Hi Melissa,
My dd had her Make-A-Wish/ WDW trip in June.
We did stay at the Contemporary Resort ( one of the monorail resorts) when we went.
Both my dd and ds wanted to stay at the Contemporary b/c of the monorails and they wanted to get as much Disney as possible.
Both my dh and I did mention to our Wish Granter when he did his first visit with us that we prefered to stay at the Contemporary resort or whichever resort they will pay for (any other deluxe or moderate resort on property).
Our Wish Granter did really try to talk us into GKTW at his first visit. But he also did say whatever my dd's wish is, they will really try to grant it. Our Wish Granter did fax a letter to the local MAW office stating my dd preferred to stay at the Contemporary resort and to see if the Wish Coordinator will approve it. He told me it may take a few weeks to approve.
A few weeks after that, he gave us the good news that we were able to stay at the Contemporary! tho, he said we would have to lose a day at Disney in return to stay at the Contemp. I guess that was their policy.
Usually, when you stay at GKTW, the recent policy is you can stay 7 days, 6 nights. If you stay at a resort on property, the most you can stay is 6 days, 5 nights.
So, it depends on your Wish Granter, how much he/she is willing to make your ds's trip specialized for him. And also the local MAW office, if they are willing to spend the money, if they have enough funds for the resort.
I also live in Illinois, Chicago area, and I know the Chicago MAW chapter office will do whatever they can to make your ds's trip special.
We were so blessed to stay at the Contemp. resort! Both my dd and ds enjoyed staying there, taking the monorails. Also, it was nice not to have to drive back and forth during the day for a break or to drive at night after the fireworks are over. It was nice to just get on the monorails back to the resort.
Also, when MAW approves you to stay on property, the local MAW office has to negotiate with the Orlando MAW office to see what room they will give you at the resort and also MAW Orlando takes care of your Hopper Passes, they reserve your Hopper Passes for you.
I hope this helps.
Keep us posted on your ds's MAW planning and what the Wish Granter says.
Rosemarie
