I need tips for daughters WISH trip

[cuddlebugz]

We are going to walt disney world the first week in dec. and am wondering what tips or hints you can give me. Thia trip is a wish granted trip for my daughter for her 9th birthday and we well be staying at Give Kids The World Village. I want to make this as magical as I can for her and my other daughter. We've had a very long year of sicknesses and diagnoses and so this was something she wanted to do. I've never been and so any info. would be helpful. Thank-you

 

[all4fun]

Hi cuddlebugz,
I see you're in Bremerton! We're in Vancouver and my SIL and her family just moved to Bremerton this past weekend.

I'm sorry you're daughter has had such a tough year. I hope this trip really lifts her (and your entire family's) spirits. Honestly, I can't think of a better place to take your family.

Two events that will be taking place during your stay are Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (aka MVMCP, at Magic Kingdom) and the Candlelight Processional (Epcot). CP is a wonderful telling of the Christmas Story with a full Choir. We went two years ago and it was truly beautiful. You can also pair this event with a meal at one of the World Showcase restaurants, which gives you priority seating in both CP and the restaurant, either before or after the show. MVMCP is a fun night-time event with a special Christmas parade, free hot cocoa, family picture, special story-telling events. It's a hard-ticketed event that starts after the park closes for the day, usually starting at 6:30 or 7pm. There is excellent information available on both of these events on the Dis main page as well as at WDW Magic .

The decorations are absolutely stunning as well. The Grand Floridian puts up a giant Christmas tree every year as well as a life-size gingerbread house. GF is on the Monorail line, which of course is a free ride around the MK and EPCOT resort area. The Monorail also takes you to the Transportation & Ticketing Center where MK parking is. You have a choice of both Monorail and Ferry boat to get to MK from there.

Another site I'd like to recommend for planning is Allearsnet.com . Between that site and this one, you should be able to gather quite a bit of info to make your trip more enjoyable.

I hope you have a magical trip and some of this info helps!

Cheryl

 

[cuddlebugz]

Thank-you so much every little bit well help.. I well keep everyone posted as to updates on our trip.. Thank-you so much

Tammela

 

[eeyore29]

Maybe you can find some tips on one of the the DISabilities boards:
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=20
I noticed some posts on there regarding the Give Kids the World Village.
I work with a lady whose son's wish was granted last year. They had a wonderful trip, and everyone at the village & WDW treated her whole family very kindly. I think they even had Mickey & Minnie visit the village. Her son was treated like he was in the Disney family at the parks; all the CM's were always ready & waiting to help them whenever they needed it. They would also come out of their way to say hello to Danny. His mom told me that the CM's would make sure they'd get right onto rides with no wait times, and if they were rides that couldn't accomodate his special chair, they'd stop the ride to help him. He had a magical trip, with one exception...he didn't get Donald's autograph (his favorite), so that's going to be my mission when I go to WDW in 2 weeks...I'm gonna find Donald if it takes the whole trip!
I hope you have a magical family trip, I hope you find the info you're looking for, and most of all, I hope your daughter enjoys the most wonderful place on earth!

 

[all4fun]

posted by eeyore29
I'm gonna find Donald if it takes the whole trip!

This is from Allearsnet. In their Theme parks section under "At a Glance" if you click on "Characters" each theme park has a listing of where the most common places to see each character are in the park. Here's the info for Donald:

Donald's Breakfastosaurus at Animal Kingdom (Character Breakfast)
Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom (Character Meal)
He's also a Regular at park entrance of MGM studio's at Opening
and a regular on Characters on Holiday Bus at Epcot.

Here's some info you also might find helpful in case the above doesn't work for you: Character Meet and Greet FAQ .

I hope this helps!

Cheryl

 

[eeyore29]

Great idea! Thank you, Cheryl!
I hadn't even thought of that cause we're already booked on another character meal...I called & there's still room at Donald's Breakfastasaurus...YAHOO! We're all set now, baby! Less than 2 weeks to go!

 

[Megan's Mom]

You won't have to work too hard to make it magical because the GKTW Village will do it for you. They also will go out of their way for your other child as well. We stayed there two years ago and it was the most wonderful experiece we have ever had. Anything you could think of was taken care of for you. Everyday when we came to our room there were little gifts waiting for us. The workers at the village are so nice and thoughtful. I don't think it could have been any better.
One of the good things is that they will meet you at the airport and already have your vehicle waiting for you close by.

Have a good time.

 

[cuddlebugz]

Thank-you so much all of you... (Megans mom) it looks like we may be there at the same time?? I have learned so much from all of you thank-you so much... Any more ideas or tips or whatevers please let me know.... I was informed that staying at GKTW is the best time ever and they are very nice there..

Tammi

 

[mla973]

Hi Tammi -

Just want to say that I hope you and your family have a wonderful time at WDW and GKTW. I am a volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, and I have also volunteered at GKTW when I was doing internships for WDW in college, so I am familiar with the process.

Any trip to WDW is a magical experience, but as a part of this wish trip, I think your family will experience more magic than you thought possible.

GKTW is a fabulous resort, and you will be treated like kings and queens (to quote a Michigan wish family) throughout your stay.

I'm not sure how much has been planned out for you, so I will keep my suggestions brief:

1. Try to find out what characters your DD is interested in seeing and make sure you go to meet them (whether it's at a park or a character breakfast).

2. Take things slow and enjoy your time - WDW has a lot of hidden nooks and crannies that are just as fun and magical as the obvious stuff, but can take a bit of creativy to find them (like a Hidden Mickey search)

3. The MVMCP is great (especially if your DD likes Cinderella - last time I attended they had her full coach set up near the castle 0 it was gorgeous), so I would suggest trying to do that if possible.

4. Last, but not least, take lots of photos (if you like pictures, that is). The memories last a lifetime, and I always love looking at the photos of our past trips.

I hope you and your family truly enjoy your Disney experience. I would honestly love to hear how it goes. If you remember, send me a PM when you get back. I just met with a family last week for a WDW wish, and it's always great to share stories of those who have been.

Be sure to check out All Ears Net for tons of information (park hours, restaurant menus, age-appropriate attractions, etc.)

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[princess-rn]

I'm a pediatric oncology nurse and many of our kids have been to GKTW and the reports I've heard are glowing. Everyone says the child and the ENTIRE family are treated like royalty. I hope you all have a wonderful trip. The tips I've heard from our families is just sit back and soak it all in. Don't worry about "I've gotta get her to see everything" Just let her enjoy herself and you will enjoy yourself just by watching her.

God Bless!