Gloria Joy's premature (??) WDW MAW PTR

[Glo's wish]

Hi everyone! Sorry I disappeared for a few months, I didn't realize people were still posting on here! I didn't mean to ignore you, we've just had a couple hard months and the waiting/not knowing about the MAW trip made it hard to come over here and read (obsessively!) every day. It was getting too hard to hear of all the wonderful things that Disney had to offer and the unknown of when we could go. After being told that we could NOT go for Glo's birthday because there wasn't enough time and everything was booked up I was planning on not going until the fall. After telling Glo the last 2 months that we wouldn't go until next school year I received a call an hour ago saying we CAN go!!! We fly out Feb. 27th (!!!!!) and Glo gets to get "done up" and have lunch with Cinderella on her birthday March 1st!!!
Yikes!!! Where do I begin??!!!!
__________________
Well, the kids don't know yet and should be getting off the bus any minute now! I know I should wait to tell them but I am too over-joyed to keep my big mouth shut! I have some updates on Glo that I will try to post later!

 

[wishin' on a star]

I already replied to you on the wish trippers thread, but I just wanted to pop in here, and say that I can't wait to hear about the kids' excitement when you tell them!!!

 

[Glo's wish]

Yesterday I said I would do an update of what's been happening with Gloria in the last 2 months. Unfortunately there are lots of questions but very few answers.
Gloria has been experiencing daily headaches, severe back pain, abundant food intolerance issues, and unexplained weight loss. Gloria has had upper and lower scopes done which only found gastritis. She's had MRI done of her complete spine rechecking her surgical site from her exploritory spinal cord surgery which showed no changes. She's had numerous blood work, ultrasounds, xrays, ect to no avail. Granted Gloria has always been a bit of a train wreck, but after 32 surgeriesand starting weekly infusions to boost her immune system we had gotten her to a pretty good place health wise. The last 2 months that has changed.
Right now we have 12 different Specialists pretty much all scratching their heads not sure what to think. We plan to have her admitted on Feb 6th in Grand Rapids to have another round of testing done including another MRI of her brain. I'm both nervous that they will or wont find anything. I'm not sure what to hope for except answers with easy fixes.
This trip truely couldn't have come at a better time! I think the four kids and I all feel like we have been put through the wringer.
Okay, now that the update of sorts is done I have questions! I received word today that Glo has an appt set up on her birthday at BBB in Downtown Disney followed up by lunch at Akershush. Is Cinderella even at Akershush??? Is this lunch something the boys would enjoy too or is the money better spent elsewhere?? Does Downtown Disney BBB still feel "special"?? I was told these two appts were secured with a MAW credit card but that I would have to pay for them out of the expense check. She also said the lunch alone will be about $200 + tip? Seeing how we are going with NO extra $ of our own will the expense check cover everything PLUS this lunch and BBB??? I'm just worried about getting there and not having enough $ to cover essentials if we do the lunch on day 3....
I'd really appreciate any help with answers that anyone can give!

 

[blessedmom4]

Yesterday I said I would do an update of what's been happening with Gloria in the last 2 months. Unfortunately there are lots of questions but very few answers.
Gloria has been experiencing daily headaches, severe back pain, abundant food intolerance issues, and unexplained weight loss. Gloria has had upper and lower scopes done which only found gastritis. She's had MRI done of her complete spine rechecking her surgical site from her exploritory spinal cord surgery which showed no changes. She's had numerous blood work, ultrasounds, xrays, ect to no avail. Granted Gloria has always been a bit of a train wreck, but after 32 surgeriesand starting weekly infusions to boost her immune system we had gotten her to a pretty good place health wise. The last 2 months that has changed.
Right now we have 12 different Specialists pretty much all scratching their heads not sure what to think. We plan to have her admitted on Feb 6th in Grand Rapids to have another round of testing done including another MRI of her brain. I'm both nervous that they will or wont find anything. I'm not sure what to hope for except answers with easy fixes.
This trip truely couldn't have come at a better time! I think the four kids and I all feel like we have been put through the wringer.
Okay, now that the update of sorts is done I have questions! I received word today that Glo has an appt set up on her birthday at BBB in Downtown Disney followed up by lunch at Akershush. Is Cinderella even at Akershush??? Is this lunch something the boys would enjoy too or is the money better spent elsewhere?? Does Downtown Disney BBB still feel "special"?? I was told these two appts were secured with a MAW credit card but that I would have to pay for them out of the expense check. She also said the lunch alone will be about $200 + tip? Seeing how we are going with NO extra $ of our own will the expense check cover everything PLUS this lunch and BBB??? I'm just worried about getting there and not having enough $ to cover essentials if we do the lunch on day 3....
I'd really appreciate any help with answers that anyone can give!

Hugs for all of the medical mysteries! I am so happy you are going to be able to get away and have some magical fun! I can't answer these other questions, other than my two boys (12 and 16 at the time) LOVED the breakfast at Akershus and the Princesses . I would definitely post these additional questions on the Wish Tripper site where more poeple will see them. HTH.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Lots of *hugs*. I'm not much help, but I can relate very much to feeling so very helpless when it comes to your child being sick. I hope her next round of testing goes smoothly and gives the Drs some guidance to what is going on.

 

[casper_jj11]

Yesterday I said I would do an update of what's been happening with Gloria in the last 2 months. Unfortunately there are lots of questions but very few answers.
Gloria has been experiencing daily headaches, severe back pain, abundant food intolerance issues, and unexplained weight loss. Gloria has had upper and lower scopes done which only found gastritis. She's had MRI done of her complete spine rechecking her surgical site from her exploritory spinal cord surgery which showed no changes. She's had numerous blood work, ultrasounds, xrays, ect to no avail. Granted Gloria has always been a bit of a train wreck, but after 32 surgeriesand starting weekly infusions to boost her immune system we had gotten her to a pretty good place health wise. The last 2 months that has changed.
Right now we have 12 different Specialists pretty much all scratching their heads not sure what to think. We plan to have her admitted on Feb 6th in Grand Rapids to have another round of testing done including another MRI of her brain. I'm both nervous that they will or wont find anything. I'm not sure what to hope for except answers with easy fixes.
This trip truely couldn't have come at a better time! I think the four kids and I all feel like we have been put through the wringer.
Okay, now that the update of sorts is done I have questions! I received word today that Glo has an appt set up on her birthday at BBB in Downtown Disney followed up by lunch at Akershush. Is Cinderella even at Akershush??? Is this lunch something the boys would enjoy too or is the money better spent elsewhere?? Does Downtown Disney BBB still feel "special"?? I was told these two appts were secured with a MAW credit card but that I would have to pay for them out of the expense check. She also said the lunch alone will be about $200 + tip? Seeing how we are going with NO extra $ of our own will the expense check cover everything PLUS this lunch and BBB??? I'm just worried about getting there and not having enough $ to cover essentials if we do the lunch on day 3....
I'd really appreciate any help with answers that anyone can give!

I saw your post on the Wish thread and thought I'd drop by to see if I could answer a few questions.

We've eaten at Akershus and have never seen Cindy there. Although most of the princesses are in Epcot countries as well, I've never seen Cindy there and its one of our fav parks. I think the only sure fire place to see her is at CRT where she poses for pics before the meal. We also saw her at the princess meet and greet at Toontown but I think they've moved that now so I'm not sure if she's there anymore.

My boys liked Akershus. We were there for breakfast, I'm not sure about lunch. My boys both do fine with princesses so they were happy enough.

We did BBB at MK and it was wonderful. I'm sure it will be just as special and if you head to the park right afterwards, it will be no different than having done it at MK and staying in the park then. Ours was similar. I booked it in advance (because I'm a worry wart and while the wish foundation was paying for BBB, I was paying for CRT ... I wanted to ensure the apptmts matched up). the wish foundation called BBB and reserved my apptmt in their credit card. They gave me a gift card for the BBB rather than adding to the expense check but I expect its the same thing. They'll just add an amout to the expense cheque to cover BBB.

I'd ask exactly what is covered. They will have contacted WDW about the cost of both the meal and the BBB apptmt (find out what package she will be receiving money for because there are three different ones with three prices). If they say both is covered, I'm sure its covered fully in the expense cheque. (The meal is $42.50 per adult and $24.50 per child (3-9) I believe plus taxes and tip. The prices for BBB $50, $55 or $250 plus taxes depending on the package http://allears.net/btp/bibbidi.htm )

HTH!

 

[brookerene]

I think your boys will like it... think of it as eating at a castle not dining with the princesses!.....I hope that these arrangements will work out for you. I also think the DD BBB will be just as great at Magic Kingdom's....so don't worry about that....What package are they arranging for you, do you know? Will you be doing anything special for Glo's birthday as well?

 

[Glo's wish]

Hugs for all of the medical mysteries! I am so happy you are going to be able to get away and have some magical fun! I can't answer these other questions, other than my two boys (12 and 16 at the time) LOVED the breakfast at Akershus and the Princesses . I would definitely post these additional questions on the Wish Tripper site where more poeple will see them. HTH.

Thanks so much for the info, I will post some questions on the wish tripper site. I am such a worrier that I just called Disney only to find out that Cindy IS NOT at Akershus! Oh no!! Thankfully they had ONE opening at 1900 Park for dinner where Cindy is gaurenteed to be! I took it but am second guessing myself if for no other reason than the cost of dinner for 6!! How do I justify 2 weeks worth of grocery $ on 1 meal?! No expense check could be that large!! I guess I have a month to debate!

 

[Glo's wish]

Lots of *hugs*. I'm not much help, but I can relate very much to feeling so very helpless when it comes to your child being sick. I hope her next round of testing goes smoothly and gives the Drs some guidance to what is going on.

Thanks for the encouragement, it does help. Glo started spiking high fevers yesterday along with severe headache and dizzyness so I had to drive her over to the Children's hospital at her pediatrician's request. They did a CT of her brain, blood work, xrays, ect and 6 hrs later no ideas so we are watching her and hoping it's a wierd virus. Still waiting on her MRI in a week.

I saw your post on the Wish thread and thought I'd drop by to see if I could answer a few questions.

We've eaten at Akershus and have never seen Cindy there. Although most of the princesses are in Epcot countries as well, I've never seen Cindy there and its one of our fav parks. I think the only sure fire place to see her is at CRT where she poses for pics before the meal. We also saw her at the princess meet and greet at Toontown but I think they've moved that now so I'm not sure if she's there anymore.

My boys liked Akershus. We were there for breakfast, I'm not sure about lunch. My boys both do fine with princesses so they were happy enough.


We did BBB at MK and it was wonderful. I'm sure it will be just as special and if you head to the park right afterwards, it will be no different than having done it at MK and staying in the park then. Ours was similar. I booked it in advance (because I'm a worry wart and while the wish foundation was paying for BBB, I was paying for CRT ... I wanted to ensure the apptmts matched up). the wish foundation called BBB and reserved my apptmt in their credit card. They gave me a gift card for the BBB rather than adding to the expense check but I expect its the same thing. They'll just add an amout to the expense cheque to cover BBB.

I'd ask exactly what is covered. They will have contacted WDW about the cost of both the meal and the BBB apptmt (find out what package she will be receiving money for because there are three different ones with three prices). If they say both is covered, I'm sure its covered fully in the expense cheque. (The meal is $42.50 per adult and $24.50 per child (3-9) I believe plus taxes and tip. The prices for BBB $50, $55 or $250 plus taxes depending on the package http://allears.net/btp/bibbidi.htm )

HTH!

Thanks for the input! I didn't dare cancel this res (I'm not sure how MAW would respond?) But when I found out that Cindy isn't there -the only person Glo REALLY cares to see!- I booked dinner at 1900 Park. Have you ever gone there? I don't know the price difference yet but it just feels like Glo's wish isn't being fully granted if she cant "eat with Cinderella".
I'm no longer too concerned about the BBB situation. I think I will watch ebay for a Cinderella dress and call it good enough. Gloria doesn't know about the BBB in the castle so she cant miss what she doesn't know, right??!

I think your boys will like it... think of it as eating at a castle not dining with the princesses!.....I hope that these arrangements will work out for you. I also think the DD BBB will be just as great at Magic Kingdom's....so don't worry about that....What package are they arranging for you, do you know? Will you be doing anything special for Glo's birthday as well?

I've decided that if food is involved the boys will be happy! I asked which package was arranged and they said only the hair and nails which is fine. I will keep my eyes open for a used Cindy dress on ebay. Glo would be happy with anything I think, it's just me who wants the best of everything for her.

Thanks everyone so much for the input! I feel less anxious now!!

 

[brookerene]

Hi.... Hope Glo gets to doing better! If it were me.... I'd go for Park Fair if you want Cindy! Especially if that is who Glo wants to meet...
Also, you can try Etsy.com for some cute homemade or custom dresses... some are reasonably priced and some are hi, but its a thought. I bought my girl a Minnie pillow case dress there last summer and it is really cute. Some of the disboutiquers have shops on there I believe.

 

[Glo's wish]

Hi.... Hope Glo gets to doing better! If it were me.... I'd go for Park Fair if you want Cindy! Especially if that is who Glo wants to meet...
Also, you can try Etsy.com for some cute homemade or custom dresses... some are reasonably priced and some are hi, but its a thought. I bought my girl a Minnie pillow case dress there last summer and it is really cute. Some of the disboutiquers have shops on there I believe.

After sleeping on it I think I will do the Park Fair one! Too much pixie dust was involoved to get the last resie available the whole day for a place that had Cinderella! I will just pray that I can find a way to cover the expense.
I think Etsy is a GREAT idea! Maybe I can even find a 2 piece "dress" to make it easier to accomodate Glo's Gtube.

 

[blessedmom4]

Thanks so much for the info, I will post some questions on the wish tripper site. I am such a worrier that I just called Disney only to find out that Cindy IS NOT at Akershus! Oh no!! Thankfully they had ONE opening at 1900 Park for dinner where Cindy is gaurenteed to be! I took it but am second guessing myself if for no other reason than the cost of dinner for 6!! How do I justify 2 weeks worth of grocery $ on 1 meal?! No expense check could be that large!! I guess I have a month to debate!

I UNDERSTAND about the money! When we ate at Akershus I had Disney Dollars. We also had a ressie at 1900 Park Fare that we canceled because it WAS so expensive and at least they had Breakfast "with" the Princesses. I have always wished we had gone, because we have not been back. I am glad to see you kept the Ressie, this is a once in a lifetime event and if it is Glo's favorite Princess, I hope she can see her.

 

[xanphylus]

I would do the Park Faire one too if you def want to see Cinderella- but I did want to let you know, she is at Akershus sometimes. We saw her there! She is my DD's fav princess too, and she got lucky and saw her, Snow White, Belle, Ariel and Aurora there! I think we just got very lucky that day though- all her favs were in one place.

 

[Glo's wish]

I would do the Park Faire one too if you def want to see Cinderella- but I did want to let you know, she is at Akershus sometimes. We saw her there! She is my DD's fav princess too, and she got lucky and saw her, Snow White, Belle, Ariel and Aurora there! I think we just got very lucky that day though- all her favs were in one place.

Wow! That's great that you got to see Cindy there! I think you got very lucky because when I called Disney directly they said she was not one of the princesses at Akershus! I'm glad you got some pixie dust!!

 

[Glo's wish]

It's been a rough day. Glo's been increasingly sick and the dr's don't know why. I was told tonight that if she doesn't show improvement by Thursday they want to admit her for a complete head to toe work up. They also said they want to consult Hem/Onc. if her fevers continue until then.
Her lungs sound pretty bad right now and her MRI on Monday may not happen if we can't get her lungs clear enough to sedate.
On a good note...we were asked if we'd like to participate in the Big Give!! I'm so excited, the kids and I could use some good surprises!!!

 

[MomtoAlexnWilliam]

Thanks so much for the info, I will post some questions on the wish tripper site. I am such a worrier that I just called Disney only to find out that Cindy IS NOT at Akershus! Oh no!! Thankfully they had ONE opening at 1900 Park for dinner where Cindy is gaurenteed to be! I took it but am second guessing myself if for no other reason than the cost of dinner for 6!! How do I justify 2 weeks worth of grocery $ on 1 meal?! No expense check could be that large!! I guess I have a month to debate!

You have made the right decision about 1900 Park Fare! We love that place!!! Cinderella and Prince Charming are adorable -- the only place we've ever been able to meet the Prince. Plus Lady Tremaine, Drizella and Anatasia are HILARIOUS!!! Your boys will love them!!! Lady Tremaine is always trying to find a "prince" for her girls. If your 17 year old is game he should bring a GIANT fake ring to give to one of the girls. They would find it over the top fun!

It's been a rough day. Glo's been increasingly sick and the dr's don't know why. I was told tonight that if she doesn't show improvement by Thursday they want to admit her for a complete head to toe work up. They also said they want to consult Hem/Onc. if her fevers continue until then.
Her lungs sound pretty bad right now and her MRI on Monday may not happen if we can't get her lungs clear enough to sedate.
On a good note...we were asked if we'd like to participate in the Big Give!! I'm so excited, the kids and I could use some good surprises!!!

I hope Glo can get some relief -- and you too! And Yea for the Big Give! I am off to see what you guys might like.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Dear Jeanie and family,

you have a beautiful family Jeanie, I can see why you call Gloria "Glo" her smile and face does "Glo", she is a doll!!

I am so happy you got a MAW and Big Give too and I am excited to be a part of it to bring some extra pixie dust your way!!!

Sorry to hear that Glo is not feeling well, hope the doctors can find out what is going on and get her better soon!

Sending a big dose of pixie dusr, prayers and hugs your way!

BTW, the Cinderella dinner is a hoot, we love it!!! another way to get the sisters going is to tell one of them she is the prettiest and sit back and watch the fun begin.....I hope your trip will be full of magic, fun and happiness for you all!

 

[teresajoy]

I'm no longer too concerned about the BBB situation. I think I will watch ebay for a Cinderella dress and call it good enough. Gloria doesn't know about the BBB in the castle so she cant miss what she doesn't know, right??!
I've decided that if food is involved the boys will be happy! I asked which package was arranged and they said only the hair and nails which is fine. I will keep my eyes open for a used Cindy dress on ebay. Glo would be happy with anything I think, it's just me who wants the best of everything for her.

Thanks everyone so much for the input! I feel less anxious now!!

I would wait on buying a dress.

And, we LOVE LOVE LOVE 1900 Park Fare!!! It is our absolute favorite place to eat! The food is wonderful, and the stepsisters absolutely MAKE the meal!!!! You will love it!

It's been a rough day. Glo's been increasingly sick and the dr's don't know why. I was told tonight that if she doesn't show improvement by Thursday they want to admit her for a complete head to toe work up. They also said they want to consult Hem/Onc. if her fevers continue until then.
Her lungs sound pretty bad right now and her MRI on Monday may not happen if we can't get her lungs clear enough to sedate.
On a good note...we were asked if we'd like to participate in the Big Give!! I'm so excited, the kids and I could use some good surprises!!!

I hope she doesn't have to be admitted!!
I hope you guys are staying safe in this nasty weather.

 

[VBAndrea]

I just now perused through your pre-trip report and first and foremost want to say how adorable Glo is -- LOVE her hair! And also want to add that I so hope you can get her current medical issues straightened out. It doesn't sound like your trip is too far off now so hopefully that will bring some cheer to your lives. And being a part of a Big Give will bring extra nice treats for Glo too!

And you will love the Park Fare dinner -- my dd gots oodles of attention there (she had on a dress with Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters so that helped). Lucifer was on the back of her dress and Cinderella told her that Lucifer was chasing Mickey Mouse the other day and my dd still talks about that to this day. I think Glo will be in heaven meeting Cinderella there!

 

[Glo's wish]

I would wait on buying a dress.
Okay, this literally brought tears to my eyes! I'm so excited for her! I miss seeing the sparkle in her eyes, maybe this will do the trick!

And, we LOVE LOVE LOVE 1900 Park Fare!!! It is our absolute favorite place to eat! The food is wonderful, and the stepsisters absolutely MAKE the meal!!!! You will love it!
I'm much more comfortable with this decision! I think everyone will have a wonderful time!



I hope she doesn't have to be admitted!!
I hope you guys are staying safe in this nasty weather.

I'm hoping not to venture out at all today! We got 18" of snow overnight!!! This is all I plan to do today...

I just now perused through your pre-trip report and first and foremost want to say how adorable Glo is -- LOVE her hair! And also want to add that I so hope you can get her current medical issues straightened out. It doesn't sound like your trip is too far off now so hopefully that will bring some cheer to your lives. And being a part of a Big Give will bring extra nice treats for Glo too!
Only 26 more days!!!
And you will love the Park Fare dinner -- my dd gots oodles of attention there (she had on a dress with Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters so that helped). Lucifer was on the back of her dress and Cinderella told her that Lucifer was chasing Mickey Mouse the other day and my dd still talks about that to this day. I think Glo will be in heaven meeting Cinderella there!

Your DD dress sounds perfect for the venue!