Aidan's wish trip to Tink's home 3/1-3/7

[Momofwishkid]

The kids went back to school today! We have used up all of our snow days already, plus we have 3 from this week that will have to be made up at the end of the year. This is completely unheard of for our area! We usually have unused snow days, not all of them used plus a few. And it's only the middle of February! Anyway, time for a quick update!

Yesterday, we got another Big Give package! This one is from Jamie in MS! Thank you, Jamie! We can't wait to open it! I should also mention that the first two packages that we got were from "DisneyKings" in FL and the Vanderbilts in MI! I didn't put who they were from in the first Big Give post. Thought you guys might want to know that the packages made it here safely, and also wanted to say Thank You to you as well! Of course, we still have two weeks before we can open them and post pictures! Thanks for being patient with me.

Im so excited for the Big Big Give opening!!

Aidan's stroller has not arrived as of yet, and I'm starting to get worried about it. We were supposed to have it by Wednesday. I called our mobility specialist, and she said that she knows it was shipped and will track it today for me. We NEED the stroller before the trip. Of course, we do still have a couple of weeks, so no major problems yet. Keep your xxxFingersCrossedxxx that it gets here soon.

Good luck with the stroller, Im sure if it's been shipped you'll have it in plenty of time.

We still have not gotten our GKTW packet, although I did get an email from them confirming our dates and telling Aidan that they are looking forward to his visit. So, that was kinda nice. Wish I could've shared it with Aidan. But I have printed it so that we can share it with him later. I've also heard you guys talking about a Disney packet, but we haven't gotten that either. Think this is something we'll get at the reveal party? The only thing we have gotten is our MAW packet with flight itinerary, budget, rental car info., etc.

Dont feel to bad, we haven't gotten anything but the e-mail. Not even the MAW packet. I guess we get that at the send off party. The e-mail made me feel better though. At least I know they know were coming.

Somehow, someway, we got a last minute ADR for dinner at 'Ohana! I have debated on this one because it is so expensive, there are no character interactions at dinner, and because there are some not so good reviews out there. However, I love Polynesian food! I've also read about the coconut races and such for the kids, and I think they might enjoy it as well. DH is pretty easy to please, as long as the food is decent and he leaves with a full belly, he'll be fine! So, anyway, we surprisingly got an ADR! The downside is that it is at 8:25 p.m., and I think that is going to overlap with Wishes at MK. Does anybody know exactly when Wishes will be for 3/5? We're also considering trying to do wishes on 3/6 after Animal Kingdom and Epcot. What are your thoughts on this? Should we keep the 'Ohana ADR? Cancel it? Reschedule Wishes for 3/6? I'm really not sure what to do on this one. 3/5 is our MK day, but at the same time, it might be nice to finish off our week on Saturday with the fireworks.

Im not sure on this one but you can check AllEars for show times or the home page of the Dis has them also.

Also, what is the best way to get to 'Ohana from the Magic Kingdom. We will have the rental van, but should we drive? Take a Disney bus? Is there another way to get there that I don't know about? Remember, we are first time Disney travelers, so we don't really know our way around.

We have also decided that we might have to write off Gatorland. As much as I want to do this with the boys, I think we might be pushing it. We're still going to wait and see what happens when we get there, but we get to Orlando at about 11:45. We then have to get our rental van, stop by WalMart, check-in at GKTW, and have lunch. Then, we are planning to have dinner at GKTW and orientation is at 7:45. Do you think we can fit Gatorland between lunch and dinner? It's supposedly only a 15 minute drive, but I'm wondering if we'll be cramming too much into one day. I'm guessing we could get to Gatorland by about 2:00 or so, and they are open until 5:00. Has anybody been to Gatorland? Is it worth doing? Will 2-3 hrs. be enough to cover it? I need input on this one! I'm debating really hard on whether to just spend the afternoon at GKTW or still try to fit in Gatorland. The boys would love either, I'm sure. I just don't want to make the wrong choice.

I would think a few hours at GatorLand would be enough, but make sure you have time for GKTW also. To do Aidan's star and the kids pillows and just hang out.

We will be doing SW on 3/2 in the afternoon. I wanted Aidan to be able to eat at Sharks Underwater Grill, but they don't make reservations until 10:00 in the morning the day of the reservation. And you have to make them at the host stand. What are the chances that we will be able to get a reservation if we don't go until the afternoon? Has anybody eaten at Sharks UG? How's the food? What's the price range? What are other alternatives in the area food-wise if we can't / don't eat at Sharks?

Not sure on this either but I have heard they try their best to fit Wish families in.

Okay, so this is more of a question post than an update post, but I'm starting to confuse myself the closer we get. As usual, any and all input is appreciated.

Were getting soo close. I bet your just bursting to tell the kids.

 

[cajunfan]

Somehow, someway, we got a last minute ADR for dinner at 'Ohana! I have debated on this one because it is so expensive, there are no character interactions at dinner, and because there are some not so good reviews out there. However, I love Polynesian food! I've also read about the coconut races and such for the kids, and I think they might enjoy it as well. DH is pretty easy to please, as long as the food is decent and he leaves with a full belly, he'll be fine! So, anyway, we surprisingly got an ADR! The downside is that it is at 8:25 p.m., and I think that is going to overlap with Wishes at MK. Does anybody know exactly when Wishes will be for 3/5? We're also considering trying to do wishes on 3/6 after Animal Kingdom and Epcot. What are your thoughts on this? Should we keep the 'Ohana ADR? Cancel it? Reschedule Wishes for 3/6? I'm really not sure what to do on this one. 3/5 is our MK day, but at the same time, it might be nice to finish off our week on Saturday with the fireworks.

Also, what is the best way to get to 'Ohana from the Magic Kingdom. We will have the rental van, but should we drive? Take a Disney bus? Is there another way to get there that I don't know about? Remember, we are first time Disney travelers, so we don't really know our way around.

I love O'hana's! I did not have a chance to look up the time for Wishes, but you can see them from the restaurant, plus they will pipe in the music. ASk if you can get a table by the window. Make sure that they note on the ressie that it is a Wish Trip. I Love their salad and dumplings...also ask for some fresh pinapple...it is so yummy there. As for transportation, you can take the monorail there....which is a ride in itself. If you are parking at MK that day, you will be at the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) (which is right next door to the Poly and walking distance.) So just take the monorail (ask to sit up front (only four can ride up there though, so one adult will have to sit in another car.).

Lynn

 

[Thumper321]

I am starting to love my mailman! Today was a great day for mail! We got not one, but two Big Give packages from Lynn (CajunFan)! Again, I cannot wait to open them, but alas, I must wait. Thank you, Lynn! Stay tuned for pictures. . .

After my post this morning, we also got this:

Our Give Kids the World packet! There's really not much to it, especially if you have already visited the website, but it is nice to have that confirmation. It's got a welcome brochure with basic information, driving directions from the airport, and a GKTW map. I'm not sure why, but I was so glad to finally get this. I guess it just makes it all a little more concrete. I feel like I've been living in a dream world for the last several weeks. It's almost surreal.

 

[Momofwishkid]

I am starting to love my mailman! Today was a great day for mail! We got not one, but two Big Give packages from Lynn (CajunFan)! Again, I cannot wait to open them, but alas, I must wait. Thank you, Lynn! Stay tuned for pictures. . .

After my post this morning, we also got this:

Our Give Kids the World packet! There's really not much to it, especially if you have already visited the website, but it is nice to have that confirmation. It's got a welcome brochure with basic information, driving directions from the airport, and a GKTW map. I'm not sure why, but I was so glad to finally get this. I guess it just makes it all a little more concrete. I feel like I've been living in a dream world for the last several weeks. It's almost surreal.

More Big Give and your GKTW packet!! I cant wait to get ours and yes, I think it will just make it all seem real! Im so glad yours arrived!

 

[Wee Annie]

We have also decided that we might have to write off Gatorland. As much as I want to do this with the boys, I think we might be pushing it. We're still going to wait and see what happens when we get there, but we get to Orlando at about 11:45. We then have to get our rental van, stop by WalMart, check-in at GKTW, and have lunch. Then, we are planning to have dinner at GKTW and orientation is at 7:45. Do you think we can fit Gatorland between lunch and dinner? It's supposedly only a 15 minute drive, but I'm wondering if we'll be cramming too much into one day. I'm guessing we could get to Gatorland by about 2:00 or so, and they are open until 5:00. Has anybody been to Gatorland? Is it worth doing? Will 2-3 hrs. be enough to cover it? I need input on this one! I'm debating really hard on whether to just spend the afternoon at GKTW or still try to fit in Gatorland. The boys would love either, I'm sure. I just don't want to make the wrong choice.

Okay, I can't believe that I, a compulsive planner, am about to make this suggestion, but why don't you play that first afternoon by ear? Get to GKTW, settle in, eat lunch, and then see how everyone feels? Now, if you're a compulsive planner like me your immediate reaction might be to recoil at such a thought, but it seems to me to be an entirely workable plan, since Gatorland is so close. I have heard that it is fun, but you all may just feeling like relaxing and exploring GKTW.

Btw, we ate dinner at 'Ohana's once and weren't fans, but I think we're in the minority on that one. We also might have hit an off night. Our service was terrible, and the meat was DRY. Had to chase our server down to even get one skewer of shrimp. But there are so many people who seem to love it, that I say go for it if it looks appealing to you.

Ann

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Yay on the Big Give packages!! I hope you get Aidens stroller soon. I would think that if it has been shipped it will make it. I hope anyways!

We are supposed to get more snow on Sunday and Monday. I think we got about 5-6inches this last storm. The kids were out Tuesday Wed and had a two our delay on Thursday and they already had the day off Friday for Teacher in service day. Im ok with snow days but I dont like the make up days. I rather they work them in through the school year then to make them stay extra days in the summer.

Im so glad you got the GKTW packet. I never recieved an email from them We didnt get our Disney Packet till our Party. So you will probably that at the big reveal.

 

[pipersmom]

Hey Miranda! Finally all caught up..I'm glad you got your dates solidified, and that the boys are doing okay. Does the zantac seem to be helping Keegan? I think keeping it secret might get harder as more boxes come in I can't even imagine what you're going through..I'd be tempted to tell Piper to just "act really surprised!" I wouldn't, but geez..that's a long time and not much planning time left with the kids once the reveal happens. We got our GKTW packet Fri and it does make it seem much more real! Almost down to two weeks! Are we all going to meet at the Christmas party? Jennifer and I had already spoken about it, hopefully that's the plan! Can't wait to meet you guys!

 

[Thumper321]

I think that's the game plan, provided we don't bump into each other before then. We will definitely be at the Christmas Party!

I'm so glad that you and Piper are back at home. And don't feel bad about packing -- I'm literally having to wait until last minute, so you guys are all making me feel behind. On my way over to your PTR to check out any new posts. . .

 

[yinyanggirls]

We are in the opposite situation you are for the Big Give...we are getting some packages at two months out! I really am enjoying it though, because we've had Phoebe's dates for so long it was feeling like it would never get here. It feels so much more real now! Your last couple days before the trip will be crazy fun!

Ohana sounds fun. I've been trying to find a ressie for the one night we could watch the show from there, but so far only a 6:30 res is available, way too early to catch the fireworks at 9. Double check the schedule, because your dates might have it earlier. I think it would be fun to watch from dinner.

 

[Momofwishkid]

Happy Valentine's Miranda, Keegan, Aidan and Peyton!! Im still in to meet you and Amanda at the Christmas party. Im in sort of the same situation as you for packing. MAW is getting us a few suitcases since we didnt have any and we wont get it until our send off party on the 28th so packing all our clothes has to wait unti then.

 

[Thumper321]

We are in the opposite situation you are for the Big Give...we are getting some packages at two months out! I really am enjoying it though, because we've had Phoebe's dates for so long it was feeling like it would never get here. It feels so much more real now! Your last couple days before the trip will be crazy fun!

Ohana sounds fun. I've been trying to find a ressie for the one night we could watch the show from there, but so far only a 6:30 res is available, way too early to catch the fireworks at 9. Double check the schedule, because your dates might have it earlier. I think it would be fun to watch from dinner.

Are you trying to get a reservation online or by calling? The reason that I ask is that when I was trying to get one, there were none available online for anytime close to the day we are going. But when I called, I'm not sure if they had a cancellation or made a spot, but they got us in. Try calling if you haven't already.

Happy Valentine's Miranda, Keegan, Aidan and Peyton!! Im still in to meet you and Amanda at the Christmas party. Im in sort of the same situation as you for packing. MAW is getting us a few suitcases since we didnt have any and we wont get it until our send off party on the 28th so packing all our clothes has to wait unti then.

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is also Aidan's birthday, so we are busy getting ready for his Tinker Bell party. It's kinda funny -- when he was born, it was close to midnight and they were getting ready to do a C-Section. The doctor said we can hurry this up and make his birthday Friday the 13th or we can take our time and make it Valentine's Day. I think we made the right call.

Anyway, as far as the packing, we are very much in the same situation. We have one suitcase, and MAW is giving all of the kids suitcases at our reveal party. So, pretty much all of our packing will be done the weekend of the 26th. I've made lists of what goes into each bag, but I can't pack them yet. How's that for obsessive planning?

Okay, going to get ready for a party! I'll check in with everybody later.

 

[kdzbear]

Happy Birthday Aiden!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Are you trying to get a reservation online or by calling? The reason that I ask is that when I was trying to get one, there were none available online for anytime close to the day we are going. But when I called, I'm not sure if they had a cancellation or made a spot, but they got us in. Try calling if you haven't already.



Happy Valentine's Day! Today is also Aidan's birthday, so we are busy getting ready for his Tinker Bell party. It's kinda funny -- when he was born, it was close to midnight and they were getting ready to do a C-Section. The doctor said we can hurry this up and make his birthday Friday the 13th or we can take our time and make it Valentine's Day. I think we made the right call.

Anyway, as far as the packing, we are very much in the same situation. We have one suitcase, and MAW is giving all of the kids suitcases at our reveal party. So, pretty much all of our packing will be done the weekend of the 26th. I've made lists of what goes into each bag, but I can't pack them yet. How's that for obsessive planning?

Okay, going to get ready for a party! I'll check in with everybody later.

I've been checking online. Maybe I'll keep checking for another week or two and then start calling. We will see the fireworks at MK but I thought seeing them from the distance might be even more enjoyable for the kids. Not s big deal though. Thanks for the tip.

Happy Birthday Aidan!!!

 

[pnutallergymom]

Happy Birthday Aidan!!!!

Miranda, O'hana is AWESOME!!! It is our most favorite restaurant in WDW!! We actually just talked about booking dinner for a second night!! It is so amazing to watch Wishes from their as well too!! Its one of my kids most memorable moments and they definitely asked to do it again for Brigitte's Wish Trip!!!

 

[Momofwishkid]

Happy Birthday Aidan!!
Nothing like last minute packing huh, well at least we'll be so busy the last few days it will fly by!

 

[pipersmom]

Happy Birthday, Aidan! :

I'm packing Piper's clothes into bags labelled with the date she's wearing it and where we're going that day. You all could always do something similar, set them aside, then just have to actually put them into the suitcases. I'm all about being organized for this trip, we'll see how that works out! LOL.

 

[Thumper321]

Happy Birthday, Aidan! :

I'm packing Piper's clothes into bags labelled with the date she's wearing it and where we're going that day. You all could always do something similar, set them aside, then just have to actually put them into the suitcases. I'm all about being organized for this trip, we'll see how that works out! LOL.

That is what I was going to do, but I want him to wear his Big Give clothes on the trip. He can't open the packages until the 26th. I'm still going to use the ziploc bags trick, but I'm not going to be able to get out of last-minute packing.

 

[kellyw8863]

Happy belated birthday, Aidan!

 

[Thumper321]

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! We had a great time, although things got a little hectic for a while with 9 extra kids in our house. We tried to keep the party small, because as a lot of you know, more kids means more germs. But we were unsuccessful at keeping it as small as we wanted it. We kept having neighborhood kids coming over to play, and I could not just send them away. Well, I did send one boy home but it was because he had a sore throat!

Anyway, the party went well. Now, before I post pictures, I've got to explain something. Although everybody that I've *met* on these boards is fully supportive, I am sure that there are others out there that question a 6 year old boy having a baby doll and being thrown a Tinker Bell party. I'm sure that not everybody understands our stance, so I am going to cover this with hopefully just one or two more sentences. Aidan does play with boy things as well. He loves hot wheels cars, tonka trucks, fishing, helicopters, legos, etc. His doll has been with him through surgery, hospitalizations, doctor's visits, shots, IV's, etc. And Tinker Bell is his crush. He doesn't want to *be* Tink; He wants to marry her. He asked for a Tink party, and I pick my battles. If Tink makes him happy on his birthday, then Tink it is! So that's more than one or two sentences. I was trying to make it short.

With that being said. . . Pictures!


The Table:

Aidan's Cupcakes:

His First Present, Dr. Seuss Books!

Another Present, a Glow Station!

We really had a good time. His party was supposed to be from 1:00 to 3:00, but we had friends and family over here until 9:00 last night! I was tired! He wound up getting 4 Dr. Seuss books, 4 Disney Movies (A Bugs Life, Bolt, G Force, and Up), a Fur Real Friends Chocolate Lab Puppy, a Glow Station, a Crayola Tinker Bell coloring book with the Color Wonder markers, a teddy bear, Hot Wheels cars, a balloon, a Sonic gift card, $10, and a rose.

Anyway, just thought the other Disney fanatics out there might want to see our Tinker Bell fun day.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Anyway, the party went well. Now, before I post pictures, I've got to explain something. Although everybody that I've *met* on these boards is fully supportive, I am sure that there are others out there that question a 6 year old boy having a baby doll and being thrown a Tinker Bell party. I'm sure that not everybody understands our stance, so I am going to cover this with hopefully just one or two more sentences. Aidan does play with boy things as well. He loves hot wheels cars, tonka trucks, fishing, helicopters, legos, etc. His doll has been with him through surgery, hospitalizations, doctor's visits, shots, IV's, etc. And Tinker Bell is his crush. He doesn't want to *be* Tink; He wants to marry her. He asked for a Tink party, and I pick my battles. If Tink makes him happy on his birthday, then Tink it is!

I know exactly what you mean about some people not understanding a boy liking a princess or fairy and such. My nephew who is 3 absolutely loves Ariel! And not because she is a princess but because she is pretty and he says she is his girlfriend! It is very cute. His favorite picture from when Disney World is where Ariel is giving him a kiss on the cheek. It is just too adorable and his little face is sooo red! I just wanted to share that with you, at our house it is quite normal for Transformers or Spiderman to be playing with Ariel So if he is happy then go for it!