Gktw??? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

My4KidzMomma

06-08-2004, 10:05 PM

We were just at GKTW in March this year. The drive usually took us about 20 minutes to WDW, and about 30 minutes to SW and US. The traffic on 192 is really bad, that is why it took so long - the distance is only about 10 miles.
You will receive free parking with your wish child's GKTW button. They will give you that at orientation along with all your park tickets. You will receive a guest assistance pass for Disney that will give your party front of the line access. The actual wording on the pass says "Give this party any assistance necessary to expedite their experience at the attraction." It has a green stop light on it. Every CM we showed the pass to, took us or sent us right to the front of the line or at least through the Fast Pass line. Universal and Sea World will give you priority access to rides and show when they see the child's button also.
You will have a great time! Good luck with your trip.
Angela

mommie2angels

06-10-2004, 01:35 AM

scrapperjill, when you enter each park there are photographers there to take your family picture. They will give you a ticket to go and look at your picture. When you go to view it if you like it and decide to purchase it they will give it to you free if you are a wish family. This is also true in Toontown, on the rides that take photos and maybe other places that I am forgetting. Oh we also got a photo package at Donaldbreakfasarus. I don't remember getting any at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventures. This was back in 2000. I will have to look back at our pictures and see. We did get one at Sea World on the Kracken ride.

scrapperjill

06-10-2004, 05:01 AM

Thanks for all the info...everyone. But I still have more questions.

mommie2angels...so is there a limit to the photos? It sounds like your family got quite a few.

Also...I am thinking about making PS plans at Hollywood & Vine or Brown Derby for the Fantasmic show....to save time waiting in line to see Fantasmic. But before I made the PS arrangments I wanted to know...as a Wish family would we have to wait in the long line...or are we able to have PS as a wish family....I don't want to spend so much $$$ on dinners since we can eat at GKTW for nothing...

Is my thinking of saving $$ by eating at GKTW worth doing....is there to much time wasted in travel getting to WDW/GKTW and back to make it worth the savings?

Are you able to get meals (brown bagging it) from GKTW to take on your daily adventures??

Has anyone done the princess dinner at 1900 park fare? I was thinking of doing it as our last meal at WDW...but haven't fully decided.

Thanks again....I'm sure I'll come up with more questions as time goes by...

Oh..dose anyone know if GKTW has a shuttle available from the airport?

SueM in MN

06-10-2004, 01:32 PM

We have never been a WISH family, but I can tell you that having a person with a wheelchair, we have never waited in a long line for Fantasmic. They do start seating for the first show of Fantasmic at least an hour before the show begins. The whole back row is for people with disabilities/special needs (wheelchair/ecv spaces, plus a few seats). The row ahead of that is for their families or for ambulatory people with special needs.
Getting there early is not bad, since you do have a spot to sit, there are bathrooms inside the stadium and also snack bars/CMs selling popcorn and pop in the seating areas. Even though my DD has issues with being in lines with people and ADD that makes her not the easiest wait-er, we've had pleasant experiences waiting for Fantasmic to begin.
We have also gotten there as little as 15 minutes before the show was to begin and still gotten a seat (although I don't recommend that - there is no way to know how many people with special needs they will have for any particular show).

dj2

06-10-2004, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by scrapperjill
Has anyone done the princess dinner at 1900 park fare? I was thinking of doing it as our last meal at WDW...but haven't fully decided.

the cinderella dinner is very nice - we usually go on a day that we haven't gone into the parks, since it's at a resort and you don't need admission. i have no knowledge about how tickets work for gktw, so this might not be an issue for you.

there are, however, more princesses at the EPCOT breakfast (didn't like the food as well) but the best place for princesses princess: is Cinderalla's Royal Table in the MK for breakfast. there are some steps in the dining area, so if you've got wc's you need to let the cm who take your ps know. it opens before the park, so you can eat and still spend a full day if that's your wish. if you do go early, take your child's picture on the throne downstairs before you go up - it will be a mob when you come down :D .

dj

scrapperjill

06-10-2004, 06:56 PM

dj2...thanks for the tips on breakfast at Cinderellas Royal Table. I called the other day and made our PS plans. I couldn't beleive I was able to get the day and time I wanted. ....well actually I ended up calling a whole day ahead of what was planned...but since I was on the phone and the time slot we wanted was open...I took it eventhough it was a whole day ahead of schedulle. We were planning on skipping WDW on Labor day and making our first day in the park the day after..on Tuesday..but after my goof..it looks like we will be hitting the park on Labor day after all. The way I see it, they may have extended hours on the holiday...where they wouldn't on Tuesday....and from the sound of being with GKTW...we wouldn't have to wait to long in any line....I'm hoping.

But like I was saying we were able to ge PS for CRT at 8:00 on Monday...so we will be able to go before the park opens...I'll have to remember about the thrown. Thanks.

meeshi

06-14-2004, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by scrapperjill
Thanks for all the info...everyone. But I still have more questions.

mommie2angels...so is there a limit to the photos? It sounds like your family got quite a few.

****I'm not mommie2angels, but when we were there in 2001 we got a free 5x7 picture at each park.

Is my thinking of saving $$ by eating at GKTW worth doing....is there to much time wasted in travel getting to WDW/GKTW and back to make it worth the savings?

****We were there during off season so we didn't feel rushed, (plus they did give us front of the line access). We would eat breakfast at the village and then head to a park, eat lunch at the park and arrive back at the village for a late dinner. We also headed back to the parks 2 nights to watch the fireworks.

Thanks again....I'm sure I'll come up with more questions as time goes by...

Oh..dose anyone know if GKTW has a shuttle available from the airport?

****There was a volunteer from GKTW to greet us when we got off the plane in Orlando. He gave us a map and directions to the village and escorted us to the rental car area. Make A Wish rented us a mini van to use while we were there. But there was another family there and I believe they took a shuttle to the village, but I'm not sure. He got them situated while we got our luggage.

scrapperjill

06-15-2004, 06:51 AM

Meeshi...Thank you for your responce. If you don't mind a couple more questions....

How are the meal times at GKTW? Is there a time that you are suppose to be in to eat??? Or is it open for when ever?

Did you know what kind of car you had prior to your arrival...or was it a supprise?

When you say a rep from GKTW was there to great you and help you to the car rental...then give you a map to the village....would you have had time prior to arrive at the Village to do a little shopping first??? I just ask because I'd like to stop by the outlet stores first to get a few items before they close for the day.

I was asking about the shuttle for our return trip....we are going on the DCL after our stay at GKTW and have a car service picking us up....hopefully from GKTW...but we would need to drop the rental car off at the airport first....we were thinking of doing this the night before we left for the cruise...and catching a shuttle or taxi back to GKTW...then having the car service pick us up in the am.

Thanks again.

meeshi

06-15-2004, 10:44 AM

The Gingerbread House was where we ate breakfast and dinner. Breakfast hours were 8:00am - 10:00am and dinner hours were 6:00pm - 8:00pm. It wasn't open for lunch.

The Ice Cream Palace was open from 8:00am - 9:00pm with a continental breakfast from 7:30am - 11:00am. They also had food there, not just ice cream, but I can't remember exactly what they had. I do know they had hot dogs, but other than that, I'm not sure.

We knew that we had a minivan rented for us before we arrived. Actually, when we got there, there was a problem with the van that was rented. The back area wasn't large enough for my dd's wheelchair and they switched to a different van without any problem.

You should have time to go shopping before going to the village. Our plane landed around 11:00am and I don't think it mattered what time we arrived at the village. You just want to make sure you're there in the evening for orientation. That's where you'll get your park tickets and information.

Sorry I can't answer your question about the shuttle service. Since we didn't use it I'm not sure how it works. But maybe someone else can answer that for you.

Feel free to ask any more questions you may have. I'm so excited for you and your family. You are going to have a wonderful time!:Pinkbounc

scrapperjill

06-15-2004, 07:14 PM

Thanks for the info...it's interesting to hear what the hours are. We were told the ice cream place was open 24 hour a day?? My girls have been so looking forward to having LATE night ice cream. And you say they don't do lunch.....do they provide you with sandwhiches or anything? We were hoping to be up and out of GKTW and on our way to the parks by 8:00....so the breakfast hours kind of suck (i mean that in the nicest way). I don't think the parks open until 9ish but I didn't know how long to leave for travel...and not sure how the traffic is down there. Since were going in "off" season...I'm guessing the park hours will be shorter..so we want don't want to waist any time. But like I was saying we were hoping to leave GKTW by 8 to get to the parks in plenty of time to be there when they opened....From what I've read, getting there early before the crouds is the best plan.

So do you know...with breakfast at 8:00...is it a mad house in there with all the families trying to get in and out first thing in the mornning.

I also heard...if you didn't make it back in time for dinner...they had something available for you...do you know?

Thanks.

meeshi

06-16-2004, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by scrapperjill
Thanks for the info...it's interesting to hear what the hours are. We were told the ice cream place was open 24 hour a day?? My girls have been so looking forward to having LATE night ice cream. And you say they don't do lunch.....do they provide you with sandwhiches or anything? We were hoping to be up and out of GKTW and on our way to the parks by 8:00....so the breakfast hours kind of suck (i mean that in the nicest way). I don't think the parks open until 9ish but I didn't know how long to leave for travel...and not sure how the traffic is down there. Since were going in "off" season...I'm guessing the park hours will be shorter..so we want don't want to waist any time. But like I was saying we were hoping to leave GKTW by 8 to get to the parks in plenty of time to be there when they opened....From what I've read, getting there early before the crouds is the best plan.

So do you know...with breakfast at 8:00...is it a mad house in there with all the families trying to get in and out first thing in the mornning.

I also heard...if you didn't make it back in time for dinner...they had something available for you...do you know?

Thanks.

We went in Nov. 2001, so my memory on some things is a bit foggy. I was taking the hours from a paper we have from GKTW. I do remember getting ice cream at night before we headed back to our villa for the night, but can't tell you what time that was.

About lunches, we never asked about sandwiches or anything because we had plenty of spending money from MAW to eat at the parks. But it doesn't hurt to ask.

We usually got to the Gingerbread House around 8ish for breakfast and it wasn't a mad house. It's cafeteria style so you do wait in line, but it goes fast and there are people there to help with trays.

It's only about 20 mins or so to the parks (I don't remember a lot of traffic in the morning, it seemed worse in the evening going back to the village) and we never had to wait in line to get in. There just weren't any crowds when we went. Even without the pin from GKTW, the lines were maybe a 10 min wait for most rides.

When the CM's see that GKTW pin, they bring you to the front of the line. They even pulled us out of the lines to meet the characters. So you really don't have to worry too much about crowds, except just getting around. But if you're going in off season, the crowds shouldn't be that bad anyway.

About dinner, again, it doesn't hurt to ask. We were either back by dinner time or had plans to eat at the parks so it never was an issue.

Feel free to ask your questions, it brings back so many good memories!
::yes:: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Also, I don't know the ages of your children, but they have activities at the village and my son would have been happy to stay at the village instead of going to the parks. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't his wish trip. :p :teeth:

scrapperjill

06-17-2004, 05:31 AM

Sydney just turned 6...it's her wish trip. Our oldest daughter just turned 11. Both are eager and looking forward to going.

The WSF said we would have some spending money...but we weren't sure how much to expect....so I'm looking for cost saving measures.

I really like the idea of the charater meals and trying other new restraunts at the parks...but the cost...WOW it could really add up. As of now our plan is to do breakfast in the park on two days (I got PS at Cindy's royal table and at the Princess story book in Epcot) then on the other days eating breakfast at GKTW. We also have PS made for dinner two nights...one at O'hana and the other at Whispering Canyon. I made those on the two non-disney days (the days we plan on going to Sea World and US). Then for the other meals...dinner and lunches we plan on eating at the park, packing some..and trying to make it back to GKTW for dinner.

mommie2angels

06-17-2004, 11:08 PM

scrapperjill, sorry I didn't get back with you sooner. DH had a conference in Orlando and we just got back.

We went for our dd#1's wish in 2000. At that time you had to preview all pictures taken at MK at Expo Hall. You could choose one picture for free and the others you had to pay for. Now you preview Toon Town pictures back at Toon Town. You would get a free picture there, a free picture from Expo Hall and a free picture from Buzz Lightyear. At the time they were not doing pictures on the Buzz Lightyear ride. At Epcot you would be able to choose one free one because all those are viewed at the Camera store. Disney Studios you would get one because they are all previewed in the same store. You would get a free one on TOT and RNR. Then at AK you could choose one for free up front and get one from The Dinosaur ride. We were given our pictures from Donald's Breakfasarus for free too. They don't do pictures at the four restaurants you have meals planned for.

As far as pictures at US & IOA I don't remember. I will try to look back at our pictures. I do remember getting a picture from the ride Kracken at SW.

When you made your PS did you tell them it was for a wish child? If not you may want to call back and let them know that. Make sure you allow enough time from the other parks to get to the Disney resorts. I am sure you already thought of that. We were staying at the Disney resorts this week and it took us longer than we had planned to get to our dinner at other Disney resorts. Thanks to Disney magic we made it in time.

As far as getting the rental car back to the airport I would check with GKTW and see if they don't have someone to do that for you. I would think that they would be glad to have a volunteer do that for you. It's an amazing place with some awesome people. Like Meeshi said about the meals always ask. It can't hurt and they are always more than willing to help.

Are ya'll adding DCL to your trip or is that part of Sydney's wish? I will be anxious to hear what ya'll think of that. We would love to try that some time.

Make sure you plan some time to spend at GKTW. Like I said the place is awesome. There is so much to do there. When our daughter had her wish there in 2000 we didn't plan to spend enough time there. Our dd#2 is having her wish granted to GKTW this year and we are planning to spend lots more time there.

We always had breakfast there at 8:00. We were leaving there no later than 8:30 and were at the parks either right when they were opening or shortly after. We loved having breakfast at GKTW. They always have or did have a character there each morning to have breakfast with you. Since there are not that many people there is plenty of time for autographs and great picture ops. The characters spend so much time with the kids. I think it's Monday and Thursday mornings that they did pictures of your family with Mickey and Minnie. That's one of our most cherished souvenirs.

I am sure I am leaving so much info out. If I can help in answering any more questions please let me know.

scrapperjill

06-18-2004, 03:34 AM

mommie2angels...thanks for getting back to me. I'm glad I found out about all the diffrent photo shops. Had no clue there would be so many.:D .

I tryed to plan enough travel time to get to the restraunts at the resorts...but we have never been down there so I'm not sure how much time we'd need. We planned the PS at the resorts on the days that we plan on doing SW and US. I made the PS times for 7:30ish and 8:00, with SW and US closing at 5pm and 6pm. So I was hoping that would give us enough time each night.

That's a great idea to see if GKTW would/could help with the car rental return. We are adding the limo pick up ourselves as a suprise to the girls....not like they need any more suprises.

From what I understand, by going the time of year that we are going....the parks will be closing earler which should leave us a good amount of time at GKTW.

There is just so much to do and so much to see.....I know...we can't do it all in one trip.

Thanks again for the info....if you can think of any other tips or thoughts I'd love to hear them. (don't know I would have learned about ALL the free photo if you didn't mention it):sunny:

scrapperjill

06-18-2004, 03:37 AM

OH...I was also going to ask what other PS would you recomend. And which ones do the photo op?? And why make sure they know it for a wish trip?? I let them know we were staying at GKTW when I made the PS but did say we had a "wish child".

Did you do lunch and dinner in the park or back at GKTW?

If you don't mind me asking....when are you going on the wish trip this year?

mommie2angels

06-18-2004, 03:27 PM

We didn't know about the photos until near the end of our trip. I am sure things may have changed but last month a CM at the photo pickup in Toon Town asked if we were a wish family. I told him no. He said I just wanted to make sure I gave you your free picture if you were.

The reason I said mention you have a wish child is because I have heard that some of the restaurants will do special things for them. We didn't know anything about PS when our dd#1 went on her wish trip so I don't know about it first hand. We just happened to be able to get into Donald's Breakfasarus the morning we were there.

I think the PS arrangements you have will be fine. Maybe if Ohana's is late enough they will put ya'll by the window so that ya'll can see the fireworks at the MK while ya'll are eating. I know that Chef Mickey's, Donald Breakfasarus and Hoop De Do Revue do family photos before you eat. I am not sure about any other places right off.

Make sure when you have a family photo taken that you ask the CM to take a picture using your own camera too. Those are always nice pictures to have even if you do get the ones they took too.

We ate lunch in the parks but usually had a late lunch. We went in October and even though the park closed earlier we very seldom made it back to GKTW in time for dinner. You have a full kitchen at GKTW so that if you want to make something in your room you could. We did make it back in time to have ice cream. They used to make a orange float that was delicious. I think they recently stopped making those. We usually try to go by there anytime we go to Disney. Our daughter has a paver with her name on it there. Oh and we usually took snacks with us to the park too.

We are waiting to hear from MAW as to the dates that we will be going.

scrapperjill

06-18-2004, 10:12 PM

Thanks again for all the info.

I was thinking of making a couple more PS... one at Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare (for dinner), and some other place...can't think of what it is at this time. I just really don't want to spend tons of $$$ and a lot of time at sit down meals....But the charator meals are lots of fun. I was thinking of doing the 1900 Park fare for our last meal on Friday night.

As for the fireworks...I am hoping they do all that....I just didn't know with it being after Labor day...how late the park would be open and if they'd do all the shows and fireworks. I looked on the Dis boards at the park hours...they are guessing the parks will close between 5pm--6pm...and epcot staying open until 9pm.

I have thought of asking the CM to take photos of our family at the photo ops...but I just wasn't sure if it was alright...I'll have to just ask this time around.

Well thanks again.

mommie2angels

06-19-2004, 12:25 AM

Personally I wouldn't do all those meals. One reason is because that is going to be a lot of money to spend. If you have it then I would say go for it. You will be spending lots of time at meals and missing out on other things you might enjoy more. The interaction between the characters, CMs and wish families in the parks is amazing. At least it was when we were there. I hope ya'll have a wonderful time!

I agree about Chef Mickey. It was one of the best interactions we ever had with the characters. We try to do it for each of our birthdays if we can. We have done breakfast and dinner and enjoyed both.

We haven't done 1900 Park Fare so I can't give you any advice on that one. We tried to get PS there for our trip last week but we couldn't get in. Instead I got PS at GF Cafe just so I could surprise DH and our dds with Cinderella's slipper for dessert. When we walked by 1900 it seemed very nice. We have a friend that is a fur character there sometimes and she likes it there.

Whispering Canyon we enjoyed but for the money I would choose Chef Mickey for the characters. The food at Whispering Canyon was good. Two of our dds are in wheelchairs and they were not able to join in the festivities at WC. We tried a couple of times but it was quite crowded and not enough room for their wheelchairs to go around the room. Your dds will probably really enjoy it though.

Ohana's we really did enjoy. Our two older dds were not able to join in the fun with the hoola hoops and coconut races. Our younger DD enjoyed it.

mommie2angels

06-19-2004, 12:28 AM

Did anyone mention why the parks or the MK would close between 5-6 on Labor Day. I don't remember that happening last year. I could be wrong though. We were there later in month of September and the hours were a good bit later than that. I would think Labor Day they would be open later.

scrapperjill

06-19-2004, 04:54 AM

Well I haven't been able to find any one how could/would tell may any park hours at this date...but on the Dis board they have a "park hours' page where they base it off what they say are last years hours for the same time of year. So that's where I got the hours from...I also thought it was early...being that the hours for the end of August are 8:30. I am just guessing, but on Labor day I would think the park would be open a little longer....it's just the rest of the week that I'm really wondering about. I try to call Disney and ask the park hours...but no one was able to tell me for sure...I was thinking about calling for PS and asking for the latest seating time...thay may give me an idea of how late the park is open...I mean I wouldn't think they'd let you set a time for PS(in the park) at 9pm if the park closed at 6pm.

I have been going back and forth on the PS thing and trying to decided if we wanted an more or not. I think I just needed to hear it from some one else...so thank you....I don't think I'll worry about PS any more....Well maybe I'll try for the 1900 park fare or Chef Mickey dinner for our last night but that's it. Like I mentioned before I don't want to spend so much $$$ and time sitting at dinners...But that glass slipper thing sounds so good, and so cute. I just read tonight that you can get them at the 1900 park fare dinner...if ordered ahead.

On your first day at GKTW what was it like...what did you and your family do? We are not getting into Orlando until around 6pm...I figure by the time we gather our luggage, get our car and head out of the airport and get to GKTW it may be fairly late...(I want to make a stop at the outlet store prior to checking into GKTW).

One other question....someone told me that they stock your fridge with snacks at GKTW...do they really?

I'm excited to go the the Whispering Canyon...I think my oldest daughter will LOVE it. The other meals (aka princess meals) are for our youngest daughter...who calls herself princess Sydney at times. LOL...I am wishing we would have mixed the CM meals up some...and not done all princess....but that is what she is totally into so...that's what were going for.

I've been trying to get Sydney to watch some of the regular/non princess movies lately...but she's just not into them...all she wants is princesses.

Well thanks again for all your info. It is helping sooo much. :wave:

mommie2angels

06-19-2004, 09:56 AM

I thought I remembered our refrigerator being stocked with snacks. I couldn't remember if that was right or not. That's where we go some of our snacks to take to the parks. If I remember right if you have any special dietary needs they will take care of those in your room. Of course they will provide in type of speciality food you need for the meals there too.

I was thinking that the ice cream social at the Garden Grill at Epcot might be something fun. It's not expensive. It's doesn't take up a lot of time but gives you some good interaction with the characters. Since Sydney is into the princesses more you might not even want to try it since it's the other characters.

scrapperjill

06-19-2004, 05:05 PM

I was looking at the ice cream social...thinking it would be fun...and who dosen't like ice cream...so anyway I think it would be good.:D We wouldn't need PS for that would we?

Do you know how we go about contacting GKTW for our dietary needs? I've talked with our wish coordinatior about our needs...and the only thing she had to say to us is...There is a Wal-mart near by so we can buy what we need. After she told us that...we decided to have what we need shipped to GKTW prior to our arrival. :rolleyes:

How did you handle lunch? Did GKTW provied "sack lunches" to take..or are you able to get sandwhiches to pack? I'm thinking of trying the Earl of Sandwhiches in DTD some night...to pack for lunch the next day....but it's just an idea/thought.
:wave2:

AngelStar

06-19-2004, 06:49 PM

Hi, I'm going on my wish trip next month for the Land/Sea vacation, but since I live in Canada, this is being done through the Children's Wish Foundation (a national/Canadian organization).

I'm not sure if this place is well-known or not, and we aren't staying at the GKTW place, but at a Disney resort. I also have limited mobility (crutches, long leg brace, wheelchair for long distances) and all our wish coordinator told us was to go to Guest Services in the park the first day to get a special pass... from reading these boards I know that it's the Guest Assistance Card she is referring to. But since we don't have a wish pin or anything like that, would we still be able to get front of the line access for rides/attractions, or if waiting for a character, be able to meet him/her with a shorter time? And, also, about the free photo, does this apply for WISH families from other wish-granting organizations, such as this Canadian one? For all of these above questions, since we don't have a special pin, perhaps only the GAC (which they MIGHT NOT give us right), how would they "see" us and know we're a wish family to help us to the near front of lines, better seating, etc?

Please help!

Also, just to note, even though this is my wish trip, due to medical reasons, my trip could only be this summer and I turned 18 several months ago. Does my age, although I may not look like it, affect any of these special things for wish families?

mommie2angels

06-19-2004, 07:49 PM

scrapperjill, if I remember correctly GKTW gave our wish coordinator a form for us to fill out or either they asked if we needed special equipment, dietary needs and so forth. Our dd#1 whose wish it was at the time has to have oxygen with her in case she needs it. We were not allowed to carry our own on the plane so GKTW had it waiting for us when we got there along with a pulse oxygen monitor that she uses nightly. They also had milk along with nutritional powder for her as she drinks from a bottle for the majority of her nutrition. I do remember this taking place very close to us leaving for our trip. Not much of any of that was done way ahead of time. If your wish coordinator doesn't mention it maybe just ask her if there is a way you can contact GKTW. I know they have an email address posted on their website so you may can contact them that way and tell them when you are coming and what you are wondering about.

When are ya'll going? I think if you know which day you will be at Epcot I would make PS for the ice cream social. It would be better to have them just to be on the safe side. If you have them and decide not to do it you can always cancel them.

We always ate at the Gingerbread House at GKTW. There was often muffins or something you could take for a snack later. We would have a late lunch in the park if we were doing a sit down meal or we would get a snack early on and then have a big sit down meal at night in the park. Like I said earlier we tried to make it back to GKTW in time for supper but never wanted to leave the parks before they closed so that never worked. We always got an ice cream when we got back to GKTW.

AngelStar, check with your wish coordinator to see if they have pins for you to wear that say Children's Wish Foundation. I am sure if you tell guest services that you are on your wish trip with Children's Wish Foundation they will stamp your GAC so that you can have access to the front of the lines. The CMs are trained to see the GKTW pins so that really helps a lot. Since you are not staying there I think that it would help if you had a pin from Children's Wish Foundation if it's available. If it's not I am sure it will be fine if you don't. Your age will not matter I wouldn't think. I hope that you have a wonderful time!!!

AngelStar

06-19-2004, 08:13 PM

^ Thanks for your reply. :)

It doesn't seem like there is a pin available from Children's Wish, and I am sure CMs can recognize a pin more easily then a GAC that has special instructions on it.

What would the instructions be on the GAC if I couldn't get a pin? And also, how would I go about having it seen by the staff, whether at shows/rides/attractions, or even the photo place?

Any ideas? I feel really uncomfortable going past the line to the CM and showing them the GAC, unless that's what we're supposed to do... not sure.

mommie2angels

06-20-2004, 12:53 AM

Angelstar, do you have a letter from Children's Wish granted your wish from them? If so I would take that to guest assistance so they know how to do your GAC. You don't have to pass the line to get to a CM. Their is usually always a CM at the entrance to each line. We always have our GACs out. Even though our daughters are in wheelchairs it's good to have them handy. You just show the CM at the shows, rides or wherever your GAC.

scrapperjill

06-20-2004, 08:46 PM

Good questions..angelstar. I was wondering the same things. I really don't want to take advantage of the GAC card or the fact we are on a wish trip...but I also want to get as much out of this trip as we can...because it is a wish trip...I want it to be memorable (and not lots of memories of waiting and waiting and waiting in lines) you know what I mean.:D

mommie2angels...I asked our wish coordinator about the special dietary needs and how we arrange them. (at that time we were planning on packing it with us on the plane and wanted to know how to handle the weight restrictions.....but like I said all she told me was they didn't handle that and we would just need to buy what we needed when we were there. She did ask what/if we needed any special equiptment for the plane ride...but again didn't mention anything about at GKTW. I even asked her how we were suppose to get all the equiptment that we would need for Sydney while we were down there...I was asking because there is so much stuff (not counting any of our clothes) and were limited on the amout of luggage we can take on the plane. So as of now were planning on shipping her shakes...and packing her equiptment in our bags.:confused:

But maybe the closer it gets something else will come up. Guess we will see.

dj2

06-20-2004, 10:53 PM

does your medical equipment count in your luggage allowance?

AmazingGrace

06-20-2004, 10:59 PM

This thread is great!!! I'm getting so much info. Benji has his send off party this week. They'll be giving us plane tickets, info and an expense check that night. Benji's getting so excited!!
The only PS I made were for the Ohana Character B'fast, and The Biergarten in Epcot. And we've decided to only a park every other day. We have our misty mates, and our passporter, and we're pretty much good to go!!!

mommie2angels

06-21-2004, 01:32 AM

Loriann! I am so excited for ya'll!!! I didn't realize Benji's trip was coming up so quick. That snuck up on me. I hope that ya'll have a wonderful time!!! If I don't talk to you before ya'll leave I will talk to you when ya'll get back. I can't wait to hear about Ohana's character breakfast and what ya'll think of GKTW. Great plan on a park every other day. The off days will be filled with so much to do at GKTW. Have fun!!!

scrapperjill

06-21-2004, 07:07 PM

AmazingGrace ...wow your trip is comming up soon. I'm sure you all will have a blast. You said your send off party is this week, and you get the plane tickets and things then...how exciting.:D
You will have to give us an update on your trip when you get back.

From what I was told from our wish person...the equiptment will count with our flight baggage limit. She said "We can't control the regulations of the airlines, so you may think of renting/buying what you need down there instead of packing it." Didn't make much since to me. I thought they'd know/have ways of getting stuff there (to GKTW)...I would think many of the wish children have equiptment they need with them. As you can see I'm still working on how to get what we need there. The only thing the wish coordinator said they could arrange was equiptment needed on the airplane...With that she said she'd put in a "request" to the airline.

Have a great trip....and keep us posted:teeth:

MarieS

06-22-2004, 09:25 PM

<<<I thought they'd know/have ways of getting stuff there (to GKTW)...I would think many of the wish children have equiptment they need with them. As you can see I'm still working on how to get what we need there. The only thing the wish coordinator said they could arrange was equiptment needed on the airplane.>>>

I am in the planning stages of a wish trip for my boys. I was told by MAW that they will help me make arrangements to get the equipment the boys need at GKTW. I filled out a form on all what type of equipment they use everyday( ie IV pole, hospital bed, oxygen, etc). With all the medically fragile kids that go to GKTW, I'm sure there must be some way for you to get what you need down there instead of bringing it on the plane. I will be interested to hear what you find out.
Marie

meeshi

06-22-2004, 09:53 PM

Marie, now that you mention it, I think I remember something about equipment. DD only really has a feeding tube/pump and so we really didn't need to bring or arrange for equipment. I think we packed her bags and formula in with our luggage. But like you said, I'm sure GKTW deals with things like that all the time.

Jill, maybe you should try to contact them if your wish coordinator isn't sure. Or can you contact the wish organization directly? I know we had a volunteer from Make A Wish come and give us information, but I was still able to call the office and speak to someone there if I had any questions. You may want to give that a try.

To all of you with trips coming up, I am so exctied for you!!!! You will have the best time.
:Pinkbounc :bounce:

scrapperjill

06-23-2004, 03:50 AM

Yea..I know I need to figure something out...we shouldn't have to pack everything...We don't need a super lot (pediasure 6-8 cans a day, percusser and nebulizer... it would be nice to have her therapy vest there but it's to big and to $$$) The biggest thing is the pediasure...since she drinks sooo much and were going to be gone so long. Then also I don't know if were having so much trouble with the equiptment thing since were staying at GKTW for part of the wish then taking the cruise the last part. Then depending on the meds she is on they are sensitive to the kind of nebulizer used...I know strange....but true.

Still haven't found out how were going to get the rental car back to the airport and us back to GKTW for the town car people. We called GKTW last week to see if they had any shuttle service to help....but they don't. Said most of the time the transportation is arranged by the wish program.

When I first asked the wish people about the food and equiptment...was after they asked if we would need anything special for the airplane...ie oxygen or wc. But I asked the local wish coordinator here in town...after not getting anywhere with her I asked the wish coordinator at the head office in Spokane WA ....and still didn't get anywhere....(she is the one who told me to just buy the pediasure there when we arrived) But at $12 a 6pk and with her drinking 6-8 cans a day...you can see how that would add up FAST....I really don't care to take ours down there...we already have it (it being a dietary requirement for her, her insurance covers the cost)...I was just looking to see if they had a way to get it there, without having to pay cargo or additional weight baggage....or paying to have it shipped. But so far no luck. It looks like it will cost us around $50-60 to ship it ups. I have also thought about seeing if our medical supply company, who we the shakes from could somehow have it delevered there...but I'm thinking that may cause more troubles. They aren't always the easest place to work wiht.

I'll keep you posted on how it turns out....I've got a while still to work on it.

Does anyone know how much a taxi is from Orlando int. airport to GKTW???

:teeth:

meeshi

06-23-2004, 06:48 AM

When I first asked the wish people about the food and equiptment...was after they asked if we would need anything special for the airplane...ie oxygen or wc. But I asked the local wish coordinator here in town...after not getting anywhere with her I asked the wish coordinator at the head office in Spokane WA ....and still didn't get anywhere....(she is the one who told me to just buy the pediasure there when we arrived) But at $12 a 6pk and with her drinking 6-8 cans a day...you can see how that would add up FAST....I really don't care to take ours down there...we already have it (it being a dietary requirement for her, her insurance covers the cost)...I was just looking to see if they had a way to get it there, without having to pay cargo or additional weight baggage....or paying to have it shipped. But so far no luck. It looks like it will cost us around $50-60 to ship it ups. I have also thought about seeing if our medical supply company, who we the shakes from could somehow have it delevered there...but I'm thinking that may cause more troubles. They aren't always the easest place to work wiht.

Ya know, I was asking my DH if he remembers if we brought the pediasure with us or if it was shipped by the medical supplier. He's pretty sure we had it shipped and I kind of think he's right. I would talk to whoever you deal with at the medical supply place and explain the situation. They should be able to ship the pediasure right to GKTW. It shouldn't be too much trouble, they're just shipping it to a different address.

AmazingGrace

06-23-2004, 11:51 PM

It had a letter from May Clayton, a letter telling what to bring, and what's available. Info on whom to call if you flights delayed. And it said right on the letter that we'll get a 3 day hopper to Disney, a 1 day hopper to universal, and a 1 day hopper to Seaworld. I'll post tomorrow night after Benji's party to tell you all whatever other info we get!!!

scrapperjill

06-24-2004, 03:27 AM

AmazingGrace...can't wait to here about Benji's party. Were you able to invite family and friends, or is it just the wish people?? Our wish coordinator mentioned doing a bon voyage party for us when we get closer....should be fun. I just didn't know if she ment just our family and the wish folks...or if we were supose to invite family and friends.

meeshi...I'll have to ask Keelers...our medical supply company about shipping. Do you have your things (pediasure) shipped (ie UPS or some shipping company) to your house...or delivered (brought by the supply company)? I just ask...because we have our's delivered to the house from Keelers...the medical supply co. But her meds are shipped...UPS to the house. So with them being delivered and not shipped...I'm not sure what they will have to say about it. I also don't want to screw anything up with the insurance....and have them for some reason denie the billing.

Another question....about GKTW...well a couple...
Does anyone know if they have strollers to use. And if so are they hard to get? I am guessing they have things like laundry soap, and dish soap...am I guessing right? And how about hand and body soap or shampoo and/or conditioner? Just trying to get an idea of things we may need to get.

meeshi

06-24-2004, 08:03 AM

Jill....At that time we had dd's pediasure shipped UPS from the medical supply company. Now we're using a different company and they deliver it themselves. But I'm sure they could still arrange for it to be shipped UPS, I mean really, it can't be that hard. I'm sure they must ship to other places and have an account. I would definately look into it.

As far as laundry detergent and things. Yes, they did have some laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets, dish soap, and little soaps, shampoos and conditioners like you'd get in a hotel. They also have a blow dryer in the bathroom and an iron so you don't need to pack those. I don't know about strollers, maybe someone else knows that answer.

Loriann..... They'll tell you this at orientation, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. They give you a 1 day park hopper for Universal, but you are able to get a second one if you want. My kids had such a blast at Islands of Adventure they wanted to go back. You just ask for them at the desk. Can't wait to hear how Benji's party went!

:jumping3: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

mommie2angels

06-24-2004, 02:02 PM

I don't remember regular strollers only the ones for the pool.

Loriann, I can't remember how old Benji is but if he is the right age and you think he would like it don't forget to sign up for Mayor Clayton to tuck him in one night. It's a very special time!

Anne MN

06-24-2004, 07:24 PM

I have been reading up on GKTW.

It sounds like an awsome place for kids and families!

We are still struggling to even find out if DD would qualify right now. ( have not done any inquiries yet)

I have a couple questions for you guys here in the lower 48.

how long does it take from start to finish to get all the paperwork and such done to get a wish approved?

are there any restrictions on when you go?
how many in the family are included if any? like parents, siblings, grandparents

I have read that it goes thru a "board" and they contact your Dr's if you are the one to contact them.

just trying to get an idea on time frame.

DD really wants to spend christmas at WDW. we are still up in the air for the next couple of months to see if her last procedure is going to work or if she will go on transplant list. I would think that her Dr would advise going before, because after you would be on imunosypressent drugs.

thanks

AmazingGrace

06-24-2004, 09:37 PM

Benji's party was tonight!!! We got our fight itinerary a boat load of info, and an expense check of $1,700!!:earseek: I was shocked and touched. Benji is so excited!! The only thing I'm not thrilled with, is that we have to be at the Airport at 6:30 AM, a two hour drive from our house. Oh, well, I'll sleep on the plane.
WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!! :jumping1: :jumping1:

meeshi

06-24-2004, 10:31 PM

:thewave: Hurray!!!!

We were picked up at 4:00AM when we went. We were told they like to get you there early and have you leave late so you get more time down there. You probably won't get much sleep that night anyway!! :Pinkbounc :bounce:

scrapperjill

06-25-2004, 02:58 AM

:earseek: :earseek: $1700. WOW!!! You'll have a BLAST going through that:teeth: . Benji is going to have the best time.

Did you have any idea of what time your flights were before the party?? We were sent an iternary a couple weeks ago for our Sept. trip. Our flight leaves at 5:15 in the morning.:eek: ....Then we have a layover in Seattle for close to three hours. :( Luckly the airport here in town is small, so we don't need to be there to early.

scrapperjill

06-25-2004, 03:11 AM

Anne MN....It didn't take long at all for our daughter to get granted her wish. I have a coworkder who referred her (our daughter)...less than a week after her referal I recieved a phone call from the wish coordinator asking if we would be intrested in seeing if she would be able to get a wish. After telling the wish lady we would be intrested in hearing about it...she mailed me formes...about Sydney's conditions and medical release forms to make sure she has what we said she has...After that...I'd say about two...maybe three weeks we recieced another phone call from the wish coordinator wanting to meet Sydney and talk to her about her wishes...At that time she told us to have Sydney think of three things, places, people....what ever...that she would want....Once Heidi (our wish lady) came...and Sydney told her her wishes...she just looked at her and told her right there in the living room that they would be able to grant her one of her wishes and they would like to send her to see Mickey Mouse and the Princess at WDW and DCL. We were all shocked and stunned that she was able to tell us right then and there. That was late last summer. We had planned on going this past spring...but for reasons we had to postpone untill the fall. But Heidi did say it takes them a couple to three months to arrange everything. In all from the time the wish foundation recieved Sydneys name for referal until the okay we will send you on the trip was maybe a month.

As for the family memebers...we were told everyone living in the household. We tryed to get it approved for ganny to go also...but since she dosn't live with us they said no....But they did say she was welcome to go...at her own expence (except for GKTW would be no charge...so just her flight, food, and park fees...and what ever else she wanted...I was also guessing the food at GKTW would be no charge also.)

Keep in mind each wish foundation/orginazation could be diffrent. And have diffrent guide lines on family members, and apporval processes.

dclfun

06-25-2004, 07:26 AM

For Make a Wish they will only grant one wish per family...so if WDW is chosen then you cannot also get DCL since that is considered two wishes. They ( Make a Wish) also only grant the 3 or 4 night cruises on DCL....not the 7 night cruise. As was mentioned, other organizations might have different guidelines. ---Kathy

scrapperjill

06-25-2004, 11:46 PM

The one wish per family is the same for our wish group. However they are considering ours "one" wish.....And from what I have heard....once you are granted a wish from one wish group you can not be granted another one from any other wish group. From the sounds of it Make a Wish is the largest wishing group....which may have ways of getting more for wishes.

mommie2angels

06-26-2004, 01:01 AM

Anne MN, the wish foundation that you go through can possible rush through your dd's wish especially if she gets on the transplant list.

Loriann, I am so glad the party went good.

dclfun, did you mean they would only grant one wish per child or family? We have two daughters who qualify for wishes because they both have terminal illnesses. One was granted her wish in 2000 and the other one will have her wish granted some time this year. MAW is aware that our other dd has had her wish granted. I am just wondering if this is something I should check into if it's indeed only one wish per family.

Anne MN

06-26-2004, 02:09 AM

I have been searching many web pages-
doesn't give a time frame or any indication of what they consider medicaly eligable.

I know that she struggles with this- does not know about poss of transplant.

asked her the other day if she could go anywhere/meet anyone/ do anything, she chose Disneyworld.

DH said the other day that he may just send me and DD down for a week by ourselves instead of the whole family (we are booked for a grand gathering)

I would like some guidelines on what they consider medicaly eligable-

she is such a happy and upbeat kid- takes everything in stride-
she has had so much to deal with this year, and she is at the age where she is starting to understand some of what the Dr's say-

I don't want to exclued her, but at the same time don't want to scare her when talking to Dr.

I just would like some sort of answer- she will deal with this her whole life

dclfun

06-26-2004, 07:31 AM

mommie2angels- Each child is granted one wish, not just each family, thus both your daughters would qualify. I do know Make a Wish Foundation ( not the other wish programs) considers WDW to be one wish and DCL to be another, and will only grant the 3 and 4 night cruises. I know folks who have gotten the land and sea vacation through a different foundation or who's local community raised funds for them to have the land/sea vs. just the cruise or just WDW. As for who qualifies any child with a "life threatening" illness is eligible. I was a bit disgusted to hear that someone with a peanut allergy got a wish as to me while it certainly could be life threatening, this person is healthy and just needs to avoid peanuts! Alot of children who are granted wishes are not terminally ill but do have chronic illnesses that they'll have through adulthood, so the criteria must be fairly broad. Kathy

meeshi

06-26-2004, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by Anne MN
I have been searching many web pages-
doesn't give a time frame or any indication of what they consider medicaly eligable.

I know that she struggles with this- does not know about poss of transplant.

asked her the other day if she could go anywhere/meet anyone/ do anything, she chose Disneyworld.

DH said the other day that he may just send me and DD down for a week by ourselves instead of the whole family (we are booked for a grand gathering)

I would like some guidelines on what they consider medicaly eligable-

she is such a happy and upbeat kid- takes everything in stride-
she has had so much to deal with this year, and she is at the age where she is starting to understand some of what the Dr's say-

I don't want to exclued her, but at the same time don't want to scare her when talking to Dr.

I just would like some sort of answer- she will deal with this her whole life

I would talk to your dd's dr and see if he/she would be willing to refer your dd. You could call MAW or whatever wish granting organization yourself, but they would need to get approval from the doctor anyway. I have a brochure from GKTW that they gave us to pass on to other families with children who may be eligible. I would be more than happy to send it to you for you to give to your dd's dr. Or you could call GKTW at 1-800-995-KIDS.

scrapperjill

06-27-2004, 05:09 AM

I'd go ahead and call the wish foundation your self...and inquire about wishes for your daughter. When our wish grantor contacted us she asked first thing if we had ever looked into a wish. And yes they will have to contact your Dr. but they'll first have to have your premission.

scrapperjill

06-27-2004, 10:24 PM

AmazingGrace...you have just a few days to go...are ya all packed and ready??? How is Benji handling the last few days...I'm guessing our house will be CRAZY that last week....with WAY to much excitement. And with your husband just getting back i'm sure the excitement in the air is THICK. What a great time for you and your family ::yes::

I wanted to see if you would check out a couple thing for me while you were at GKTW. I haven't been able to get any real answers on if they have a shuttle or any transportation from the Orlando airport to GKTW....and each time I've called I keep forgetting to ask about the hours of the Ice Cream Parlor...is it really open 24 hours a day???

I know you'll be reall busy with your trip..so if you don't have time no biggy...but if while your out on your daily adventures and you happen to find out that would be wonderful.:hyper: Oh another thing...if you think of it...how long is the drive from the airport to GKTW and from GKTW to WDW??

I can't wait to hear all about your familys trip. ::yes::

While your there don't forget to check out the free photos at all the diffrent spots.:D

AmazingGrace

06-28-2004, 08:34 AM

It's no trouble at all. I'll keep your questions in mind. We have just started packing. The info sheet told us to bringe no more than one piece of luggage for each of us, so we're bringing a lage suitcase, an empty medium suitcase, and a toiletry bag, and the kid's booster car seats. We got our digital camera on Saturday, and Rick and i sat up late last night discussing and fine tuning our itinerary. He's taking off on Thursday afternoon from work. Benji is getting excited, but so are we, so this'll be an interesting week around here.
If any of you on here have anymore questions, now is the time to ask!!!

mommie2angels

06-28-2004, 11:25 AM

Loriann, as you walk out the back of the main check in building at GKTW if you go straight out the door and almost to the walkway of the train station/game room look down at the pavers and you may see our daughter's paver. It looks like this.

Also when you walk in the Gingerbread house and look up at the left corner over the serving area you can see the doll that our daughter donated to GKTW. It's the Cabbage Patch Doll from the Atlanta Olympics.

Have a great time!!!

scrapperjill

06-29-2004, 01:58 AM

Wow!! One bag each...I just can't imagine being able to fit everything into one bag each. But I guess it would depend on what size bag everyone has. We each have a smaller "carryon size" bag...and for the life of me I can't see how were going to pack everything in just that. Then again I'm thinking of the "equiptment" and some pediasure shakes. I wonder why they limit the baggage so much.

scrapperjill

07-01-2004, 03:00 AM

AmazingGrace..:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc .I just wanted to wish you and your family the best for your trip....only one more day to wait. Lot's of pixe-dust and prayers for a safe, fun and memorable trip.

:teeth:

AmazingGrace

07-01-2004, 07:12 AM

We're just about packed, and ready, but wouldn't you know it?? I have a giant head cold. Thank God the worst of it was yesterday. I just got up, and i feel better than I did this time yesterday.
I'll tale lots of pics and share all the gory details when i get back.
God bless,

meeshi

07-01-2004, 10:28 AM

Have a great trip! :Pinkbounc
I know you will and I can't wait to hear about it when you get back!
:jumping1:

mommie2angels

07-01-2004, 02:13 PM

Have fun Loriann! Can't wait to hear all about it.

meeshi, I LOVE your picture from GKTW with Mickey and Minnie!

scrapperjill

07-02-2004, 05:58 AM

Okay....I have good news and bad news....and I need advise baddly....To my suprise we got our tickets from the wish foundation in the mail on Wednesday:D :D . Which I thought was a little strange...For some reason I was thinking we wouldn't get them until the bon voyage party the local wish coordinator is hosting for us a week or two prior to our trip. The tickets came directly from the main office. Then I recieved an e-mail from the person (who sent the tickets) at the main office later that same day...she stated we should be recieving a check in the mail soon...to cover additional expences while at WDW.

Now I wasn't expecting a lot of $$ for expences...but they did tell us when the wish was granted it would be enough so we wouldn't have to worry about money or anything while we were there.

I know, staying at GKTW we will have our meals taken care of...but I also figured we would need some money for snacks and drinks at the parks...not to mention I booked some PS at a few restraunts and figured our daughter would like a souviner or two while we were there....but now that she informed me the check would be here soon and now knowing how much we should be expecting....I am thinking we will need to start comming up with ways to take additional money with us. We now have about 2 months to save what we can. (I am wishing we would have known this last summer...when we started the planning).

So I'm wondering what would be average daily expenses to be expected while we are there??? In other words...how much do you normally spend each day?? Maybe I'm totally wrong in my thinking...I'm just guessing thing cost alot there.

Please don't get me wrong...I am totally grateful for what the wish foundation has done. It's a trip that we could have NEVER gone on if it wasn't for them.

Maybe I have to high of expectations....Just with all the hype the wish coordinatior gave us...and all the talk about wanting the wishes to be some thing that will be remembered forever...and to be done while the child and family could enjoy it...before the progressing of diseasse...and all the talk about it being a time to go away and forget all the worries of money....dr...and such.....
But now am totally worried about money issues and not having enough while we are away.

So any input on what I should expect to spend daily would be wonderful. :D

meeshi

07-02-2004, 07:43 AM

Jill, did she give any indication of how much the check was for? I'm not sure why you don't think it will be enough money. When we went we had plenty of money to spend and enjoy ourselves. You should wait until you get the actual check and then if you don't think it's enough, then you'll know how much additional money you need to bring. Like I said they gave us plenty of spending money. :earsgirl: :earsboy:

Don't worry....Be happy....:teeth:

mommie2angels...Thanks, we like the picture too. It's one of my favorites. I like yours too. Where was that taken?

scrapperjill

07-02-2004, 04:23 PM

Sorry about that...she said the check would be for 600.00. So that will give us around 80.00 a day. Which will probley be just fine...I was just imaging things costing so much more.And since there are four of us...it will break down to abour 20.00 per person per day. The two charater breakfasts we have will be a huge chunck (Just about the whole daily alotment). I am also expecting to have to get breakfast and lunch on our own on the frist day....since we leave the house around 4:30 am and arrive in Orlando around 6:00pm... So I was figuring around 20.00 per day and trying to figure out if that sound good or low.

The wish gal who is local...the one who has came and met us and informed us we would be getting the wish...tryed to get us to do the dophine discovey cove...day with dophines while we were there...said it would be a once in a life time oppurtunity.(she didn't try to talk us into it...just made suggestion)..she also said it cost alot...but thats what the expence money was for...for things like that...we just had to decide how to spend it....After talking with her (last summer) we looked into it and were keeping it in mind but now that we know how much were getting....we can't even think of it..wouldn't have enough $$.

I'm thinking with $20 per day we will really be getting just the bare minimun.

So any ideas of what to expect to spend daily???

mommie2angels

07-03-2004, 02:03 AM

Scrapperjill, I would say if you are doing Disney and eating out three meals a day for a family of 4 probably $100-$200 per day. Of course that depends on the types of meals you do. Also how much you spend on souvenirs and all that. Our dd was given $60 I think for souvenirs and we were given around $600 to cover our expenses. We didn't plan any characters meals but did end up doing one at the end of the trip when we saw we had enough money. The $600 we were given was plenty because GKTW provided so much as far as meals. I think they intend for you to eat meals or at least most meals at GKTW. Seatdown meals at Disney can be really costly so if you just figure in all that then you shouldn't have a problem. We did mostly counter service meals while we were in the parks. I think you will be fine with the amount of money as long as you do as many meals as possible at GKTW.

meeshi, thanks! We love that picture except that Minnie is blocking Beauty & The Beast. HOW do you tell/ask the gueen of Disney World that she needs to squat down so we can see Belle. LOL!!! That picture was made behind the castle at Magic Kingdom.

scrapperjill

07-03-2004, 07:02 AM

Yea...after thinking of it more...I'm sure we will be fine. We are planning on doing two charater meals (breakfast with the princesses). Other than that we were going to try and eat at GKTW most meals. I didn't think for lunch we would make it back everyday....don't think we will have enough time (Park hours are shorter in the fall...so I didn't want to take 2 hours out for lunch.)

I was just shocked at first...since the wish coordinator strongly suggested we do the dolphine swim at discovery cove...we just thought there'd be enough to cover that. I mean we wouldn't have even thought of doing the swim..if it wasn't for her suggestion.

But I think we will have plenty to do with out that...and we will have plenty of $$ to have a great time.

Thanks....for letting me express my worries and concerns. :crazy:

meeshi

07-03-2004, 08:34 AM

I think you will be surprised at how much you will actually get to see in the parks. The CM's are really wonderful about getting you to the front of the lines for rides and seeing the characters without waiting.

Something I did before we left was ask everyone to tell me what they wanted to see in each park and I made a list of the "must sees". We made sure to do those and then everything else was a bonus. We really were able to do and see everything we wanted and it was really very relaxing. We also made it a conscious effort to ENJOY every day, sometimes you can get caught up in the frenzy of making sure you get everything done that you plan to do, that you don't take the time to enjoy what you're doing. Does that make sense? :crazy:

As far as eating, we usually ate lunch in the park at counter services and headed back to GKTW for dinner. At least two nights we headed back to the parks after dinner to see the fireworks.

Also don't forget they have different characters come around GKTW in the morning for breakfast so you may want to bring your camera. One morning we were there it was actually DH's 40th birthday. I made him wear a birthday shirt :smooth: And while we were eating breakfast Goofy came out with stack of pancakes with a candle in it and everyone started singing "Happy Birthday" to him with Goofy leading everyone. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me that morning.

We did get a couple of souveniers in the park, but I'm a cheapie at heart and we went to a couple of the outlets. They had great stuff and excellent prices. That's where we got a lot of our souveniers.::yes::

You will have a wonderful trip, just keep planning. For me that was almost as much as actually going! Although it did drive my family nuts.:teeth:

AngelStar

07-03-2004, 03:53 PM

scrapperjill,

I have the same concerns as you. I remember our wish coordinator telling us at the start way back that we would get $500 for all four of us (my dad, mom, brother and me), and since we're all older, we'll have to pay full price for everything - meals, excursions on DCL, etc. Also, since we are staying on-site at a Disney resort, we will have to eat all meals/snacks at the park/resorts.

Since then, the coordinator hasn't told us any approx. amount of the expense cheque, but she did tell us that we'll have to book all of the excursions ourselves and they cost a pretty penny, not to mention tips and extras on the ship, and ALL mels at the park.

I really doubt that $500 is enough but what to do? My dad said that we'll have to bring more money for sure and that's difficult in our already-hard situation. I definitely am greatful for the trip, but the "extras" (necessities) cost so much!

Just a quick q, what foundationare you going through? And is AmazingGrace's family going through a different wish place (since they got a nice cheque for the three of them!)?

Talk to ya soon!

scrapperjill

07-03-2004, 09:13 PM

Does any one know what times the fireworks are done at the parks. The park hours just came out yesterday....and now I'd like to see what time to expect shows. I also came up with a less expensive after park hour event for our family:D :D Nights of Joy will be going on durring our stay. I e-mailed disney yesterday and recieved a responce this morrning. The event starts after park hours in the MK and go untill 12:30 am...select attractions are still in opperation durring the event. So:D :D after hours, special christian music concerts in the park and attractions to boot. Sound good. It is however just one night that we were planning on being at the park....Hmmm gets me thinking....it said seperate admission would be required to attend....I wonder if we could get tickets for Thursday and Friday (we are already planning on doing WDW friday and US or SW on Thursday) But maybe we could do Nights of Joy both nights....That will give me some thing to look into.

AngelStar...I sent you a PM..so be sure to check your box:teeth:

Schmeck

07-03-2004, 09:18 PM

If you go to the official WDW site for the park hours, the fireworks/parade schedules should be found by clicking on the date on the monthly calendar. Let's see if I can do a link for you:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar/parkhours/index?id=MKCalendarParkHoursMonthlyViewPage&date=92004

If the above link works (I stink at links, LOL!) all you have to do is click on the date you want to know about and you'll get redirected to the info.

Hope this helps,

Schmeck

Cheshire Figment

07-03-2004, 10:05 PM

I would not suggest Night of Joy for someone involved with MAW. It is a separate ticket event and primarily rock groups. The CMs consider it the worst possible assignment due to the lack of parental control over teenagers; almost every CM I know does anything possible to avoid having to work NoJ.

scrapperjill

07-04-2004, 03:02 AM

How bad could Nights of Joy be??? It's christian rock??

Talking Hands

07-04-2004, 08:07 AM

Very bad. The kids tend to be wild. They do things like jumping between boats on Small World and tilting the boats so they jam the exit you if you are behind them you are stuck.

dclfun

07-04-2004, 10:25 AM

Night of Joy is very crowded, lots of pushing and shoving...not all the teens who attend behave in a "Christian" fashion either. Also, it is not inexpensive, esp compared to the cost of an E-ride ticket. ---Kathy

scrapperjill

07-11-2004, 03:31 AM

Well the more thought I've put into it....I'm not sure we will do Nights of Joy....I don't want to have to deal with large out of control crowds.....Maybe we will just do a nice dinner at one of the restraunts...I was thinking about 1900 park fare. I just though it would be nice to have a late night in the MK.

Thanks for the insite on the event.

dclfun

07-11-2004, 08:43 AM

Jill- I'd rather you know ahead of time than to be dissappointed. I chaperoned a group of teens from our church several years ago and was almost squished as the crowd pressed in, pushed and shoved ( I was walking then), just trying to get in the gates. Then inside I heard offensive language, and saw behaviors that I certainly wasn't expecting. I was glad that I wasn't there with young children! ---Kathy

scrapperjill

07-12-2004, 12:51 AM

Thanks for the information....Nights of Joy....is starting to sound more like a Night of ...(bleep). ;)

I think we will probley have enough time at WDW with out putting ourselves through that.

scrapperjill

07-13-2004, 04:01 AM

AmazingGrace??? Just wanted to see how your trip was. Did your son have the time of his life or what? Can't wait to hear all about it. Anything special happen? How was GKTW?? :wave2:

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

AngelStar

07-13-2004, 04:41 PM

AmazingGrace, I also was wondering about your trip. I'm eagar to hear how it went (must've been fabulous for sure! :)) and all the details because I, too, am about to leave on my trip!

Hope you have some great memories to share! :teeth:

AngelStar

07-13-2004, 04:55 PM

Hey all,

The question I had is about Fantasmic for wish families/children on their special trips: Well, those dinner packages for this show cost so much more than the normal meals you would have there, so we definitely can't afford them.

But has anyone here been to Fantasmic on their wish trips or know of how the procedure works?

I've heard that you have to wait 2 or MORE hours :eek: to get in, normally. HOWEVER, if it's a wish child and their family with a special Wish GAC, do you know if we can come there an hour (or less) before and still get in? Would we still get good seating? If so, what time should we be there?

Would anyone know? If you can help, that would be great... only 12 more days to go!! :hyper: *lol*

~Angel~

scrapperjill

07-13-2004, 09:55 PM

Angelstar...I was wondering the same thing...Hope someone is able to let us know. I was thinking of calling WDW and asking...but I'm not sure if anyone there would know...I think it really depends on who you ask..and who you talk to. :sunny:

Only 12 more days to go.:earseek: ..I bet your getting excited. (like you haven't been for months...lol) I saw your post on the DCL board...about the stateroom...did you ever find anything out about the sleeping arrangements. When you booked did they ask if you would need a special room? I just ask because they asked us if we would need a handicap/equipted room....I saw someone made a good point about having the one big bed split into two twins...then everyone would have their own bed.

scrapperjill

08-06-2004, 03:26 AM

Another GKTW question....Any one know how long of a drive it is from GKTW to WDW??

AmazingGrace

08-06-2004, 07:20 AM

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes on a good day to get from GKTW to WDW. The traffic on 192 an be an issue at times, so you'd want to allow extra time.

SueM in MN

08-06-2004, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by AngelStar
Hey all,

The question I had is about Fantasmic for wish families/children on their special trips: Well, those dinner packages for this show cost so much more than the normal meals you would have there, so we definitely can't afford them.

But has anyone here been to Fantasmic on their wish trips or know of how the procedure works?

I've heard that you have to wait 2 or MORE hours :eek: to get in, normally. HOWEVER, if it's a wish child and their family with a special Wish GAC, do you know if we can come there an hour (or less) before and still get in? Would we still get good seating? If so, what time should we be there?

Would anyone know? If you can help, that would be great... only 12 more days to go!! :hyper: *lol*

~Angel~
We've been to Fantasmic many times, sometimes just DH and I. Sometimes, with DD who has used a GAC.
The last time DH and I went was in July. We walked in one hour before and got very good seats - middle of the theater in the 3rd row from the front, on an aisle.
People do say they waited 2 hours, but that's sort of misleading. On nights when there is only one show, they normally start letting people into the outdoor auditorium for seating 2 hours before the show begins. On nights when there is more than one show, they seat the first show ahead of time, but the people for the second show may have to stand in line while the show is going on and the auditorium empties out. Once you are in the theater, it takes only a few minutes to get seats. Once you have your seats, some of your party can stay seated to keep the seats. There are bathrooms, snack bars and CMs selling pop, popcorn and cotton candy walking around. There is music playing and people are normally in a pretty good mood. Some play games/cards. Some just talk, but the time goes pretty quickly. We were concerned the first time we went to Fantasmic about how the wait would be with DD (who uses a wheelchair, has ADD and other disabililties). She did just fine. Last time our whole family went was in March and in addition to my DDs, DH and I, we also had nephew with ADD, neice and FIL and MIL. No one complained about the wait; there's pretty much to see and do while you are waiting.
The seating for people with wheelchairs/ecvs/special needs is the back 2 rows. The latest we ever got there with DD using a GAC was 15 minutes before the show began. We got seats just to the right of the center. Actually, we thought we were too late, but decided to try and see (the worst that could happen is the wheelchair seats would be full).
Sometimes, they have more or less people with special needs attending, so I'd recommend getting there an hour ahead of time, but I wouldn't worry about the wait too much.