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

[that's nice]

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

Thanks!

Whew! You almost had one of MY vacation starts!

LOL We lucked out there that we didn't!

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

Are you secretly wishing our trip turns into your trip?

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!

Thanks Don. As far as being too fast for you- well.... that isn't hard.

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.

You really could spend a few full days there and just have fun. Although there is this place called DISNEY that calls your name!

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?

I'm thinking we did receive a scapbooking page. I will have to go back and look. We still have a suitcase that isn't fully unpacked yet...

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.

You are right... you can stay at GKTW for a week and never leave the grounds. They also have a pool, water fountain area, mini-golf, and more!

 

[that's nice]

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.

That is so nice Kathy. MAW is a very worthwhile cause.

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.

We brought your bag to the parks with us everyday. It was perfect to put our snacks and water bottles in.

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.

I swear that the pictures don't do it justice. It is so cool to see it in person.

The gift was so unexpected... and perfect!

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

Thank you! The stars are amazing.

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

Juliana could of played at the playground for hours a day if we let her! LOL

And what a great gift from Kathy and Marv!

It was!

 

[that's nice]

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.

Thanks! You are so right...

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!

Agreed!

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!

Well, we had a tiny snack and made sure we were at the Gingerbread House (dining hall) when it opened at 6!

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

That is very true... and hugs to the families who had the chance to hang a star but don't aren't able to hug their child anymore.

Juliana's hair is getting so long!

It is getting long. I think she needs to get a trim soon.

That decision is not mine to make though!

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!

I shot some video of the stars... If I am able to get it onto my computer before this TR ends I will post it too. I haven't looked at the video yet but I'm sure it came out OK.

 

[smileycrissy]

Wow that place is really impressive. Ok, so now I either want to work at Disney or Give Kids the World Village. I think either place will allow me to do some pixie dust, even more so at GKTW. I feel if you're going to work somewhere at least let it be a place where you can feel like you are making a difference.

I'm so glad you took all those shots of the place, I am sure a lot of the other upcoming Wish families will appreciate knowing what they can expect when they arrive. That was sooo.... nice of you. I couldn't resist it!

 

[that's nice]

Wow that place is really impressive. Ok, so now I either want to work at Disney or Give Kids the World Village. I think either place will allow me to do some pixie dust, even more so at GKTW. I feel if you're going to work somewhere at least let it be a place where you can feel like you are making a difference.

Glad to see you on here... I guess you made it here in one piece. How long are you here for? Have you heard Sunday into Monday could be a HUGE storm?

There are hardly any employees at GKTW.. they are mostly volunteers!

I'm so glad you took all those shots of the place, I am sure a lot of the other upcoming Wish families will appreciate knowing what they can expect when they arrive. That was sooo.... nice of you. I couldn't resist it!

Thank you! THAT's NICE!

 

[smileycrissy]

You so jinxed me Tim!! I told you not to mention snow. LOL. I'm heading back on Mon so I'm keeping a really close eye on that storm. Of course my mother is hoping it snows 2 feet so I'll have to stay.

Volunteers, really? Hmm.... I may have to go volunteer some of my free time there.

 

[All7OfUs]

Had to skip the chatter this time, (you know how THAT goes) but am just amazed at how incredibly cool this village is!! I SO want to go there someday (maybe with Mary) to check it out for myself!!! WOW~!

OK, you know me, I just can't leave the gas company shutting off Taco Bell comment alone. <<<< there, that'll work. >>> and here's another for good measure.

Did Juliana REALLY create Mr/s. Tate's soulmate?? I'm loving that!

Kathy and Marv!! You 2 really outdid yourselves!! VERY, VERY cool! That's what DISFriends is all about!

 

[marvali]

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.

Yes, unfortunately I knew there would be some of those stars that represented special children who are no longer with us! SO very sad!!!

Oh no! What have I done?

UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

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

I guess you can be a little quicker getting around to putting your head between your legs and kissing.........

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

I wish I could my friend, I wish I could!!! I love to watch that look of excitement on children's faces when they see Disney for the first time, and I bet that even though she has been before, Ana still has that look.....

BTW, not good news on our trip right now! Update on my PTR!!! (OH NO!!! Shameless self promotion......I'm turning into Glenn!!!!)

I wish they all were cured....

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

UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

Tim, I am loving your TR so far! It is so neat to see all of the pictures of GKTW, though it breaks my heart to see all those stars on the ceiling. How sweet of Kathy and Marv to send that bag full of goodies! Looking forward to your next update!

Oh, I think you asked a while back if I was still working on a PTR....we ended up having to cancel our March '11 trip. I started a new job last month and won't have any PTO built up.

 

[brookerene]

You are doing a great job on your TR...keep up the good work. GKTW is neat! I've seen a lot pf photos on blogs that I have read and my little guy is more excited for GKTW than Disney! He doesn't know what he's in for! Keep up the great photos...
It is heart rending to know that many of those little ones are no longer here, but I know they are in a place that outshines Disney and GKTW! They are no longer sick! And the stars there remind of their little lights shining in heaven!

I can't wait to hear more about your trip...! God Bless!

 

[dvczerfs]

wow, what a cool place tim. i didnt know that existed. the condos there look huge. very nice.

 

[Woth2982]

Just got home from Disney Last night! Finally caught up on your TR! Sounds like you all were off to a great start! The photos of her hospital stay always make me cry. So good to see the photos of her now and how healthy and happy she is! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Tim I let my boss know about your thread and pix of MAW village she said she was gonna check it out !!!!Her daughter really has a hard time with the being "sick" and dreads her hospital visits !!I told her that Juliana looks happy and healthy and that many at MAW do too , Jess thinks seeing pix of the village would really be great for her DD !! So please post more !!!

 

[stopher1]

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

That's very cool.

I tossed and turned all night. I feel like I was up every hour checking the clock. I was excited and I didn't want to over sleep.

I get like that too. But certainly not for the same reason you had for making this trip in the first place... just simply because of going to Walt Disney World or Disneyland!

Then she saw our driver....

How fun!

Have you ever ordered a flavor shot without ordering it in coffee? The girl at the counter looked at me like I was nuts. LOL

Our professional traveler.

Such the big girl!

What a great beginning to the trip. Now to get caught up with the next couple of posts.

 

[that's nice]

You so jinxed me Tim!! I told you not to mention snow. LOL. I'm heading back on Mon so I'm keeping a really close eye on that storm. Of course my mother is hoping it snows 2 feet so I'll have to stay.

They really aren't sure what is going to happen with this storm. One minute it is nothing, the next it is the BIGGEST storm of the century. I hope for your mom's sake you get stuck here for an extra day.

Volunteers, really? Hmm.... I may have to go volunteer some of my free time there.

That would be cool!

Had to skip the chatter this time, (you know how THAT goes) but am just amazed at how incredibly cool this village is!! I SO want to go there someday (maybe with Mary) to check it out for myself!!! WOW~!

Skipping the banter are we? I totally understand. Speaking of understanding, your package has been sitting here for a few days ready to ship. I WILL be bringing it to the post office ToMoRrOw!

You should go with Mary... I think you would have a wonderful time there.

OK, you know me, I just can't leave the gas company shutting off Taco Bell comment alone. <<<< there, that'll work. >>> and here's another for good measure.

Did Juliana REALLY create Mr/s. Tate's soulmate?? I'm loving that!

You think they could be compatible?

Kathy and Marv!! You 2 really outdid yourselves!! VERY, VERY cool! That's what DISFriends is all about!

They did, didn't they?

UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

Is this a chant or a cheer?

I guess you can be a little quicker getting around to putting your head between your legs and kissing.........

LOL

BTW, not good news on our trip right now! Update on my PTR!!! (OH NO!!! Shameless self promotion......I'm turning into Glenn!!!!)

I have to go check out what's up....

UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

Didn't you write this already?

 

[that's nice]

Tim, I am loving your TR so far! It is so neat to see all of the pictures of GKTW, though it breaks my heart to see all those stars on the ceiling. How sweet of Kathy and Marv to send that bag full of goodies! Looking forward to your next update!

Thank you! GKTW is an amazing place!

Kathy & Marv's gift was awesome!

Oh, I think you asked a while back if I was still working on a PTR....we ended up having to cancel our March '11 trip. I started a new job last month and won't have any PTO built up.

Oh no! I hope you are thinking of some different dates!

You are doing a great job on your TR...keep up the good work.

Thank you!

GKTW is neat! I've seen a lot pf photos on blogs that I have read and my little guy is more excited for GKTW than Disney! He doesn't know what he's in for! Keep up the great photos...

Thank you! I know you guys will have a blast at GKTW.... just like we did!

It is heart rending to know that many of those little ones are no longer here, but I know they are in a place that outshines Disney and GKTW! They are no longer sick! And the stars there remind of their little lights shining in heaven!

Very true... and a beautiful way to look at it.

wow, what a cool place tim. i didnt know that existed. the condos there look huge. very nice.

I don't know the square footage but I would think at least 700-1000 sq feet. Not too shabby. It was big for us... plenty of room.

Just got home from Disney Last night! Finally caught up on your TR! Sounds like you all were off to a great start! The photos of her hospital stay always make me cry. So good to see the photos of her now and how healthy and happy she is! Can't wait to hear more!

WOW... You are back already. You planning on doing a TR?

Glad you are caught up!

 

[that's nice]

Hi Tim I let my boss know about your thread and pix of MAW village she said she was gonna check it out !!!!Her daughter really has a hard time with the being "sick" and dreads her hospital visits !!I told her that Juliana looks happy and healthy and that many at MAW do too , Jess thinks seeing pix of the village would really be great for her DD !! So please post more !!!

I have a ton of pictures so I'll be sure to post them!

If Jess or her daughter have questions let me know... or tell them to join the DIS and start posting!

I get like that too. But certainly not for the same reason you had for making this trip in the first place... just simply because of going to Walt Disney World or Disneyland!

I can say I get like this on all out trips. I must just get anxious or too excitied.

What a great beginning to the trip. Now to get caught up with the next couple of posts.

Thank you... I hope you are all caught up!

 

[marvali]

Is this a chant or a cheer?

Didn't you write this already?

It was a CHance to CHant a CHeer for a few CHoice CHanges in your number of updates and CHide a few others who might CHoose to CHeer and CHant along with yours CHruly!!! (okay, okay, I know that last one was a stretCH!)

 

[carissanboys]

Just read through all of the updates. What a cool way to get to the airport - Santa and wii bowling!

That playground looks awesome! The entire place looks awesome! What a lovely way to start Juliana's make a wish trip.

 

[KatMark]

It was a CHance to CHant a CHeer for a few CHoice CHanges in your number of updates and CHide a few others who might CHoose to CHeer and CHant along with yours CHruly!!! (okay, okay, I know that last one was a stretCH!)

I am truly speechless.