A WISH for Cold Tea? Ana's aMAWzing Disney Trip! 12/1-12/7 ~Last Entry~ p.127

[tinkgurl]

Aw, GTKW looks so great! From your villa, to that playground, to all those stars on the ceiling! It looks like you guys had a magical time there. So happy for you!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I've heard so much about GKTW, but seeing the pictures really adds a new dimension to it. The place looks amazing! I can't wait to hear about the Candyland game!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Thanks for the tour Tim! I don't blame Ana, I would not have wanted to leave the playground either!

I love how all of the houses are decorated, it really makes GKTW a fantasyland of sorts. Those stars, how beautiful! It makes me sad that there are so many, but happy at the same time that so many children were able to come to such a wonderful place!

 

[kaileighbug]

Great updates. I will have to log on later to show my little one. She loves looking at all the pictures and doesn't want to let me read what goes with them....

 

[Aimros]

I've been here from the beginning but haven't posted yet. I'm so glad to hear your trip got off to such a great start and I'm anxiously anticipating the rest of your TR but hope it doesn't go by too quickly (just like your vacation did, unfortunately!). I am amazed at the GKTW village. It is a perfect little place for kids. It breaks my heart and makes me feel so happy all at the same time to know there is a place like that out there for kids who deserve it just like Ana does. Those stars on the ceiling are simply amazing.

 

[Emma's Dad]

Juliana's Wish granters set up a call for Juliana from Cinderella. So on Tuesday morning the phone rang and there was someone special on the line... (click on the picture to see the video)

Juliana was so excited and very shy when she got the call. She couldn't believe that Cinderella was calling her.

That was cute when she was answering Cinderella! Too cool!

Then she saw our driver.... After we were in the limo, she told us she thought he was the real Santa. I think he was too.

Santa!! I agree it was Santa

While I was going over the rental info at the Alamo counter, the lady informed us that Alamo/National would cover the cost of gas so we didn't have to bring the car back filled. I wasn't expecting that at all.

The girl went into an office and came out with a big box of folders of people checking in and we were in there. Whew! We were there the right day!

Whew! You almost had one of MY vacation starts!

The villa was great. It was a nice size and could fit up to a family of 7. I grabbed our suitcases and pretty much just plopped them down because Juliana made up her mind that she wanted to go to the playground which was directly across the street from us.

Definitely looks like a nice place to crash! Too bad it didn't have a non-working hot tub

All Juliana wanted to do was play at the playground- and I didn't blame her. This was the view from our driveway.

Yep... my DD would have been there, too.

Here is the carousel at the Castle of Miracles. The kids can ride it as many times as they like from morning to night. It is also wheelchair accessible- there is no step up. The carousel is flush to the ground. Very cool!

WAYYYYYY COOL!

We walked into the Castle of Miracles and you can't help but notice the ceiling. There are thousands of stars on the ceiling. Each Wish kid gets to decorate a star and it gets placed on the ceiling. There are close to 100,000 stars on there!

I don't even have any words for this... what an awesome place!

What an awesome way to start the trip. And I have no idea how you are keeping up with this TR... you're wayyyy too fast for me! LOL!

 

[vamassey1]

What a fabulous place! I don't think I would have been able to drag my kids away from there to go to the parks. I want to play in the playgound too. So much to see and do in one place.

My middle child has a friend that stayed there when they were in grade school. She still remembers it as one of her favorite places. I belong to a Yahoo scrapbook swaping group. We have made scrapbook pages and autograph books for the past couple of years. Did they give y'all any stuff like that?

 

[afwdwfan]

Like some others have said, I've never seen or knew much detail about GKTW. Thanks for sharing. It is great that they have such a nice place and a program like that. I love how they have everything from legos to playgrounds. They could pretty much plop that village down anywhere in the country, and most kids would probably be thrilled even without the Disney World part.

 

[KatMark]

All Juliana wanted to do was play at the playground- and I didn't blame her. This was the view from our driveway.

Time to play at the playground.

The playground has a Candyland theme.

I WANT TO PLAY IN THAT PLAYGROUND!

I love the villa -- so pretty and so much room for you guys. How cool Ana had her own bathroom with a whirlpool tub.

We walked into the Castle of Miracles and you can't help but notice the ceiling. There are thousands of stars on the ceiling. Each Wish kid gets to decorate a star and it gets placed on the ceiling. There are close to 100,000 stars on there!

We have been donating, as a family, to the Make-A-Wish every Christmas for the past 20 years after reading a story 20+years ago about a Make A Wish child. I hat there there are so many stars...kind of sad; but also what a spectacular site.

The village was in the process of decorating for Christmas. Each day during the week there were more and more decorations. This guy was already set up.

Love this photo!!!

We finally arrived at the House of Hearts and I went to the counter to see what possibly could have been dropped off for us. I was handed a cute, HEAVY Mickey Bag, with our name on it, that came from Disney Floral & Gifts. There was a note attached and I read it out loud. Kathy and Marv sent the bag to us and we were really touched by their kindness and thoughtfulness.

Tim, it was our pleasure. Ana received so many wonderful gifts prior to her trip, as you and Mel did, and we thought it would be nice to have something there for "relaxation" time or a pre-bed snack. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Marv and I could not think of anyone more deserving and just wanted you to know how much you all meant to us.

 

[jenseib]

That place is AMAZING. I have never seen pictures before, and it just blows my mind. You would never even need to leave. It does look like Whoville.
I love the gift the Marv and Kathy sent to you. How wonderful.
Marv and Kathy, can you just order stuff like that online? If so, what is the website? This is giving me ideas!!!

 

[marvali]

That place is AMAZING. I have never seen pictures before, and it just blows my mind. You would never even need to leave. It does look like Whoville.
I love the gift the Marv and Kathy sent to you. How wonderful.
Marv and Kathy, can you just order stuff like that online? If so, what is the website? This is giving me ideas!!!

Yes, this was ordered online from Disney Florist. Kathy was already familiar with them. Right now they have a special selection of items for the holidays, along with their normal floral, fruit and snack arrangements and selections. They are very helpful and easy to work with!

 

[jenseib]

Yes, this was ordered online from Disney Florist. Kathy was already familiar with them. Right now they have a special selection of items for the holidays, along with their normal floral, fruit and snack arrangements and selections. They are very helpful and easy to work with!

Thanks so much

 

[tinacaplan]

Beautiful update. The stars are amazing and choking me up just a little bit...

What a beautiful place the village is, and spacious, too. The playground looks like it was super cool.

And what a great gift from Kathy and Marv!

 

[Millie12591]

Great update!! The playground's location couldn't have been more ideal, although might have been hard to get Ana to pass it by if other things were needed to be gotten to.

The bag from Kat and Marv was such a beautiful touch. You two are so sweet to be so thoughtful this way. I love the bag! So cute!

Tim, I hope y'all got something good to eat, I know how hard it is to see all these new things around you and be hungry at the same time. You get torn two ways for a little while, eventually the tummy wins out. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Wow! Simply amazing GKTW is! I'm so glad there is this bit of happiness for the children and their families. I also was saddened to know there was 100,000 stars on that ceiling. We all know there are many more stars that never get the chance so prayers to all of them

Juliana's hair is getting so long!

Heather

 

[Dina Monster]

Wow all those stars make me feel so happy inside that this is happening because of them and for them. It's truly amazing. I can't wait to see what happens next!

 

[that's nice]

just one word for the stars....wow....

its so amazing that many children have been through their doors and left their mark for all to be amazed and awed.....just touches my heart....

It is amazing! What is really sad (and I don't mean to put a damper on things) is how many of those kids are in heaven right now... I know of 2 personally from the DIS who have passed away after having their Wish granter at GKTW.

Hey Watch out! You'll upset the time continuum or create a parallel universe! (or something like that!)

I better watch out what I do on this TR from here on out.

I love the little village houses -looks like Whoville or something. The inside of your villa was so nice. I'm so glad for GKTW, but sad that we even need a place like that in 2010.

The houses were really cool.

It is sad that there has to be a place like that... but it is so nice that it is there.

Ana is adorable and that playground looks amazing! I love those colorful villas.

Thank you! Juliana loved playing at the playground.

Wow, I turn in and miss not just one, but TWO updates!!! You do realize you have now spoiled us and you can't go back.........

Oh no! What have I done?

I understand Ana's excitement about getting to Disney, but a grown man????

Marv, I can't sleep on planes because I hate flying. I like to keep my eyes open in case the plane starts going down. Although I don't know what good it will do to be awake during that. LOL

BTW, two weeks from today we check in at Kidani!!!

AWESOME!!!!! Are you gonna take us with you?

GKTW looks like a fantastic place, and the rooms look wonderful. I like how Princess Juliana had her very own whirlpool tub! Just the thing to spoil and pamper a princess! Don't know why this would surprise me, but very cool how they have the handicap accessible shower too!

The whole village is handicap accessible. From the villas, to the playground, to all the buildings.... even the carousel is flush to the ground so a wheelchair can roll right on. Very cool!

It looks like there is so much to do just at GKTW that you would have to stay 2 weeks just to have time to get all that done, and find the time to visit the parks!!!

Then add meeting up with family too.... 2 weeks sounds about right. Too bad we only had one.

What a cool idea! So great that they have helped so many children and families, and yet so sad they have had to! Hopefully at least a huge majority of them are like Ana and well on their way to being disease/cancer free!!!

I wish they all were cured....

Liesa and Tate should be thrilled with the effort though!

LOL I've been waiting for a while for a Tate sighting...

Please believe me when I say any small amount of pleasure you got from that package is far exceeded by the joy we all get from seeing Ana getting so healthy and strong and enjoying life!!! She is a special young lady already, and you are a very special family!

Thank you Marv. It was very unexpected and so kind of you and Kathy.

I imagine it would be really difficult not to just stand there and stare at that scene in amazement!
What a sight!

Believe me when I say that the pictures don't do it justice. There are so many stars.

Uh oh, hope you haven't created a monster....... Next you'll be trying to quote your own quotes of your quotes!!!

 

[that's nice]

Late to the party, but I'm here. I enjoyed your live updates on Facebook.

Hey Carissa! Thanks for joining!

Okay, first - I find it HILARIOUS that Taco Bell was closed by the GAS company! Oh, how ironic.

You know, I didn't even think of it that way- and my head is usually in the gutter!

GKTW looks amazing! Oh my word! I love Ana's jacuzzi tub. That tree is so freakin' cool. It's like a total wonderland! I love the playground and the life-size Candyland game they play there - how clever! Did you guys ever play?

They really have done a great job with the village... I think they have thought of everything!

We didn't get to play.....

The sight of all the stars on the ceiling was very humbling. So many children...yep, I'm crying again.

It makes you happy & sad at the same time.

And what a wonderful surprise from Marv & Kathy! DISers are the best!

It was very unexpected! It was a great gift!

Wow, GTTW looks a amazing and I don't know how you managed to convince Juliana to leave that playground. I admit that I would like to play there for a while myself! The whole theming there is incredible and I am so happy that it looks like such a special place, although sad that there is even a need for a place like that. That ceiling brought tears to my eyes, so special for each kid to be able to leave their mark there.

It is special that each kid leaves a little piece of themselves there. We also received a .... OK that will have to wait till later. I don't want to spoil my own report!

I have to say, your updates alone are the best advertisement for MAW. It's such an amazing thing they are able to do. Can't wait to hear more.

Thank you!

Wow! GKTW looks incredible! I've never seen it before. The buildings, playground, and Old Elmer look really cool. I especially like the houses. They've really thought it through.

They have done such a great job with the village. There are some more cool features that I will be getting to at some point in this report...

Love the new update! I decided not to show my kids pics of the playground or the villas before we get there, I know they'll be just as excited as Ana was to get out there playing!

I think not showing them is a good idea. Not all the houses look like that. You wouldn't want them to get disappointed.

Thanks for the tip about the carousel - awesome it's flush to the ground, we can just roll Em right on in her wheelchair!!

It is awesome that you will be able to do that!

And those stars . . . I'm going to need to bring more than a few packs of travel tissues I think! It's amazing and overwhelming just how many kids' lives have been turned upside down by having to face life threatening conditions and then touched by GKTW.

Good thing they supply the villa with tissues... you can bring the whole box with you! I feel like you are going to need 'em!

No pressure, but you HAVE to finish your report by the time we leave on 12/27!!! I NEED to know everything, and you do the best Trip Reports!!!!! But, like I said, no pressure!

Considering that I am still on our travel day, I don't think I can promise being done by the 27th!

 

[that's nice]

Okay, I obviously didn't have enough coffee to drink this morning. How in the world did I not jump all over that one???

Oh Marv.... what are we gonna do with you?

Tim I am loving the guided tour of the MAW village !! It is awesome !!!I have to tell my new boss to check it out so if her daufgter's wish gets granted she will have an idea of what it is like !!!

Make sure you have her check out the Wish Trippers thread too.. there is so much info on there.

Wow! GKTW looks pretty amazing! I had no idea how big of an operation that was. I'm sure Juliana hated every second of it.

There are about 75 duplexes. The property is 70+ acres. It is a BIG operation!

Yea, she wanted to go home once we arrived....

I have to agree with Brook...Taco Bell closed by the gas company...Classic!

What a fabulous update! I love the tour of GKTW Tim, it looks so magical, like being inside 4 year old's mind! It sure looks like you had an amazing place to stay and hello, playground across the street? I'm surprised Juliana didn't just roll her little sweet suitcase there and set up her bed so she could sleep there! I love the Candy Land theme too. So cool. They really took a child's imagination into consideration when they created GKTW.

It was a little 'tough' some mornings trying to leave when this huge playground was calling Juliana's name.

The whole place is built for kids.. You will see more of that coming up soon.

The wishes and stars ceiling made me weepy yet again. There were so many! And that makes me sad. It was very moving to see.

It is moving... seeing it in person is just amazing.

Love Juliana's potato head! I'm telling ya, my DD7 would probably have created exactly the same one (they seem to have similar taste!). A tree that snores? How fun! The carousel looks awesome and the wishing well is too cute!

They call it a whimsical village for a reason!

It looks like you couldn't have stayed at a better place, not even (gasp!) Disneyworld! What an incredible place.

This was a once in a lifetime experience. You have one chance to stay there. Any child that receives a Wish gets one and one only.

ETA: I guess I'm the contrariaran here because I want you to slooooow down the updates! Otherwise it will be over soon and well, that's NOT nice, lol! Don't let those hecklers boss you around, lol!!!

LOL I was going to try to get an update up tonight, but I didn't know I would have 2 pages of responses to get through..

GTKW is such an amazing place! Those villas are gorgeous and that playground is awesome. And it's all FREE. It just blows my mind.

It is amazing what they do for all these kids, siblings, and parents. It really does make you re-evaluate humanity and helps you see that there are so many good and unselfish people in this world.

I bet Ana didn't stay in the Villa very much being across from the playground. Can't wait to see how long it took before you guys had your first scoop of ice cream.

We had to lock the doors to keep her in! (j/k)

Ice Cream pics coming up soon!

 

[that's nice]

Aw, GTKW looks so great! From your villa, to that playground, to all those stars on the ceiling! It looks like you guys had a magical time there. So happy for you!

Thank you! It was a once in a life time experience for Juliana. I am glad that she picked Disney for her Wish.

I've heard so much about GKTW, but seeing the pictures really adds a new dimension to it. The place looks amazing! I can't wait to hear about the Candyland game!

Now you know what the GKTW fundraising went for. The place is AWESOME!

You might be waiting for a while to hear about the Candyland game from me...

Thanks for the tour Tim! I don't blame Ana, I would not have wanted to leave the playground either!

I love how all of the houses are decorated, it really makes GKTW a fantasyland of sorts. Those stars, how beautiful! It makes me sad that there are so many, but happy at the same time that so many children were able to come to such a wonderful place!

Everything at GKTW is based around children. It is all about them. They even get the bigger room and bathroom at the villa.

Seeing all the stars on that ceiling takes your breath away.

Great updates. I will have to log on later to show my little one. She loves looking at all the pictures and doesn't want to let me read what goes with them....

Thank you! Glad your DD is reading along!

I've been here from the beginning but haven't posted yet. I'm so glad to hear your trip got off to such a great start and I'm anxiously anticipating the rest of your TR but hope it doesn't go by too quickly (just like your vacation did, unfortunately!). I am amazed at the GKTW village. It is a perfect little place for kids. It breaks my heart and makes me feel so happy all at the same time to know there is a place like that out there for kids who deserve it just like Ana does. Those stars on the ceiling are simply amazing.

So you are saying you have de-lurked? WELCOME!!!

I doubt this TR will go quickly. I am still on our arrival day... I can see this taking a while.

Being at GKTW is like being IN a children's story book. The place is just magical.. and seeing and talking with all the volunteers make it even more magical.