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

[myasma]

Congrats on the countdown!! Believe the days fly by so fast. One minute its like its forever away, the next its tommorrow!!! I love your Disney nights idea. They sound fun. I might have to use some of your ideas for while Mya is in the hospital. She would love it.

 

[MomTo4+more]

98 days to go! We are in the double digits!!!

So this means I have 8 days before the ADR window opens for us. I have never done this before. For that matter, I have never even made dinner reservations locally. This seems so - I don't know - monumental. Waking up at 6. Having back-up plans in place. I am still living in the old ages with dial-up internet, so I don't know if that will be fast enough for on-line ADRs. Any opinions? I even thought about calling on my cell phone while trying on-line simultaneously. The pressure!!

Here's where I could use some of the DIS boards DISadvice. Make a Wish is setting up a visit with Spiderman sometime that week. We won't know exactly when until much later. Obviously that day will be a Universal day. They are also booking us for lunch at CRT . Again, we don't know what day that will be.

I asked them to leave Friday open for me to schedule. That is the day we plan to do the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise. Thanks Eeyore's Butterfly and Maroo for the encouragement and the help making that possible!! Already - a little (actually a lot) of pixie dust ! So the plan is breakfast that morning at Ohana's. My oldest daughter is a big fan of Lilo and Stitch. Then I want dinner at the Crystal Palace before we head over to the Contemporary for the cruise.

Plan A - I am thinking an early breakfast would be good because it leaves the day open for the park. Then we skip lunch and have an early dinner at the Crystal Palace. Snacks are served with the Pirate Cruise. It will make it a very long day, but we could rest in the Wish lounge partway through the day. We will be leaving the next day, so they could sleep in and have a lighter day. Does this sound okay? Too much? I wish we could have more flexibility with the time for breakfast. Then I could see how much energy we have and plan from there. But I guess changing our ADRs for a later time would be unlikely.

This is where Plan B comes in - Schedule a later breakfast and a later dinner. Then we have time to explore the park beforehand if we have the energy, but we also have the option of sleeping in. I feel like I am not maximizing our time if we take this option. Your thoughts?

One last question - what order should I book these ADRs in? Is one harder to get? Is one simple? Breakfast at Ohana, dinner at Crystal Palace, and the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[jenb1023]

ADR stress is normal for us over-planning DISers. I think you would probably be better off calling if you have dial-up but it wouldn't hurt to try both. CRT is the hardest ADR to get and you don't have to worry about that so I think you will be in good shape. I would book whichever one is most time sensitive to you first. I think an early AM and early dinner with rest time sounds fine for your MK day. However, that is a lot of stuff in your MK day and won't leave a lot of time for rides and other things with two meals, rest time and the cruise. Plus, you will be at the MK another day for your CRT meal. Have you given any thought to Ohanas one morning and then heading to Epcot? Good luck deciding! I am sure everything will be fine no matter which direction you go!

 

[MomTo4+more]

ADR stress is normal for us over-planning DISers. I think you would probably be better off calling if you have dial-up but it wouldn't hurt to try both. CRT is the hardest ADR to get and you don't have to worry about that so I think you will be in good shape. I would book whichever one is most time sensitive to you first. I think an early AM and early dinner with rest time sounds fine for your MK day. However, that is a lot of stuff in your MK day and won't leave a lot of time for rides and other things with two meals, rest time and the cruise. Plus, you will be at the MK another day for your CRT meal. Have you given any thought to Ohanas one morning and then heading to Epcot? Good luck deciding! I am sure everything will be fine no matter which direction you go!

At least the stress is normal! The over-planning side of me made charts of the attractions at each park and had each child indicate what their favorite things would be. After reviewing what each child wants the most, we were overwhelmingly focused on MK. I wasn't surprised! We will end up spending two days there - the day we are at CRT and Friday. We are doing DHS the other day at DW. We will end up missing plenty, but we'll focus on what we do get to enjoy. I am already trying to think of ways to save up and get back to DW again in a few years! Thanks for your suggestions.

Do you have a trip report going? I love reading what others are planning. Deyki is sick tonight, and reading fur TRs helps take my mind to a more pleasant place for awhile!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Ok, first of all take a deep breath and relax. Just wanted to give you a couple of thoughts from someone going through this also in the same state. Iris gave me a run down on what the Illinois Chapter of Make a Wish pays for. The money is ment to include: meals for everyone going, luggage that has to be cheaked, some extra's (such as gas, tolls, and little things that come up), and suvioners for the kids. Everything else is paid for. The plane tickets, park tickets, car rental, and anything that Make a Wish has arranged for. They come up with the sum of money you get by multiplying the # of people with how much they think things will cost so be prepared that it might be more or less than what you actually plann to spend. I had no problem getting an idea from Iris about how much we were getting, so maybe if you talk to Tiffany she can do the same for you.

As for ADR's. This is my first time to WDW ever so I was completly clueless when it came to these. Fortunatly I met a great woman who works a the Disney Store in Gurnee and it just so happens that she also works as a Disney Travel Agent. She helped me make my ADR's with no charge. You can find her in my PTR under the name GlassSlipper and PM her or you can call the store and ask for Lorri. If you prefer her email I can ask her for permission to give it out.

Glad you have almost definate dates. I know how you feel. When I got possible dates I was so excited but a little scared to do anything until I got the final word.

Talk to you soon.

 

[MomTo4+more]

Ok, first of all take a deep breath and relax. Just wanted to give you a couple of thoughts from someone going through this also in the same state. Iris gave me a run down on what the Illinois Chapter of Make a Wish pays for. The money is ment to include: meals for everyone going, luggage that has to be cheaked, some extra's (such as gas, tolls, and little things that come up), and suvioners for the kids. Everything else is paid for. The plane tickets, park tickets, car rental, and anything that Make a Wish has arranged for. They come up with the sum of money you get by multiplying the # of people with how much they think things will cost so be prepared that it might be more or less than what you actually plann to spend. I had no problem getting an idea from Iris about how much we were getting, so maybe if you talk to Tiffany she can do the same for you.

As for ADR's. This is my first time to WDW ever so I was completly clueless when it came to these. Fortunatly I met a great woman who works a the Disney Store in Gurnee and it just so happens that she also works as a Disney Travel Agent. She helped me make my ADR's with no charge. You can find her in my PTR under the name GlassSlipper and PM her or you can call the store and ask for Lorri. If you prefer her email I can ask her for permission to give it out.

Glad you have almost definate dates. I know how you feel. When I got possible dates I was so excited but a little scared to do anything until I got the final word.

Talk to you soon.

Thanks Corrinne! It's nice having someone in the very same state on here! Your trip is coming so soon! I can imagine the excitement at your house.

Thanks for the travel agent's name. When we went to the outlet in Gurnee, I talked to a few people. I wonder if she was one of them. I even met a CM who went with her granddaughter on her MAW trip to GKTW. She had all sorts of stories to share. I really like that store!

Tiffany said she talked to GKTW and they have openings for our days. She is expecting the confirmation letter tomorrow. I went ahead and started our countdown. We couldn't miss the 100 days out celebration!

 

[princess.chell]

Well, I have no advice for you seeing as I'm 17 and don't exactly plan my Disney vacations.
But I just wanted to drop a line saying how cute your kids are and that I'm following along! I just read your entire report up until now. Your trip sounds like it's going to be a great one. I can't wait to hear about your trip some more!

 

[MomTo4+more]

It was a long day in the ER with Deyki. He was having increasing pain in his abdomen. After bloodwork, other labs, a chest x-ray, and an abdominal CT - we still have no answer. They did note that his right kidney is somewhat enlarged, but they said that wouldn't account for the pain. I am called his GI tomorrow and already left a message for his hematologist. His hemaglobin dropped another gram over the week. I am tired, so I will keep this short and to the point. At least we are home now and friends took the girls, so they weren't stuck in the ER all day.

 

[jenb1023]

At least the stress is normal! The over-planning side of me made charts of the attractions at each park and had each child indicate what their favorite things would be. After reviewing what each child wants the most, we were overwhelmingly focused on MK. I wasn't surprised! We will end up spending two days there - the day we are at CRT and Friday. We are doing DHS the other day at DW. We will end up missing plenty, but we'll focus on what we do get to enjoy. I am already trying to think of ways to save up and get back to DW again in a few years! Thanks for your suggestions.

Do you have a trip report going? I love reading what others are planning. Deyki is sick tonight, and reading fur TRs helps take my mind to a more pleasant place for awhile!

That is a great strategy to just focus on everyone's top choices - there is no way to include everything on one trip especially if doing Universal too. We've taken three week long trips to just WDW in the last two years and still haven't seen everything. Let me know if you need any advice - Disney is my favorite topic (except for my DD of course!).

I do not have a TR going. I've never written one. Though I am contemplating a mom and daughter trip in the fall so I may have to start a PTR. Plus, I am going with Maroo to Magic Meets in less than two weeks so I am sure we will be doing an mini-tr in her PTR. (Did you follow all that?)

It was a long day in the ER with Deyki. He was having increasing pain in his abdomen. After bloodwork, other labs, a chest x-ray, and an abdominal CT - we still have no answer. They did note that his right kidney is somewhat enlarged, but they said that wouldn't account for the pain. I am called his GI tomorrow and already left a message for his hematologist. His hemaglobin dropped another gram over the week. I am tired, so I will keep this short and to the point. At least we are home now and friends took the girls, so they weren't stuck in the ER all day.

So sorry to hear Deyki is still not feeling better and that you had to spend the day in the ER! Sending prayers, good thoughts and pixie dust that he gets reflief from the pain and that you get some answers!

 

[Sandy321]

and some for Deyki!

How are you feeling now about adr's? I've been reading the restaurant board -esp the online adr thread (a little obsessively as I have over 150 yet till we go! )

ITA that you just go with the flow at wdw - do MK - and concentrate on the experience at GKTW!! You cant see everything, so always, always think about the magic and taking time to take it in - its not about "seeing and doing"!

I cant remember what your plans are for adr's - as for CRT - you may enjoy a lunch there over the breakfast - less stress getting at MK before rope drop - or to find out that the day you planned suddenly becomes an emh at MK! We found touring fantasyland early - getting in the fun rides, then eating lunch at CRT - we were ready to head back to the resort -

for the counter service places in mk - there is one that is attatched to Its a Small World - behind Dumbo ride - Pinocchio's - it gets crowded, but thats ok - if you want a quieter place - head over towards Peter Pan - Its a small world, and opposite of where Haunted Mansion is Columbia Harbor House - it has great fish sticks, chicken strips, french fries - - and its quieter there - go upstairs!!!

the CS place in Tomorrowland (beyond the teacups over by Indy Speedway - I imagine you'll have to ride the Indy Speedway!! that is a slow loading ride but boy do the kids LOVE it!!) anyway the food place in Tomorrowland is confusing - they have different menus at the different counters! but its good food - chicken, ribs, hamburgers, sandwiches!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

It was a long day in the ER with Deyki. He was having increasing pain in his abdomen. After bloodwork, other labs, a chest x-ray, and an abdominal CT - we still have no answer. They did note that his right kidney is somewhat enlarged, but they said that wouldn't account for the pain. I am called his GI tomorrow and already left a message for his hematologist. His hemaglobin dropped another gram over the week. I am tired, so I will keep this short and to the point. At least we are home now and friends took the girls, so they weren't stuck in the ER all day.

I am so sorry that Deyki ended up spending the day at the hospital and you still don't have any answers. Hopefully his specialists will be able to find the culprit so that he can be on the road to recovery and enjoy the planning for his Wish trip.

My prayers for Deyki that he feels better real soon!(He gets a group hug since it's from me and my 3 kids.)

 

[maroo]

I am so sorry...

I am sitting her in the hospital with a friend and we are having similar issues...lots of tests (but not enough, IMO) but no answers.

Hang in there! We are praying for you guys!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Poor little guy!!! Prayers being said

 

[MomTo4+more]

That is a great strategy to just focus on everyone's top choices - there is no way to include everything on one trip especially if doing Universal too. We've taken three week long trips to just WDW in the last two years and still haven't seen everything. Let me know if you need any advice - Disney is my favorite topic (except for my DD of course!).

I do not have a TR going. I've never written one. Though I am contemplating a mom and daughter trip in the fall so I may have to start a PTR. Plus, I am going with Maroo to Magic Meets in less than two weeks so I am sure we will be doing an mini-tr in her PTR. (Did you follow all that?)

At first I had the mentality of wanting to see it all. Then I found these boards, got a planning book, and realized it wasn't going to happen! Not with three days at Disney! That's okay, I am sure it will be magical. I had seen the ticker in one of your posts and wondered if you had a TR going for it. A mother and daughter trip sounds like an excellent idea! Very fun!



So sorry to hear Deyki is still not feeling better and that you had to spend the day in the ER! Sending prayers, good thoughts and pixie dust that he gets reflief from the pain and that you get some answers!

Deyki's pain is much better today. His doctor called and wants to just keep our appointment for next week. Maybe they will think of tests to run and find answers.

and some for Deyki!

How are you feeling now about adr's? I've been reading the restaurant board -esp the online adr thread (a little obsessively as I have over 150 yet till we go! )

ITA that you just go with the flow at wdw - do MK - and concentrate on the experience at GKTW!! You cant see everything, so always, always think about the magic and taking time to take it in - its not about "seeing and doing"!

I cant remember what your plans are for adr's - as for CRT - you may enjoy a lunch there over the breakfast - less stress getting at MK before rope drop - or to find out that the day you planned suddenly becomes an emh at MK! We found touring fantasyland early - getting in the fun rides, then eating lunch at CRT - we were ready to head back to the resort -

for the counter service places in mk - there is one that is attatched to Its a Small World - behind Dumbo ride - Pinocchio's - it gets crowded, but thats ok - if you want a quieter place - head over towards Peter Pan - Its a small world, and opposite of where Haunted Mansion is Columbia Harbor House - it has great fish sticks, chicken strips, french fries - - and its quieter there - go upstairs!!!

the CS place in Tomorrowland (beyond the teacups over by Indy Speedway - I imagine you'll have to ride the Indy Speedway!! that is a slow loading ride but boy do the kids LOVE it!!) anyway the food place in Tomorrowland is confusing - they have different menus at the different counters! but its good food - chicken, ribs, hamburgers, sandwiches!!

Thanks for the advice. I am feeling better about ADRs. I am wishing I hadn't told my kids, "We will do this and then that" until I knew I could get the ADRs. I think I wouldn't feel like they were so very important if I hadn't told the kids. I think the whole experience will be so good that it won't matter if we don't get just what I am planning for. thanks for the reminder to take it in and not race to do and see everything!

I am so sorry...

I am sitting her in the hospital with a friend and we are having similar issues...lots of tests (but not enough, IMO) but no answers.

Hang in there! We are praying for you guys!

I hope that you have answers soon! It has to feel like it is taking forever when Rachel is having such a hard time and no answers are coming! Praying for you all!



DRUMROLL PLEASE!!! We already have flight information!!! Five weeks ago we started this wish process. Now we already have dates and flight info! Plans are coming together! We have a direct flight from Chicago to Orlando Sunday, November 1st. We should be at GKTW for a late lunch. We then leave after lunch on the 7th and are home in time for dinner. Wow! This is really happening!

 

[jenb1023]

DRUMROLL PLEASE!!! We already have flight information!!! Five weeks ago we started this wish process. Now we already have dates and flight info! Plans are coming together! We have a direct flight from Chicago to Orlando Sunday, November 1st. We should be at GKTW for a late lunch. We then leave after lunch on the 7th and are home in time for dinner. Wow! This is really happening!

Yea for dates and flight info! If I decide to do this Mom and daughter trip, we are looking at flying in to Orlando 10/30 and flying out 11/3 so we would overlap by a few days.


Glad to hear Deyki is feeling better! Hope the Dr can give you some answers next week.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

DRUMROLL PLEASE!!! We already have flight information!!! Five weeks ago we started this wish process. Now we already have dates and flight info! Plans are coming together! We have a direct flight from Chicago to Orlando Sunday, November 1st. We should be at GKTW for a late lunch. We then leave after lunch on the 7th and are home in time for dinner. Wow! This is really happening!

YAY!!!

This is fab news!!! Are they letting you bring another adult?

 

[Corrine 1973]

How exciting, now the planning can truely begin.

Hope that Deyki is feeling better!!!!!!!!!

 

[MomTo4+more]

Yea for dates and flight info! If I decide to do this Mom and daughter trip, we are looking at flying in to Orlando 10/30 and flying out 11/3 so we would overlap by a few days.


Glad to hear Deyki is feeling better! Hope the Dr can give you some answers next week.

How fun! Deyki loves little girls his age. He keeps pointing them out and saying, "Isn't she cute mom?" I think I may have to lock him up when he is a teenager! If our schedules work out, maybe we could meet you at the park one of those days.

YAY!!!

This is fab news!!! Are they letting you bring another adult?

They would let me bring another adult, but we aren't. My kids said they wanted family time. Since I run a rescue home for children in crisis, it seems we always have caseworkers, therapists, and parents of the kids in our house. We don't get much time with just us. I think it sounds refreshing to get that undivided time with my kids. My one concern was what to do if Deyki gets sick while we are there, but our wish coordinators said they would have people there to help with anything that comes up. I feel so cared for on this trip already.

How exciting, now the planning can truely begin.

Hope that Deyki is feeling better!!!!!!!!!

Yes! The planning is in full swing! Deyki is feeling a lot better today, but now he is getting a fever. He was at 100.9 tonight. If he gets to 101, protocol says he muct go to the ER for tests and three days of IV meds. I hope it goes back down before morning.


If Deyki is well enough, we have a baby coming to stay with us Thursday through Sunday. I cared for him when he was a newborn. Now he iis a year old and just started walking! I can't wait to see those toddling baby feet.

Never a dull moment!

 

[Matt1026]

How exciting dates and flight info. I know that really helps in your planning.

I will be praying for your son!!! I hope he gets over this fever soon!

 

[StefaniLyn]

Woo Hoo for flight information. I've read a couple Wish Trip threads where families don't get flight info until their party - I'm so glad you have yours already. It must make the planning MUCH easier.

Good luck with the toddler this weekend! Won't it be fun to hear the pitter patter of those little feet?