Make a Wish (and other organizations!) - Wish Trippers...UNITE!! Volume 2!

[dmbfan]

Quick question on the fireworkds....do wish families get a certain place to watch the fireworks or parades? I just know from the past you have to get a seat at least and hour or so before they start, and I just did not know if this is still something we need to do? Their will be 6 of us and a stroller...Any thoughts?

Thanks Maroo on the reminder about the times...I hope we can squeeze all of them in during this trip.

 

[dmbfan]

Ok one more question that I need thoughts on for those of you that have already come back....I am stressing over how much time will we have to see and do all the things we want when we are down there....

Sat is a shot day, so that leaves all day Sunday for us, than Monday we are doing our photo session at GKTW and than off to the Red Sox game at 1:05. This will also give us sometime to play around at GKTW too, since this is a once and a lifetime stay. So we have Tues, Wed and Thursday to get ALL the parks done....and I am freaking out cause I am not sure how we will get all we want done in really just four days.

I know the kids are excitied to go to Sea World for some of the rides, and they said something about feeding the dolophins, however we were thinking of going to Sea World later afternoon on Monday, after the Sox Game. But I think we will miss the feeding. Anyone know if there are certain times for this? Or should I call and find out?

Also do you really find you just flew thru the parks due to having the button and not needing to wait in lines? Jake is 8, so he does not nap, so we really do not need to leave to go back to GKTW for naps or lunch...and since we have Jake's stroller, we will get around pretty fast...so even if he is tried, we are pretty set.

Am I freaking out over nothing... Will we really be able to get and see everything during the trip?

 

[twinmum]

Hey guys: here is another update on Noah, just to let you know that they did make it back to Winnipeg, and Noah is in the PICU with RSV, a virus that can hit healthy people like the common cold, but for little ones with compromised health like Noah, it's a nasty, nasty thing. (Our guys have also been hospitalized with it more than once.)

Thank God they made it home, are in the care of a team that knows them well, and were blessed with some days of family fun. Brad and the other 2 children are still in Florida.

Alison

Here's the note from Brad:
"As you know, Noah and Nichole made it back to Winnipeg last night. Nichole was quite worried that Noah may not even be well enough to make it home. While in flight, he looked really bad (grey) and was really having a tough time breathing. I guess there are very few parents that think about what they would do if their child passes away in the next couple hours, but this was one of those times. We have become somewhat accustom to that possibility and always need to keep that in mind. This time though was tough because was Nichole was on her own and not in Canada.

Then the pilot on the flight from Minneapolis to Winnipeg came on the speakers saying they may have to re-route to Grand Forks, ND due to bad weather. A real `you`ve got to be kidding` moment. But as you know, by the grace and goodness of God (once again) and the prayers of many, he made it home.

He is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and on CPAP to assist his breathing, but happy, sitting up, and up to his usual tricks. He has RSV which he has had in the past and hopefully can get over again. (I will try to refrain from going into how he was denied the RSV vaccine due to his age of all things a few weeks ago). This is a time for thanks. Thank you to God for his deliverance, and thank you to everyone`s thoughts and prayers for our son.

Brad

 

[jessica52877]

They lock you out of the thread, not just sworn oath. I'm waiting to be allowed back on. LOL

I think I actually reinstated yours yesterday! There were quite a few wish families I did.

Prayers being said for Noah. I am so glad that they got back home to Canada.

 

[twinmum]

dmbfan: I'll try and help with your questions. (We went on our son Mark's Wish trip in Nov, but I haven't been able to focus on a trip report yet. I am chiming in when I can though! We have twin boys, age 10, so we're in the same age zone. Mark travels through the parks in a wheelchair).

First - SeaWorld. I don't know about the feeding times, but I do know that the boys were thrilled with doing this. We also did an in-depth dolphin tour which was wonderful, but took up extra time. What I did want to share is that I called down to SeaWorld ahead of our trip, and had a long and lovely conversation with a very helpful staff member. I think you should call, explain that you are planning his Wish Trip and that you need to know that if you arrive by X time that there will still be dolphin feeding. It can't hurt, and I do think they'll try to help you, we had an excellent day at SeaWorld. Your GKTW button will get you through the rides more quickly.

And yes, the Wish Trip "magic button" certainly helps with lines. However, there is still just so much to do in all the parks that you have to try very hard to accept that you simply won't be able to do it all. I'm sorry, I can't remember if you've been to WDW before. We had, and that helped us identify things that were "must do's" vs things we'd try to fit in. I'm a bit of a planner, and I made a list of "want to do's" for GKTW, SeaWorld, Universal and each of the WDW parks (except Animal Kingdom, we did it last time and this was a sacrifice the boys decided they were ready to accept. The fact that Primeval Whirl was in rehab helped). We talked about maybe 5 "must do's" for each park, and in the end, we made 'em all. But we worked it! And sometimes we split up, as Mark was much more interested in characters than his brother Douglas. You can have Jakob wear his button while his sister and a parent carry the relevant GAC/pass. Just talk to a CM and explain it - we found everyone wanted to help each member of our family have a great time.

This was our third trip to Disney (2nd to WDW and we went to DL in 2007). This time, finally, I really stuck to my guns and ensured we didn't tucker ourselves out by pushing too hard. And this was the first time no one got sick!!!

We previewed each day as a family, agreed what we really wanted to manage to do. It was a fun way to recap the current day and look forward to the next, and made everyone feel that they had been part of the planning. It also made for less confusion the next day. Finally, my boys (including my hubby!) accepted that I'd done the research and could come up with the best plan to achieve our Must Do's., and they actually listened to me!

There are some things that will be available to you as a Wish Family (like the Wish Lounge at MK, VIP lounges at Epcot, activities at GKTW (though you can day visit again!). Read your bunny book and plan for the ones that interest you because this is your chance to do them.

Maybe someday you can go back to WDW!

Hope this helps.
Alison

 

[dmbfan]

Alison, thank you so much for taking the time to post back to me, I feel much better now... I will call Sea World and see what they can do to help for feeding times, cause I know the kids really want to do this...ok I do too...

Yes we have to been to Disney, about 4 years ago. We were able to get the guest assisant pass at that time too due to Jake's issues, and it helped ALOT. We also got the VIP pass at US/IA, and zipped thru almost every ride there was. I think my kids pretty much figured out what they do not want to go on ( Tea Cups and Hall of Presidents). As for the the special rooms at MK and Epcot, do they tell where these are at? Even if we got to just check them out will be fun.

It seems like alot of the parks close around 7-9pm, which is early to me, cause last time we went, they were open until 11pm. That was in July. So at least we will all get to bed at a good time...that is a plus. I am not good at planning things, we do well with just going...but I do know MK will be on Sunday when we get their...we will most likely plan the night before what we are going to do the next day...lol

Again, thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with me...

 

[twinmum]

At GKTW, you'll receive a "Bunny Book", which has all sorts of information about GKTW, the parks, driving directions and so on. It also includes information on how to find the Wish Lounge at MK and the VIP lounges at Epcot. My 10 year olds thought it was "really neat" to access the 2 of 3 lounges that we visited. They are located at Test Track, Mission:Space and Spaceship Earth. If you go on multiple rides of Test Track or Mission Space, going via the Lounge is interesting - unique inside view of the ride, a chance to get a drink and have some quiet for a few minutes etc. Word of caution: not all CMs are up to speed with Wish Families having access and we had to explain a bit. If your kids like to think they are "insiders" with special access, try this out.

I do recommend the Wish Lounge as a bastion of quiet, cool, drinks and friendly CMs. However, a quick visit may not be easy - Mark decided he wanted to watch part of a movie and rest!

Alison

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

Wow! I'm so behind on the DIS...we're talking like 30 pages here! I can't believe I missed the return of Bill and all!

Thanks for everyone whose been keeping up with us through my blog (and on FB too)! I LOVE, LOVE hearing from my DIS "family." Sometimes I feel like ya'll "get it" in a way that other folks in our life just can't.

We've been busy bees. Took a trip to Duke Children's hospital...finally ruled out Cystic Fibrosis. Savannah had an MRI, skeletal survery and goo-gobs more blood last week--lots of good news from that and a little bad news too. She's having surgery this coming Tuesday...she's one infected little peanut...needs new tubes, adenoids out and some sort of needle sucktioning of her sinuses...promises to be fun She's still not growing and we still don't have a diagnosis for her but she's a cheerful darling and we could not be more blessed to have her.

Sebastian and Siennah are doing great! I think they loved it snowed here and was warm enough for shorts all in one week! CRRRAZY! Tommorow is our one year "anniversary" of meeting Sebastian's Oncologist. I still can't believe how much our life has changed since then!

SO MUCH LOVE to YOU ALL!

Amber

 

[jham]

Re: Big Give.

I think they find you via the pre-trip reports. They found Elsa's "late" (they like alot of lead time to be able to make something and then send it) and may not be able to do anything. But that's ok. The thoughts and good wishes are enough.

We've been blessed with the knowledge and understanding of how much love DOES exist in this world from strangers, organizations, other families with medical issues, and neighbors.


Prayers and good thoughts for Noah and his family.

I was just over at the big give board and I will say you'll be well taken care of We do find families through pre-trip reports and try not to leave anyone out but we do need a good lead time for all our little mice to get busy and make things!

 

[maroo]

Quick question on the fireworkds....do wish families get a certain place to watch the fireworks or parades? I just know from the past you have to get a seat at least and hour or so before they start, and I just did not know if this is still something we need to do? Their will be 6 of us and a stroller...Any thoughts?

Thanks Maroo on the reminder about the times...I hope we can squeeze all of them in during this trip.

Ok one more question that I need thoughts on for those of you that have already come back....I am stressing over how much time will we have to see and do all the things we want when we are down there....

Sat is a shot day, so that leaves all day Sunday for us, than Monday we are doing our photo session at GKTW and than off to the Red Sox game at 1:05. This will also give us sometime to play around at GKTW too, since this is a once and a lifetime stay. So we have Tues, Wed and Thursday to get ALL the parks done....and I am freaking out cause I am not sure how we will get all we want done in really just four days.

I know the kids are excitied to go to Sea World for some of the rides, and they said something about feeding the dolophins, however we were thinking of going to Sea World later afternoon on Monday, after the Sox Game. But I think we will miss the feeding. Anyone know if there are certain times for this? Or should I call and find out?

Also do you really find you just flew thru the parks due to having the button and not needing to wait in lines? Jake is 8, so he does not nap, so we really do not need to leave to go back to GKTW for naps or lunch...and since we have Jake's stroller, we will get around pretty fast...so even if he is tried, we are pretty set.

Am I freaking out over nothing... Will we really be able to get and see everything during the trip?

I have been with Lauren all day...and although my computer has been sitting on the DIS...the light has been on, but no one has been home!

I agree with Alison on everything she said!

 

[Somer]

Hi everyone, the wish granters just came to visit yesterday. Jozlynn's disney world trip will be in October, because she can't handle the heat. I feel silly for asking, but how do I go about making a pre trip report?

 

[Khalana]

Hi everyone, the wish granters just came to visit yesterday. Jozlynn's disney world trip will be in October, because she can't handle the heat. I feel silly for asking, but how do I go about making a pre trip report?

Yay!!!!! October will be a great time to go! You could even go to Mickey's Not So scary Halloween Party (I've heard it's great!).

You can start a pre-trip report by going to the Pre-trip board and starting a new thread. You can name it what you'd like but it's nice to include that it is a wish trip and the dates. Here is a link to the pre-trip board if you have a hard time finding it (it can be a bit confusing at first here ):

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=144

If you have any questions about planning your trip, Give Kids the World or anything else, ask away.

 

[Khalana]

Wow! I'm so behind on the DIS...we're talking like 30 pages here! I can't believe I missed the return of Bill and all!

Thanks for everyone whose been keeping up with us through my blog (and on FB too)! I LOVE, LOVE hearing from my DIS "family." Sometimes I feel like ya'll "get it" in a way that other folks in our life just can't.

We've been busy bees. Took a trip to Duke Children's hospital...finally ruled out Cystic Fibrosis. Savannah had an MRI, skeletal survery and goo-gobs more blood last week--lots of good news from that and a little bad news too. She's having surgery this coming Tuesday...she's one infected little peanut...needs new tubes, adenoids out and some sort of needle sucktioning of her sinuses...promises to be fun She's still not growing and we still don't have a diagnosis for her but she's a cheerful darling and we could not be more blessed to have her.

Sebastian and Siennah are doing great! I think they loved it snowed here and was warm enough for shorts all in one week! CRRRAZY! Tommorow is our one year "anniversary" of meeting Sebastian's Oncologist. I still can't believe how much our life has changed since then!

SO MUCH LOVE to YOU ALL!

Amber

Hi Amber,
Nice to "see" you back here. I've been keeping up with your blog and praying for little Savannah. Hopefully everything will go well with her surgery and they'll be able to help her out, poor sweetie.

 

[SueM in MN]

1. Neither me nor my children have been on an airplane. My wish girl doesn't talk, so she can't tell me if she is in any pain. I'm worried about ear issues. Lord knows, I don't want a crying 13 year old in the air for 2 hours. Any tips?

I have a non-verbal 23 yr old who has traveled many times. She has never really had a problem with ear pain. When she was little, we just offered her a small amount to eat.
It's the swallowing and movement of the mouth that removes pressure, so anything that will cause her to swallow will help.
We have not ever tried these, but a lot of people report good success with a product called earplanes (click here to see more about them).

3. Back to an airplane question...My girl has to have her seizure medicine. Its a liquid. What problems will I have taking that on an airplane? Any special tips or concerns about her wheelchair on the plane?

Thanks for any and all ideas...

For more information about air travel with a wheelchair, click on the link in my signature that goes to the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
There is one post in that thread that talks about air travel. It includes some pictures of an aisle chair and also links to some helpful resources, including the Transportation Security website page about medications.
As others have already posted, travel with liquid medications is not a problem.

Also, in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are links to a number of past threads that may be helpful to you. One is about WDW epilepsy and WDW.

 

[dmbfan]

At GKTW, you'll receive a "Bunny Book", which has all sorts of information about GKTW, the parks, driving directions and so on. It also includes information on how to find the Wish Lounge at MK and the VIP lounges at Epcot. My 10 year olds thought it was "really neat" to access the 2 of 3 lounges that we visited. They are located at Test Track, Mission:Space and Spaceship Earth. If you go on multiple rides of Test Track or Mission Space, going via the Lounge is interesting - unique inside view of the ride, a chance to get a drink and have some quiet for a few minutes etc. Word of caution: not all CMs are up to speed with Wish Families having access and we had to explain a bit. If your kids like to think they are "insiders" with special access, try this out.

I do recommend the Wish Lounge as a bastion of quiet, cool, drinks and friendly CMs. However, a quick visit may not be easy - Mark decided he wanted to watch part of a movie and rest!

Alison

Thank you for this information....Jake's mouth nearly feel to the floor when I read this to him... We will for sure check out all these lounges...

 

[Somer]

Thank you so much, I will get started on my pre trip report now. I do hope the weather will be nice.

Yay!!!!! October will be a great time to go! You could even go to Mickey's Not So scary Halloween Party (I've heard it's great!).

You can start a pre-trip report by going to the Pre-trip board and starting a new thread. You can name it what you'd like but it's nice to include that it is a wish trip and the dates. Here is a link to the pre-trip board if you have a hard time finding it (it can be a bit confusing at first here )

disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=144

If you have any questions about planning your trip, Give Kids the World or anything else, ask away.

I do have a question. My mother-in-law is going to go with us, but she dosn't want to go if she dosn't get a button. She just dosn't want to feel like the third wheel. Does anyone know if other family members will also get buttons?

 

[Khalana]

Thank you so much, I will get started on my pre trip report now. I do hope the weather will be nice.



I do have a question. My mother-in-law is going to go with us, but she dosn't want to go if she dosn't get a button. She just dosn't want to feel like the third wheel. Does anyone know if other family members will also get buttons?

Do you mean a GKTW button ot a MAW button? The GKTW button is only for the Wish child but the whole family/party is included in the benefits it gives (bypassing long lines etc). I don't know too much about the MAW button, but if your mil is worried about being left out, you can have only the kids wear them.

 

[keetmommy]

Emma's Pre-Trip report...not sure If I included everything I should but here we are so far....
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30700268#post30700268

 

[maroo]

Hi everyone, the wish granters just came to visit yesterday. Jozlynn's disney world trip will be in October, because she can't handle the heat. I feel silly for asking, but how do I go about making a pre trip report?

Woo Hoo!!! That is awesome!!!

I just scheduled a trip for Sept...so I will miss you by a month.

We took our wish trip with Lauren in October. It was the beginning of October...and the weather was great! And it was not too terribly crowded! Perfect!

Definitely plan on budgeting (you may have to save up...it is expensive) to do MNSSHP (the Halloween Party). The tickets are 55 or so dollars (less for kids)...but there is a TON of candy, a parade, special fireworks, etc. An awesome dance with characters (very fun character interaction!) You can see the MNSSHP stuff on my trip report...that is something we spent some time doing.

PLUS...you get the added bonus of basically getting an extra Disney day. I would go to the MNSSHP on a day when you can sleep in and plan to get there right at 4:00 pm...eat a good meal before you go...then be ready to ride the rides and see MK. You can basically stay there from 4:00 all the way to midnight...so it is worth it for the tickets because you can almost do all of MK and not use one of your three precious Disney days.

I do have a question. My mother-in-law is going to go with us, but she dosn't want to go if she dosn't get a button. She just dosn't want to feel like the third wheel. Does anyone know if other family members will also get buttons?

I think someone answered this...but the GKTW button is just for the wish child, but everyone basically gets in with that button (within reason...don't bring 20 people )

Emma's Pre-Trip report...not sure If I included everything I should but here we are so far....
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30700268#post30700268

COOL!!!!

Running to go read!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Somer]

Thanks, that makes sense. I just thought that the immediate family also got badges and my mother-in-law didn't want to be left out and have to stand in lines while we all go to the front.

Do you mean a GKTW button ot a MAW button? The GKTW button is only for the Wish child but the whole family/party is included in the benefits it gives (bypassing long lines etc). I don't know too much about the MAW button, but if your mil is worried about being left out, you can have only the kids wear them.

Woo Hoo!!! That is awesome!!!

I just scheduled a trip for Sept...so I will miss you by a month.

We took our wish trip with Lauren in October. It was the beginning of October...and the weather was great! And it was not too terribly crowded! Perfect!

Definitely plan on budgeting (you may have to save up...it is expensive) to do MNSSHP (the Halloween Party). The tickets are 55 or so dollars (less for kids)...but there is a TON of candy, a parade, special fireworks, etc. An awesome dance with characters (very fun character interaction!) You can see the MNSSHP stuff on my trip report...that is something we spent some time doing.

PLUS...you get the added bonus of basically getting an extra Disney day. I would go to the MNSSHP on a day when you can sleep in and plan to get there right at 4:00 pm...eat a good meal before you go...then be ready to ride the rides and see MK. You can basically stay there from 4:00 all the way to midnight...so it is worth it for the tickets because you can almost do all of MK and not use one of your three precious Disney days.



I think someone answered this...but the GKTW button is just for the wish child, but everyone basically gets in with that button (within reason...don't bring 20 people )