Feedback wanted from Wish Families

[vincev33]

I am a volunteer wish grantor for MAW and a WDW nut. I am looking for some feedback. For my older wish kids and their families I usually do a weekly newsletter with tips, trivia, fun facts, etc.... I want to hear from some wish families as to what information do they wish they had before their trip that I could make sure I cover for my families. Thoughts? Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Have you looked at the Wish Trips thread in this forum? It has tons of stuff where people have reported their planning and results.

 

[vincev33]

Thank you. I do follow the wish trippers thread, but I wanted to try this as well.

 

[maroo]

I am a volunteer wish grantor for MAW and a WDW nut. I am looking for some feedback. For my older wish kids and their families I usually do a weekly newsletter with tips, trivia, fun facts, etc.... I want to hear from some wish families as to what information do they wish they had before their trip that I could make sure I cover for my families. Thoughts? Any feedback would be appreciated!

This is a great idea!

Feel free to post on the wish trippers thread anytime. I think many of them (including me) just check their subscribed threads and don't necessarily see the disABILITIES board posts as much.

I think the main "hint" that helps is knowing the button can be used for character lines. GKTW orientation suggests it is only for ride lines, but most CM's really don't want wish families to wait, even in character lines.

I think I have a top 10 (or was it 20?) tips on there somewhere, too...?? I can find it if you want. Just PM me.

Reading the TR's is a great way to pick up tips, too.

Thanks for doing so much for your wish kids!!! They really appreciate it!!!

 

[vincev33]

Thank you!

 

[thatkid]

definitely the button for character lines! I got to see 30 some characters with it. Make sure the teens know they shouldn't be "embarrased" to do what might seem childish- like autographs/ interacting with characters- I had a blast with them, the characters were my highlight for sure, and I was 18 when i went on my wish trip!

Also, this isn't wish-trip specific but pressed pennies are awesome, they are my favorite souvenir that i got- i got them of my favorite characters and the few rides we went on, as well as just the places (ak, mk, etc.- sea world and universal have them, too!) It costs 2 quarters plus the penny you want pressed.

If i think of anything else, i'll let you know! I wrote my Trip Report here- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34622202
you might get something out of that? it was my parents, myself (18) and my younger brothers (both 14) that went, so there might by some tips for teens. I deleted all my pictures because i'm internet paranoid, but it's mostly us making fools of ourselves with characters

 

[sparkers68]

just wanted to tell you as a mother of an almost teen aged son (12) with a disabliliy that the kindness of people like you is much appreciated. My son ignores all the rude/inconsiderate people that he has had to deal with and focuses only on the great people that he has met. He continues to teach our family all the time! The work that you do for MAW families is life altering and healing-you are a person that helps to restore hope to children and their families-thank you!!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Some things at Epcot:

For the little kids, they have Kidcot stations where the kids can do some kind of craft. Often it is a mask of some sort and you can pick up pieces and add at each of the Kidcot stations. Just beware that the last time I looked, the Kidcot stations were sponsored by a pen company that makes permanent markers. Most of the Kidcot stations are in air conditioned areas - or at least under roof, so they are a good place to get a little recuperation if it’s hot or you need to slow down a bit.

For bigger kids, they sell Epcot passports with stamps for each country in World Showcase. As you take them from country to country, you can get it stamped by a CM and most will also write a greeting or something in their native language (at least some of the CMs in each country are from the sponsoring country). We’ve had foreign exchange students who we thought would be too old for this, but they were all 17-19 and loved the idea.