Deyki's Make-A-Wish - 12/15 - Maybe not

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I don't know about the Pirates dinner show, but I have had friends do some of the others (Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, and Dolly Parton.) None of them had fun. All said the food sucked and I know one had such a bad expeience at Medieval Times they comped her and gave her tickets to come back- but she wouldn't even use them, it was that bad! Several of my friends also developed food poisoning from a couple of the places. I have become very leery of any of the dinner shows. If it is getting mixed reviews, I would hold off.

As for the Pirates and Pals, I am going to call them and see what I can find out. I still have some friends who work down there so maybe they can also help me get some more info.

 

[MomTo4+more]

I don't know about the Pirates dinner show, but I have had friends do some of the others (Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, and Dolly Parton.) None of them had fun. All said the food sucked and I know one had such a bad expeience at Medieval Times they comped her and gave her tickets to come back- but she wouldn't even use them, it was that bad! Several of my friends also developed food poisoning from a couple of the places. I have become very leery of any of the dinner shows. If it is getting mixed reviews, I would hold off.

As for the Pirates and Pals, I am going to call them and see what I can find out. I still have some friends who work down there so maybe they can also help me get some more info.

See! It's another reason I love these boards! Honest opinions, helpful hearts. . . Thanks for trying to help Deyki's dream come true!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

GREAT NEWS! I just got off the phone with Alan, a Guest Relations Manager from Disney. He was very surprised to hear about hte response. He says when things are booked for Wish Families they try to go through Community Relations. I have the number and will call them tomorrow on my lunch break. He said they try to go the extra mile for Wish families (his words.) Keep your fingers crossed!

Information from you that I might need:

Which day of the week you would prefer (I realize everything is very tentative at this point, but they may ask me to book it tomorrow if we can get it sorted out), the exact accommodation (I'm assuming no peanuts and making sure the ship is cleaned beforehand), and the exact number of people you plan to participate.

Hopefully after tomorrow the cruise will be back on!

 

[maroo]

The one we are looking at is the Pirates and Pals Fireworks cruise. I have no idea how big it is or how many participate. I was just truly shocked at the response I got from the man at reservations! I have heard so many great things about DW and food allergies. I guess I just assumed they would have a plan in place. I am sure my son can't be the only child with peanut allergies who would like to participate. Maybe they haven't had this particular experience open to the general public long enough to have encountered this issue. You raise a good point thought about peanuts being dropped on the seats. I wonder. I guess if they use the same boats for the other events with children that involve peanut butter there would be residue on the boat even if they don't serve it while we are there. That would make it too risky for my son and definitely out of my comfort zone.

I did a search for Orlando and pirates. I came up with the Pirate Adventure Dinner Show. Does anyone know anything about it? I gave them a call, and they said they could accomodate him. The reviews I have found about it are very mixed, so I am hoping for feedback from people I "know." (Even though I don't technically know any of you, I think there are plenty of opinions here I would trust and respect.)

The Pirate's League still looks like a good option.

Are they still doing the Pirates and Princesses Party at GKTW? That would give him something else to look forward to.

They do still do the Pirates and Princesses Party at GKTW...I think it is on Fridays.

And...Uh...I would skip the Pirates Dinner Adventure. That was hands down the worst experience we had on our whole wish trip. Where they would not help us when Lauren got really, really sick. They made Lisa (Lauren's Mom) lay her on the bathroom floor to lay down. They told her that was the only place she could go.

After having a chat with the mgr, we were taken to a room with a COUCH...hello?!?

Long story short, Lauren ended up in the hospital all night because she just had a virus...but they were the lowest point of our trip.

Having said all of that...Lisa, Rick and William stayed for the show while I took Lauren to the room and they liked it. He could have a great experience...but don't count on them really knowing (except in price, which is good if you are ever interested in going...he gets in free and the rest are half price) what a wish child is. They won't really recognize the button like Disney and Universal do...

Honestly, I would stick with the GKTW stuff and Disney, etc and save that money. Unless he is REALLY keen on a Pirate Adventure. It is a BIG pirate show.

If you decide to do it, it has to be toward the end of your trip... 3rd night or later. Because of the time it takes GKTW to request special tickets. And I would "upgrade" to the special seats (I think it is 10 per person) because they use those people to participate in the show. They won't recognize the button to make sure that happens.

And they don't have those special seats for wheelchairs, either.

 

[maroo]

GREAT NEWS! I just got off the phone with Alan, a Guest Relations Manager from Disney. He was very surprised to hear about hte response. He says when things are booked for Wish Families they try to go through Community Relations. I have the number and will call them tomorrow on my lunch break. He said they try to go the extra mile for Wish families (his words.) Keep your fingers crossed!

Information from you that I might need:

Which day of the week you would prefer (I realize everything is very tentative at this point, but they may ask me to book it tomorrow if we can get it sorted out), the exact accommodation (I'm assuming no peanuts and making sure the ship is cleaned beforehand), and the exact number of people you plan to participate.

Hopefully after tomorrow the cruise will be back on!

EB!!!!!

This would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MomTo4+more]

Wow, EB! That's quick work! Thank you.

I have not been given travel dates yet. My best guess would be November 7th, 8th, or 9th. We are looking at the first or second week in November for our first choice, so those days are right in the middle of our first choices. There are some things MAW is arranging - lunch at CRT and a meet and greet with Spiderman at Universal. The lunch at CRT wouldn't be a conflict - that would just become our busy MK day. We plan to do two days at MK anyway. The meet and greet with Spiderman would need to be on a different day, so we have time to enjoy both parks. I would guess that MAW could work around that though and schedule Spidey for a different day if we get this booked. How hard would it be to change things if we book something tomorrow and my guess is wrong? Should I pm you with my phone number or something, so I can get a number from you to call at DW and arrange payment?

You guys are great to help me like this.

Maroo - Thanks for sharing with me about your experience at the Pirates Dinner Adventure. How sad! I knew I had read something about this dinner. I thought I remembered it being negative, but I couldn't recall details. It was your TR I read it in I think! It was definitely this story. I am just shocked that they would be so cold to a sick child! I think the party at GKTW will be great for Deyki. If we get this cruise thing worked out, it will all be complete!

 

[Matt1026]

I am so sorry that you are having to go through all of this. Hopefully everything will work out for your son.

The party after you get back sounds exciting!!! I really like that ideal. Something to look forward to after you get back.

Best of Luck!

 

[jenb1023]

Hi there!

Just wanted to chime in that I have read some great reviews of the Pirates League at MK so that might be a good pirate option if the peanut issue can't be resolved on the cruise.

Looking forward to reading more about your plans and your family!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Hi there!

Just wanted to chime in that I have read some great reviews of the Pirates League at MK so that might be a good pirate option if the peanut issue can't be resolved on the cruise.

Looking forward to reading more about your plans and your family!

I second this vote. One of the issues (IMO) with the MAW trips is that they are trying to get families who naturally need to go slow to cram a LOT in. Don't forget that you'll need to factor in a rest time every day PLUS the driving time back and forth to GKTW.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I talked to Matt at Community Relations who said that they should be able to work something out. He told me to call the Food Allergy Hotline. I left a message with them. Brenda just called me back and I talked to her.

It looks like with the amount of time we have they should be able to work something out. The cruise is brand new so she is getting a bit of run around (one person she called apparently told her that no such cruise!). Since this is new they have not had to make this accommodation before. She is making several more phone calls today and is going to put some info together for me and get back to me tomorow.

When you get the dates go ahead and book. It should be okay! Is his allergy airborne? In other words, if they do not serve peanuts and make sure that there are none on the ship from the previous cruise will that be okay, or will they need to really scrub it down?

 

[MomTo4+more]

Hi there!

Just wanted to chime in that I have read some great reviews of the Pirates League at MK so that might be a good pirate option if the peanut issue can't be resolved on the cruise.

Looking forward to reading more about your plans and your family!

Thanks. I had read about the Pirates League and it looks like fun, but I hadn't read any reviews. I think it is something that all three of my children would enjoy. Deyki thinks it would be really funny to have me get a pirate makeover too. We'll have to see if that much of a child can come out in me. Who knows? It is DW afterall!

I second this vote. One of the issues (IMO) with the MAW trips is that they are trying to get families who naturally need to go slow to cram a LOT in. Don't forget that you'll need to factor in a rest time every day PLUS the driving time back and forth to GKTW.

I need to remind myself of the need to rest. We had VBS last week, and even just all the running with that was enough to cause my son some trouble. The mornings were too early. Add all the heat and activity to a lack of rest and it equaled sickle cell pain for him. I am planning to alternate busy days with lighter days. I am trying to remind myself that it will be better to take it easier and miss some things we would like to do but still be able to enjoy what we are able to do. Hmm. That sentance sounds kinda funny, but I think you will get what I mean! I am hoping the Pirates League and the cruise will give some sit down time and that might be somewhat relaxing. It will be fun anyway - I can count on that!

I talked to Matt at Community Relations who said that they should be able to work something out. He told me to call the Food Allergy Hotline. I left a message with them. Brenda just called me back and I talked to her.

It looks like with the amount of time we have they should be able to work something out. The cruise is brand new so she is getting a bit of run around (one person she called apparently told her that no such cruise!). Since this is new they have not had to make this accommodation before. She is making several more phone calls today and is going to put some info together for me and get back to me tomorow.

When you get the dates go ahead and book. It should be okay! Is his allergy airborne? In other words, if they do not serve peanuts and make sure that there are none on the ship from the previous cruise will that be okay, or will they need to really scrub it down?

Thank you so very much! I sent an e-mail to our wish coordinator letting her know about the help I was getting from these boards. She was very impressed and thankful. She said she had just heard from another mom on hear about the Big Give. She is very impressed with the hearts and creativity of people on these boards. Thanks for helping to work some Disney magic for us even before we have the dates!!

 

[jenb1023]

Thanks. I had read about the Pirates League and it looks like fun, but I hadn't read any reviews. I think it is something that all three of my children would enjoy. Deyki thinks it would be really funny to have me get a pirate makeover too. We'll have to see if that much of a child can come out in me. Who knows? It is DW afterall!

Here are a few links to some reviews of the Pirate League:

Detailed info/review from All Ears
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/06/pirates_league.html

Here is a long thread on the DIS. I would just read the last several pages unless you have lots of time to kill.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2156668&highlight=pirate+league&page=32

 

[MomTo4+more]

Here are a few links to some reviews of the Pirate League:

Detailed info/review from All Ears
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/06/pirates_league.html

Here is a long thread on the DIS. I would just read the last several pages unless you have lots of time to kill.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2156668&highlight=pirate+league&page=32

Those reviews and the long thread are filled with super info. My kids will all enjoy this!

So, I am thinking through our "pirate day" at MK. I don't want to exhaust my kids, but there is so much we want to do. Please feel free to offer suggestions or opinions. I need guidance here from people with Disney experience! I think we will eat breakfast at GKTW and not rush out in the morning. I know my kids will be eager, so we will still likely get to the park around 10. How late will the Pirates and Pals Cruise go in November? I am thinking of a late lunch that day, probably somewhere where we can sit down and rest a little. Then we would aim for the Pirate's League after that. I'm not sure what to do about dinner though. Maybe a late lunch would be enough with just snacks instead of dinner. Or maybe we should do a lighter lunch and have a sit down dinner just before the pirate cruise. Is there a decent place to eat dinner near the Pirates and Pals cruise? I am guessing that grabbing something after the cruise might be just too late for my crew. Deyki is asking for the Rainforest Cafe after the cruise, but I am afraid we wouldn't get back to GKTW until the middle of the night if we tried that.

Clearly, I need help with this plan! All opinions and suggestions welcome!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

If I recall correctly (and please remember, it has been 2 years since I worked there), on non busy days fireworks were at 9:00. Busier days (when we had two showings of Spectromagic) fireworks were at 10. I don't know how long the cruise goes on after that, but I'm thinking the Rainforest Cafe will most liekly be closed by the time you get back, get to the car, drive there, etc.

 

[MomTo4+more]

I am totally shocked, but ever so glad I showed Deyki the review of the Pirates League. "That's not what I want, Mom," was his response. What?!?! Turns out he wants to be Peter Pan on the Pirates and Pals Cruise. He has a simple peter Pan costume that my sister made him. The only piratey part he wants is a sword. That's easy enough. I questioned him on it and maybe even tried to change his mind a bit - he would be an adorable pirate! He is steadfast in wanting to be Peter Pan, so I suppose that's the plan we move forward with.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

BOOK THE CRUISE! I just listened to my voicemail from Brenda at the allergy hotline. The snacks are not even served on the ship, they are served at another location prior to boarding. They do serve nuts and trail mix, but with advanced notice will serve a different snack instead. They also scrub the ship every night.

Once you know the date, let me know and I will call Brenda so all the arrangements can be made.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I am totally shocked, but ever so glad I showed Deyki the review of the Pirates League. "That's not what I want, Mom," was his response. What?!?! Turns out he wants to be Peter Pan on the Pirates and Pals Cruise. He has a simple peter Pan costume that my sister made him. The only piratey part he wants is a sword. That's easy enough. I questioned him on it and maybe even tried to change his mind a bit - he would be an adorable pirate! He is steadfast in wanting to be Peter Pan, so I suppose that's the plan we move forward with.

Well you just saved yourself some cash

 

[MomTo4+more]

BOOK THE CRUISE! I just listened to my voicemail from Brenda at the allergy hotline. The snacks are not even served on the ship, they are served at another location prior to boarding. They do serve nuts and trail mix, but with advanced notice will serve a different snack instead. They also scrub the ship every night.

Once you know the date, let me know and I will call Brenda so all the arrangements can be made.

Thank you a hundred times over! This is one of the things that all three of the children are eager to do. I have to book this 90 days out, right? We have dates, but they are not 100% confirmed. Assuming GKTW is not full, we will be going from November 1-7! Is there a way I can connect with Brenda regarding all our dining plans? I know I will be having plenty of questions as I plan details.

Well you just saved yourself some cash

I know, right?! Much better to save the money than to find out aferwards that he never wanted it to begin with!


Since we have almost certain dates now, I feel like I can really start planning. I like our dates! As it is now, we fly out on a Sunday and return on a Saturday. That leaves the weekdays for exploring the parks.

As I work on plans, lots of questions are coming to mind. I am so happy to have these boards to find answers!

If I want a late breakfast at Ohanas to double as lunch, how late could I book it? When breakfast hours are listed, does that mean they stop serving at that time or stop seating more people? In other words, can I book ADRs right up until the listed time for breakfast, or do I need to book it earlier? (Gee. For some reason I feel like I can't communicate clearly tonight. Maybe I'm too excited!)

Any great recs for dinner the night of the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise? That will be our long day at MK, so sitting down to eat might be a good break. The cruise leaves from the Contemporary and we will be coming from MK.

Regarding the expense check from MAW - what do I use it for? For example, is the rental car paid for out of that or arranged through MAW beforehand? I don't pay for parking, do I? All I can think of is food, entertainment, and gas for the car. What am I missing?

About what time do they feed the dolphins at Seaworld?

When do they post the hours for Disney parks?

That should about cover the first round of questions! I am sure there will be many more to come! Thanks in advance for your help and hints.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Sure. I will give you her number and just mention that I'm the one who talked to her about the cruise.

 

[MomTo4+more]

100 days until we leave for Disney!!!!

Deyki got a letter from Spiderman today! "I heard the good news that your wish is going to come true! I can't wait to meet you in November! Your friend, Spidey." Deyki loves to get letters, but one from Spidey - that was pure excitement!

We had our Little Mermaid Disney Family Fun Night tonight. We ate shrimp and fish shaped fish sticks. We cut hot dogs to have eight legs and boiled them. The legs curl up some and look like a little octopus - our Ursulas. Shell noodles, blueberries, goldfish crackers, and blue Hawaiin Punch "ocean water" completed the meal. We decorated the table with real seashells. Then we all snuggled on the couch and enjoyed the movie.

Finally to finish the day, Deyki discovers he has a loose tooth. It's his first one! He has been waiting to lose a tooth like all his friends. Looks like we will have some toothless grins in his Disney pictures.