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

[dvczerfs]

great update tim!! love all the pics. looks like we finaly found someone taller than you, squidward!!!

 

[jenseib]

It looks like you spent those last hours just perfectly. you got to check everything out and just enjoy some free time. Too bad it wasn't warmer.
I'm so sad this is about to end...of course I kept begging for updates.... but at least I know you have a whole new trip to write about.

 

[KatMark]

Juliana wanted to play in the playground one last time...

Ice Cream Palace....

Mmmmmmm...

We had to stop in the Castle of Miracles so Juliana can get her custom made pillow.

And then she had to decorate her star so it could be placed on the ceiling with the thousands of other Wish stars.

Ceilings....

Our family...

We stopped at Katie's Kitchen to grab some lunch and went over to the Ice Cream Palace to eat.... of course we had some ice cream after lunch. We spoke with an older couple who were serving ice cream and they lived in CT for a while 1 town over from where we live. They have been in Florida for years and they volunteer at GKTW a few times a week.

GKTW has their own version of Candy Land and every Wish kid gets their own game to take home with them. We play it all the time. This is inside the Ice Cream Palace.

We walked back to the car and we couldn't believe Juliana's Wish trip was coming to an end. It was sad leaving the comforts of GKTW. It is truly an amazing and wonderful place. They do so much to make you feel like home and the volunteers were the nicest people you could ever meet.




Up next.... some last minute shopping & an unbelievable story[/SIZE]

Great pictures! I love the one of Ana and Mel on the slide and, of course, the family one. Everytime I see the picture of the ceilings, I get goosebumps and teary-eyed. Too many sick children, but what a great thing these people do for those kids.

 

[Woth2982]

Looks like you all had a fantastic last day at GKTW! So sad your magical week came to an end.

 

[tinkgurl]

You done with school yet?

Nope! lol.

 

[englishrose47]

Just Checking in on you Tim!! Are you up to any mischief with THE BOYS!!!

 

[that's nice]

Great new update!

How I love to get up and there is an update of the sweet princess Ana!

What a cute shower cap photo! And what a clever decision not to go to Universal! Even though it is nice, but getting there later in the day with all the crowds can be painful!

Can't wait for you to start your new trip report!

We could of spent a few hours at US and it would't of been too bad having the GAC but having to be at the airport so early we would of been pressed for time.

I'm trying to get this TR wrapped up!

Wow those ceilings are such an inspiring sight! How wonderful that GKTW exists, it sounds like they are such a special place! I love the little decorations around the ice cream parlor, especially that strawberry...how cute!

That was just a little peek of the ceilings. They ran out of room and are working down the walls now. It is really a sight to see.

Where else can you get ice cream for breakfast?

Y
Love this pic of Juliana! I wondered how people made the BBB 'do last.

She didn't sleep with the shower cap in!

Such a great family picture!

Thank you!

I think you made a good call on skipping Universal and getting in more time at GKTW. That place is just so amazing! I'm so glad that you all had such a wonderful trip! Looking forward to your last post!

We figured we could go to US anytime... we won't be able to have that experience at GKTW again.

thanks for the age info....Megan turns 11 on this trip, looking forward to giving back to such a wonderful place in the future!

we have also decided to add them to our donations this year!

Awesome!!! I know so many people appreciate it and GKTW runs on 100% donations.

Great pix of The Village !!I love the Showere Cap pix !!Now if she had done the Canadian Thumms up pose we could be Twins

LOL I'd thought you'd like that picture!

Love the picture of Juliana in the shower cap! I totally would have done the same thing! Save the princess hair!

Yes, the hair had to be saved!

The last day. It's always so sad, but you guys had such great memories on this trip.

We had a wonderful time... more to come!

 

[that's nice]

I love the shower cap! Too cute! Gotta save the princess hair. Those stars are so bitter sweet. The sight is amazing but so sad that there are that many sick kids. Kinda heart breaking actually. I'm glad you had a grea trip. Looking forward to hearing about the most recent one.

It is amazing how many children have stayed at GKTW since it opened in 1986. They have brought smiles to so many families.

I'm not quite done with this report yet.

Looks like a relaxing last day. It would be hard to leave GKTW... that place just blows my mind. I don't think it would be possible for any kid to not like it there. I'm so glad that there is a place like that for the kids that need some extra magic in their lives.

IT was hard to leave GKTW. We hope to go back and visit someday. We have to go to see Juliana's star placed among the thousands of stars in the sky. It is truly an amazing place.

I am supposed to be looking for a house to rent in orlando....instead I am dising...I did mention to my mother in law about maybe volunteering while we are there as I do not believe we will make it to disney if we go in July...but that is okay because the trip planned in nov.

Oooooooohhhhh, I'm telling!

Did you find a house? How many people do you need it to sleep?

I'm jealous!!!

Awesome update, Tim!! That place is so amazing- I wonder if any family really gets to experience all of it in in one stay. There just seems like there are more surprises around every corner!

Pictures and my story don't do it justice. Every volunteer had a smile on their face, every feature of GKTW was what a kid would dream. I really think they thought of everything.... there is not one thing we would have changed.

I really like the picture of Mel and Ana on the slide!!

Thanks!

GTKTW looks like a wonderful place. I have a friend who just went there this last summer, and they had the best time. Their little girl has heart issues, and she was just overwelmed with everything they did for her. I'm glad there is a place where the WHOLE family can just be taken care of.

You are right... GKTW is not only about the Wish child, it is about having the whole family relax and have a week where they don't have to worry about doctors, needles, etc, and can get a little pampering. It is a wonderful place.

Aww Ana in that cap is adorable
GKTW is amazing, so glad you took the time to enjoy it

She didn't want her princess do messed up!

Luvin the update and pics from GKTW!

I didn't get to do anything on Paddy's Day btw because I was working but not complaining as it was double pay All more pennies for Mickey

Thanks!

Making that Disney $$$$$!!!!!!

 

[PirateKate]

You know, before I read your TR, I had sort of wondered why so many Wish families choose GKTW. I figured the Poly would be nicer, right there on the Monorail line and all.

But now, seeing all those pictures and hearing about all the cool things there, GKTW seems so much more amazing than I had ever dreamed. It sort of looks like a resort designed from a kid's wildest dreams. What a perfect way to spend the morning.

 

[that's nice]

It's never too cold for a train ride!

Almost...

You know how cold it was that morning!

That's A LOT of stars! Sad that there are so many sick kids out there, but awesome that so many got to experience GKTW!

They were either approaching or had just passed 100,000 stars. They are expanding the Castle of Miracles to fit more stars.

You're right. I already don't believe you.

I think I need to change what I wrote... it is a sad story that brings this whole TR full circle.

Nice mellow last day... For now

Do you know something I don't know?

Awww, Ana is adorable in her shower cap! I read that you can wrap their head in toilet paper (honestly) to preserve the BBB hair style. We've never tried it but people say it works!

Toilet paper huh? You should try this out then report back here. (pictures are a must! )

Oh, so many stars on that ceiling! How sobering. I'm just blown away by GKTW. What an amazing (aMAWzing!) place to stay for so many deserving families!

Nice use of aMAWzing!

It really is a wonderful place.

You all look great sitting on your thrones! Though poor Mel had to squat. Tim, why didn't you offer her yours??

Ummmm... she didn't want to sit?

That Candy Land game is awesome! I hope you keep it for Ana so that she can pass it on to her own sweet babies someday.

We play it all the time! You can buy one too..

https://www.givekidstheworldstore.org/

https://www.givekidstheworldstore.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=2106

And of course you spent a little more time at the playground! Was that Ana's favorite thing at GKTW?

Not sure... it was either the playground or the carousel.

Excellent call on Universal. We were considering spending one day there this past trip (huge HP fans here!) but when I read about the crowds, yikes! I'm sure you all would've been very frustrated had you even attempted it. Much better decision to spend that time at GKTW.

Hummm, what happens if we attempted it last week?

I love the pics and updates! I feel like I 've been and there and am leaving... and it's over.. and I haven't gone yet! I wish that there was a way to slow down time and enjoy it a little longer!

The days go by so quickly. Cherish each moment(I know you will)

I can't wait to read about your trip!

 

[that's nice]

This is my fav picture!! Just kidding! Actually the family one at the thrones was my favorite in this new installment. Although I have to agree with Molly, what happened that poor Mel had to squat while you were nice & comfy? That's not nice!

You think me & Squidward look alike?

I don't know why Mel wasn't sitting... Maybe she wanted to stand?

great update tim!! love all the pics. looks like we finaly found someone taller than you, squidward!!!

LOL Yes, Squidward was towering over me, much like I was towering over you!

It looks like you spent those last hours just perfectly. you got to check everything out and just enjoy some free time. Too bad it wasn't warmer.
I'm so sad this is about to end...of course I kept begging for updates.... but at least I know you have a whole new trip to write about.

We were thinking about playing mini golf but it was just too cold and windy. It was nice being able to explore the village and relax.

You are going to have your own report to write about soon!

Great pictures! I love the one of Ana and Mel on the slide and, of course, the family one. Everytime I see the picture of the ceilings, I get goosebumps and teary-eyed. Too many sick children, but what a great thing these people do for those kids.

Thank you Kathy! I like the slide picture too. That playground is huge!

My pictures don't capture all of the stars.... seeing it in person is very emotional.

Looks like you all had a fantastic last day at GKTW! So sad your magical week came to an end.

The end of this TR is making me sad... you are right, it was a magical week.

Nope! lol.

UGH!

Just Checking in on you Tim!! Are you up to any mischief with THE BOYS!!!

ummm.... which boys?

You know, before I read your TR, I had sort of wondered why so many Wish families choose GKTW. I figured the Poly would be nicer, right there on the Monorail line and all.

But now, seeing all those pictures and hearing about all the cool things there, GKTW seems so much more amazing than I had ever dreamed. It sort of looks like a resort designed from a kid's wildest dreams. What a perfect way to spend the morning.

The whole resort is catered to kids and think of how nice Disney CMs are... now times that by 1000 for the volunteers at GKTW! (not a bash of CMs since many Disney CM volunteer at GKTW!) The volunteers at GKTW aren't scared or intimidated by the different children they come in contact with and it really places the families at ease.

There are Wish kids that stay at Disney resorts and they are able to visit GKTW and join the activities there. Staying at GKTW was a once in a lifetime chance and I really can't stress how wonderful it is there. We do hope to go back some day and volunteer when Ana is older.

 

[mom2pixies]

Looks like a fabulous end to an absolutely amazing trip!

 

[eandesmom]

Wow that's a lot of stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Made me teary.

What a wonderful last day and I would think even more special to just soak up the village. Universal wasn't going anywhere.

Love Ana's sign

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Sounds like it must have been hard to leave GKTW, and from the pictures, I can see why! The train stuff looks like a lot of fun...but I need more from the mini-golf course! Why haven't we seen this?!

Ahem. Sorry about that.

 

[brookerene]

Great Photos! loving the TR!

 

[marvali]

Tim, I'm not complaining! Didn't I re-state my vow? It IS a lot of work to do a TR, I was very naive when I began mine thinking I could just throw it together. But it takes a great deal of time...trying to remember what you did, writing it all out, picking the pics and then downloading them, and finally putting it all together. Not to mention when real life gets in the way of DISing too.

Oh sure, over here it is tough work. Everywhere else Marv should be pumpin' out updates on an hourly basis!!! So why does Tim get A - pass and I get A - buse???

So take your time buddy though I'd recommend getting something up kinda quick, you don't want to lose control of your TR like Marv now, do you?

WOW... you guys are relentless!

I didn't notice anyone yelling at you when you weren't updating.... I was on vacation updating and I'm still catching flack!

Yeah, there seems to be a HUGE double standard from the ladies around here. But then, I'm really not surprised........

I'm working on it! Marv's thread needs more Yankees pictures!

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

When we arrived home from Florida we had a ton of mail. There was one package that caught out attention... It was addressed to all of us, so we had to wait till Tuesday night to open it up.

There was a gift for Juliana....

It was a pink Cinderella sign for her door letting the word know she is the Big Sister!

Fantastic job Lisa!! What a great sign for a great Big Sister!!!

Juliana was ready to take a shower before breakfast.

I didn't know they had cameras back when Rosie was that young????

There were other parts of the village that we didn't even see- like the Amberville Train Station. So we made our way over to check it out. Inside, is a HUGE model train setup. There are buttons that control all the trains, lights, amusement park, gondola, etc..

Nice model train setup! Love to have that one in my house.....

Ceilings....

That ceiling still amazes me!!! I'm sure it was a lot easier adding Princess Ana's star to that collection than it has been for some people! So glad she is well on her way to a long and happy Big Sister life, and so sad for so many of the families of the little angels designated there!

We walked back to the car and we couldn't believe Juliana's Wish trip was coming to an end. It was sad leaving the comforts of GKTW. It is truly an amazing and wonderful place. They do so much to make you feel like home and the volunteers were the nicest people you could ever meet.

So glad you guys got to enjoy this wonderful place and experience all of the joy it brings so many!!!

ummm.... which boys?

Not completely gone......but apparently forgotten!!!

 

[englishrose47]

I didn't know they had cameras back when Rosie was that young????
:

No they used a Rock and a chisel !!!!

 

[marvali]

No they used a Rock and a chisel !!!!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

enjoyed the relaxing day around the complex...it is a great place and they have a bunch of really neat things for the kids.

i bet some families stay there the whole trip

 

[that's nice]

Looks like a fabulous end to an absolutely amazing trip!

It was very relaxing to hang out at GKTW... the village is very quiet in the middle of the day.

Wow that's a lot of stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Made me teary.

What a wonderful last day and I would think even more special to just soak up the village. Universal wasn't going anywhere.

Love Ana's sign

It is a mix of emotions seeing those stars and knowing what they mean.

We still have a little Disney up our sleeve before we hit the flight.

Sounds like it must have been hard to leave GKTW, and from the pictures, I can see why! The train stuff looks like a lot of fun...but I need more from the mini-golf course! Why haven't we seen this?!

Ahem. Sorry about that.

That was the only pic I have of the mini-golf course! We didn't have time during the week and it was just way to cold and windy to play 18 holes.

Great Photos! loving the TR!

Thank you!!!