...then just wait for what is coming!!! It is really, really cool!! :)

So...a little poll...should I go ahead and post the REALLY COOL part today? Or wait.... :confused3

hmm....decisions, decisions! :idea: Calling all lurkers.... come out and vote!! :)

Ok, I guess I will post it...
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE.... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28165454&postcount=33)

[jessica52877]

So NOT fair (the stopping)! POST away!

What a great surprise for Lauren at the airport!

[chicagoshannon]

Please post the surprise. :)

[michellem1118]

Post today, post today!!!! :)

[mrsksomeday]

Please post it asap, I have packing to finish up, but I wanna know!!!

[maroo]

oK! by popular demand...it is coming...

I got called to go eat with an old friend...but I am working on it...right now...

:) mary

[MousekaMaddi]

youre killin me here, where the heck are ya?
Eating...........bite, swallow, bite, swallow, its fast, so CMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON, where the heck are ya already?
We are PATIENTLY:lmao: awaiting your stories!!:woohoo:

[maroo]

Ok, so where were we? Oh yeah! They had just had a surprise party at the airport from American Airlines...:banana: :banana: :banana:

Lauren was presented with a crown. And it was time to board the airplane...:cool1:

As they got on and got seated (which took some transferring, etc, to get her situated in a seat, let me assure you!)...Lauren looks pretty settled to me! :thumbsup2
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1310-1.jpg

then the pilot announced to the whole plane that Lauren was on her Make A Wish trip. Everybody clapped. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Yeah, Lauren! And William is loving every minute of this!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1297-1.jpg

Which would have been cool enough! Until the pilot explained that the US Air Force was there to create a rainbow as a send off for the plane! So they could look out the window and see this:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/168-1.jpg

Which was making this!!!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/174-1.jpg


They CREATED a rainbow for Lauren's flight!!!!!

That is so cool!!!!!! Here is the plane going through it...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/175-1.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/179-1.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/185-1.jpg



Ok, hold on...I am so crying!


I can't believe I MISSED that!!





Wow...wanna see it again....I do...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/174-1.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/175-1.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/179-1.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/185-1.jpg

Ok...So I have to go find some kleenex...the arrival in Orlando...and the rest of this awesome trip...well, it will just have to wait!
thanks for hanging in there with us!!


CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE... and I promise that you won't need any kleenex this time!) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28205553&postcount=55)

[mrsksomeday]

:sad: :sad: :sad:

OMG that is so wonderful!!! She looks so happy!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!

[maroo]

Thank you for the sweet story of how you met! I knew there was so much more there then being Lauren's helper! It shines through in your personality.

Thank you for those kind words. I really love their family very much! They are all such special people!

LOVE IT! More please!!! :lovestruc

I hope it was worth the wait! I just LOVED the rainbow deal! Definitely something special!

What a great story!!

:) I am living a pretty awesome life, that is for sure!

So NOT fair (the stopping)! POST away!

What a great surprise for Lauren at the airport!

Jessica...sorry! :) I really did not intend to leave you guys hanging so long. I actually told my friends at dinner that I needed to go! :) So I could fill you guys in!

Please post the surprise. :)

Done! I hope you enjoyed it! thanks for hanging in there with me! :)

Post today, post today!!!! :)

Please post it asap, I have packing to finish up, but I wanna know!!!

I am so sorry! I hope you were able to see it before you go! And finish that packing??? That should have been done MONTHS ago! :lmao:

youre killin me here, where the heck are ya?
Eating...........bite, swallow, bite, swallow, its fast, so CMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON, where the heck are ya already?
We are PATIENTLY:lmao: awaiting your stories!!:woohoo:

Ha ha...I actually have some Red Lobster cheddar bisquits right here that I brought home! So, I will go finish eating now! I hope you enjoyed it... was it worth the wait? :idea: :confused3

[maroo]

:sad: :sad: :sad:

OMG that is so wonderful!!! She looks so happy!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!

Yea!!! You saw it! I am so glad! You guys have a WONDERFUL, MAGICAL trip!

There will be more surprises when you get back. But, honestly, that was the big one. :) But, stay tuned!! :)

[AmberGreenawalt]

Sniffle, sniffle. I am balling like a baby! That was one of the most incredible things I have EVER seen. Amazing! Wow! I can't wait to hear more about the trip!

[Khalana]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: That was AMAZING!!!!!!!! I don't even know what more to say... That was just incredible!!!!! SO looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip! :yay:

[AshleyMWC]

Ok, count me onto the tears train! That is totally amazing, and Lauren and all the wish kids out there deserve every second like this that comes their way!! I can;t wait to read more about your trip :thumbsup2

[jessica52877]

That rainbow was just awesome! How great to do that for Lauren's flight! I love that she is old enough to appreciate how special all this is!

Umm, on that note, we leave saturday for DL, so I sure hope you type FASTER! I cannot wait that long to hear about all the fun!

[mom2lilnick]

That is truely spectacular! That is sooo special! I am in tears here too!

[1stTimeDisneyer]

Thank you so much to you and Lauren for touching my heart. You are truely special people.

[oklamomof4boys]

The rainbow is just the coolest thing ever!!!! What a special thing to have! I am really enjoying your trip report. I can 't wait to hear more.

Carol

[bex271]

that was so cool that they made a rainbow for her. She looks so happy and her hair and make-up look so good. I can't wait to hear more.

becca

[chicagoshannon]

Wow! Just WOW! Amazing!

[MousekaMaddi]

Im off to find a dictionary ,

..........to define" patient"........:rotfl2:

[maroo]

Sniffle, sniffle. I am balling like a baby! That was one of the most incredible things I have EVER seen. Amazing! Wow! I can't wait to hear more about the trip!

I know...I used a box of kleenex myself! MAW took the pictures. Aren't they AMAZING! :)

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: That was AMAZING!!!!!!!! I don't even know what more to say... That was just incredible!!!!! SO looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip! :yay:

I hope to have another installment up today or tomorrow. :)

Ok, count me onto the tears train! That is totally amazing, and Lauren and all the wish kids out there deserve every second like this that comes their way!! I can;t wait to read more about your trip :thumbsup2

Yes, I agree. Every wish trip has something special that happens to the wish child...or at least most of them. On TOP of the fact that they get to go to Disney World for a week!!! This was definitely a magical moment for Lauren and her family!

That rainbow was just awesome! How great to do that for Lauren's flight! I love that she is old enough to appreciate how special all this is!

Umm, on that note, we leave saturday for DL, so I sure hope you type FASTER! I cannot wait that long to hear about all the fun!

Uh...well...I doubt I will be done by Saturday...:lmao: but, I will keep working on it! I am barely done with the first half of a day! :)

That is truely spectacular! That is sooo special! I am in tears here too!

:) They are a very special family!

Thank you so much to you and Lauren for touching my heart. You are truely special people.

Aww...don't mind me! I am just a spectator on this trip! :) Lauren is the star...and her family was the cast, too! :)

The rainbow is just the coolest thing ever!!!! What a special thing to have! I am really enjoying your trip report. I can 't wait to hear more.

Carol

You guys are going to have a wonderful trip, too! :) Each trip has something special that just HAPPENS...no planning...just a magical moment. :) I can't wait to read about yours!

that was so cool that they made a rainbow for her. She looks so happy and her hair and make-up look so good. I can't wait to hear more.

becca

Yea, it is funny, most of the time when she talks about that day she mentions how good she looked before anything else. :lmao: She is all teenager! The rainbow was perfect for her! She is a light to everyone around her. :)

Wow! Just WOW! Amazing!

Agreed! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[teresajoy]

So, I'm crying already, seeing how beautiful Lauren is. And, I mean that inside and out. Her personality really shines through in the pictures! THEN! I get to the part about the party and her name on the cake, and I have to get my kleenex, THEN you post pictures of the RAINBOW!!! Oh my goodness! I am glad no one else is home, because I am just literally sobbing like a little baby! How beautiuful and wonderful!!!

Thank you Mary for taking us along on your trip! :hug:


Sorry, that was kinda long! And the short version!! If you want a longer version, let me know! :) :lmao: !


I want a longer version! :thumbsup2

[jillalvarez2003]

Beautiful and touching! :love:

[twinmum]

Wow! It took me a while to pull myself back together after reading your update! What a wonderful surprise from MAW!!! And Lauren looks so beautiful and happy...she's absolutley beaming!

Alison

[maroo]

So, I'm crying already, seeing how beautiful Lauren is. And, I mean that inside and out. Her personality really shines through in the pictures! THEN! I get to the part about the party and her name on the cake, and I have to get my kleenex, THEN you post pictures of the RAINBOW!!! Oh my goodness! I am glad no one else is home, because I am just literally sobbing like a little baby! How beautiuful and wonderful!!!

Thank you Mary for taking us along on your trip! :hug:





I want a longer version! :thumbsup2

You are so sweet!! :) I am glad no one else was home. :) We really appreciate you...all you did to help organize the Big Give! We certainly have enjoyed all of the gifts and the effort that was put in to make them! :)

Beautiful and touching! :love:

Thank you! They are a beautiful family!

Wow! It took me a while to pull myself back together after reading your update! What a wonderful surprise from MAW!!! And Lauren looks so beautiful and happy...she's absolutley beaming!

Alison

I know!! I was so excited when I heard about it. :) It seems like each child has that special moment that just happens! With no planning on our part. Those are the moments that are so fun to watch!! :)

[maroo]

Ok guys! :)

I PROMISE that I will put an update up tonight. :) I was helping Lauren last night and she is trying to get caught up from missing school for the trip...so we are helping her write so she can finish up faster! But, my next installment is ready to go on my computer...so I should be able to post it tonight! :)

Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement for us! This trip was a trip and I can't wait to share the rest with you! :) I can't believe we are hardly through day ONE! What a wonderful trip. :)

[LindaBabe]

HOW did I miss this? OMG- talk about cliff hangers. Rotten that y'all were ill, but so glad it got better again afterwards! Maroo, you ROCK!

[LindaBabe]

OH MY Goodness! I am SO crying I can't see the screen. How WONDERFUL!

[Katy Belle]

Wow! I can't wait to read the rest! That rainbow is unbelievable!!!!!!!

Katy

[maroo]

Most Make A Wish kids get to stay at Give Kids the World. Give Kids the World is such a wonderful place :cool1: that I have decided to include a whole installment JUST about GKTW…so, no pictures of us…just some details (but no MAJOR surprises) about Give Kids the World. :banana: :banana: :banana:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0010WelcometoGiveKidsTheWorld-1.jpg

One of the many gifts that we received while at GKTW was a book about Henri Landwirth. Stay with me here…Henri created GKTW. Which I guess anyone with a heart for kids could do…but Henri is special. His heart came out of LOTS of pain. He survived the Holocaust, both of his parents were killed and he survived unimaginable things…and out of this pain came a man that created such a WONDERFUL place for these kids. :hug:


GKTW is mostly run by volunteers. :lovestruc They have volunteers that do everything from landscaping to party planning. :dance3: Lots of people have full time volunteer jobs at GKTW.

Here are some highlights…

You have the Castle of Miracles. This is complete with a carousel that is wheelchair friendly:thumbsup2 , lots of activities inside and a place to meet special characters (Mickey Mouse himself has even been known to make an appearance!!):rolleyes1

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0380CastleofMiracles.jpg

An Ice Cream shop with FREE ice cream…all day long :upsidedow …(and sandwiches, if you like that kind of thing)…

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0350IceCreamPalace.jpg

And a play area any kid would love…:yay:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0120Amberville.jpg

with Putt Putt (the coolest one I have ever seen, by the way)...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0090MarcsDinoPutt-Hole5.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0100MarcsDinoPutt-Hole7.jpg

…an arcade…pool table…boats you can drive…and a train.

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0200Amberville-ModelTrains.jpg



And The Gingerbread House…where you get breakfast and dinner…every day… for FREE. Did I mention that ALL OF THIS STUFF is FREE! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3117.jpg

And each family stays in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa that easily sleeps 5 people...it has a kitchen and everything!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0900Villa.jpg



This place is very “Disneyish”…and what I mean by that? It is just so magical. The decorations and construction are so detailed. And there are surprises behind every corner. :rolleyes:

I mean…who could not LOVE a place that has chocolate covered strawberries as decorations.

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3115.jpg

Anyway…more about this when I tell you all about OUR visit to GKTW!! It’s coming….I promise!! You don’t want to miss it! Stay tuned!

But First....
What HAS Maroo been going ALL this time?? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28223468&postcount=62)

[kimmylaj]

wow that rainbow is the tops

[maroo]

OH MY Goodness! I am SO crying I can't see the screen. How WONDERFUL!

Hey Linda! :) I know...I did FINALLY stop crying!! :) It is SOOOOO cool!! :)

Wow! I can't wait to read the rest! That rainbow is unbelievable!!!!!!!

Katy

Seriously! It was wonderful!

wow that rainbow is the tops

Well said!!

[teresajoy]

You are so sweet!! :) I am glad no one else was home. :) We really appreciate you...all you did to help organize the Big Give! We certainly have enjoyed all of the gifts and the effort that was put in to make them! :)

:hug: I had the fun part! I love hosting the Give families!!!

I was hoping for more updates before I had to go to bed!

Thanks for the tour of GKTW!!! It looks amazing!

[MickeyReeds]

Very cool report! It is wonderful that people in today's world do little things to make someone's day very special--that rainbow was awesome! Looking forward to reading more!

[lauren_elizabeth]

Oh my goodness! I'm definately joining in on this one!

Lauren is absolutely gorgeous and her family is adorable :)

I can't wait to read more!

[HeatherSue]

Teresa just e-mailed me and asked if I read your lastest update. She said I HAD to read it because it would make me cry. She was SOOO right! I was crying when you mentioned that Lauren has her pillow with her all the time, and then to see that she really did have it with her and William with his pillow. You have no idea how much that means to me. :cloud9: Then, just reading about this wonderful family, how you met them, and then a RAINBOW!! Oh my gosh, this is wonderful!

Plus, you're too darn funny and I love the way you write! I am LOVING it!!

[maroo]

Now, while Lauren and her family were flying through rainbows…OK, another picture! I can’t help myself!!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/179-1.jpg

...I was a busy bee…I got up early (HAPPY to leave the Best Western!) and drove :drive: to GKTW to go to Orientation. This is about an hour long meeting where they give us our tickets, explain the GKTW activities, give us Lauren’s Make a Wish button
(this will be called the “magic” button for the rest of this trip!) and other important information…like what to do in an emergency and junk that no one ever needs…...….........right…...…:rolleyes1


Anyway, I purposefully went to this meeting early so that we would not have to wait for the late evening orientation. Since we weren’t staying at GKTW, I wanted everyone to be able to get to the hotel and get in bed so we would not be all worn out. This would not have been an issue if we were staying at GKTW, though.

I had ice cream at 8:30 in the morning…You see, at GKTW, you can have ICE CREAM whenever you want! YUM!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3116.jpg


Then I run :drive: to Walmart to just get a few things…milk, Lactaid for William, deli meat, ice for our coolers, etc. I fill up the coolers and get that all situated. And then I drove :drive: to the Contemporary to check in. Now, I probably should explain this, too. Normally wish kids stay at GKTW. They have these awesome 2 bedroom villas with kitchens...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0900Villa.jpg


…BUT…they were full due to WishFlight and so they put us up in the Contemporary. (OK, we are SOOO excited about that!!) :yay: It was so convenient for the family to be able to get around using the monorail!


Now, when GKTW makes our reservations, they obviously book the lowest rate room they can, right. But I am praying :worship: for an upgrade…mainly because it is obvious to me that this family will never be able to stay in the Contemporary again (medical needs take priority over very expensive hotel rooms)...but I would LOVE to go back!!!!!!

Anyway...I really, really want the kids to get to stay in the tower where the monorail runs through it.


PLEASE...PLEASE!!


The kids have NEVER been to Disney World, so they have only seen pictures of the monorail. The kids keep saying that they want to ride it. Can we ride “the train in the sky?” They have NO idea that we are STAYING where the “train in the sky” actually goes through our hotel.
:cool1: Oh my goodness…I LOVE a good surprise!



So, I get to the Contemporary and unload all of our luggage and medical stuff (can you say FOUR bell carts…FOUR!) :scared1: and check in so that we can be done with that. And I am praying :worship: for an upgrade…and guess what…PIXIE DUST!!!!!! pixiedust: We got one!!!!!!!!! They actually had a roll in shower and regular room (we had 2 rooms) on the same floor IN THE TOWER…so we took it! YES!! How cool is that! :thumbsup2 And the kids don’t even know we are staying there yet! At this point, I am TOTALLY beside myself with joy!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:


http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3130-1.jpg


Then I am off to get gas :drive: and to the airport :drive: to deliver Lauren’s wheelchair when the plane lands. Now…at this point, you can rewind to my first post…because after I take about 30 min to find a handicapped parking spot…I drive :drive: Lauren’s wheelchair into the airport terminal. Ok, I only hit about 2 walls and an elevator door...but people are looking at me like I am crazy, driving an empty wheelchair around…I look pretty stupid!


CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE...NO MORE ROOM IN THIS POST... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28224261&postcount=63)

[maroo]

So, I am driving Lauren's wheelchair to meet them at the airport...strolling right along...And then I see him…our greeter!! GKTW has sent a greeter to meet Lauren and her family.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3129-2.jpg

The first person I see is William! He comes RUNNING across the terminal and JUMPS in my arms! I think he missed me!

And Lauren looks beautiful. The crown just tops it off!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3136.jpg

And her whole family...they are SO sweet!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3134.jpg

We give Lauren back her legs...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3137.jpg

Now THAT is MUCH better!!!!!

Lauren tells me all about her flight. Including the RAINBOW...(ok, I won't show you ANOTHER picture)
...the man that handed her a HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL in the airplane (we have NO idea who this guy was...but thanks!)
...and her flight attendants...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1330-1.jpg

And then Lauren’s family took the MEARS shuttle and I drove :drive: the van to GKTW. Now, I guess I could skip the part about how I got TOTALLY LOST in Orlando :confused3 …but…for your enjoyment, I should say that the road leaving the airport spit me out going North instead of South :confused3 and I got a little lost for a little while. But I eventually get back on track :thumbsup2 and make it back to GKTW only a few min after Lauren’s family arrived.

They get checked in…by this time it is 2:00 in the afternoon and we are HUNGRY. I was particularly hungry…but that may be because I had ICE CREAM for breakfast. So, we head BACK to the Ice Cream Palace and get some sandwiches. I order my sandwich and some fruit…in the form of a BANANA split! (you only live once, right!)…and we enjoyed our lunch! (Did I mention this was FREE!)

Here is Richard enjoying his banana split. He is a Type I diabetic and he has a pump that he uses to give himself insulin...so he CAN eat what he wants...well...he pumped the HIGHEST dose of insulin...EVER...in his whole life...before he ate this...:rotfl2: You only live once!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3139.jpg

And William is enjoying his PB&J!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3140.jpg

Then we explored the place. I have to say…everything here was fun….the decorations were cool…the music was fun.

I can’t really remember being happier than I was this day…the whole trip was ahead of us…the weather was PERFECT…we had an awesome surprise waiting for the kids (hello! We are staying in the TOWER at the Contemporary!)…and life just doesn’t get much better than that!

Walking along that sidewalk...Listening to upbeat Disney music...and just enjoying life. THIS is what the trip was all about! Celebrating life!

So on that fabulous note...I will end this update...but we have MORE at Give Kids the World! So stay tuned...:happytv:

Give Kids the WORLD - Part TWO! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28237675&postcount=70)

[maroo]

Thank you all for reading! And especially for posting! :) Lauren and her family are enjoying reading all of the comments from everyone. :)

Very cool report! It is wonderful that people in today's world do little things to make someone's day very special--that rainbow was awesome! Looking forward to reading more!

I know! Our trip was FULL of things that made Lauren's (and her family's) day!! :) Thanks for joining in and posting!!


Oh my goodness! I'm definately joining in on this one!

Lauren is absolutely gorgeous and her family is adorable :)

I can't wait to read more!

Wow! another Lauren! :) So cool! Thank you so much for joining us!! Lauren is a beautiful girl and her family IS the greatest!! :)

Teresa just e-mailed me and asked if I read your lastest update. She said I HAD to read it because it would make me cry. She was SOOO right! I was crying when you mentioned that Lauren has her pillow with her all the time, and then to see that she really did have it with her and William with his pillow. You have no idea how much that means to me. :cloud9: Then, just reading about this wonderful family, how you met them, and then a RAINBOW!! Oh my gosh, this is wonderful!

Plus, you're too darn funny and I love the way you write! I am LOVING it!!

I am so glad Teresa emailed you! And I am SOOO glad that you think I am funny! That made me smile! I LOVED your TR...so I am glad you are enjoying mine!



(Have I used enough exclamation marks?!! Is there a limit!?)

[HeatherSue]

If there were a limit on exclamation marks, I would have been kicked off the Dis long ago!!

The Contemporary!? In the tower?! I can't wait until the kids find out where they're staying!

They are just about the cutest family ever, I must agree!

I love that you had a banana split after your ice cream breakfast. I dream about all you can eat free ice cream! :cloud9:

[bex271]

I can't wait to see more pictures of y'all at GKTW. I can't wait to hear how the kids react to where they're staying or when they get to see the "train in the sky" and ride it.


becca

[SueM in MN]

Very nice report.
The rainbow was WONDERFUL and I'm sure was a great surprise.
After you get a few more pages done, I will post a link to your report in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a link to that thread in my signature and post #3 in that thread has links to past thread that I think would be helpful (or just enjoyable) to read. Your trip report hits on both counts.

[shane&jakesmom]

Terrific TR yes, you made me cry too. It is truly wonderful what they do for make a wish children. Lauren looked fabulous with her crown. Lauren is a beautiful girl. I can't wait to read more

[snubie]

[SIZE="3"]
And Lauren looks beautiful. The crown just tops it off!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/IMG_3136.jpg

Lauren tells me all about her flight. Including the RAINBOW...(ok, I won't show you ANOTHER picture)
...the man that handed her a HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL in the airplane (we have NO idea who this guy was...but thanks!)
...and her flight attendants...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/100_1330-1.jpg


First the rainbow and now the random act of monetary kindness... this report makes me cry every time I read it.

[maroo]

*** * * * DISCLAIMER!!! :ssst: STOP>>> If you are a WISH parent...THIS POST CONTAINS SURPRISES!! Please don't read it if you are heading to GKTW! I don't want to ruin any surprises for you! ****

Wow, we did a lot of stuff at GKTW...in fact, after going through the pictures, I am not sure this is going to be just one post...but we will see...

So, we have had ICE CREAM (twice for me!) :rotfl2: ...and it is time to play! First we head over to play Putt Putt. On the way we find some great photo ops...

Lauren is beautiful, isn't she...princess:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/100_1341.jpg

And this is a large lizard (dinosaur, whatever)...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3154.jpg

And on the lizard is A LIZARD! :scared1:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3155.jpg

Then to the Putt Putt. This was no ordinary Putt Putt! First of all, it was accessible!
Lauren has never been able to get down on a Putt Putt course. But this one...was totally accessible! She could go everywhere! Here are some pics...

Lauren is ON the green!!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3145.jpg

Isn't he CUTE! (Putt Putt decorations!)
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3147.jpg

One of the holes was in a CAVE...with glow in the dark stuff...
my attempt at a photo...in the dark...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3159.jpg

and in the light...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3160.jpg

William and Lisa played...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3161.jpg

And then almost got EATEN ALIVE by THIS...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3166.jpg

That DINO was MOVING up and DOWN...and smoking...and it scared Lauren!
And then William was ready to beat it down with his putt putt stick...Isn't he cute...
I would say that he was protecting Lauren...but I really think he wanted a PIECE of that Dino!


Now...I hope this works...I took a little video :happytv: ...of one of the putt putt holes.
One particular hole had a few surprises...like water shooting out of a dino!
And then another one makes some noise a little later!

Here it is...
SUPER SCARY PUTT PUTT DINO ATTACK! (http://s460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/?action=view&current=scarydino.flv)

Now, you must understand...that at the end of that video...It got a little shaky because the dino also scared ME!!! :lmao: So...watch it all you like...it still cracks me up...or did you have to be there? :confused3


OK...more to come...but I am at my limit on pictures for this post....

So...you know the drill...stay tuned! :happytv:

OK...HERE IT IS...

Give Kids the World - Part THREE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28251195&postcount=82)

[maroo]

If there were a limit on exclamation marks, I would have been kicked off the Dis long ago!!

The Contemporary!? In the tower?! I can't wait until the kids find out where they're staying!

They are just about the cutest family ever, I must agree!

I love that you had a banana split after your ice cream breakfast. I dream about all you can eat free ice cream! :cloud9:

Lol on the quotation marks!! I think DISboards would kick me off the island if they were keeping track!

And we were psyched to get to stay in the Contemporary. We really enjoyed it!

Yeah, all you can eat free ice cream is quite fun!! It is probably a very good thing we did NOT stay at GKTW all week long...or I would have gained MORE DW pounds!

I can't wait to see more pictures of y'all at GKTW. I can't wait to hear how the kids react to where they're staying or when they get to see the "train in the sky" and ride it.


becca

I have posted the Putt Putt pictures...and I will have more to come soon, I promise!! BUT...be careful! I don't want to ruin any surprises for ya!!! :)

Very nice report.
The rainbow was WONDERFUL and I'm sure was a great surprise.
After you get a few more pages done, I will post a link to your report in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a link to that thread in my signature and post #3 in that thread has links to past thread that I think would be helpful (or just enjoyable) to read. Your trip report hits on both counts.

Oh my gosh...you are so sweet! I LOVE the disABILITIES thread...that has been my home on this board for a while now! :) I would be honored to help others planning trips...I do wish I had taken more pictures while we were there of "accessibility" things...I did get caught up in the moment and missed some of those opportunities. But we did pretty good for our first time! :) I do have some pics of accessible rides, so that will help someone down the road, I am sure. :)

Terrific TR yes, you made me cry too. It is truly wonderful what they do for make a wish children. Lauren looked fabulous with her crown. Lauren is a beautiful girl. I can't wait to read more

Aw...I hate to make everyone cry. I hope that it is a "good" cry! I have cried reading my share of these Wish reports, too. :) It is wonderful to see a wish fulfilled!!

First the rainbow and now the random act of monetary kindness... this report makes me cry every time I read it.

I am so glad you posted! I see that people are reading it by the number of views...but we love to hear from you guys! I am sorry that I keep making you cry, though!! :) Thanks for posting!!! :)

[teresajoy]

Teresa just e-mailed me and asked if I read your lastest update. She said I HAD to read it because it would make me cry. She was SOOO right! I was crying when you mentioned that Lauren has her pillow with her all the time, and then to see that she really did have it with her and William with his pillow. You have no idea how much that means to me. :cloud9: Then, just reading about this wonderful family, how you met them, and then a RAINBOW!! Oh my gosh, this is wonderful!

Plus, you're too darn funny and I love the way you write! I am LOVING it!!

Can I just say: I told you so!


Mary, yes, Lauren is GORGEOUS!!!! I have a 16 year old son..........:rolleyes1

Ice cream!!! YUMMY!!!!!!!! The Compere family is just so much fun!! I can tell!No wonder you are all friends!!!

:wave: Hi Compere Family!!! :wave:

Anxiously awaiting another installment!

[jamal]

Oh Maroo, I stumbled on to your report as it was at the top of the TR board. I have never been so happy reading about Disney. Your heart is so beautifully expressed in your love for this family, humility in what you've done for Lauren, and enthusiasm for Disney and GKTW.

I am thrilled to know about GKTW and the way Disney makes Make a Wish dreams come true.

Thank you so much for taking time to share your most magical memories with us.:wizard:

I can't wait to read more!

[Yzma and Kronk]

Maroo - What a great report!

I can't wait to read more.

I absolutely loved the rainbow picture!! Glad you posted it many many times.

And thanks to jamal for sending me here!

[SueM in MN]

Oh my gosh...you are so sweet! I LOVE the disABILITIES thread...that has been my home on this board for a while now! :) I would be honored to help others planning trips...I do wish I had taken more pictures while we were there of "accessibility" things...I did get caught up in the moment and missed some of those opportunities. But we did pretty good for our first time! :) I do have some pics of accessible rides, so that will help someone down the road, I am sure. :)

Don't worry, I have tons of pictures of accessibility inside the WDW parks (and I'm gathering more as I write this).
The more pictures we have, the better though.

[AmberGreenawalt]

LOVING it! What a great trip report Maroo. I can't wait to read more about your fabulous adventures :)

p.s. I'm sorry that as a "Wish Parent" I could not resist your warning not to read. I had already read up to the point and could not stop...enjoying it way too much!:hug:

[mom2lilnick]

I couldn't not read it either! I am loving your TR!!

[KittyKat08]

Just started reading and I can't wait to hear more about this simply wonderful, fantastic and magical trip. Lauren is a beautiful girl and I'm glad her trip started off so superb. Keep the lovely pictures coming as well.

[vdarrell]

I too am still reading and loving every word and picture.
The rainbow picture is awsome.
It is wonderful that someone had the heart to build a place for these little angels that God has blessed us with.
Also thank God for beautiful people like you.
Keep posting it is helping me get through the next 50 days till my trip.

[maroo]

Can I just say: I told you so!


Mary, yes, Lauren is GORGEOUS!!!! I have a 16 year old son..........:rolleyes1

Ice cream!!! YUMMY!!!!!!!! The Compere family is just so much fun!! I can tell!No wonder you are all friends!!!

:wave: Hi Compere Family!!! :wave:

Anxiously awaiting another installment!

Ha! The Compere's say hello back! :wave: Hello, Teresa! :wave:

And Lauren said, "Where do they live? We are MOVING!" :lmao:

Oh Maroo, I stumbled on to your report as it was at the top of the TR board. I have never been so happy reading about Disney. Your heart is so beautifully expressed in your love for this family, humility in what you've done for Lauren, and enthusiasm for Disney and GKTW.

I am thrilled to know about GKTW and the way Disney makes Make a Wish dreams come true.

Thank you so much for taking time to share your most magical memories with us.:wizard:

I can't wait to read more!

I am so glad you stumbled upon us! We are having as much fun telling about the trip as we had ON the trip! And are already planning a return trip (but don't tell Lauren's mom! :rolleyes1)

I do love this family very much! I am so glad you can tell. And I LOVE GKTW, Make a Wish and Disney, too! And when they all meet at once to make a dream come true...they certainly do a grand job!

I can't wait to tell you more! :)

Maroo - What a great report!

I can't wait to read more.

I absolutely loved the rainbow picture!! Glad you posted it many many times.

And thanks to jamal for sending me here!

Yeah, thanks Jamal! :) I love that picture too! I am having to fight to keep from posting it again! I am sure it will appear later in the story, though!

Don't worry, I have tons of pictures of accessibility inside the WDW parks (and I'm gathering more as I write this).
The more pictures we have, the better though.

Cool! I have a couple...but probably stuff you have...if you see a pic in my report that you need access to, just let me know and I can email it to ya. :)

LOVING it! What a great trip report Maroo. I can't wait to read more about your fabulous adventures :)

p.s. I'm sorry that as a "Wish Parent" I could not resist your warning not to read. I had already read up to the point and could not stop...enjoying it way too much!:hug:

Ha ha! Oops!! At least you won't tell your kids!! And you won't jump when that dino spits on you, either! But you can have your camera ready when they get spit on for the first time! :lmao: Or their head gets bit off by the dino!

I couldn't not read it either! I am loving your TR!!

I am so glad! It was so fun!!! :)

Just started reading and I can't wait to hear more about this simply wonderful, fantastic and magical trip. Lauren is a beautiful girl and I'm glad her trip started off so superb. Keep the lovely pictures coming as well.

Yeah! Welcome! And I like your DIS name. :) KittyKat...fun!

I too am still reading and loving every word and picture.
The rainbow picture is awsome.
It is wonderful that someone had the heart to build a place for these little angels that God has blessed us with.
Also thank God for beautiful people like you.
Keep posting it is helping me get through the next 50 days till my trip.

I hope we can entertain you for 50 days! I figured I would have this written in a week and it has been more than a week and I am not done with the first day!! Goodness! I just have so many pics!!!! :)

Another installment is coming soon!! Hopefully in the next few min. :)

[bex271]

[QUOTE=maroo;28238181]Lol on the quotation marks!!
I have posted the Putt Putt pictures...and I will have more to come soon, I promise!! BUT...be careful! I don't want to ruin any surprises for ya!!!
[QUOTE]

I'm enjoy reading it and i like to half way know what to expect too. It's going to a total surprise for Jonah though and that's who counts on the surprises. I like to know so i can explain it a little better to him while it's happening, he doesn't do good with total surprises either. He's a very schedule orientated kinda guy.

becca

[maroo]

After we played a game of Putt Putt, we headed into to Amberville to check that out!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/more%20gktw/0120Amberville.jpg

We checked out the arcade...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/more%20gktw/0170Amberville-CommonCompass-GameRo.jpg

And the train set...now this was cool!
It was big! The pictures really do not do it justice! There were buttons all over the side of it that allowed the kids to turn the train on and off, turn lights on, make things fly in the air...it was cool!
I have to admit that the adults got carried away, too!! :rotfl2:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/more%20gktw/0190Amberville-ModelTrains.jpg

William and his Dad played some pool...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/more%20gktw/0150Amberville-CommonCompass-PoolTa.jpg

And everyone took a turn trying to control these boats!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0240Amberville-Boats.jpg

Lauren drove, too! And I have to say that she drives her chair a lot better than she drives a boat! :lmao:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3171.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3173.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3176.jpg




William also got to be the CONDUCTOR of the "big train"...Which was completely cool!!
In fact, he could stop and start the train! :woohoo:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3196.jpg






Which was cool, especially when Lauren got stuck on the tracks!!!!!!!!! :scared1:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3182.jpg








JUST KIDDING!! Totally staged shot... Did we get ya?? :rotfl2:


We spent quite a bit of time in the Castle of Miracles.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/more%20gktw/0400CastleofMiracles-Entrance.jpg


See the stars all over the ceiling...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/more%20gktw/0460CastleofMiracles-WishChildStars.jpg


Each wish child gets a star when they come to Give Kids the World.
They write their name (or whatever they want) on the star.
This is Lauren's star.

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_0007-1.jpg

Lauren put her star in this box...and the star fairy puts it on the ceiling for her!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/100_1345.jpg

We think Lauren's start probably ended up somewhere around here...Around the first "B" section...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3188.jpg


(but we never did see it, for reasons that you will hear about later in this TR...)...so, if you are a wish parent, and you are going to GKTW...let me know and maybe you can get a picture of it up in the ceiling!


Once the star is put in the "sky"...it stays there forever. :sad1: This was a very special moment for us.





Gosh...I guess I will end this one on that note...sorry, I am out of room...again...maybe I use too many smiley faces? Or am posting too many pictures?? But more to come...soon...I promise!!!

And here it is....Give Kids the WORLD - Part FOUR! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28252576&postcount=88)

[maroo]

[QUOTE=maroo;28238181]Lol on the quotation marks!!
I have posted the Putt Putt pictures...and I will have more to come soon, I promise!! BUT...be careful! I don't want to ruin any surprises for ya!!!
[QUOTE]

I'm enjoy reading it and i like to half way know what to expect too. It's going to a total surprise for Jonah though and that's who counts on the surprises. I like to know so i can explain it a little better to him while it's happening, he doesn't do good with total surprises either. He's a very schedule orientated kinda guy.

becca

I was the same way...That is why I read every TR out there! :) But it was fun to be surprised by a Dino...but I could see why you might want to know about that beforehand...sort of prepare him, I guess? :) Lauren was surprised...and even after seeing the pics and reading all of the TR's I was still surprised (pleasantly) about a lot of aspects of GKTW. You guys will have a BLAST!!!!

[mommyintn]

What a great report!! I can't wait to hear about the reactions to staying at the Contemporary! :)

[lauren_elizabeth]

Oh my goodness! Yall got rooms in the TOWER?! That's going to be such a fun surprise! I can't wait to read how they reacted! :)

I love the whole Stars on the Ceiling thing they do at GKTW. How special! :goodvibes

[oklamomof4boys]

Your trip report is really making me excited about our trip next month! I can't wait to read more!

Carol

[AshClan]

Another fan sent over by Jamal! Maroo, this is a wonderful report and I am already in love with Lauren (what a beautiful girl!) and all the rest of your crew, too! I am so looking forward to hearing more about your magical trip!!:thumbsup2

[maroo]

Ok...now to part FOUR of the FIRST day at Give Kids the World! :) What a day it has been! Remember back in my second post, I think...that I introduced you to Lauren's surprise guest...well, at this point in the TR, it is only about 4 or so in the afternoon!!! That same day! What a day this family has had!!!! :) A dream day, for sure! And I do think this will be the last post about this wonderful day!!

They have a wishing well that actually SOUNDS like a well. Kids can wish for ANYTHING in that well. I was pretty pensive at this point, since we had just finished Lauren's star. And I was thinking about all of the sick kids that made wishes in that well? What do they wish for? To get better? To just FEEL better? Or is the wish for their family…parents, brothers or sisters?

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/100_1349.jpg


But I did not have too long to dwell on that...because the kids both got to make special pillows with this cool contraption!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3185.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/100_1358-1.jpg


Lauren eventually got kinda hot and they were showing “Camp Rock” in the movie theater.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0310JuliesSafariTheater.jpg

And they even serve popcorn popcorn::, cokes :drinking:, snacks and ICEE's! (Did I mention all of this was FREE?????!!!!???)
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20pics%20from%20gktw/0290JuliesSafariTheater-SnackCounte.jpg

At some point in the movie, Lauren whispers to me that she doesn’t feel good. I reach over and feel her head. And she is a little warm. Off I go to find some Tylenol and a thermometer? Do I really think I am going to find these things...well, no. :) But GKTW comes through again...they provided a thermometer for us and some Tylenol. Lauren does have fever :sick: …which prompts a call to a doctor…some antibiotics are called in. No major deal. But Lauren really doesn't feel well. So, we head out of the movie a little early...to go get some food in our bellies! (As IF I needed any more FOOD at this point...but I digress!)

We eat in the Gingerbread House.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/more%20gktw/0580GingerbreadHouseRestaurant.jpg

Isn't it just amazing! All of the dolls in the ceiling come from all over the world. And the tables are made out of REAL candy! See the peppermint ones?

The volunteers come and serve your table and bring you drink refills, etc.
And you know what, if you want ICE CREAM...AGAIN...you can have it! :rolleyes1

Then the sweetest thing happened...the GKTW volunteers that knew Lauren wasn't feeling well...and knew she had left the movie early...came by our table and GAVE her the DVD for "Camp Rock"...that was so sweet. They did not have to do that!

Then we finish eating and head outside and are surprised by Mayor Clayton and Mrs. Clayton. (This especially surprised Lisa, since she thought that "Mayor Clayton" was a "person"...not a "character!") :rotfl:

They were so sweet with the kids. Our first character greet!!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3197.jpg

Now, we just HAD to put this one in here...it is a terrible picture for quality...but sure is funny...Mrs. Clayton was "flirting" with Richard...and Richard, who is hilarious, starts making jokes about the fact that Lisa should be worried because he really thinks Mrs. Clayton is pretty cute! And we are trying to pose for this picture...but we just all bust out laughing! And this is what you get...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3199.jpg


William rides the carousel. He was so funny…he really enjoyed himself!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/gktw%20playing%20pics/IMG_3202.jpg

And then it is time to go find our "hotel." Earlier in the day, it slips that we are not staying at GKTW. Lauren is disappointed by this, but we promise her that she will like where she stays (without giving away the surprise). Of course, we have to stop at Walgreens on the way to get Lauren’s antibiotics…but no big deal.


Do you remember that first time you went through the Walt Disney World entrance. I still get chills. We really ham up the surprise of where we are staying. The kids get SOOO excited when they realize we are staying so close to Disney World!

We just keep driving closer and closer to Disney World...

And then they see it...the monorail! The "train in the sky" that they have been wanting to ride!!!

And then we drive...right beside the monorail...and over a little hill...and they SEE IT! The hotel with the monorail!!!! And the castle...now at this point, both kids are freaking out...:yay: :yay: :yay:

And then we tell them...WE ARE STAYING HERE...with the TRAIN IN THE SKY! And they go bananas...:banana: :banana: :banana:

But I find out later that Lauren had seen THE CASTLE...and thought we were staying there...:eek:

Which made the Contemporary a little letdown for her...like going from cloud 10 to cloud 9, though!...bless it!...I mean they HAD put a crown on her head...made rainbows for her...and given her a $100 bill...let her put an endless star in the sky...and given her the DVD since she missed the end of the movie...so why not? She certainly FELT like a princess! But she will see the castle tomorrow...and she doesn't even know it yet!!

The Contemporary was WONDERFUL! The rooms were fabulous! No kitchen, of course, but we were prepared with several coolers and brought some food and drinks, which cut our costs a lot!

I won’t bore you with all of the details…but for those of you guys interested in the handicapped accessibility, the Contemporary was great! We had a roll in shower that was big enough for Lauren’s shower table (my guess is it was about 5 feet long (or so) and several feet wide). And the bathroom was huge and the sink allows a wheelchair to go under it. The bathroom was big enough for Lauren and her Mom to get her hair done each morning…and that takes some room! If you want more info, PM me!

Click HERE to Continue to Magic Kingdom!! Part ONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28296445&postcount=117)

[littleangie]

OMG this is so exciting seeing her getting her wish.

[jillalvarez2003]

Oh wow, what a day! Thanks for sharing all the details of your trip with us, I'm really enjoying it. :thumbsup2

[mommyintn]

What an awesome group GKTW is! I bet the Contemporary would be a temporary letdown if you thought the castle was where you were staying but it sounds like the Contemporary was a great fit. Would love to stay there, can't wait for more!

[Embel]

This is a lovely trip report. It brings tears to my eyes, yet warms my heart. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[maroo]

First...to ALL of you guys...thanks for posting! Lauren got to read the new ones today and is loving all of the messages. :)

What a great report!! I can't wait to hear about the reactions to staying at the Contemporary! :)

It was SOOOO fun to hold on to that surprise! We didn't even tell her Dad til about a week before! :)

Oh my goodness! Yall got rooms in the TOWER?! That's going to be such a fun surprise! I can't wait to read how they reacted! :)

I love the whole Stars on the Ceiling thing they do at GKTW. How special! :goodvibes

Yes, I was PUMPED to get to stay in the tower! It was so much fun to wonder where we would get to stay...I kept trying to figure out how to MAKE it happen...but pixie dust just happens! :) It happened this whole trip! :)

Your trip report is really making me excited about our trip next month! I can't wait to read more!

Carol

Carol, I am so excited for you guys, too! GKTW is really a blast!! And they are SOOOO nice! They "get it"...you know what I mean? :) We definitely want to go back! Soon!!!!! :)

Another fan sent over by Jamal! Maroo, this is a wonderful report and I am already in love with Lauren (what a beautiful girl!) and all the rest of your crew, too! I am so looking forward to hearing more about your magical trip!!:thumbsup2

Jamal is like my biggest fan! :) lol Lauren is a sweet, sweet girl. And she is smart...and loves life! :) I am glad you guys are getting to know her and her family.

OMG this is so exciting seeing her getting her wish.

We are excited, too! Lauren said today that she was glad that we were writing all of this down...she never wants to forget ANY of it!

Oh wow, what a day! Thanks for sharing all the details of your trip with us, I'm really enjoying it. :thumbsup2

I know...what a day, right!! And it took me like two weeks to tell you guys! :) But we will remember it forever. Especially now that it is all documented for us, and all of you guys, to see!! :)

What an awesome group GKTW is! I bet the Contemporary would be a temporary letdown if you thought the castle was where you were staying but it sounds like the Contemporary was a great fit. Would love to stay there, can't wait for more!

GKTW is awesome...I hope that some of the people reading this will support GKTW in some way!! :) Yes...I hate to use the word "letdown"...it was actually pretty funny... because I really think she thought she was sleeping there! :) She had seen something that showed where there was a room in the Castle...probably on the Disney channel or YOAMD somewhere...

But she was VERY grateful to stay in the Contemporary and really understands now how fortunate we were to get to stay in the Tower and stay for 6 nights!!

It was VERY comfortable, too...the beds were great! And the staff was great, too! :)

This is a lovely trip report. It brings tears to my eyes, yet warms my heart. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Aw...I hate that I keep making people cry. But I love what Make a Wish did for Lauren...and I love what they do for lots of kids across the world. And GKTW is a very special place...so I am glad that many of you guys are learning more about what they do for kids at Disney!

Disney is such a wonderful place...and bring a child, especially one that has never even seen Disney...and grant their wish...is amazing to know about...and very, very amazing to help plan and watch it unfold! :)



Thanks, everyone, for joining us on this magical trip!!!! :)

[teresajoy]

Michigan IS a lovely place! :thumbsup2

Another fantastic update MAry!!! And look, you have famous Disers posting!!!! Cool! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Did you take pictures of your room in the Comtemporary?? I want to see what it looks like!!!

Poor Lauren not feeling well. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[bex271]

I hate that she wasn't feeling good but that is so awesome that they (GKTW) noticed she didn't get to finish the movie and gave her the DVD. I'm so enjoying your report. I can't wait to see how everything went in the parks. Lauren's smile tells how magical everything was from the beginning. I can't wait for more

becca

[jamal]

Maroo, Every time I look at or think about Lauren's beautiful face (often!) I feel great peace. She just has the most lovely countenance I have ever seen. My heart sank in a reality check when I read she wasn't feeling well. Please let us know how long that lasted.

The GKTW resort(!) is absolutely amazing. I had no idea it existed. Thank you for opening our eyes to the wonderful work of generous souls.

[Yzma and Kronk]

Maroo - thanks for another great chapter.

I'm so glad Lauren liked the CR. It's one of my favourites too! And I can't wait to hear more about it and her first time at the MK.

As Jamal said, I was so amazed to hear about GKTW resort. I, too had no idea it existed. What a wonderful place. I loved the fact they gave Lauren the DVD of Camp Rock so she could finish the movie. :goodvibes

[shane&jakesmom]

Hi Princess Lauren princess:

[shane&jakesmom]

What great pictures, that place is like Disney, God Bless them for all the wonderful things they do and God bless you and Lauren family too.

[heaven2dc]

I just got updated on your trip and have goosebumps! What a wonderful trip Lauren and her family (and you) are having so far!

The rainbow at the airport was awesome - I teared up each time I looked at the pics :lovestruc I hope Lauren got to feeling better and didn't require any more phone calls to the doctor! Anxious to see some pics of the view from your resort!

P.S. What a truly precious helper they have in you - you really went above and beyond for this trip - kudos girlfriend!

[maroo]

Michigan IS a lovely place! :thumbsup2

Another fantastic update MAry!!! And look, you have famous Disers posting!!!! Cool! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Did you take pictures of your room in the Comtemporary?? I want to see what it looks like!!!

Poor Lauren not feeling well. :hug: :hug: :hug:

I am such a newbie that I don't even know who is famous?! :rotfl: Uh...the room....Uh...I don't know...I did take one of Lauren sleeping...but it is, unfortunately, for another day........... But I might be able to borrow one from another report...it looks just like all of the pictures I have seen...??!?!?! Yikes...one more pic I should have taken! :) I really, really meant to take one of the shower...and I might have one somewhere...because it was cool...the handicapped accessible stuff....anyway...I digress... :)

I hate that she wasn't feeling good but that is so awesome that they (GKTW) noticed she didn't get to finish the movie and gave her the DVD. I'm so enjoying your report. I can't wait to see how everything went in the parks. Lauren's smile tells how magical everything was from the beginning. I can't wait for more

becca

I know...I was stunned at their awareness of everything we were doing, even when we were offsite. For example, GKTW actually called us later that night to ask us how Lauren was feeling! They called almost every day to check on us. It was sweet. :)

Maroo, Every time I look at or think about Lauren's beautiful face (often!) I feel great peace. She just has the most lovely countenance I have ever seen. My heart sank in a reality check when I read she wasn't feeling well. Please let us know how long that lasted.

The GKTW resort(!) is absolutely amazing. I had no idea it existed. Thank you for opening our eyes to the wonderful work of generous souls.

I am so glad that you guys are getting to know GKTW... Seriously...for all of you guys reading this... the GKTW website is www.gktw.org and they take donations on that site...or even better, you can order souvenirs...that are cool (Disney stuff and GKTW merchandise) and all of the profits go to GKTW!

Maroo - thanks for another great chapter.

I'm so glad Lauren liked the CR. It's one of my favourites too! And I can't wait to hear more about it and her first time at the MK.

As Jamal said, I was so amazed to hear about GKTW resort. I, too had no idea it existed. What a wonderful place. I loved the fact they gave Lauren the DVD of Camp Rock so she could finish the movie. :goodvibes

GKTW was totally awesome! :) She has watched Camp Rock several times! So that worked out pretty well for her! :)

Hi Princess Lauren princess:

That is so sweet!! But Lauren won't see this till tomorrow night...I am back at my house tonight. But I will be over there tomorrow and I can show her all of your comments...she will be excited! :)

What great pictures, that place is like Disney, God Bless them for all the wonderful things they do and God bless you and Lauren family too.

It IS a LOT like Disney! I was surprised, actually...I had seen pictures...but the detail of everything...was amazing. A lot of the Disney folks helped build and design things at GKTW, from what I understand. It is an amazing place. Even after her trip, Lauren and her family (and me, I suppose) are welcome to go back to GKTW. We can't sleep there, but we can participate in the parties (which we didn't get to do this time), swim, horseback riding, etc etc...which we missed this go around...so we do plan to go back! And it is so neat that they are always welcome! :)

I just got updated on your trip and have goosebumps! What a wonderful trip Lauren and her family (and you) are having so far!

The rainbow at the airport was awesome - I teared up each time I looked at the pics :lovestruc I hope Lauren got to feeling better and didn't require any more phone calls to the doctor! Anxious to see some pics of the view from your resort!

P.S. What a truly precious helper they have in you - you really went above and beyond for this trip - kudos girlfriend!

Aww... :) I DOOOO have a picture of our view...at least two that are in the queue to be posted! :) One is pretty funny, though, I must say... We did get the "pool view"...not the Magic Kingdom view...which was totally fine with us!!! Trust me!!! But I don't have any castle pics or anything from the resort. :)



Thank you all for following the report and posting!!

I am preparing more pics to be posted...I really hope to have an update up before I go to sleep tomorrow night! And Lauren and her family will get to see all of the posts tomorrow, too!

Stay tuned! :) :happytv:

[ehstrojette]

Lauren is beautiful young lady for starters. I am really enjoying your TR so far and cant wait to hear all the cool things she got to do. Did you take hotel pics. I would love to see what your rooms looked like

[llurgy]

Ok, I am on post 75 and I have to stop because I have to get up early in the AM and it is already 12.30pm.

The Rainbow......WOW!!!! I mean, how many people can actually say they have had a rainbow made for them, a real rainbow!?!?! That is just awesome:yay: :woohoo:

I love the fact that you write your report with such excitement and enjoyment, it just makes me want to keep on reading and reading. You are so happy with your words, Lauren looks SO HAPPY in the photos to WDW and in GKTW village (I peeked:guilty: Whoops:laughing: )

I cant wait till tomorrow when I can read the rest of what you have written to date.

Now I really have to go to sleep

Mandy

[twinmum]

Hello! I am really enjoying your Trip report! We leave in just over 3 weeks for our son Mark's Wish Trip! He and his twin brother turn 10 on Thursday and they are looking forward to this trip SO much...so are their parents!

Please tell Lauren that she is absolutely beautiful and we are loving the pictures! OK, I hav stopped showing the boys any more because I don't want them to learn any more! (The Dino-putt pix were hidden by me because they had surprises!) I am trying to keep our expectations at a reasonable level because we read so many amazing stories...surely not every Wish child has such a fantabulous experience, even though they deserve it?!?

Anyway, our son Mark also has CP, and seems to be a younger male version of Lauren - bright, able to manage in a regular class, outgoing etc. Lauren is a great role model!

Please pass along to Lauren that Camp Rock was filmed - mostly - on location at Mark's summer overnight camp, here in Ontario, Canada! Mark's camp for boys w/physical disabilities runs as an integrated cabin within a tradtional boys' camp, Kilcoo. He spooted it within 15 seconds of watching a trailer I showed him after I learned this in the spring. The camp got to keep a bunch of the lights etc from the stage etc set, so Talent Night was pretty cool this year!!!

Can't wait for more!
Alison

[llurgy]

Right-y-oh, I am up to date now and I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this trip report.

Lauren not well?? No Fair!! Tell those beasty-things to go away out of this TR right now!! Princesses who stay on the Tower are not allowed to have thoses Germs in their bodies.
Princesses who stay in the tower??? Hmmmm......Not really Disney but I guess Lauren was Rapunzel for 6 nights huh??? :) :)

Rebecca has not officially made her wish yet, we are awaiting the volunteer visit dates. I will have to be very careful not to talk about GKTW too much before they come because she is so looking forward to staying there and hopefully meeting new friends that I can just see her saying that her wish is to stay at the Village!!! Her wish until 2 weeks ago was to go to WDW but it is slowly losing the wish race to the village.....LOL

Ragerly awaiting the next installment

Mandy

[maroo]

Ok, I am on post 75 and I have to stop because I have to get up early in the AM and it is already 12.30pm.

The Rainbow......WOW!!!! I mean, how many people can actually say they have had a rainbow made for them, a real rainbow!?!?! That is just awesome:yay: :woohoo:

I love the fact that you write your report with such excitement and enjoyment, it just makes me want to keep on reading and reading. You are so happy with your words, Lauren looks SO HAPPY in the photos to WDW and in GKTW village (I peeked:guilty: Whoops:laughing: )

I cant wait till tomorrow when I can read the rest of what you have written to date.

Now I really have to go to sleep

Mandy

Right-y-oh, I am up to date now and I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this trip report.

Lauren not well?? No Fair!! Tell those beasty-things to go away out of this TR right now!! Princesses who stay on the Tower are not allowed to have thoses Germs in their bodies.
Princesses who stay in the tower??? Hmmmm......Not really Disney but I guess Lauren was Rapunzel for 6 nights huh??? :) :)

Rebecca has not officially made her wish yet, we are awaiting the volunteer visit dates. I will have to be very careful not to talk about GKTW too much before they come because she is so looking forward to staying there and hopefully meeting new friends that I can just see her saying that her wish is to stay at the Village!!! Her wish until 2 weeks ago was to go to WDW but it is slowly losing the wish race to the village.....LOL

Ragerly awaiting the next installment

Mandy


Good morning!! Did you sleep AT ALL? :) I mean it is early here...!! :)

I caught up on your Pretrippie last night. It is just wonderful that DISboards helped you guys get to the point where you can make a wish!

Bless her heart...even if she tells the folks that she wants to stay at GKTW...they will still grant the full Disney Wish...GKTW automatically gives kids the tickets to WDW, Sea World and Universal! :) And MAW does not really "like" to house kids off site, because it costs them extra money. So they should grant her wish to stay at GKTW and not move you guys if they are "overbooked"...It worked out for the best for Lauren to be offsite, but we did miss some things. Lauren still got to know a Wish child that she met at Hollywood Studios!

One thing to think about...What time of the year would you guys like to go to DW? They Christmas is just beautiful...and if you don't mind the crowds, that could be a good time of year to go because it is not hot. The crowds should not really affect this trip much, if they don't bother you in general, because she won't really have to wait in many lines.

Or October is a good time because the crowds are so low. Jan is also good...for crowds. I loved Oct because we got to go to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, which was SOOO much fun!

Anyway...I could talk forever about this. I have subscribed to your report and can't wait to see how the meeting goes with your wish granters!! :) Fun, Fun, Fun!!! :)

[maroo]

Lauren is beautiful young lady for starters. I am really enjoying your TR so far and cant wait to hear all the cool things she got to do. Did you take hotel pics. I would love to see what your rooms looked like

Thank you so much for tuning in. Yeah...I think my "newbieness" (created a new word there!) has creeped in on this topic...I don't think I got ANY hotel shots. I still have one more memory card to download...and it may be on there...because I intended to!! But I was a busy bee most of the time and did not always get to take pics of things that I should have!! And our hotel room may be one of them...but I will try to find a thread that has pics to link to this report...Sorry!!!!!

[maroo]

Hello! I am really enjoying your Trip report! We leave in just over 3 weeks for our son Mark's Wish Trip! He and his twin brother turn 10 on Thursday and they are looking forward to this trip SO much...so are their parents!

Please tell Lauren that she is absolutely beautiful and we are loving the pictures! OK, I hav stopped showing the boys any more because I don't want them to learn any more! (The Dino-putt pix were hidden by me because they had surprises!) I am trying to keep our expectations at a reasonable level because we read so many amazing stories...surely not every Wish child has such a fantabulous experience, even though they deserve it?!?

Anyway, our son Mark also has CP, and seems to be a younger male version of Lauren - bright, able to manage in a regular class, outgoing etc. Lauren is a great role model!

Please pass along to Lauren that Camp Rock was filmed - mostly - on location at Mark's summer overnight camp, here in Ontario, Canada! Mark's camp for boys w/physical disabilities runs as an integrated cabin within a tradtional boys' camp, Kilcoo. He spooted it within 15 seconds of watching a trailer I showed him after I learned this in the spring. The camp got to keep a bunch of the lights etc from the stage etc set, so Talent Night was pretty cool this year!!!

Can't wait for more!
Alison

Hello Alison! I am actually subscribed to Mark's report...so I have been keeping up with you guys...but I am not sure I posted to it? Yikes, a lurker!!! :scared1:

Oh yeah...keep those kids away from the TR!!!!! :) lol... :)

I am so glad that Mark got a wish. We did not think that Lauren would qualify, with CP, but she did!! She doesn't walk at all, or transfer, and she can't really pick anything up with her muscle tone...but she does write well, has no problems with speech, and is so smart and just delightful!

The Camp Kilcoo thing is TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!!! She likes Camp Rock...likes Camp in general...and will be excited to know that they have disabled kids at that camp. When I see her tonight, I will get her to post something on here if she is not totally busy with schoolwork (it has been a LOT lately!)

As far as Laurens Wish and the thing they did for her...a lot of that came out of the Wish Flight stuff...the rainbow was done as a part of WishFlight and Lauren's plane was leaving at the same time...and Lauren was supposed to be part of WishFlight but got moved because of logistics...but that was definitely not a "normal" wish thing.

One thing I have noticed reading Wish TR's...is that each child seems to have a different magical moment...for 'wendygrace' her child got to meet and really interact with Peter Pan! And that was such a magical moment for them!! (and I balled like a baby when I read about it!) And 'mistymouse'...they got to have a cool interaction with Power Rangers...he even got to stand up in their car and take pics!! Totally cool! I won't go into all of them... but I do think each child has that moment...but not all of them are the same.

One thing I would suggest and something that I noticed last night. On the days that Lauren wore something that made her button more "noticable" - like a black shirt with her pink button...she was more likely to have a CM notice the button and try to create a magical moment for her. Mark gets one week to wear that button...make the most of it!! :) Whatever things he wants to do that the button would help with (character meet and greet, going faster through the rides, etc)...do those things. Especially if you are going to get to back to DW again to do shows, or other things that are not really affected by the magic button. :)

Anyway...I am so excited for you guys and your trip!! :) It is going to be awesome!! And I will keep up with you guys...since I have subscribed to your pre-trip report! :)

[lilmissdisney216]

subscribed to your thread and so far from what I have been reading, Lauren's trip report seems soo wonderful to me. I feel so happy that she got to go to the World on a Wish Trip. I was just listening to the radio a couple days ago and a mother was on and she was talking about how her 13 year old daughter visited Disney World for the first time on a Wish Trip.

I hope Lauren is doing well. I think the princess crown was fitting (hey every girl deserves to be a princess) and she looks like she had a blast. Congrats and kudos to her .

Much love and Pixie Dust.

Meredith :tinker:

[jham]

Just got caught up! You are a great writer Maroo! I love it, and don't worry about making us cry, it's a good thing! Hi Lauren! Teresa's 16-year-old Cory is quite a catch :thumbsup2 Seriously, a great kid! You can see for yourself on her TR :rolleyes1

[HeatherSue]

That dinosaur putt-putt video is too funny! I also love the picture of Lauren looking scared and William defending his sister (which is what I choose to believe he is doing ;)).

Ahhhh!! What's Lauren doing on the tracks!?!? hehehe Gotta love the look on her face!

Those stars on the ceiling get me every time I read about them. :sad2: That's such a special thing!

Aww...you got me again with your comment about the wishing well. :sad2:

That blurry picture where you're all laughing is so cool! Seriously, what a sweet moment!

--------------
Don't feel bad, I've been around since 2004 and I still don't know who the famous people are!
-------------------

Since there's been some talk of my incredibly sweet, funny, and smart 16 year old nephew, here's a picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/hkite/Friends%20%20Family/5-24-08supercuteCorey_450x600.jpg

Isn't he handsome?

[jham]

That dinosaur putt-putt video is too funny! I also love the picture of Lauren looking scared and William defending his sister (which is what I choose to believe he is doing ;)).

Ahhhh!! What's Lauren doing on the tracks!?!? hehehe Gotta love the look on her face!

Those stars on the ceiling get me every time I read about them. :sad2: That's such a special thing!

Aww...you got me again with your comment about the wishing well. :sad2:

That blurry picture where you're all laughing is so cool! Seriously, what a sweet moment!

--------------
Don't feel bad, I've been around since 2004 and I still don't know who the famous people are!
-------------------

Since there's been some talk of my incredibly sweet, funny, and smart 16 year old nephew, here's a picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/hkite/Friends%20%20Family/5-24-08supercuteCorey_450x600.jpg

Isn't he handsome?


Yeah, but where's the photo of him in the pants you made for him? :lmao: :rotfl2: :cool1: (yeah, he's a good sport too).

[HeatherSue]

Yeah, but where's the photo of him in the pants you made for him? :lmao: :rotfl2: :cool1: (yeah, he's a good sport too).

Well, since you asked:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/hkite/Friends%20%20Family/CoreyMervynspose.jpg

I made these pants for Corey when he was a baby and they finally fit him once he turned 15. :rotfl2: :lmao: He is trying to model like a Mervyn's mannequin in this loverly photo. This is the reason I didn't sew from the time I was 17 until I was 32!:lmao:

Okay Maroo, I am done hijacking your TR now. :thumbsup2

[mom2lilnick]

hehehe.. how cute!

[maroo]

subscribed to your thread and so far from what I have been reading, Lauren's trip report seems soo wonderful to me. I feel so happy that she got to go to the World on a Wish Trip. I was just listening to the radio a couple days ago and a mother was on and she was talking about how her 13 year old daughter visited Disney World for the first time on a Wish Trip.

I hope Lauren is doing well. I think the princess crown was fitting (hey every girl deserves to be a princess) and she looks like she had a blast. Congrats and kudos to her .

Much love and Pixie Dust.

Meredith :tinker:

Thank you so much for the sweet words!! :) The trip was awesome!! :)

Yeah, the Princess crown was pretty perfect. princess:


Just got caught up! You are a great writer Maroo! I love it, and don't worry about making us cry, it's a good thing! Hi Lauren! Teresa's 16-year-old Cory is quite a catch :thumbsup2 Seriously, a great kid! You can see for yourself on her TR :rolleyes1

Thank you for reading!! I don't really consider myself a writer at all...much less a good one. :confused3 Yes, Cory is very cute! I LOVE the pictures!!!! :)

That dinosaur putt-putt video is too funny! I also love the picture of Lauren looking scared and William defending his sister (which is what I choose to believe he is doing).

Ahhhh!! What's Lauren doing on the tracks!?!? hehehe Gotta love the look on her face!

Those stars on the ceiling get me every time I read about them.
That's such a special thing!

Aww...you got me again with your comment about the wishing well. :sad2:

That blurry picture where you're all laughing is so cool! Seriously, what a sweet moment!

--------------
Don't feel bad, I've been around since 2004 and I still don't know who the famous people are!
-------------------

Since there's been some talk of my incredibly sweet, funny, and smart 16 year old nephew, here's a picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/hkite/Friends%20%20Family/5-24-08supercuteCorey_450x600.jpg

Isn't he handsome?

We were walking around GKTW and just finding stuff to take pictures in front of...and Lauren drove over the tracks...and I had just the right angle...and no one was ON the train! So we went crazy and took some pics! :) It was fun. What an awesome day!!!!

And the stars...have gotten me in EVERY Wish TR I have read. It is so sweet...they will be there FOREVER...

Yeah, I tried to get the blurry picture "vetoed" when I wrote that part...but I was "vetoed"...so it was in!! :) Not a great picture of me personally...just craziness!!! :)

And, I think you don't know the famous people, because you ARE one!! :) I think your TR has like 1,000,000,000 hits or something like that! :rolleyes1

Yeah, but where's the photo of him in the pants you made for him? :lmao: :rotfl2: :cool1: (yeah, he's a good sport too).

Cory is a GREAT sport!! Does he know that his picture is all over the internet?? :)

Well, since you asked:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/hkite/Friends%20%20Family/CoreyMervynspose.jpg

I made these pants for Corey when he was a baby and they finally fit him once he turned 15. :rotfl2: :lmao: He is trying to model like a Mervyn's mannequin in this loverly photo. This is the reason I didn't sew from the time I was 17 until I was 32!:lmao:

Okay Maroo, I am done hijacking your TR now. :thumbsup2

OK...now THAT was hilarious...


Lauren says, "Wow, he looks nice!" (when she saw first pic)...then I scrolled down (and I had not seen the second pic) and she said, "But is that his underwear?" She said that she thinks he is a "great sport" for wearing the pants and posing for the picture. And if he knows it is on the internet, he gets extra points! :)

[maroo]

Ok, I am translating...

Lauren says, "Thank you very much for all of your comments and all of the nice things you have said. I can't wait for you guys to learn all of the surprises for the rest of the trip!"

And that is it...lol...a woman of many words.

Meanwhile...Maroo, that's me, is going to be putting out an UPDATE...TONIGHT...BEFORE...I go to bed!!!! :)

:) maroo and Lauren

[maroo]

First day at the parks!!! Woo Hoo!

Now, I sort of broke some rules…we went to Magic Kingdom first. Some say don’t do that! “It will spoil the rest of the parks if you do that first!” And we went on a Saturday…another no-no in some circles. But I did check www.touringplans.com and that particular Saturday was a low crowd score (3 out of 10)…so I figured, what the heck!

If you want to know what the plans were for the day and why we did what…check out the pretrip report...

Link to the PRE-TRIP REPORT...If you want some more to read... (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1923404)

Or you can forget those boring details and keep reading...here is how it really went!!!

We got up early…I promised Lauren I would not tell you how early we got up each day. That gets on her nerves. I am not sure why she does not want the world to know how long it takes her to get so beautiful. princess: But it does take a while to get showered, dressed, hair dried, old make-up off, teeth brushed, hair straightened, new make-up on, recheck in mirror to make sure hair looks good, refresh make-up, re-check in mirror to make sure hair looks good, add hairspray, fix hair (get the picture?). :rolleyes1

But, to give you an idea...this is the SUN coming UP from our room on that beautiful morning!! :love:
And, NEWBIE MISTAKE...this is one of the ONLY pics I found of our view of the room (one more will come up later in the trip...:rolleyes1)
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3211.jpg

It took a lot for me to really take a chill pill about letting Lauren get ready at her own pace each morning...I wanted to GET THERE! But I did fairly well…most of the time :sad2: …in letting her do her thing without rushing her. I tried…really I tried! In Lauren’s defense…she may not be able to ride many rides…and the pictures will be there forever…and people do focus on her face more than most people, since it is the most prominent feature for her (after they stare at her wheelchair a little!) So, I have to give her a break.

Her mom and I would switch off most mornings so maybe I would help Lauren while Lisa got ready and then we would switch and she would help Lauren while I got ready. It worked fairly well. Anyway…that few paragraphs was for the few of you guys that wanted a "helpers" perspective...I am not really a helper...just feel like family...but for whatever that is worth...

So, eventually, we made our way to Lauren’s parent’s room. We all grabbed some breakfast in the room (cereal, muffins, protein bars, chex mix, drinks) and made it to the monorail at around 9:00 am. We also each had fanny packs filled with snacks and they had some water on hand, too. This helped save $$ in the parks and helped us to keep moving so we would not have to wait in line to just grab a snack.

We hopped on the monorail. Lauren was pretty nervous about getting on since it moved…She didn’t realize they had a ramp. Bless her heart. But the monorail folks were great…we told them we were headed to MK and they were ready to help her off when we got there. Impressive. Evidently they have little walkie talkies or something and they relay the message down the monorail line. :thumbsup2

Monorail!! First time EVER! How excited are we?!?!?!?!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3213.jpg

And we are there! MAGIC KINGDOM! Finally, we made it!! Down the steep ramp...through security….through the ticket turnstile…and ready to go? Nope…”I have to go to the bathroom!” from one unnamed member of our party. :sad2: So, we head to the restrooms and wait a few min. While we are there, though, a CM sees Lauren’s magic button and tells her that Pluto and Chip and Dale are about to come her direction and to stay there and she will let her meet them. Cool! And so very sweet of that CM...the FIRST CM we really saw in the park. What a magical trip! So we hang out a few min. Then the CM comes by and suggests we go meet Mary Poppins first and then come back.
Lauren LOVES Mary Poppins…so off we go. Lauren is shuttled to the front of the line by a CM that sees her magic button. Mary Poppins was really sweet to her! Definitely Disney Magic!

** ALERT! Soap Box Ahead!! :teacher: Now, I have to say this…to the other Wish families reading this and to those families that wait for other Wish families. We had a hard time with this. We really did not like breaking in front of the lines. I really had to remind myself that the purpose of this once-in-a-lifetime trip was to give Lauren’s family a hassle free trip. Well, our trip was not hassle-free. Our hassles were just different. For us to go rest a while required a trip across the park to the First Aid Station. Lauren had to stop and get shifted in her chair once an hour. Her day to day hassles are too many to name. So for this one week, she had fewer hassles than many people around her, and maybe, just maybe, it made up for some of the hassles she has for the rest of her life. So we got over our discomfort with breaking in line and just enjoyed it for Lauren (and William, who puts up with a lot, too!!) Ok, off my soap box…but definitely wanted to stay that for the benefit of other wish families (just enjoy it, guys) and for other WDW guests (just wanted you guys to know it is hard for us to break in line, too! Thank you so much for your patience!)

So, back to the party.

First...PICTURES....

Here is Lauren with Mary Poppins...

Mary Poppins signed her autograph book...and she was so sweet in her interaction with her!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3216.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3219.jpg

Then, the CM that found us at the beginning then took us to see Pluto and Chip and Dale.

First Pluto...

One of our best pictures all trip...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3225-1-1.jpg

I love the way Pluto signs his name...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3224-1-1.jpg

And Chip and Dale...we will meet up with THEM again LATER!! :)
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3227-2.jpg

This was fantastic! They were all so animated and really loved on both Lauren and William…and the adults, too! At this point, I need to do a plug for Photopass…we LOVED it! Our pictures from them were great. And we did not use it enough! Especially for Wish families planning to do a lot of character greets…The photopass photographers get a lot of good shots that you can’t get because you don’t have a fast enough camera or the right angle to the scene. It is such a great idea to use Photopass, pre-pay for the CD and enjoy the character greets without having to worry about taking pictures yourself. Gosh, and Disney didn't even PAY me to say that! :confused3

Now, it is probably like...10:00 or something...it is LATE in the morning...I mean...on my schedule...we should be on Buzz Lightyear and heading to the next thing...and we have not even gotten to Main Street...(Ok, Mary, calm down.)

We stroll up Main Street...enjoying the Pixie Dust already falling our way...and we see this...
[http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3228-1.jpg

Now to this day, seriously, I have NO idea what this is...but it was cool...here are some more pics...

Sword fighting...although, my hero, Peter Pan, has his EYES closed! (Don't tell Wendy)
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3231-1-1.jpg

Ok, I am freaking out...so does MICKEY!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3238-1.jpg

Anyway...MY eyes were NOT closed...in fact, they were WET. This made me cry! I don't know if it was the music...or the emotions of the past wonderful days...or that castle...or just plain pixie dust...but I was crying...It was beautiful. Whatever it was! :confused3

So...we made it to the castle...now it is like really getting late in the AM...come on people!! We have STUFF to do!!! :) (Calm down, Mary tells herself!)



But, alas, we run into some EVIL stepsisters...or people...are these stepsisters? Someone help...??? I have NO idea who these people are...I am going to be EXPELLED from the DISboard! ** Addendum!! Saved by jham... These nice...I mean...not nice...people are: Drizella and Anastasia and Lady Tremaine! So...can I stay...a DISboard member? Can I stay? Or did I get kicked off the island?!?
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3239-1-1.jpg

I mean...this face ALONE should get me expelled! I have NO idea what those ladies were saying...but my face shows something...was I laughing? Was I scared? I think I was FREAKED! :scared1: I mean...look at my face!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3239-1-1-1.jpg

So...here we are. It is approaching NOON guys...and we have not made it past the castle. What would The Unofficial Touring This Isn't Going To Work Plan people say? Would we ever ride a ride? Does Lisa ride Space Mountain? Well...these are answers to questions for another day, my friends. Because it is late. And I am out of SMILEYS!

But, alas, an UPDATE....Magic Kingdom! Part TWO! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28331302&postcount=138)

[llurgy]

I just loved your report.....lol.....all the touring plan gone down the drain! But wait, the touring plan may have gone down the drain but the things that happened that morning instead of the rides was truly magical and was better than rides any day of the week. You can do rides almost anywhere but you cant get that kind of interaction, magical excitement and pixiedust: anywhere else.:flower3:

I plan on doing 'some' planning but I will be totally amazed if we stick to my plan. I want my plans to go up in smoke just like yours did :rotfl: :rotfl: :yay:

Mandy

[jham]

You made me laugh again, even this late at night :sad2: Don't you know Drizella and Anastasia and Lady Tremaine? You are right, you COULD be expelled! I don't know what that blueshowinfrontofthecastle is called either but it is the last thing I saw on my trip last January and it totally made me tear up as well. And I remember getting ready when I was Lauren's age. I woke up REALLY early to blowdry my hair and all that nonsense. Now I can shower AND do hair AND makeup in 30 minutes or less, and I don't think that's a good thing.

[maroo]

hehehe.. how cute!

Sorry I missed you earlier!! :) I am not entirely sure what you were referring to here...but my guess is that it was Cory! He IS cute!!!

I just loved your report.....lol.....all the touring plan gone down the drain! But wait, the touring plan may have gone down the drain but the things that happened that morning instead of the rides was truly magical and was better than rides any day of the week. You can do rides almost anywhere but you cant get that kind of interaction, magical excitement and pixiedust: anywhere else.:flower3:

I plan on doing 'some' planning but I will be totally amazed if we stick to my plan. I want my plans to go up in smoke just like yours did :rotfl: :rotfl: :yay:

Mandy

Yeah, I poked fun at myself the WHOLE trip...because we didn't stay on one plan...really...just wait...months, and months, and months (not really) of obsessive (really) planning... :lmao:

But, it was magical!! And I would not trade that morning for Space Mountain, for sure!!! :)

YES...and I would say to any wish family...take advantage of that button! You have 5 days!!! Don't plan anything...:) just go with the flow. :) Watch the magic happen. And take lots of pics... :)

You made me laugh again, even this late at night :sad2: Don't you know Drizella and Anastasia and Lady Tremaine? You are right, you COULD be expelled! I don't know what that blueshowinfrontofthecastle is called either but it is the last thing I saw on my trip last January and it totally made me tear up as well. And I remember getting ready when I was Lauren's age. I woke up REALLY early to blowdry my hair and all that nonsense. Now I can shower AND do hair AND makeup in 30 minutes or less, and I don't think that's a good thing.

Ha ha ha...Yeah...I am expelled! Does that mean I don't have to do my homework?

I really had no idea who those people were...honestly. But I am going to go back and add their names. Poor people. They were nice...I mean...mean to us! Just like they were supposed to be!

Yeah...I really never got into the make-up, take forever to get ready, stage. Not sure why...but never did. But I do give Lauren more of a break than it probably seemed. :) The problem there is not the time it takes...it is more that she can't do it herself...so its, "Straighten THAT piece of hair...not THAT one...THAT one right there...in front of my ear...yes, that one." She just can't do it herself. And sometimes it makes me cry that she can't. And sometimes I get MAD that she can't and take it out on her (not intentionally)...which is not fair at all...and sometimes she gets mad that she can't do it...or more that she can't communicate to us HOW she wants it done. How exactly do you describe the piece of hair one inch to the left side of your ear halfway down the bottom of your head to someone? Is it your left or my left? ...but I digress...

Lauren is VERY patient with us. She can't do it herself and that is not her fault and most of the time she is completely patient and gracious with any of us that try to do it for her. And she should get a medal for that. A teenage girl being nice to us adults that are doing her hair. :grouphug: You know, many severely disabled girls have very short hair, per the requests of their caregivers, so it is easy to manage...and not the hair they would like to have. I am so proud to call Lauren's family my friends...because they really do TAKE CARE of Lauren. Not just her physical needs, but her emotional ones too...which is harder, sometimes, than just the physical stuff. They all deserve medals.

And on that note...I am going to bed...really...after I fix the evil step people's names! :)

[Yzma and Kronk]

Maroo - what a great chapter!

Your soapbox moment was a great reminder that life's little inconviences are just that for most of us. But please, don't ever feel bad for breaking in front of a line. And you Maroo, deserve a medal!

I LOVE the character pictures. And tell Lauren her hair looks great :thumbsup2

Too funny about not knowing Drizella and Anastasia and Lady Tremaine.....go rent Cinderella immediately :rotfl:

Looking forward to more!

[HeatherSue]

Anyone who doesn't go to Magic Kingdom first is just a sadist! :rotfl:

The view from the room- WOW!!

I think it's awesome that they let MAW families go to the front of the line!

I love Mary Poppins! Mary looks a little different on the day you saw her, but she still looks sweet. ;)

GREAT pictures with the characters!!!

I like Lauren's glasses- very cool!

I have caught myself tearing up at many a show in front of the castle. You are not the only sap on the Dis. :rolleyes:

I suppose I can forgive you for not knowing who characters from one of my favorite Disney movies are....I guess...Besides, the expression on your face reminds me of my bestest friend in the whole wide world, Jenny (she's my bestest non-family friend).
--------------------------

Corey is so assured in his coolness that he knows that picture of him in the plaid baby pants is circulating the disboards and he thinks it's funny! Now, if he knew his aunt Heather was trying to set him up with a cute girl online, he might be a little embarassed. ;)
----------------

Jeanne (jham) and I probably had the exact same morning routine as teenagers because we looked pretty much the same in some pictures we once compared. She may have had a bit more height to her hair than me. I would have envied her high hair. Unfortunately, I am also able to get ready in 30 minutes- shower and all.
---------------------

[twinmum]

Great update! I laughed, I cried, I mentally through out our touring plan...

We have had 1 trip to WDW and 1 to Disneyland and I know how "finding the magic" can take you way off your plan...usually with happiy results! Still, being the control freak I am, it can be tough to accept. I am swearing that THIS time for Mark's Wish Trip, I am going to just go with flow (but still make the ADRs we have planned!) and accept once and for all that we're probably going back!!!

I can really relate to your "soapbox" comment about being brought to the front of the line. I remember the first time we took the boys to an amusement park north of Toronto (Canada's Wonderland). I felt very uncomfortable being brought forward all the time, which they did at that point for young kids with disabilities. (Now that the boys are older and go on more of the headliners, they use some thing like a fastpass system and give us a time to come back). I would pass a guilt smile and "thank you" to the family that thought they were next up for the roller coaster, only to be told that there was a disabled child coming who was going to go first. Specifically, I remember walking pass what must have been 200+ people to check out a raft-type ride (which Mark hated, by the way). We decided to ride, were taken on right away and had to walk right past all those same people on the way back out. We were soaked, so they knew we'd ridden...all while they moved a few feet!

I was uncomfortable all day. But I'm past that now. I just put in my mind all the challenges that Mark faces, all the extra time expenders (like bathroom, eating, resting and so on) that impact our days at the park, and realize that oh boy, does he deserve it, and his twin brother too! And you know, I've evolved enough that if we can split up so that Douglas can take in some of the b-i-g rides that Mark can't do, without as much of a wait, I'm all for it! Other Wish families have talked about siblings/parents being able to go on rides with either the GKTW button of GAC. I'm still not sure how that works. We won't abuse the rules, for sure...but if WDW or Universal want to treat Douglas like a king, he truly, truly deserves it!

Although we have seen kids asking their parents "why does he get to go first" we have always seen the parent lean over explain quietly, and then see the child's eyes widen as they examine the wheelchair, then nod. Never a bad reaction. We'll hope for the same again!

Isn't it great how they know you're coming with a wheelchair on the monorail? We stayed at the Grand FLoridian for our first trip, and lvoed being on the monorail. It meant Mark was able to use his walker to go to dinner at the Contemporary, Poly, etc. I remember walking out to the monorail one time. The CM leapt forward to get the ramp, and we tried to stop him, saying Peter and I could manage the lip. The CM said something like this,"Ma'am, when we meet a family like yours that includes a child with a disability, we know he and your family face challenges every day. While you're here with us at WDW, if we can do anything to make those challenges easier and make your day magicial, well that's what we're here to do."

Stepped onto monorail. Sat. Looked out window (away from boys), tears rolling down face. Realized that have finally found a vacation that works for family. Feel that for today, someone else wants to help shoulder the load.

(And by the way, for any Big Givers out there, that's what it felt like to receive your wonderful packages!)

10 more days!!! I can't wait!!! Actually, I have to pack for the Wish Trip for us today, because everything else in the house needs to get packed up (for more on our reno to make house accessible, please see my pre-trip.)

Thanks for brightening my day with your trippie!!!

Alison

[teresajoy]

I am such a newbie that I don't even know who is famous?! :rotfl: Uh...the room....Uh...I don't know...I did take one of Lauren sleeping...but it is, unfortunately, for another day........... But I might be able to borrow one from another report...it looks just like all of the pictures I have seen...??!?!?! Yikes...one more pic I should have taken! :) I really, really meant to take one of the shower...and I might have one somewhere...because it was cool...the handicapped accessible stuff....anyway...I digress... :)
:

Jamal and AshClan are the famous Disers I was referring too. :thumbsup2

It's hard to remember everything to take a picture of! I didn't get many pictures of our rental house either!

Just got caught up! You are a great writer Maroo! I love it, and don't worry about making us cry, it's a good thing! Hi Lauren! Teresa's 16-year-old Cory is quite a catch :thumbsup2 Seriously, a great kid! You can see for yourself on her TR :rolleyes1
Aww! He is a sweet boy, most of the time!

Since there's been some talk of my incredibly sweet, funny, and smart 16 year old nephew, here's a picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/hkite/Friends%20%20Family/th_5-24-08supercuteCorey_450x600.jpg

Isn't he handsome?
I like what you named that picture!!! He is a handsome young man, isn't he!
Well, since you asked:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/hkite/Friends%20%20Family/th_CoreyMervynspose.jpg

I made these pants for Corey when he was a baby and they finally fit him once he turned 15. :rotfl2: :lmao: He is trying to model like a Mervyn's mannequin in this loverly photo. This is the reason I didn't sew from the time I was 17 until I was 32!:lmao:

Okay Maroo, I am done hijacking your TR now. :thumbsup2
That picture gets me everytime!



Lauren says, "Wow, he looks nice!" (when she saw first pic)...then I scrolled down (and I had not seen the second pic) and she said, "But is that his underwear?" She said that she thinks he is a "great sport" for wearing the pants and posing for the picture. And if he knows it is on the internet, he gets extra points! :)

Tell Lauren he is nice! And, no not his undies! But he DOES know I posted that picture! I told him I was going to post it before I took it even! He's got a great sense of humor (unlike his poor sister, Arminda)!

Ok, I am translating...

Lauren says, "Thank you very much for all of your comments and all of the nice things you have said. I can't wait for you guys to learn all of the surprises for the rest of the trip!"
:) maroo and Lauren

We can't wait either Laruen!!!! And, we think you are one fantastic young lady! :hug:

[teresajoy]

Once again, I swear I didn't read Heather's comment before writing mine! :
WHAT???? Are you SERIOUS???? :confused3 There are people who think you shouldn't go to Magic Kingdom FIRST????? Seriously, I don't feel like my Disney vacation has started until I go there! So, we try to do it first. One year we didn't and it just threw me off terribly!

What a GORGEOUS view from your room!

I love the look on Lauren's face on the monorail!!! :lovestruc

Lauren's glasses are very cool! :thumbsup2

I think it's great that they let Wish families go to the front of the line! Like you said, it's a once in a lifetime trip! Don't feel guilty at all!

I love the Mary Poppins pictures! I've never seen her on Main Street before!

Great picture with Pluto! You need to frame that one!

Good to see you cried on Main st. like any other self respecting Diser does!

Mary, have you ever even WATCHED Cinderella????? :confused3 I like you, so I guess you can stay on the island, but oh dear, tsk tsk tsk....:sad2:

And, you get bonus points for posting that picture of the expression on your face twice!!! I love it!!!




You made me laugh again, even this late at night :sad2: Don't you know Drizella and Anastasia and Lady Tremaine? You are right, you COULD be expelled! I don't know what that blueshowinfrontofthecastle is called either but it is the last thing I saw on my trip last January and it totally made me tear up as well. And I remember getting ready when I was Lauren's age. I woke up REALLY early to blowdry my hair and all that nonsense. Now I can shower AND do hair AND makeup in 30 minutes or less, and I don't think that's a good thing.

Jeanne, I know you hae that picture of your big hair online somewhere, why don't you entertain us all by posting it!


Heather, you too!
Lauren is VERY patient with us. She can't do it herself and that is not her fault and most of the time she is completely patient and gracious with any of us that try to do it for her. And she should get a medal for that. A teenage girl being nice to us adults that are doing her hair. :grouphug: You know, many severely disabled girls have very short hair, per the requests of their caregivers, so it is easy to manage...and not the hair they would like to have. I am so proud to call Lauren's family my friends...because they really do TAKE CARE of Lauren. Not just her physical needs, but her emotional ones too...which is harder, sometimes, than just the physical stuff. They all deserve medals.

And on that note...I am going to bed...really...after I fix the evil step people's names! :)

Mary, that is so sweet! What a fantastic family they all are! :hug:

The CM said something like this,"Ma'am, when we meet a family like yours that includes a child with a disability, we know he and your family face challenges every day. While you're here with us at WDW, if we can do anything to make those challenges easier and make your day magicial, well that's what we're here to do."

Stepped onto monorail. Sat. Looked out window (away from boys), tears rolling down face. Realized that have finally found a vacation that works for family. Feel that for today, someone else wants to help shoulder the load.

(And by the way, for any Big Givers out there, that's what it felt like to receive your wonderful packages!)

Alison

You had me getting all teary eyed reading the CMs comment, and then again reading about the Big Give! :hug:

[mommyintn]

I mean...this face ALONE should get me expelled! I have NO idea what those ladies were saying...but my face shows something...was I laughing? Was I scared? I think I was FREAKED! :scared1: I mean...look at my face!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3239-1-1-1.jpg

We got pictures with these sweet characters a few trips back and they were hysterical! We were with my nieces and my 2 boys and they went on and on about taking pictures with these "horrid" boys and looking completely put off by having to pose with us. So in character, we all loved it! The look on your face is priceless!

I am more a hard core tourer like yourself but would love to have someone like Lauren who seems to be very go with the flow to help me "chill" and enjoy the beauty of the park and all the things that make it so magical. For the record I've never seen Mary Poppins in any of the parks even though I'm always on the look out, what up with that?!! Love the report!

[oklamomof4boys]

Mary- I have to thank you. I have enjoyed reading your trip report so much. I read last night all about GKTW and loved the pictures. I have not been sleeping well lately ( it is a stressful time of the year for me and fills me with anxiety) and when I do sleep I have terrible dreams. But last night, I fell right to sleep ( no, your report did not put me to sleep) and had the most glorious dreams. We were at GKTW- we were in all the places in your pictures. David and I exploring the entire place with our boys-not a care in the world. Just before I woke up, Tucker exclaimed, " Let's go get some ice cream!" I woke up with the biggest smile on my face.

[jamal]

I too have been daydreaming about GKTW. I think it looks like Candyland alive!!

I nearly passed out about the stepmother and stepsisters, but figured you've been using your brain for more critical information:).

Rock on, Maroo.

[Shelby5514]

Just stopping by on the advice of my friend Jamal. Hi Jami!

It seems I've read somewhere about GKTW but the pictures just make me want to cry! What a beautiful place! And who doesn't love FREE ice cream?

You obviously have a HUGE heart and I can not wait to continue on this trip with you and Lauren and the rest of the family.

[maroo]

Once again, I swear I didn't read Heather's comment before writing mine! :
WHAT???? Are you SERIOUS???? :confused3 There are people who think you shouldn't go to Magic Kingdom FIRST????? Seriously, I don't feel like my Disney vacation has started until I go there! So, we try to do it first. One year we didn't and it just threw me off terribly!

What a GORGEOUS view from your room!

I love the look on Lauren's face on the monorail!!! :lovestruc

Lauren's glasses are very cool! :thumbsup2

I think it's great that they let Wish families go to the front of the line! Like you said, it's a once in a lifetime trip! Don't feel guilty at all!

I love the Mary Poppins pictures! I've never seen her on Main Street before!

Great picture with Pluto! You need to frame that one!

Good to see you cried on Main st. like any other self respecting Diser does!

Mary, have you ever even WATCHED Cinderella????? :confused3 I like you, so I guess you can stay on the island, but oh dear, tsk tsk tsk....:sad2:

And, you get bonus points for posting that picture of the expression on your face twice!!! I love it!!!


**In response to the hair stuff...
Jeanne, I know you hae that picture of your big hair online somewhere, why don't you entertain us all by posting it!

Heather, you too!



Mary, that is so sweet! What a fantastic family they all are! :hug:



You had me getting all teary eyed reading the CMs comment, and then again reading about the Big Give! :hug:

First of all...I fully expect a picture of Jeanne and Heather online...in this TR...I mean, come on, it fits!!!!

Teresa, thank you for all of your comments! I agree on all counts!! :) Lauren often feels funny in her glasses and sometimes makes me take them off for pictures...so she was surprised that everyone made good comments about them! I like her in her glasses because she looks so much older.

And Lauren loves Mary Poppins and I had no idea that she was so hard to find! I read on another TR that someone was going back to DW because they never could find her!!

yeah...I was not quite sure that everyone would really NOTICE my face in the first picture. But when I showed Lisa that part of the TR she nearly died...and I had not even shown her the second picture yet!! :lmao:

I am glad I got bonus points on that one...


We got pictures with these sweet characters a few trips back and they were hysterical! We were with my nieces and my 2 boys and they went on and on about taking pictures with these "horrid" boys and looking completely put off by having to pose with us. So in character, we all loved it! The look on your face is priceless!

I am more a hard core tourer like yourself but would love to have someone like Lauren who seems to be very go with the flow to help me "chill" and enjoy the beauty of the park and all the things that make it so magical. For the record I've never seen Mary Poppins in any of the parks even though I'm always on the look out, what up with that?!! Love the report!

Yeah, I just can't remember WHAT I was thinking when they took that picture!! :confused3

I know!!! Mary Poppins is rare, evidently!!

Mary- I have to thank you. I have enjoyed reading your trip report so much. I read last night all about GKTW and loved the pictures. I have not been sleeping well lately ( it is a stressful time of the year for me and fills me with anxiety) and when I do sleep I have terrible dreams. But last night, I fell right to sleep ( no, your report did not put me to sleep) and had the most glorious dreams. We were at GKTW- we were in all the places in your pictures. David and I exploring the entire place with our boys-not a care in the world. Just before I woke up, Tucker exclaimed, " Let's go get some ice cream!" I woke up with the biggest smile on my face.

Aww...and I have JUST read your report early this evening...wow...

I have been dreaming about Disney World every single night since I got back. Possibly because I am on this board every night before I go to sleep! Best medicine ever!!! :)

I am glad that my report is not putting you to sleep!


I too have been daydreaming about GKTW. I think it looks like Candyland alive!!

I nearly passed out about the stepmother and stepsisters, but figured you've been using your brain for more critical information:).

Rock on, Maroo.

Yes...later in the report, I will show you the "real" Candyland Game that they made just for GKTW...it has people in wheelchairs on it!! We have not opened it yet since it was so cool...I hate to take it out of the plastic. But I guess we should play it!! (It was one of the many gifts the kids got from GKTW...)

and...thank you so much for sending your friends to the TR!! I am so thankful that more people are finding out about the wonderful things that GKTW and Disney are doing for sick kids and their families! It is a great honor to share Lauren's story and the story of GKTW with folks that didn't know about it before. :thumbsup2 Hopefully more people will find out about it and support it in one way or another...

I will post their website again...

www.gktw.org

:yay: :yay: :yay:

Just stopping by on the advice of my friend Jamal. Hi Jami!

It seems I've read somewhere about GKTW but the pictures just make me want to cry! What a beautiful place! And who doesn't love FREE ice cream?

You obviously have a HUGE heart and I can not wait to continue on this trip with you and Lauren and the rest of the family.

Isn't Jamal great! :) Yes, GKTW is a wonderful, wonderful place! And I definitely enjoyed the free ice cream! It is going to take me a month to lose all of the weight I gained! :lmao:

You are sweet to say I have a huge heart...I am just single and would rather be DOING something than sitting at home doing nothing. I also am a Christian and want to serve wherever God wants me to serve...and there were lots of things that pointed me to this family! :) I mean...gee...I got a free trip to Disney World...life is hard! :rotfl2: I love this family very much...they are a special group of folks.

[jham]

Jeanne, I know you hae that picture of your big hair online somewhere, why don't you entertain us all by posting it!


First of all...I fully expect a picture of Jeanne and Heather online...in this TR...I mean, come on, it fits!!!!



Fine, fine, but it WAS the 80's :snooty: and I was thinner...and cuter...big hair and all. This isn't the best/worst photo, but it's the one I have in photobucket.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/jhaml/scan-3-1.jpg

The frame was added to match Heather--oh wait, Look! Here's Heather!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/jhaml/bighair.jpg

I'm thinking YOUR hair is bigger Heather. :snooty:

Let us know if you want to try that style Lauren, we'll give you all the tips. :lmao:

[HeatherSue]

The CM leapt forward to get the ramp, and we tried to stop him, saying Peter and I could manage the lip. The CM said something like this,"Ma'am, when we meet a family like yours that includes a child with a disability, we know he and your family face challenges every day. While you're here with us at WDW, if we can do anything to make those challenges easier and make your day magicial, well that's what we're here to do."

Stepped onto monorail. Sat. Looked out window (away from boys), tears rolling down face. Realized that have finally found a vacation that works for family. Feel that for today, someone else wants to help shoulder the load.

(And by the way, for any Big Givers out there, that's what it felt like to receive your wonderful packages!)
Alison
You done made me cry! :hug:

CAROL: I've been reading why this is a hard time of year for you. I just can't imagine what you must have went through. :hug:

Fine, fine, but it WAS the 80's :snooty: and I was thinner...and cuter...big hair and all. This isn't the best/worst photo, but it's the one I have in photobucket.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/jhaml/scan-3-1.jpg

The frame was added to match Heather--oh wait, Look! Here's Heather!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/jhaml/bighair.jpg

I'm thinking YOUR hair is bigger Heather. :snooty:

Let us know if you want to try that style Lauren, we'll give you all the tips. :lmao:

Thanks Jeanne! I knew you'd come through with the evidence. I'm ashamed to say that it looks like I did have bigger hair than yours. However, mine was taken in 1990 and I'm sure if we compared 80's pictures, my hair would be considerably smaller. :snooty:

That's right, Lauren. If you want to learn how to rat your hair up and make your perm as big as possible, you just let us know. :thumbsup2

[MousekaMaddi]

ok, first I cried when u were reporting that u felt a tad bad about cutting the lines, ok, .....................I admit I cried quite alot for all the wish familes who ever feel guilty about that, in fact its hard to see the keys right now thru the waterfall (I cannot BELIEVE ppl make u feel guilty!!) OMG!.............but the I laughed aloud(and my 6 yr old thinks Ive been drinking at 10 am now cuz Im crying and then LOUDLY chuckling at my computer screen,:rotfl2: ) color me crazy!!:woohoo:

I LOVE YOUR report, and I loved your stepsisters photo face :rotfl: and I love u and beautiful Lauren!!! Wonderful job, I bet YOUR Mom is waaaaaaaaaaaay proud of her little girl!! U are fabulous! (wish I met u!):worship:



More please Marypopcorn:: :yay: :flower3: :upsidedow :cheer2:

[iu97alum]

Wow! What a wonderful TR! I'm so glad you are letting her "button" get the attention! She and the rest of ya'll DESERVE it!

[vdarrell]

I am still enjoying your TR. You have truly made it seem as if I was there with you.
I am so glad Lauren and her family are enjoying their trip.

[maroo]

Fine, fine, but it WAS the 80's :snooty: and I was thinner...and cuter...big hair and all. This isn't the best/worst photo, but it's the one I have in photobucket.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/jhaml/scan-3-1.jpg

The frame was added to match Heather--oh wait, Look! Here's Heather!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/jhaml/bighair.jpg

I'm thinking YOUR hair is bigger Heather. :snooty:

Let us know if you want to try that style Lauren, we'll give you all the tips. :lmao:


Lauren says....

"I will pass on this one." and then she laughs...She did say that you guys looked pretty and that she would like the hair, if it were more straight. :lmao:

She says, "The thing is, I like curly hair!" :)

So, maybe she is up for it??!?!?

And she CRACKED UP when she saw my face with the stepsisters.

And she said to tell you guys that she was NOT wearing makeup that day because I had told her she would be getting a makeover...and she is right!

She said that if you show any pictures of her to Cory that you have to use the ones from the FIRST day, when she actually "did something" with her hair and makeup. :lmao:


ok...so that is all from Lauren right now...more from me in a little bit...

[maroo]

ok, first I cried when u were reporting that u felt a tad bad about cutting the lines, ok, .....................I admit I cried quite alot for all the wish familes who ever feel guilty about that, in fact its hard to see the keys right now thru the waterfall (I cannot BELIEVE ppl make u feel guilty!!) OMG!.............but the I laughed aloud (and my 6 yr old thinks Ive been drinking at 10 am now cuz Im crying and then LOUDLY chuckling at my computer screen,:rotfl2:) color me crazy!!:woohoo:

I LOVE YOUR report, and I loved your stepsisters photo face :rotfl: and I love u and beautiful Lauren!!! Wonderful job, I bet YOUR Mom is waaaaaaaaaaaay proud of her little girl!! U are fabulous! (wish I met u!):worship:

More please Marypopcorn:: :yay: :flower3: :upsidedow :cheer2:


You are so funny!! I totally have a visual of that...(laughing and crying and scaring your poor 6-year-old!)

I must clarify one thing...I don't know of any instance for a Wish family's trip where anyone else has said or done anything that would make the family feel guilty for breaking in any lines. I think it is just us, as wish families (and friends), who feel guilty ourselves for breaking!

Thank you for your sweet comments!! :)



Wow! What a wonderful TR! I'm so glad you are letting her "button" get the attention! She and the rest of ya'll DESERVE it!

Thank you so much! :) Thanks for hanging in with us!!

I am still enjoying your TR. You have truly made it seem as if I was there with you.
I am so glad Lauren and her family are enjoying their trip.

We really did enjoy the trip! Some parts more than others, as you will soon see....:rolleyes1 Thanks for keeping up and for posting!!! :)




And to everyone...and update is coming...within the hour!!!!!!!!!! :)

[maroo]

Magic Kingdom...Part TWO!! Yeah!!

Ok, I am calm now...it is approaching noon. And we have some places to be today...like soon...so...

We head to Tomorrowland to go to Buzz Lightyear. They point us to the exit and we bypass a long line. I am not sure if it was the magic button or the inability for her to transfer from her wheelchair that gets us past this line...but this ride is my very favorite!! They have an awesome wheelchair accessible vehicle that Lauren can just drive into and ride like everyone else. LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! :cool1: How cool is that! :thumbsup2

Here it is...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3246.jpg

For those inquiring minds that want to know...this ride allows a wheelchair to go up that ramp and into the car. The car then folds shut and Lauren can ride in her wheelchair the whole way. If she could physically do it, she would be able to fire the laser and everything...it is right in front of her chair. (But since I was like 2 cars behind her, this was hard to get a picture of.) I do have to say, though, that getting off is a little tricky. For some reason they did not really stop the ride. Instead, they wanted her to back up FAST and get off...so the ride is moving forward and they want Lauren to back up, sideways, down a ramp she can't see...while the ride is still moving forward. That didn't work too well, so they did stop the ride and the rest of the people on the ride had to wait...eventually they all heard, "This ride is about to be in motion" or something like that! So if you hear that...maybe some poor person like Lauren is trying to get off...bear with us. :hug:


More PICTURES!!
Lisa and William in the car in front of me...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3240.jpg

And my score...not too shabby...for a NEWBIE...:rotfl2:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3244.jpg

We actually got to ride Buzz twice, I think...maybe three times? :scared1: I can't remember. Because no one was waiting for the wheelchair car. But we eventually got off...:rotfl:

Then we head to Monsters, Inc. In line we sent a text message to some dude and William told him a joke. "Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ATE 9!" The show was great…and they told William’s joke!!! And said his name out loud and everything! It was so awesome because he felt so special…and that was nice since Lauren was getting a lot of attention on this trip.

So, we have done Buzz and Monsters, Inc. At this point, Lauren is tired. William, however, is ready to ride some rides. So William and Rick head to ride stuff and Lauren, Lisa and I head to the Wish Lounge to rest and use the rest room.

At this point, I really was tired...like really tired...so tired that I DIDN'T take a PICTURE in the WISH room. I thought we would be back. Really. You will forgive me later.

But for those that need to know...the Wish Lounge is by the First Aid station near Main Street. GKTW will let you know where it is and give you a pass to get in. You can also use the Lounges at EPCOT...we didn't make it there, either, so you will have to take pictures for us so we can see it! Also...First Aid is awesome! If you ever need to just lay down a few min. Or take meds. Or some kind of treatment (asthma or something). You can bring your stuff to First Aid and they give you an exam room all to yourself, with a door and everything! NICE! Go DISNEY!



OK...now...Drumroll please!!! :dance3:




SURPRISE!!!!! Lauren does not know it, but she has an appointment at the CASTLE to get a makeover at 1:30 and it is getting close to that time (by the time we rest). So…we head that direction. Lauren has said she wants to be Tinkerbell for years. And each year something happens and she can’t do it. So we decided she would get that dream fulfilled TODAY at Bibbity Boppity Boutique (BBB) and I am SURE that is spelled wrong! She will want to be all dressed up when we go to MICKEY's NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY tonight!!!! :cheer2:



But on the way there some else is SURPRISED!!! "Will You Marry ME!"
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/MK%20pics/100_1360.jpg
Oh my gosh. He asked her...right in front of the CASTLE...It was soooooo cool to watch. (She said YES!) And we were not the only ones taking pictures. Trust me! But I didn't ask them if I could put it on the internet...So, if this is you...and you don't want to be in the internet...PM me and I will take this off!



Ok, back to Lauren...We tell her the surprise only after she is THERE at BBB looking at stuff.

Here is her face when we told her...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/MK%20pics/100_1362.jpg

Lauren has wanted to be Tinkerbell for years at Halloween...and something keeps happening each year so that she misses out on that. So, the plan is to fulfill that wish today...with the FULL MEAL DEAL...hair, nails, costume, crown (again!), shoes, accessories...

Did she like it? Who were her FGIT's? What happened to the SHOES? And WHAT happens next? :sad2: Stay Tuned...:happytv:

Here it is!! Magic Kingdom!! Part THREE - BBB and CRT! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28342090&postcount=143)

[jham]

Sheesh! I HATE cliffhangers! My little Lily is sitting here by me just waiting to see Lauren transformed into Tinkerbell! :sad2: Great pictures. I love the "getting engaged couple"!!! That is the sweetest photo! If they did see it on the internet they would probably be grateful someone captured it on film for them!

[maroo]

Sheesh! I HATE cliffhangers! My little Lily is sitting here by me just waiting to see Lauren transformed into Tinkerbell! :sad2: Great pictures. I love the "getting engaged couple"!!! That is the sweetest photo! If they did see it on the internet they would probably be grateful someone captured it on film for them!

You won't have to wait long...it is coming. I was going to do it last night (sorry for the cliffhanger), but I got sick. So...I am up and about now...I have even eaten a little something! So...I am going to work on the BBB pictures and story... :) Never fear Lily! It's coming...It's coming!!!

[amy2girls]

Nice Job- How awesome for Lauren and family (including you!!) Can't wait to hear the rest:goodvibes

[HeatherSue]

Lauren says....

"I will pass on this one." and then she laughs...She did say that you guys looked pretty and that she would like the hair, if it were more straight. :lmao:

She says, "The thing is, I like curly hair!" :)

So, maybe she is up for it??!?!?



She's so very diplomatic about it! :thumbsup2 Actually, that style required a lot of hairspray called "Stiff Stuff". I don't think they sell that brand anymore. :rotfl:
-------------------------

The buzz lightyear ride stops almost every time I ride it. I'll bet that's why!

I can never remember how to spell BBB properly, so I just write BBB.

OH MY GOSH!!! A proposal in front of the castle?! Is there a more perfect place? I seriously have goosebumps!!

I can't wait to see Tinker-Lauren!!!!!

[maroo]

So...where were we? Oh YEAH! Lauren at BBB!!

Lauren was so excited! She looked at all of the dresses and picked out Tinkerbell...no surprise there. My surprise came when she started looking at the shoes...She wanted the Tink shoes...I am thinking green with little puffy balls on them? Or something like that...but they didn't have anything like that. In fact, the selection was very slim! Strange.

See, these are cute...but not Tink shoes? And these were the best they had. For as much money as we were paying...they should have a great shoe selection, ya know.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/bbb/IMG_3661.jpg

We asked for FGIT Susan and were told that we COULD have her!! YEAH!! In fact, we ended up with two FGIT's...Susan and Sandra! Lisa was getting hungry and needed some caffeine. So she ran to get some coffee. Then Lauren's name was called. We were escorted to a dressing room to get her costume on. It is VERY crowded in BBB...even at 1:30 in the afternoon...and we had a hard time getting through the crowds with her wheelchair, etc. And I had about a million bags...I think we had all 4 fanny packs, Lauren's backpack and a couple more bags...Lauren looked like a bag lady before her makeover!

Anyway...to the pictures, right!...

Lauren chose press on nails...but she never really did find any that she REALLY liked.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3257.jpg

Lauren really wanted all of her hair up in the bun...but Susan was doing her hair and said that they can't let her leave with bobbie pins...:scared1: So they couldn't get it all up there...even with all of that goop! :lmao:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/MK%20pics/IMG_3261.jpg

Now, she looks happy here, right??! And I love this picture...because do you see her mom? There in the mirror...she looks happy, too!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/bbb/IMG_3280-1.jpg

Then we are done...Lisa goes to pay and Lauren and I go outside.

At this point...I am not sure what happened...I think it was a combination of things. It was late...almost 3:00 and Lauren had not had lunch yet...so she was probably low blood sugar. She was also so excited about the makeover stuff, but it did not turn out the way that she wanted it to...she just imagined something different, I guess. (Later we found out that she didn't really like the "kiddie" aspect of it...which I guess makes sense.) So she was totally bummed out. Which was not the reaction I had wanted, expected or hoped for! :sad2: Oh no! This is NOT going to work...:eek:

So Lisa joined me and we went off to the side to see what we needed to do to help her...and out of the corner of my eye...I saw...Sandra...she came out of the store with a bag for us...of more bobbie pins and hair goop...and said that she would put Lauren's hair all the way up for us... Is that not so sweet!!! Now, I probably should not even be posting this on here...because evidently this was a "no-no" in FGIT world. But right there in front of the Cinderella's Table check in area...she put Lauren's hair up. That was so kind!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/bbb/IMG_3287-1.jpg

But Lauren was still pretty bummed. So, I told her mom that it was probably time to reveal the next surprise...which was...LUNCH AT CINDERELLA's CASTLE!! Right then...They had a 3:00 ressie...and it was TIME!!!

But...Lauren's reaction to this was not what I expected either...she was just sort of underwhelmed...I mean...does she KNOW? How rare it is?? for someone to be able to get a ressie at CRT only weeks in advance?!?!?! :lmao:

But the bottom line...Lauren was not happy...it had to be her blood sugar. So, Lisa grabbed her fanny pack and left the rest of the bags with me and went to check in for lunch. So they could EAT!!

Richard and William were meeting us and they were going back to the room...I was supposed to go ride Space Mountain (Rick and William had done all of the BIG rides while we were at the Wish Room and BBB). So...the boys met us...and I was just so tired...and upset...that I just went back to the room with the boys. (Thank goodness for the monorail!)




Ok...now...take a deep breath....you will need it...



Because...what I am about to tell you...well, it may REALLY get me kicked off the island...We really messed this up...biggest mistake in TR history!!! Yes, even worse than NOT knowing who the evil stepsisters were!




I left with all the bags, right...and left them with NO CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!


It gets worse...Lisa thought the "Photopass" card that I had was THE photopass card. And she did not know to get another one. :sad2:

So...we have NO PICTURES...of Cinderella's Castle lunch...NONE...I know...I know...:sad2:





Ok...another deep breath...I got over it (eventually), so can you...:rotfl:



But here is the report, anyway...

Lauren said she spent the first little while sulking...she was bummed about BBB...(What is up with that?!?!?)...but, after she ate some, she did enjoy the princesses. She got lots of autographs...and lots of comments on her costume and hair, etc.

And they said the food was AWESOME!! Lisa and Lauren both ate the Shepards Pie, I think? Is that right? The dish with the meat and veggies. Yummy!





The end?

...NO...I mean, that has you depressed, right?? Well, we CAN'T have that...so...this should make you smile...



So, back at the Contemporary...I am a little bummed...and a LOT tired...so I head back to the room. Rick and William head to the pool for a swim...but all I want to do is sleep!! So, I go lay down in the room a while. And then I decide...my feet hurt...so I am going to go relax in the hot tub and watch William and Rick swim.

Great idea, right...I head down there...get in the hot tub, which is not that hot...I guess because there are kids everywhere. In fact...there is one in the hot tub...and what is that I smell?? Uh Oh...:scared1: HOUSTON! We have a problem!

So...my relaxation in hot tub was not to be...I got out of there! (After informing the lifeguard that they should probably call the HazMat team.)

Which, I am glad to inform you, they did...here is proof...and my ONLY other picture of my "view" from the room...


http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/bbb/IMG_3289.jpg

See it...they drained the whole thing and started over!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/bbb/IMG_3290.jpg

Ha ha ha...And now you know the answer to the question...What ruins Mary's 15 min of relaxation in the hot tub!

Next up...MNSSHP!!!! With PICS...and VIDEO...TON of FUN!!!!

And the answers to these and other questions....
Will Lisa ride Space Mountain? Is there EVER a good reason to call someone at 3:30 in the morning?

Magic Kingdom - MNSSHP - Part ONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28380023&postcount=163)

[maroo]

Nice Job- How awesome for Lauren and family (including you!!) Can't wait to hear the rest:goodvibes

Thanks for joining us! And another update for ya!! :)

She's so very diplomatic about it! :thumbsup2 Actually, that style required a lot of hairspray called "Stiff Stuff". I don't think they sell that brand anymore. :rotfl:
-------------------------

The buzz lightyear ride stops almost every time I ride it. I'll bet that's why!

I can never remember how to spell BBB properly, so I just write BBB.

OH MY GOSH!!! A proposal in front of the castle?! Is there a more perfect place? I seriously have goosebumps!!

I can't wait to see Tinker-Lauren!!!!!

Lauren is definitely diplomatic! Her school even has her going to the "Youth Legislature" this year!

Lauren needed some of that spray at BBB!! :)

Yeah...Buzz stopped a few times when Lisa and I rode it later in the week, too. It must stop a lot. Toy Story was better...they load the disabled folks on a "side track" and the ride is not interrupted. But it was SOOOO cool to have that much accessibility on a ride! It does not get any better than that!

Tinker-Lauren got Tuckered out... :) Don't be depressed by my last post...it gets better before we go to MNSSHP!!

[HeatherSue]

I'm sorry Lauren didn't have as much fun at BBB as you thought she would!

But, she got smiles and a really kind gesture out of Sandra!! I am in shock!! :scared1: I guess I can now forgive her for being so grumpy with poor Arminda....maybe...

Tinker-Lauren is GORGEOUS!!!!

Sorry to hear about your hot tub misadventure! Isn't it great that they actually drain it when they find UFOs in it, though?

[1stTimeDisneyer]

Great Reviews! I am loving it!

[VacationKicks]

Great TR, I laughed, I cried.

I made BBB res. for my kids on our upcoming trip in Nov., I worry my kids will feel too old but they're only going to get older so we are giving it a shot, even my 14 yr. old son!

[jamal]

Maroo, These chapters had me all up and down for you. Lauren looks so beautiful as Tinkerbell; I hate that she was unhappy but teens have their own way of thinking!

You are cracking me up with all the beating yourself up you do about the camera. My goodness! You had hundreds of responsibilities every hour, every minute of the trip!

Rock on.

[SueM in MN]

We hopped on the monorail. Lauren was pretty nervous about getting on since it moved…She didn’t realize they had a ramp. Bless her heart. But the monorail folks were great…we told them we were headed to MK and they were ready to help her off when we got there. Impressive. Evidently they have little walkie talkies or something and they relay the message down the monorail line. :thumbsup2
For readers who might be curious, wheelchair ramp being put into place.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA060022_1-med.JPG
and ramp put into place for wheelchair to drive in.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA060023-med.JPG
** ALERT! Soap Box Ahead!! :teacher: Now, I have to say this…to the other Wish families reading this and to those families that wait for other Wish families. We had a hard time with this. We really did not like breaking in front of the lines. I really had to remind myself that the purpose of this once-in-a-lifetime trip was to give Lauren’s family a hassle free trip. Well, our trip was not hassle-free. Our hassles were just different. For us to go rest a while required a trip across the park to the First Aid Station. Lauren had to stop and get shifted in her chair once an hour. Her day to day hassles are too many to name. So for this one week, she had fewer hassles than many people around her, and maybe, just maybe, it made up for some of the hassles she has for the rest of her life. So we got over our discomfort with breaking in line and just enjoyed it for Lauren (and William, who puts up with a lot, too!!) Ok, off my soap box…but definitely wanted to stay that for the benefit of other wish families (just enjoy it, guys) and for other WDW guests (just wanted you guys to know it is hard for us to break in line, too! Thank you so much for your patience!)
Most people understand (and most people on WISH trips feel the same way your group did about breaking in line).
And, sometimes, even with breaking into line, you will still have waited longer than other guests because you needed to wait for the special wheelchair car.
Yeah...I really never got into the make-up, take forever to get ready, stage. Not sure why...but never did. But I do give Lauren more of a break than it probably seemed. :) The problem there is not the time it takes...it is more that she can't do it herself...so its, "Straighten THAT piece of hair...not THAT one...THAT one right there...in front of my ear...yes, that one." She just can't do it herself. And sometimes it makes me cry that she can't. And sometimes I get MAD that she can't and take it out on her (not intentionally)...which is not fair at all...and sometimes she gets mad that she can't do it...or more that she can't communicate to us HOW she wants it done. How exactly do you describe the piece of hair one inch to the left side of your ear halfway down the bottom of your head to someone? Is it your left or my left? ...but I digress...

Lauren is VERY patient with us. She can't do it herself and that is not her fault and most of the time she is completely patient and gracious with any of us that try to do it for her. And she should get a medal for that. A teenage girl being nice to us adults that are doing her hair. :grouphug: You know, many severely disabled girls have very short hair, per the requests of their caregivers, so it is easy to manage...and not the hair they would like to have. I am so proud to call Lauren's family my friends...because they really do TAKE CARE of Lauren. Not just her physical needs, but her emotional ones too...which is harder, sometimes, than just the physical stuff. They all deserve medals.
We sometimes have a very frustrating 'game' of 20 questions because my DD can't talk and she wants something very specific. Luckily, she's pretty good at 'body language'.
When I knew that DD was disabled, one of the things I wanted to make sure was that her clothing and hair styles were never chosen for convenience. Luckily, my older DD has always been the 'style advisor' for her sister. The 2 of them spent a few hours on the internet looking at hair styles the last time she got her hair cut. Interestingly, her last hair cut is amost the same style as Lauren's.


We head to Tomorrowland to go to Buzz Lightyear. They point us to the exit and we bypass a long line. I am not sure if it was the magic button or the inability for her to transfer from her wheelchair that gets us past this line...but this ride is my very favorite!! They have an awesome wheelchair accessible vehicle that Lauren can just drive into and ride like everyone else. LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! :cool1: How cool is that! :thumbsup2
It is the 'magic button'. People with wheelchairs usually wait in either the regular lane or the Fastpass lane until just before boarding.
For those inquiring minds that want to know...this ride allows a wheelchair to go up that ramp and into the car. The car then folds shut and Lauren can ride in her wheelchair the whole way. If she could physically do it, she would be able to fire the laser and everything...it is right in front of her chair. (But since I was like 2 cars behind her, this was hard to get a picture of.) I do have to say, though, that getting off is a little tricky. For some reason they did not really stop the ride. Instead, they wanted her to back up FAST and get off...so the ride is moving forward and they want Lauren to back up, sideways, down a ramp she can't see...while the ride is still moving forward. That didn't work too well, so they did stop the ride and the rest of the people on the ride had to wait...eventually they all heard, "This ride is about to be in motion" or something like that! So if you hear that...maybe some poor person like Lauren is trying to get off...bear with us. :hug:
Here's another picture of the wheelchair accessible car. It's hard to get a good picture because it's dark and everything moves fast.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA060062-med.JPG
We actually got to ride Buzz twice, I think...maybe three times? :scared1: I can't remember. Because no one was waiting for the wheelchair car. But we eventually got off...:rotfl:
We had a similar situation. No one else was waiting for the wheelchair car and the CM who put us on changed jobs - the new CM coming to work in the area didn't realize anyone was on the wheelchair car until it was too late to let us off.
They are VERY efficient at getting manual wheelchairs on and off; they can do it without slowing the line.
I think they sometimes forget that someone using a power wheelchair on an unfamilar ride car may not be able to get off as quickly.
Then we head to Monsters, Inc. In line we sent a text message to some dude and William told him a joke. "Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ATE 9!" The show was great…and they told William’s joke!!! And said his name out loud and everything! It was so awesome because he felt so special…and that was nice since Lauren was getting a lot of attention on this trip.
:thumbsup2
Also...First Aid is awesome! If you ever need to just lay down a few min. Or take meds. Or some kind of treatment (asthma or something). You can bring your stuff to First Aid and they give you an exam room all to yourself, with a door and everything! NICE! Go DISNEY!
I don't have a picture of the private rooms at First Aid, but here's a picture of the non-private rooms. This kind has a curtain, not a door. And, they usually only have one person using a room at a time, even though there are 2 cots in here.
The CMs at First Aid are great though.:thumbsup2
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA040150-med.JPG

[MousekaMaddi]

:yay: :flower3: popcorn:: what cha doin? hURRY PLEASE, your adoring fans are getting restless:rolleyes1

[maroo]

:yay: :flower3: popcorn:: what cha doin? hURRY PLEASE, your adoring fans are getting restless:rolleyes1

Hey now! :flower3: I gave you guys 2 updates in 24 hours! Isn't that enough. :) lol

:lmao:

I am SOOOO glad that I have a fan!! :) That is so cool!

I do plan to work on the MNSSHP one tomorrow...it may be a two post one...we were busy folks...and lots of pics! :)

[maroo]

I'm sorry Lauren didn't have as much fun at BBB as you thought she would!

But, she got smiles and a really kind gesture out of Sandra!! I am in shock!! :scared1: I guess I can now forgive her for being so grumpy with poor Arminda....maybe...

Tinker-Lauren is GORGEOUS!!!!

Sorry to hear about your hot tub misadventure! Isn't it great that they actually drain it when they find UFOs in it, though?

Lauren has this way about her...of bringing out the best in particularly difficult people. I had forgotten that Sandra was Arminda's FGIT! I do remember now...how strange. Susan was great, too, by the way! She was very sweet to Lauren and did all of the "ritual BBB" stuff for her. Lauren just didn't like it. :)

Tinker-Lauren...actually the REAL Lauren was mad at me for putting up the pics that I have used so far. She only wants me to use the ones AFTER she put her OWN makeup ON TOP of the makeup that the BBB folks did...she added some spice to it before our MNSSHP! So, she only wants those pics on from now on.

And, Lauren said that she did like BBB...once she got back to the room and "fixed" it. :lmao:

and the hot tub thing...was just FUNNY...I mean...go figure.

Great Reviews! I am loving it!

thank you so much!! And thank you for posting!!!! :)

Great TR, I laughed, I cried.

I made BBB res. for my kids on our upcoming trip in Nov., I worry my kids will feel too old but they're only going to get older so we are giving it a shot, even my 14 yr. old son!

You are so kind...keep with us...because I will be doing more updates...we are really only on day 2 of 7. And this trip is about to get interesting...:rolleyes1

Maroo, These chapters had me all up and down for you. Lauren looks so beautiful as Tinkerbell; I hate that she was unhappy but teens have their own way of thinking!

You are cracking me up with all the beating yourself up you do about the camera. My goodness! You had hundreds of responsibilities every hour, every minute of the trip!

Rock on.

I hate to tell you...the next few days of this TR are nothing but ups and downs...! So put on your seatbelt, my friends...this is a roller coaster of a trip, for sure!! :) And we are heading to the top of the coaster with this MNSSHP! :rolleyes1

Teens definitely do have their own thought process...how did we survive?

That forgetting the camera thing was one of the worst planning moments. I had wanted to be a fly on the wall at that lunch anyway...and I missed it all...literally and figuratively!

and I am so glad that someone recognizes how busy this trip was for us. There really is never a dull moment. When you are doing things for yourself and your kids are with you...but can take care of their basic needs, the trips are busy...but when you are meeting basic needs for yourself plus someone else, it gets a little interesting. It is a wonder, I guess, how we got any pictures at all! :confused3 :confused3

For readers who might be curious, wheelchair ramp being put into place.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA060022_1-med.JPG
and ramp put into place for wheelchair to drive in.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA060023-med.JPG

Most people understand (and most people on WISH trips feel the same way your group did about breaking in line).
And, sometimes, even with breaking into line, you will still have waited longer than other guests because you needed to wait for the special wheelchair car.

We sometimes have a very frustrating 'game' of 20 questions because my DD can't talk and she wants something very specific. Luckily, she's pretty good at 'body language'.
When I knew that DD was disabled, one of the things I wanted to make sure was that her clothing and hair styles were never chosen for convenience. Luckily, my older DD has always been the 'style advisor' for her sister. The 2 of them spent a few hours on the internet looking at hair styles the last time she got her hair cut. Interestingly, her last hair cut is amost the same style as Lauren's.


It is the 'magic button'. People with wheelchairs usually wait in either the regular lane or the Fastpass lane until just before boarding.

Here's another picture of the wheelchair accessible car. It's hard to get a good picture because it's dark and everything moves fast.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA060062-med.JPG

We had a similar situation. No one else was waiting for the wheelchair car and the CM who put us on changed jobs - the new CM coming to work in the area didn't realize anyone was on the wheelchair car until it was too late to let us off.
They are VERY efficient at getting manual wheelchairs on and off; they can do it without slowing the line.
I think they sometimes forget that someone using a power wheelchair on an unfamilar ride car may not be able to get off as quickly.

:thumbsup2

I don't have a picture of the private rooms at First Aid, but here's a picture of the non-private rooms. This kind has a curtain, not a door. And, they usually only have one person using a room at a time, even though there are 2 cots in here.
The CMs at First Aid are great though.:thumbsup2
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PA040150-med.JPG

Wow...Sue, I am continually amazed by your knowledge of all things Disney with a disability! You sure have been there! And you know your stuff!!!

I hope this TR will add something to your arsenal of knowledge. :)

It really was a wonderful experience. Even Lisa, who hates crowds and spending money, saw the benefit of Disney for Lauren in particular. They are just SOOO accessible and disability minded.

Lauren said, "That is the only place in this world where I did not feel disabled. We have to go back."

We are planning a return trip in 2009. And I never thought I would say that!

That is so cool that your DD has a hair style like Lauren's...she really likes hers...especially when we can style it right!

[SueM in MN]

Wow...Sue, I am continually amazed by your knowledge of all things Disney with a disability! You sure have been there! And you know your stuff!!!

I hope this TR will add something to your arsenal of knowledge. :)
I think your TR will be a very good addition.
It really was a wonderful experience. Even Lisa, who hates crowds and spending money, saw the benefit of Disney for Lauren in particular. They are just SOOO accessible and disability minded.

Lauren said, "That is the only place in this world where I did not feel disabled. We have to go back."

We are planning a return trip in 2009. And I never thought I would say that!
That's why we keep coming back....
Although, I do think my DH is happy that our recent "Quest for pictures and measurements of all the Companion Restrooms Trip" is complete.
That is so cool that your DD has a hair style like Lauren's...she really likes hers...especially when we can style it right!
i don't have any good pictures of my DD; as soon as she sees the camera, she either puts her head down or turns it. We joke that owls and DD are the only creatures on earth that can turn their heads 270 degrees.

[AshClan]

I was way behind! Thank you for all the wonderful chapters, Mary. You certainly had your ups and downs!

A few things:

OF COURSE you went to the MK first! I do that whenever possible. I really don't feel like I'm "THERE" until I get to walk down Main Street. Your meeting with the stepsisters and stepmother cracked me up. I haven't met them yet, but have heard wonderful things. Must get to that soon!

Tell Lauren she looked BEAUTIFUL in her Tink garb. I'm sure she did an even better job with her makeup "enhancements", but she looks darn good to me in the pics you posted!!! I'm glad she finally got to be Tinkerbelle. Sorry she had some tough moments after that, but, as Jami said, it's a teenager thing. My boys are bad enough, girls are tougher! Sounds like she managed to recover fairly quickly ;)

Lauren said, "That is the only place in this world where I did not feel disabled. We have to go back."

I LOVE THIS!!! Every CM should see this quote. That's what they should all be striving for. Actually, we should all strive for it! You are wonderful for all you did to make this trip so special for Lauren, too. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

[DisneyNutMary]

Hi Mary!
I am addicted to your TR.
Lauren is a beautiful girl, her happiness in the pictures is contagious.

I think this trip was probably the trip of a lifetime more for Lisa than the kids. I grew up with a brother who has CP, and I know the sacrifices my mother made for him and for us. Life is hard on the mother of a special child. It is hard to ignore the stares, always trying to guage if they are stares of curiosity- as you often get from small kids- or rudeness.
I bet the escape from the stresses of everyday life were a welcome relief to Lisa.

Thanks for all the info on GKTW. My neighbor's son was granted a wish trip- they are going next summer- without giving away any surprises, I am going to tell her about the fin things to expect.

[mom2lilnick]

I am loving this TR.. I keep checking for updates!

[maroo]

I was way behind! Thank you for all the wonderful chapters, Mary. You certainly had your ups and downs!

A few things:

OF COURSE you went to the MK first! I do that whenever possible. I really don't feel like I'm "THERE" until I get to walk down Main Street. Your meeting with the stepsisters and stepmother cracked me up. I haven't met them yet, but have heard wonderful things. Must get to that soon!

Tell Lauren she looked BEAUTIFUL in her Tink garb. I'm sure she did an even better job with her makeup "enhancements", but she looks darn good to me in the pics you posted!!! I'm glad she finally got to be Tinkerbelle. Sorry she had some tough moments after that, but, as Jami said, it's a teenager thing. My boys are bad enough, girls are tougher! Sounds like she managed to recover fairly quickly ;)



I LOVE THIS!!! Every CM should see this quote. That's what they should all be striving for. Actually, we should all strive for it! You are wonderful for all you did to make this trip so special for Lauren, too. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Yes, I am glad that we went to MK first...but honestly, I let the crowd calendar guide me on that. But next time we go, we will do MK first!! Possibly the MNSSHP!! It was so fun...and coming up!! :)

Lauren saw the BBB pictures that I put up in the TR on Friday and she said that she "looked better that I thought"...:lmao: But, the pics of her AFTER her enhancements will be coming up.

I guess I should write in to Disney and tell them that she said that. And that all of their efforts are not going unnoticed. Do you have any idea who I would write?

Thank you so much for your comments and everything you have added to this TR... :)

Hi Mary!
I am addicted to your TR.
Lauren is a beautiful girl, her happiness in the pictures is contagious.

I think this trip was probably the trip of a lifetime more for Lisa than the kids. I grew up with a brother who has CP, and I know the sacrifices my mother made for him and for us. Life is hard on the mother of a special child. It is hard to ignore the stares, always trying to guage if they are stares of curiosity- as you often get from small kids- or rudeness.
I bet the escape from the stresses of everyday life were a welcome relief to Lisa.

Thanks for all the info on GKTW. My neighbor's son was granted a wish trip- they are going next summer- without giving away any surprises, I am going to tell her about the fin things to expect.

Addicted...yeah, me too! :lmao: My friends are making fun of me...because it is the first thing I do when I get to Lauren's house...show them what I have written...see if I have any PM's...see if anyone has posted...read other TRs...you know the drill. Yes...addicted! Facebook is missing me! :)

You are so right about Lisa. She has three people to take care of medically...her husband - Type I diabetic...her son - immune system issues, gastric ulcers, etc...and Lauren - she says she is the most "normal" person in her family! m:rotfl2:

Because Lisa has so much on her...it is good that we sort of have a team helping them out...Lauren's grandparents are WONDERFUL...they help every week...either on a Saturday or a weekday, picking kids up from school, etc. And I get to help some, too. We also have other folks that just randomly help. Our church is wonderful...in fact...I have to GO to church...I better wrap this up!!!

Please direct your neighbor to the Wish Trippers Unite thread...here is a link...

Wish Trippers UNITE thread...Lots of info re: Wish Trips! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1606643)

It was very helpful in my planning and a great "support group" for people with children with special needs.

Thank you for all of your comments...thanks for posting...and thanks for reading! :)

I am loving this TR.. I keep checking for updates!

Awww...you are so sweet!!

I have been working on getting my MNSSHP pics organized. I should have an update up by tonight!! :)

I think your TR will be a very good addition.

That's why we keep coming back....
Although, I do think my DH is happy that our recent "Quest for pictures and measurements of all the Companion Restrooms Trip" is complete.

i don't have any good pictures of my DD; as soon as she sees the camera, she either puts her head down or turns it. We joke that owls and DD are the only creatures on earth that can turn their heads 270 degrees.

I love Disney!

Although, I do think my DH is happy that our recent "Quest for pictures and measurements of all the Companion Restrooms Trip" is complete.

Oh, that is so funny...bless your heart...you are always thinking of us as you tour WDW...stopping to get measurements of bathrooms when you could be out and about...now THAT is sacrifice!! Thank you, really, for doing all of that...it is very helpful for planning purposes!!

Aw...You are going to have to sneak up on your DD to get a picture!! :) Or have two cameras out... :rotfl2:


Thanks, ALL, for reading and posting! I should have another update tonight and will see Lauren this afternoon to show them all of the updates.

:wave: See you guys later!!

[AmberGreenawalt]

MORE!!! MORE!!! I can't wait for more! I am LOVING your trip report Mary!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!:goodvibes

[SueM in MN]

Please direct your neighbor to the Wish Trippers Unite thread...here is a link...

Wish Trippers UNITE thread...Lots of info re: Wish Trips! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1606643)

It was very helpful in my planning and a great "support group" for people with children with special needs.

Thank you for all of your comments...thanks for posting...and thanks for reading! :)
I case they lose this link to the Wish Trippers Thread, there is a section about WISH trips in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. That section includes a link to the Wish Trippers Thread and also some other useful links, like Give Kids the World, Make a Wish and Wish Trip reports (including this thread).
You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread stuck near the top of the disABILITIES Board or Cheshire Figment and I both have a link to it in our signatures.

[maroo]

MORE!!! MORE!!! I can't wait for more! I am LOVING your trip report Mary!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!:goodvibes

Thank you so much!! I can't wait to hear about your travels, either!! :) Wish Trips ROCK!!!! :)

I case they lose this link to the Wish Trippers Thread, there is a section about WISH trips in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. That section includes a link to the Wish Trippers Thread and also some other useful links, like Give Kids the World, Make a Wish and Wish Trip reports (including this thread).
You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread stuck near the top of the disABILITIES Board or Cheshire Figment and I both have a link to it in our signatures.

Oh yes...I spent a LOT of time on Page 3 when I was planning my trip. And I never kept the link to the Wish Trippers thread...lol...I was always accessing it on Page 3. :rotfl2:

[Khalana]

Will there be more? Oh please, oh please!! :) You're writing such an excellent and riveting TR. It's like a page turner!! :thumbsup2 Please, let us know what happens at CRT and how the rest of your trip went! :) Looking forward to more!!!! :)

[AButrcup1]

So I am totally addicted to this thread!Please we need more! Tell Lauren she is a beautiful girl,and I don't blame her for not being thrilled with BBB,my 14 year old thought it was too babyish(is that even a word?!)She stilled looked awesome as Tink though!
Andreaprincess: DH.Danpirate: DD..Taylor,14princess: DS..Braydon,7

[maroo]

Ok...so where were we? Oh yeah, hottub...well, we don't want to think about THAT again...:rolleyes1

After the Castle late lunch, Lauren and Lisa come back to the room. Lauren, by the way, is allergic to her costume :rolleyes: ...so we put some medicine on the spots where she has broken out...and put a tank top on under her dress.

At this point there is lots of discussion. We have tickets to the MNSSHP for Tuesday night (today is Saturday, by the way)...but they say it could rain on Tuesday night...so we are thinking...let's go tonight AND Tuesday night. I know from reading lots on the DISboards that there is so much to do, that I figure we can stay just a little while tonight and catch the parade and fireworks and then we can ride the rides and do characters on Tuesday. (Remember, Lauren, Lisa and I have only done Buzz and Monsters, Inc. Lauren has seen NOTHING except Tomorrowland.)

So, after much discussion, we decide to go ahead and go tonight! Yeah!!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:

So, everyone gets ready, while Lauren rests a little while. Now, I figure Lauren has already been "done" ya know. She has been out of her chair...it is about 6:00, so we get her back in her chair to leave, right? Right? Nope...she informs us that she needs to "get ready"...what? :confused3 You are already ready? No...she tells us...I have to put my makeup on. What? You just got a makeover :eek: (a very expensive makeover at that) and we have TO GO! (Now this is where I don't get very nice about the makeup/hair deal...:sad2: thankfully one of the only times...) I am like...come on...you don't need to do your makeup...it will be DARK outside! Lauren gets upset...I have to take a break...it was not very nice. I think she cried...:sad1: Urg...I HAVE to get an attitude adjustment...it's her trip...good grief!

So, I apologize...get a better attitude...and we fix makeup and hair for about an hour...and THEN we are on our way!!!

Isn't she beautiful! (She was right, by the way.)

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3292.jpg

On the monorail we run into another cute little tinkerbell!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3293.jpg


By the way, I am dressed up as "Cat in the Hat"...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3294.jpg

Rick and Lisa are dressed up as "salt and pepper" and William is in his Karate outfit! Pictures of them are coming...



First, we head down Main Street...the parade is about to start (yes...we didn't get there till about 8:00!) William, Rick and I are starving...so we grab counter service. And wait for the parade...
Here are some pics...not in order of the parade route!

This is my favorite...I love Pluto and Goofy and Candy...:rotfl2:
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3328-1.jpg

These guys were quite entertaining!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3318-1.jpg

The details in these floats amaze me...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3316-1.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3315.jpg

And the characters are so sweet!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3310-1.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3320.jpg

In fact…here is Mickey himself!!
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3307.jpg

We enjoyed the parade a lot! I don't want to give anything away...but it is one of the only parades we see this trip...and it was a good one. And I have that song..."Boo to you and Boo to you and Boo to you...Happy Halloween" in my head to this day!

Now...Off to Adventureland...Magic Kingdom - MNSSHP - Part TWO! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28380035&postcount=164)

[maroo]

Next we head toward Adventureland. Lauren hasn't seen any of this...and now it is dark...:sad2: Oh well, we will see it on Tuesday afternoon (we plan to get to MK at about 4:00) in the sunlight.

We ran into some characters in Adventureland. This was FUN...her button gets her family to the front of each of these lines...so these magical moments happen very fast for us...


Rick and Lisa as salt and pepper...

*** THIS PHOTO HAS BEEN REMOVED!!! Per Lisa... If you want it back, tell her about it! (you will have to tell me, because she doesn't live on the DISboards! But I will be SURE to let her know you disapprove!)


William is dressed up in his Karate suit...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3349.jpg


In fact...you would think he would be a little scared to take on this BIG guy...but no...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3345.jpg



In fact...want to see that in motion...

Here is a VIDEO of that encounter!!

Click HERE to see William's Famous Kick! (http://s460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/?action=view&current=MVI_3346.flv)



Lauren and William (aren't they cute!!)

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3350.jpg


Lauren and one very cute Tarzan! For some reason he was more handsome in person...he was CUTE! Is Tarzan married?

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3337-1.jpg


And more character pics...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3336-1.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3342-1.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3330.jpg


After that awesome encounter, we went to the Pirates of the Caribbean. This ride is not accessible at all. But the kids want to ride it. Luckily Lauren only weighs 65 lbs, so she is easy to transfer. We just pick her up and tote her where she wants to go. :) For this ride, she rode in Lisa's lap. They took her wheelchair so they could bring it to us at the exit. I did warn Lisa that there is a drop in this ride...since Lauren is completely on her lap and they are on the edge...:scared1: but they were fine. It is interesting to note, though, that this ride actually scared Lauren. She didn't like it. :confused3



After this ride, it was very close to 9:30...time for FIREWORKS! HalloWishes! But William was NOT excited about this. He really doesn't like loud noises...they make his head hurt. So we sort of had a problem...Lauren and I really wanted to see the fireworks, but we didn't want to split up again. It turned out we didn't really have much of a view back in Adventureland anyway...Lauren, Rick and I head to a clearing and watch the end of the fireworks and then we all headed to Fantasyland.

Now, this whole time we are Trick or Treating! We got a TON of candy...really...a BUNCH of candy. I still have candy left, if that tells you anything...

Now, don't get me wrong...there is no more CHOCOLATE left :rotfl2: ...but I do still have candy. We probably got 10-15 pounds of candy at this party...



I am not certain of the order here...but we rode several rides...the whole time we were saying...we need to go back to the Contemporary and go to sleep...but let's ride _______ first...

It's a Small World was a WALK ON! (Seriously - I was stunned.) Here are some pics...


This boat is pretty cool...Lauren just drives right on...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3369-1.jpg


And drives to the front of the vehicle...Aren't they sweet!!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3366-1.jpg


I love this picture of Lauren...looking up at all of the dolls...and check out those WINGS!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3362-1.jpg


But this picture...I LOVE IT!!! And I can't take credit for this one...Lisa captured this shot...The wonder in William's eyes the first time he sees "It's a Small World"...Priceless...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3363-1.jpg

We went to Mickey's PhilarMagic. This was a great show! I loved the music and smells and special effects. This was honestly one of my favorite rides/shows. I can't wait to see it again one day!

We also rode Peter Pan...now, for those of you guys who have never noticed...or forgot...or have no way of knowing...The loading for Peter Pan is REALLY not accessible.

In fact...this is the video I found that best shows it...I know...YouTube...can I post this??? If not, someone let me know...

Peter Pan's Flight Boarding! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIO0H9ujaq0)

So, as you can see...the Peter Pan ride boards quite fast. So, when Lauren drove up and told the CM she wanted to ride it, they thought we were crazy! But we just hoisted her up again, put her between Lisa and I, and off we went! I LOVE this ride...Have loved it a long time. And riding with Lauren the first time she rode it was so fun! We got to ride it twice in a row, which was neat...because I saw things the second time around that I didn't catch the first time around...I guess they did not want to watch us try to hoist Lauren up on that ride again, so they let us go twice! :lmao:

Getting off was a little harder than getting on...but we made it! You should have seen us. :rotfl2: With her little Tink dress on...trying NOT to flash the world...:rotfl2: It was pretty funny...

At this point you guys are probably thinking...it is TIME for them to go HOME! It's late...and it is just their first day...

But there is more...in fact...one of the BEST moments of our WHOLE trip is coming up...but I can't post it tonight...sorry, guys...but hopefully tomorrow!!

Ok...here it is!! :)

Magic Kingdom - MNSSHP - Part THREE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28395218&postcount=179)

[SueM in MN]

I'm glad you got to go to MNSSHP twice.
There is so much to see. It sounds like a lot of time, but all of a sudden, it's midnight and you have to leave.

[jillalvarez2003]

I love the update! Lauren looked great...as usual! And I'm jealous - MNSSHP twice in one visit. I love that party. The part of the song that goes... "It's really no so scary" keeps going through my head. And those gravce digger guys. They are cool, the sparks they make with their shovelsare neat... Love it!

Can't wait for the next installment!

[SueM in MN]

We also rode Peter Pan...now, for those of you guys who have never noticed...or forgot...or have no way of knowing...The loading for Peter Pan is REALLY not accessible.

In fact...this is the video I found that best shows it...I know...YouTube...can I post this??? If not, someone let me know...

Peter Pan's Flight Boarding! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIO0H9ujaq0)

So, as you can see...the Peter Pan ride boards quite fast. So, when Lauren drove up and told the CM she wanted to ride it, they thought we were crazy! But we just hoisted her up again, put her between Lisa and I, and off we went! I LOVE this ride...Have loved it a long time. And riding with Lauren the first time she rode it was so fun! We got to ride it twice in a row, which was neat...because I saw things the second time around that I didn't catch the first time around...I guess they did not want to watch us try to hoist Lauren up on that ride again, so they let us go twice! :lmao:

Getting off was a little harder than getting on...but we made it! You should have seen us. :rotfl2: With her little Tink dress on...trying NOT to flash the world...:rotfl2: It was pretty funny...

At this point you guys are probably thinking...it is TIME for them to go HOME! It's late...and it is just their first day...

But there is more...in fact...one of the BEST moments of our WHOLE trip is coming up...but I can't post it tonight...sorry, guys...but hopefully tomorrow!!

When I posted before, you only had one of these updates posted!!

You are right about Peter Pan.
WE no longer do Peter Pan since my DH almost ran out of room while getting DD off the last time we rode (he narrowly missed walking/being propelled by the moving walkway into a wall:eek:

That is a very good view of boarding for Peter Pan - people post youtube links all the time, so it should be just fine. In fact, I kept the link because I may use it for the MK FAQs thread I'm (eventually) going to do for the disABILITIES Board.

[jamal]

I'm first!

Maroo, I was at MNSSHP a month ago and you've taken me right back. I keep thinking what an honor it would have been to see all of you there that night.
Lauren was right. You made her hair look pixie-perfect.

Look! You got some great pictures, too!

[maroo]

I'm glad you got to go to MNSSHP twice.
There is so much to see. It sounds like a lot of time, but all of a sudden, it's midnight and you have to leave.

I know...believe it or not, we are not done yet! :) I just ran out of time to post the last part of it... :) But...don't get too excited yet...we have not actually MADE it to MNSSHP for the second time yet!! :rolleyes1

I love the update! Lauren looked great...as usual! And I'm jealous - MNSSHP twice in one visit. I love that party. The part of the song that goes... "It's really no so scary" keeps going through my head. And those gravce digger guys. They are cool, the sparks they make with their shovelsare neat... Love it!

Can't wait for the next installment!

Yes, Lauren did look good, didn't she! :) Maybe SHE should be a FGIT!
Don't be jealous yet...The PLAN is to go to MNSSHP again...Did we make it? :rolleyes1
The songs were great...the party was awesome! And like I told Sue, it isn't over for us yet!!! Another installment tomorrow...with MORE MNSSHP!! :)



When I posted before, you only had one of these updates posted!!

You are right about Peter Pan.
WE no longer do Peter Pan since my DH almost ran out of room while getting DD off the last time we rode (he narrowly missed walking/being propelled by the moving walkway into a wall:eek:

That is a very good view of boarding for Peter Pan - people post youtube links all the time, so it should be just fine. In fact, I kept the link because I may use it for the MK FAQs thread I'm (eventually) going to do for the disABILITIES Board.

Yeah...I had one ready to go and finished the other one tonight. :) I went ahead and posted both...I can't believe we are only on Day 2 of our trip...goodness!

Peter Pan was a great ride...and Lauren enjoyed it...we would probably do it again...but not in a dress! :)

I can't wait for an MK thread! I saw your Epcot one and I think it is a great idea! That stuff is just so hard to come by...all of the pics and links...I do have a few more that helped me, I think...that I can send to you. But that was my best one...I actually studied that thing. Someone is probably wondering why so many people are watching their parents get on Peter Pan...in fact...why is that video even ON YouTube? Strange.



I'm first!

Maroo, I was at MNSSHP a month ago and you've taken me right back. I keep thinking what an honor it would have been to see all of you there that night.
Lauren was right. You made her hair look pixie-perfect.

Look! You got some great pictures, too!

:) :) :) I think you are fourth... :rotfl2:

Were we there at the same time? I am still reading your TR from 07, I think!! (In my free time from writing this one.)

You are so sweet...we are a TRIP...but I am not sure how honored you should be to meet us. But we would have some FUN! Never a dull moment hanging out with this gang!

I had help with the hair...in fact...I am not sure that her mom didn't do it? I can't remember...actually...I think I did that night...because I can still SMELL that goop I put in it. In fact, later in the week Lauren and I smell that hair stuff again...and we both looked at each other and said, "Gross! That hair stuff! and ran away from it!" It took many bobbie pins...in fact...I have a picture to show you later that will CRACK you up...I should come up in my next post...it is Lauren AFTER I took her hair down...or tried to...:rotfl2: makes me laugh just thinking about it. I will try to post it tomorrow with the end of the MNSSHP stuff...

[teresajoy]

Oh goodness, I was forgetting to take notes!!!
Ok, I love the pictures on Buzz! William and Lisa are too cute!

The proposal in front of the castle!!!!!! AHHHAAHHAAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! How romantic!!!

YEAH SUSAN!!! She is fabulous!
I hope you had better luck with Sandra than we did!

Can't let her leave with bobie pins? I'm confused. Lydia had 25 bobbi pins in her hair when I took out her bun. Seriously, I just kept pulling them out and pulling them out and pulling them out...

Wow, Sandra was nice.shocker..ok, that's all I'll say, because I'm nice too.... I'm not forgiving her for being mean to Arminda though! EVERYONE loves Arminda, seriously, they do, and she was just meh with her!

I'm sorry Lauren wasn't feeling it. Poor kid. She looks GOOOORGEEEEOUS though! Cutest Tink I've ever seen! (I've gotta ask though, wasn't that costume scratchy?)

WHAT!!!???!!???!! You left them NO camera AND didn't explain how the Photopass works??? Oh Mary Mary Mary!!! I guess you will just all have to go back!

So sorry about your hottub misadventure! Ick!


I love the way Lauren fixed her makeup! It looks much better! And, I see you answered my question about the costume!

I like your Cat in the Hat costume!

And, I have to mention again how pretty Lauren is!

YES Tarzan is married! Fess up Mary, have you seen ANY Disney cartoons??? I'm jealous though, I've never seen Tarzan in the parks! Well, except for the now gone Tarzan show. *sniff*

I love the Small World pictures!!

You got to ride Peter Pan twice!! We completely missed it our last trip and it's one of our favorites! How does that happen when you have 10 day park hoppers????

I'm glad no flashing was going on getting off the Peter Pan ride!


WHAT???!!??!!! A cliffhanger??? No fair!!


I'm sorry Lauren didn't have as much fun at BBB as you thought she would!

But, she got smiles and a really kind gesture out of Sandra!! I am in shock!! :scared1: I guess I can now forgive her for being so grumpy with poor Arminda....maybe...?

You are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more forgiving than me! I guess that's because I'm her Mommy!


Mary, I am anxiously awaiting your next update!!

[jessica52877]

Well, after being gone for the week I LOVED all the updates! I don't like waiting so maybe I'll just go another week before checking back! Come on, you gotta update faster!!!!

Lauren looks so pretty and I love all the costumes for MNSSHP! That parade is one of my favorites!

[DisneyNutMary]

Cliffhanger :scared1: NOOOOO!!!!!

Mary, post more please. I am really enjoying reliving Lauren's trip with you. Disney is wonderful with special needs kids.
Even though my brother is not a kid anymore (he's 43) he has the mental age of 8, due to his CP. I am finding myself wishing that UCP will finally do the WDW trip they have been wanting to do for the past few years.

[Yzma and Kronk]

Maroo - wow 4 more chapters!

Lauren looks great in her Tink outfit - and I love the picture with her and the Little Tink!

BTW - the big bear is Baloo from Jungle Book. You need to update yourself on Disney charaters...;)

The CR hottub :scared1:

Great reporting - can't wait to hear more!

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

Lauren is too cute!

She looks so happy.

Her wheels are awesome. My Emma has purple wheels. They are much smaller, she just turned 5.

We LOVE Disney World. We are going again on Thanksgiving but we are staying off site this time.

If you or Lauren would like to check out her website, here it is:

www.emmahopeworld.net

There are tons of pictures from our trip to DW this past Jan/Feb.

Amy :wizard: