*~Elsa's Royal Wish PreTrip~* BIG GIVE!! MAW/GKTW

[muttshouse]

Hi. I just found out about the disboards from a scrapbooking friend and am totally overwhelmed by the information and I need help to plan this trip!

Our daughter, Elsa, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2005. We contacted our local Make a Wish Foundation in May 2008. Elsa made a wish for a Royal Ball with all the Disney Princesses and Megara and a fancy pair of shoes that would grow with her feet (like Cinderella). Right off the bat, we were told that her wish wouldn't be possible. The closest thing they could offer was a trip to WDW and they offered her either a group (with some other wish families) meet and greet with some characters or a Princess lunch @ Akershus. I decided that DD might be overwhelmed by multiple characters all at once and that seeing the princesses across the room might give her time get herself together and enjoy the interaction.

So months later, we get a call to schedule our trip. We decided Jan 17-22 would work great. Two days before the trip, Elsa has a high fever and is vomitting. Trip is postponed! (We had hoped she'd rally by Friday, but no go.)

So, now we are tentatively looking at March 24-29th. I hope we go this week because Elsa wants to be there for her 7th birthday. We'll also be celebrating that she's been off Chemotherapy for 1 year!


Our Cast of Characters:

Mom - me - Donald Duck (aspiring to be Goofy)
DH - Mickey
Elsa - Wish child (6)
DS - a dinosaur or an animal (3)

Our story:

Basically DD was diagnosed in Oct 2005. We lived in the hospital for a month during diagnosis. Whew. Elsa was hospitalized for fevers several times (for 1-3 weeks each) for the next 2 years of her chemotherapy. Her immune system is very sensitive to the chemo drugs and was pretty sick and lethargic during active chemo. She was so sensitive, her therapy was extended about a year because her body needed to recover from the medications. We're hoping that this means the cancer is gone for good.

So now the planning part:

We officially have the word! We get to stay at Give Kids the World!

Advanced Dining Reservations: 1900 Park Fare end of our first day @ MK. No plan for lunch yet.

For DD's Birthday, we're @ Epcot. Princess Lunch @ Akershus. I hope they have food the kids will eat. Dinner will be at the Garden Grill at the Land for dinner.

No ressies for AK or DHS. Not sure what the plan is right now.

We will have 3 day park hopper passes and I've planned for MK, Epcot, and AK. One day will be at Sea World and then we'll have 2 half days (travel days).

We'll be celebrating DD's birthday and the anniversary of ending her Chemotherapy, but don't have any special events planned. Suggestions welcome!

 

[tinytreasures]

Welcome to our little family

 

[maroo]

Yeah!!

Another Wish Trip!!

Do you want to be listed on our Wish Trips thread?

You can come check it out...it is the blue link below in my siggie!

Nice to meet you guys!!

Now, I think that MAW could certainly make shoes that grow with her feet!

 

[muttshouse]

Yeah!!

Another Wish Trip!!

Do you want to be listed on our Wish Trips thread?

You can come check it out...it is the blue link below in my siggie!

Nice to meet you guys!!

Now, I think that MAW could certainly make shoes that grow with her feet!

Hi Maroo!

I'd love to be on the Wish Trips thread.

I did tell DD that *some* of her wish might be hard to do . . .

UPDATE: Our trip is now scheduled for March 24th-29th!!

YAY! DD wished that we could reschedule for her birthday and voila we're going down to WDW that week.

 

[muttshouse]

Welcome to our little family

Hi! Thanks for the warm welcome.

This board is HUGE and overwhelming! Just making the smilie decision distracts me!

I don't feel like I have enough time to research. Life does get in the way!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Joining in on your pre trip report! Sounds great, and congratulations on 1 yr without chemo

 

[muttshouse]

Joining in on your pre trip report! Sounds great, and congratulations on 1 yr without chemo

Thanks! Any tips are appreciated!


What do with the last half day of travel?? I want to go to mousememories.com's warehouse, but I'm not sure if that's feasible.
Do we spend the day at DTD? No clues here. Maybe I'll just be packing!

 

[DWFan4Life]

Welcome to DISboards. Great start on your PTR, looking forward in hearing from you after you will arrived from your trip. Have fun and enjoy.

Have a safe trip coming.

 

[tinytreasures]

DATES

what a great birthday present

 

[muttshouse]

DATES

what a great birthday present

We were *supposed* to go during MY birthday week!! I had my personalized cake all ordered and everything. Now the personalized cake will be for DD.


Tonight's adventure: DD fell while at a friend's house. The girls were jumping from the staircase onto a trampoline and then trying to land on the carpet. I knocked on the door just as she fell. I could hear her crying and asking for me. Her bff was upset and ran upstairs.

I got her home and tried to check to see if she dislocated her elbow. It was unclear. Her pain got worse as time went on so I decided to take her to the ER. I had to wait for DH to come home to watch DS. It snowed all day and the traffic was jammed up. It was 7pm by the time I left with DD to go to the ER. Luckily this hospital has a pediatric ER department too. THey got us triaged, Xray'd and home by 9:30p! Wow!

DD apparently has a sprained and bruised elbow which may take a while to heal up. The pain should disappear within a couple of days. (But still give her Tylenol they said! I ended up talking scrapbooking with the ER doc and convinced her to come scrapbooking on Sunday! (DD was a little miffed that I was making scrapbooking friends on her time!)

Off to bed!

 

[JohnsonsLoveDisney]

Guess who!

Ohh poor DD. You didnt tell me that. I feel so out of the loop. cant wait to see what else happens in your planning.

 

[muttshouse]

Guess who!

Ohh poor DD. You didnt tell me that. I feel so out of the loop. cant wait to see what else happens in your planning.

Hey Rachal!

You're not out of the loop. I ran out of stean and only posted here. Thanks for hooking me up here!

 

[tinytreasures]

sorry she got hurt hope she is on the mend soon

 

[muttshouse]

Elsa's feeling much better. She made me write a note and carefully put her arm in and hand her up the bus steps. After the first day at school in the sling, she came off the bus with the sling in her backpack! Guess she was feeling better!

Today we went to clinic for her quarterly check up. Her regular oncologist was on call on the inpatient side so we saw a different doc. The other doc gave us a thumbs up, but seemed very surprised and concerned about DD's report that there were learning problems. UM, don't you expect the chemotherapy drugs you injected to float around her brain to affect the brain?? (GOSH I JUST LOVE THESE SMILIES! )

The good news is that we are now on clinic visits every 4 months. She even wanted to drop the monthly blood tests. She compromised by saying every 2 months. Whew. Then she said, "Well, parents know if anything's wrong." She repeated this several times.

The worst part of clinic was getting Elsa to straighten her arm out for her blood test. She totally freaks out - screaming, kicking etc. I have to pin her arm and legs down. I always feel awful about doing this to her. I always get frustrated that she hasn't gotten used to being calm for these procedures after 4 years!!

We actually got out of the hospital by 10:15 AM!!! Wow! Totally unheard of. So we went to the Philly Zoo. We haven't been there in ages. It was a little cold and not everyone was out of school today. The zoo was so empty - our own little world. The docents were there and gave us private Q&A sessions. The animals were awake and moving around. I've seen animals in their habitats moving around today that I have NEVER seen in their habitats for 5 years of going to the zoo. The kids behaved overall. Really nice trip.

After getting home, I subjected them to 45 minutes of Comcast ondemand Disney Travel Channel!! DS kept asking for "kid tv" when any non-AK parts showed up. After about 20 minutes, DD says to me, "Mom, you don't have to make us watch these videos. I won't be disappointed by my trip no matter what we do." AWWWW!

I've been stressing over the planning part of the trip - especially since it's not *exactly* what she wants. What a sweetheart!

Of course during these videos, they do a segment on Cinderella's Dream Suite. She forgot to ask to stay there as part of her wish. Now she's wondering if we can stay there. Is there any chance of visiting the suite you think?

Gotta get the kids to bed now. Thanks for listening!

 

[JohnsonsLoveDisney]

Wooohoo! Sometimes Dr's dont think.

I have to hold the girls down for shots/blood work too. Its a parent thing. I hate it. We had to hold DD#2 down for a urine test one time. that was the worst.

Glad you had a great day at the zoo. did you take any pics to use your new paper with?

Got your package today! Wow!! Its nice to be .

So what help do you need in the planning? I am always around! I think that it will be a great trip no matter what.

I have no idea about the Suite thing. you'll prolly have to get ahold of your person and see.

 

[muttshouse]

Wooohoo! Sometimes Dr's dont think.

I have to hold the girls down for shots/blood work too. Its a parent thing. I hate it. We had to hold DD#2 down for a urine test one time. that was the worst.

Glad you had a great day at the zoo. did you take any pics to use your new paper with?

Got your package today! Wow!! Its nice to be .

So what help do you need in the planning? I am always around! I think that it will be a great trip no matter what.

I have no idea about the Suite thing. you'll prolly have to get ahold of your person and see.

Hey Rachal. How do you keep up with both (more?) boards??

Wow- the package got there fast!
Boy do I love these smilies!

Can you believe that I forgot my camera!!!

I'm still trying to figure out if the kids could possibly handle the fireworks show without a nap at either MK or Epcot. And where to eat at AK. Or if we may jump over to DHS. If I knew that the GKTW buttons would let us zoom around the park and finish everything before 2, then I could plan better.

I'm rethinking 1900 Park Fare. DD isn't so sure she wants to meet the stepsisters now that I've been comparing her whining and poor behavior to that of Anastasia and Grizzella.

Also, I'm trying to figure out desserts for our meals. 1900 PF will be the only chance to get a custom cake with fancy fillings. Do I indulge myself even though it's DD's pre-bd dinner? I so want to try the slipper dessert. What to do about DD's wish for a delish chocolate/chocolate cake? She *also* wants the new Princess jewelry box cake. Of course, we'd have to include the Pirate one for DS. Each one is $15! Are the cakes any good?

The WDW Dining CM suggested having a corsage or nosegay of somekind for her birthday lunch at Akershus. I LOVE that idea, but the $$$ online seem a little high. I'll have to call the florist directly and find out how much it would really be. If it's too much, I think I can make some ribbon ones into a wrist corsage and sneak it to the waitstaff. What do you think?

OMG- one of the videos was about the princess makeover at BibbidiBobbidiBoutique - Elsa said, "oooh, I want a princess makeover!" I just about had a heart attack. I didn't know they were going to advertise that! I played it casual and basically didn't respond.

More q's later. Gotta ship out one more swap box and then I'll be done!

 

[muttshouse]

Yeah!!

Another Wish Trip!!

Do you want to be listed on our Wish Trips thread?

You can come check it out...it is the blue link below in my siggie!

Nice to meet you guys!!

Now, I think that MAW could certainly make shoes that grow with her feet!

Hey Maroo,

Have a great last minute trip to WDW!!!

And yes, we'd love to be listed on the Wish Trips thread. Thanks!

 

[JohnsonsLoveDisney]

Hey Rachal. How do you keep up with both (more?) boards??

Cause it keeps me sane...

Wow- the package got there fast!
Boy do I love these smilies!

Can you believe that I forgot my camera!!!

Yes, cause i never carry mine with me. thats why i am getting a smaller one. to keep in my purse. I miss so many great pics that way. and sometimes a camera phone just doesnt do it.

I'm still trying to figure out if the kids could possibly handle the fireworks show without a nap at either MK or Epcot. And where to eat at AK. Or if we may jump over to DHS. If I knew that the GKTW buttons would let us zoom around the park and finish everything before 2, then I could plan better.

Maybe, can they go until 10pm at home without a nap? I wouldnt suggest it. Take a few hours and take a nap. espically in the middle of the day when the crowds are highest. go back, rest, shower dress for dinner, and come back in time for ressies and enjoy the rest of the night. works every time. and you wont be missing too much cause the lines will be crazy, depending on park hours you can ride more rides afterwards when everyone else is taking their over-tired kids back.

I'm rethinking 1900 Park Fare. DD isn't so sure she wants to meet the stepsisters now that I've been comparing her whining and poor behavior to that of Anastasia and Grizzella.

Havent been there. Just stay there or do the dinner at Askerhaus.

Also, I'm trying to figure out desserts for our meals. 1900 PF will be the only chance to get a custom cake with fancy fillings. Do I indulge myself even though it's DD's pre-bd dinner? I so want to try the slipper dessert. What to do about DD's wish for a delish chocolate/chocolate cake? She *also* wants the new Princess jewelry box cake. Of course, we'd have to include the Pirate one for DS. Each one is $15! Are the cakes any good?

Where are you going for lunch/dinner on her bday? You could go for the fancy cake just what she wants the day before. get the slipper dessert for yourself or to go if that possible. Tell her she gets to pick one and thats it. then do cake for DS a differnt meal. I have heard that the cakes are good. how big are they for $15 personal? or family?

The WDW Dining CM suggested having a corsage or nosegay of somekind for her birthday lunch at Akershus. I LOVE that idea, but the $$$ online seem a little high. I'll have to call the florist directly and find out how much it would really be. If it's too much, I think I can make some ribbon ones into a wrist corsage and sneak it to the waitstaff. What do you think?

I think that you can make something and bring it, or do nothing. i dont think that she will notice. Or maybe a crown/wand set if she isnt already getting one.

OMG- one of the videos was about the princess makeover at BibbidiBobbidiBoutique - Elsa said, "oooh, I want a princess makeover!" I just about had a heart attack. I didn't know they were going to advertise that! I played it casual and basically didn't respond.

That might be something to do for her bday. i heard its a blast and plan on doing it with all 3 DD's when we go. they wont get the most expensive package of course. You might just have to scale back a bit on the character dinners. Can you PM with what MAW is paying for and what your budget is and I will be more apt to help you. if you dont mind that is.

More q's later. Gotta ship out one more swap box and then I'll be done!

I didnt get to your cuts today. maybe tonight. had to pick up GS cookies and get them out to people. got a bunch more orders when we dropped them by the bowling alley.

 

[muttshouse]

Here's the initial plan:

Arrive on Tuesday afternoon. Unpack, settle in, shop at mousememories?

Wed: MK. (nap? fireworks?)

8am Crystal Palace

Mickey's Philharmagic
Carrousel
Dumbo
Laugh Factory
Peter Pan's flight
Space Ranger Spin


1:50 -2:50 BBB
3 parade ?
4:45 pm 1900 Park Fare Dinner

7pm GKTW

Thursday: Epcot DD's Birthday! arty:
nap?

AM: Kim Possible


11:45a Akershus for Princess Lunch

1:30 autographs?

5:45p Garden Grill @ Land for dinner

7pm GKTW visit w/ ??? (spoiler)


Friday: Seaworld

Sat: AK

Dinodig
Nemo show
Kilamanjaro Safari

Sun: go home in the afternoon.

 

[dmbfan]

Wanted to say Hello and Welcom, just finished reading your pre trip thread...looks like we will be coming to GKTW one day before you leave. I can not get over how good you are on coming with what days to do what... I so far got the times the parks open and close and that is.