Make a Wish (and other organizations!) - Wish Trippers...UNITE!! Volume 2!

[maroo]

For all of you who had an early flight on your departure date, how did you do breakfast?

Our plane leaves at 8:05 am. We live a little over an hour away from Ohare Airport, and we have to get there 1 1/2 to two hours early. That means that the Limo will pick us up around 5am (not sure of exact time until I get itenerary from MaW). Liam also has to do his treatment before we go and that will take at least 45 min. (Going to ask dr at next weeks appointment about a portable nebulizer that can be used in a car) So how do people do breakfast? Try to eat at home? Ask the driver to run through a drive through, if he can? Bring something quick to eat for the road like donuts, fruit bars, or pop tarts? Eat at the airport (and probably spend way to much money)?

What worked best for you have gone through it? Tring to figure out what is best for my family. Thanks.

I would bring quick breakfast food and snacks for the trip, including drinks for the airport. You can't take drinks past security, but hopefully they can drink up before you get to security, maybe in the limo, since you have such a long ride.

Then bring snacks for the plane ride and when you get to GKTW. Then maybe you can get away with just getting a drink or two to split with everyone? The airport can certainly clean you out of some money.

Thanks so much for all the wheel chair info. It is all very helpful. We are tentively going in middle of October. Still waiting on date confirmation from MAW. Pre-trip report will be coming soon. Look forward to getting to know all of you. In the mean time feel free to visit our son's webpage to get to know him and his disease @ collinsquest.org.

October is a wonderful time to go. Still warm, even hot, and certainly warm enough to swim in the pools and probably the ocean. I think the closest ocean is about an hour away. Hopefully a local will pipe in here shortly about the closest nice beach.

I will definitely visit the website here in a little while.

Can't wait for another pre-trippie!!

We are picking out dates for our trip. I am trying to get a few options. If we went in November or early December, would it still be warm enough to get wet in the ocean? How far is the beachfront from GKTW? My children have never seen the ocean. Being from Chicago, I have a hard time imagining anywhere being warm enough to get wet at that time of the year, but someone told me they think you can.

The weather in December is quite variable...it can be in the seventies...or the 30s. So it is hard to say. I recall going to FL one year in March and FREEZING on the beach. I wore a sweatshirt and it was spring break. So, you never know.

I love early December in Disney because you get all of the Christmas decorations and low crowds at the same time.

and you could go to the Christmas party - which is sorta like an extra evening at Disney for cheaper than a one day ticket. Works well for a wish family.

I will be there December 11 - 20th this year and can't wait!!

It is possible that it will be plenty warm to get in the water in December, especially if you are coming from Chicago (I FROZE there in May this year. It is windy...). But you could definitely go and enjoy seeing the beach and walk around on the edge no matter what. I am hoping someone local will pipe in about where the closest beach is.

 

[sammie girl]

Hi! I had a another question about photopass. It won't let me put my own photos on the cd I preordered. It will only put the photopass pics on it.
It gives the option of buying your uploaded pics on a cd for 14.95. Anyone know about this? I thought I read somewhere that they will put them all on one disk.

I also have written about the missing pics from Jedi training. Hopefully someone will find them.

It is really alot of fun and I will buy it again the next time we go. I love adding the borders and can't wait to start on the book. I am just waiting to see if they find DS's pics before I start it.


Anyone read "The Gift of Life" book. Wow I have completed the first part and didn't realize all the troubles he had to go through. It makes you connect to him in some ways. (Even though he has had it ALOT worse than I have. What a wonderful man. If you haven't read his book then you need to. For those still planning their trip you will get one in your welcome bag. (I think anyway, but if not you can order one while you are at GKTW).

We placed an order on our last day there and it arrived today. The kids were so excited. MORE MAIL, they yelled. LOL. I ordered them t-shirts and the hooded teddy bears. Not bad prices on their items (I got the t-shirts in the sale items) and it goes to a good cause

 

[LindaBabe]

The nearest beach is at Cocoa Beach, and it is, indeed, about an hour away. It's an easy drive. Two access points I know are Jetty Park, which costs about $7.00 per car, and the beach at the end of "I dream of Jeanne" Lane, which is free.

Nicer beaches are on the west coast, but they're further by probably another hour depending on your choice of location.

I always try to take the first flight out in the morning, so adept at packing brunch. Rolls and bagels with fillings such as pb & j (ok on a sandwich, not ok in little containers) or deli meat & cheese are less apt to crumble than say, muffins. Fresh fruit such as apples, pears & bananas. Solid cheese - like cheese sticks or slices. crackers, granola bars, baby carrots. Think picnic foods.

If the price of bottled water is too high, take your own empty bottles in your carry on, and fill them from a drinking fountain. Add an individual crystal light packet for taste, if you like.

PS. Diane, an easy way to scrapbook a lot of photos - especially if you're a beginner without many supplies, is to use a 3-up pocket photo album. Instead of putting a photo in each space though, you can cut (with scissors) and decorate cardstock or paper to put in a pocket with a group of photos, and write your story or description on the paper. So you might have 5 photos on two facing pages, and one "journaling block". Something like that. Two more advantages are, if you get a thick 3 ring album, you can add pages AND (my old trick) Print out your trip report and hole punch it to go in the album!

 

[sammie girl]

The nearest beach is at Cocoa Beach, and it is, indeed, about an hour away. It's an easy drive. Two access points I know are Jetty Park, which costs about $7.00 per car, and the beach at the end of "I dream of Jeanne" Lane, which is free.

Nicer beaches are on the west coast, but they're further by probably another hour depending on your choice of location.

I always try to take the first flight out in the morning, so adept at packing brunch. Rolls and bagels with fillings such as pb & j (ok on a sandwich, not ok in little containers) or deli meat & cheese are less apt to crumble than say, muffins. Fresh fruit such as apples, pears & bananas. Solid cheese - like cheese sticks or slices. crackers, granola bars, baby carrots. Think picnic foods.

If the price of bottled water is too high, take your own empty bottles in your carry on, and fill them from a drinking fountain. Add an individual crystal light packet for taste, if you like.

PS. Diane, an easy way to scrapbook a lot of photos - especially if you're a beginner without many supplies, is to use a 3-up pocket photo album. Instead of putting a photo in each space though, you can cut (with scissors) and decorate cardstock or paper to put in a pocket with a group of photos, and write your story or description on the paper. So you might have 5 photos on two facing pages, and one "journaling block". Something like that. Two more advantages are, if you get a thick 3 ring album, you can add pages AND (my old trick) Print out your trip report and hole punch it to go in the album!

I love this scrapbooking idea. Thank you.

 

[SueM in MN]

We're from Canada and we've found the airlines to be quite good about handling the wheelchair. I don't think you'll find a pediatric chair easily in an airport. There are places to rent pediatric equipment in Orlando if you don't want to bring yours from home (ask over on the DISabilities thread and I think they'll be able to help) but I'd think hard about bringing your own. I don't think there are pediatric wheelchair rentals at WDW even though they are free for Wish families - and those adults chairs are just way too big for our son, who weighs on 46 lbs. It just wouldn't be safe or comfortable for Mark.

Happy planning!
Alison

You are correct on all counts:
Airlines generally do a good job with handling wheelchairs. You can use it right up to getting to the door of the plane then leave it at the gate (this is called Gate Checking the wheelchair). Just ask about Gate Checking when you check in for your flight. Wheelchairs and other assistive devices don't count toward your baggage allowance. If he needs assistance getting onto the plane, they even have narrow wheelchairs called aisle chairs that can go right down the aisle of the wheelchair. If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you can find information on renting wheelchairs (even pediatric) in post #2 and there is information about air travel, including pictures of an aisle chair in use in another post.
Pediatric wheelchairs not likely to be found in the airport and the park rental chairs are mostly adult chairs, too big to be comfortable for most kids.

Thanks so much for all the wheel chair info. It is all very helpful. We are tentively going in middle of October. Still waiting on date confirmation from MAW. Pre-trip report will be coming soon. Look forward to getting to know all of you. In the mean time feel free to visit our son's webpage to get to know him and his disease @ collinsquest.org.

I don't get to this thread as often as I would like, but I do like reading people's stories when I get here. That is one handsome young man.

I didn't see if he has his own wheelchair or not, but if he doesn't you may be able to get one loaned to you. Many places have loan closets that can loan out equipment like that on a temporary basis. You can check with any therapists or Social Workers who see him either at school or at the doctor/clinic.

Also, we have been to WDW a number of times in mid October. It is a very nice time to go. Usually not that busy and it is not that hot. Be prepared for the possibility of rain. It is the tail end of the hurricane season, so there can be storms. We have run into more late afternoon/early evening rain storms that can come on quickly and leave just as fast.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I just found out from MAW that they don't have my background check yet. They had forgotten to send the paperwork since they didn't know initially which state (our chapter covers parts of both Kansas and Missouri.) I'm sending in the paperwork tomorrow. It's been hectic getting everything moed in, but I'm officially moved in to my house and now I'm unpacking!

We have a poker run later this month that I am helping with. If you are in the KC area and want to participate, it's really fun. Motorcyclists ride around a route in the KC area and at each stop they get a card. At the end they have a poker hand and whoever has the winning hand gets a prize! I'll be at the Blue Springs Harley Davidson.

 

[Matt1026]

YES!!!!!! We finally have our dates. We were sent an email last night with our dates. We leave September 5th and will be coming home on Sept. 11th. It finally seems real. So now I need your help. It is like we finally have our dates now what. We are wanting to plan something special for the boys they are 5 & 7. They do not have a specific character that they are crazy about so what is a great character meal that would be fun for two little boys. So please help me with my next steps.

 

[sammie girl]

Yeah for dates. I am so excited for you. We have eaten at the Crystal Palace, the food was good and the characters come to your tables while you are eating. When we were there it was Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the chipmunks. I don't know if they change or not. My son was 3 at the time and really liked it, of course we also ate at the castle for my DD and my DS fell in love with Cinderella so now that is always a must on his list as well.

Your trip will be here before you know it. Have fun planning.

 

[cajunfan]

SammieGirl...are you sure that was Crystal Palace and not Chef Mickeys...Crystal Palace usually has Winnie th ePooh characters and Chef Mickeys has Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and sometimes Donal and sometimes Chip & Dale.

For character meals, we like chef Mickeys and Donald's Breakfarst in AK.

Lynn

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

YES!!!!!! We finally have our dates. We were sent an email last night with our dates. We leave September 5th and will be coming home on Sept. 11th. It finally seems real. So now I need your help. It is like we finally have our dates now what. We are wanting to plan something special for the boys they are 5 & 7. They do not have a specific character that they are crazy about so what is a great character meal that would be fun for two little boys. So please help me with my next steps.

Okay, get ready for too much information:

-Liberty Tree Tavern dinner at MK is really neat because it is like a family style Thanksgiving dinner. When I was there it was Minnie, Chipmunks, Pluto, and Goofy. They all have colonial style outfits you will see nowhere else. The food is pretty good.

-Crystal Palace has the best food of any character dining (IMO.) It's Winnie the Pooh characters and the kids love it, but there are not special overlays.

-Garden Grill at Epcot is one of my favs (and the only one I haven't worked). The restaurant actually rotates so you see the scenes from the ride. The veggies are from the Disney greenhouses that you can tour on the ride, and the characters wear farmer outfits. This is another Mickey gang.

-Ohana at Poly has a neat breakfast. The food is pretty good. It is the "best friends" breakfast so it is Mickey and Pluto and Lilo and Stitch. Mickey wears a Hawaiian shirt.

-Chef Mickey has a fun atmosphere but I think the food is some of the worst. They have a really nice dessert area though. That is another Mickey one with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. The characters wear chef outfits.

-The one at DAK has changed a bit since I was there I think. It was Donald Duck's Breakfastosaurus (and somehow I don't have a pic of it). It was Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and I'm forgetting who the other was. They were in camp type outfits. It was cute, but that is one restaurant where the characters cannot be late from set because of how it is set up so you don't get a lot of time with the characters. It's very rushed. I think they may have replaced it with Tusker House, not sure how it is now.

-There are two princess meals, one at Akershus in Norway (haven't been) and one at the castle. I've been to that one a couple of times. It's neat but hard to get into and little boys may not enjoy it.

I think I've hit most of them.

 

[sammie girl]

SammieGirl...are you sure that was Crystal Palace and not Chef Mickeys...Crystal Palace usually has Winnie th ePooh characters and Chef Mickeys has Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and sometimes Donal and sometimes Chip & Dale.

For character meals, we like chef Mickeys and Donald's Breakfarst in AK.

Lynn

Thank you for the correction! It wasn't Crystal Palace but it was the Liberty Tree. We had been debating about the 2 at that time and I had confused the names. I would hate for someone to get confused by my post!

It was the LIBERTY TREE that had Mickey, Minnie, Chipmunks and Goofy. The food was really good and the kids even at it. The staff was very friendly and the characters didn't rush past your table. It was a great experience and my son liked it alot. I think this is why he started to like Goofy.

Thanks again for correcting this.

 

[Mickydees]

Anyone have any adivce on what is the best and simplest character dining to see Micky & Minnie. We would perfer to stay in the parks without going to one of the resorts.

 

[cajunfan]

Great summary of the restaurants!

A few notes...

Liberty Tree Tavern is no longer a character meal. (This was a recent change)
Per Allearsnet:IMPORTANT: As of January 5, 2009, the Magic Kingdom's Liberty Tree Tavern is no longer a character dining location. The last character dinner at the Tavern was January 4, 2009.

SammieGirl...did you all do lunch or dinner there? If you all did lunch, maybe it is just dinner that is not character meals...who knows maybe they changed their minds again!

We normally eat breakfast at Chef Mickey's and like it a lot...but have never had any other meal there.

Donald's Breakfast is at Tusker House now. My son's favorite character was Donald, so we always went there when it was at the other place and called Donald's Breakfastsusaurus. We went to the one at Tusker House in October, and loved it! We liked the atmosphere, the character interaction (we have never felt rushed here, but we usually do the latest breakfast possible), and loved the food! The Mealie Pap (porridge) is WONDERFUL! (looks kinda gross but tastes great). Even my VERY picky eater 15 year old son found lots of things to eat here (very unusual for him)

Lynn

 

[Matt1026]

Okay, get ready for too much information:

-Liberty Tree Tavern dinner at MK is really neat because it is like a family style Thanksgiving dinner. When I was there it was Minnie, Chipmunks, Pluto, and Goofy. They all have colonial style outfits you will see nowhere else. The food is pretty good.

-Crystal Palace has the best food of any character dining (IMO.) It's Winnie the Pooh characters and the kids love it, but there are not special overlays.

-Garden Grill at Epcot is one of my favs (and the only one I haven't worked). The restaurant actually rotates so you see the scenes from the ride. The veggies are from the Disney greenhouses that you can tour on the ride, and the characters wear farmer outfits. This is another Mickey gang.

-Ohana at Poly has a neat breakfast. The food is pretty good. It is the "best friends" breakfast so it is Mickey and Pluto and Lilo and Stitch. Mickey wears a Hawaiian shirt.

-Chef Mickey has a fun atmosphere but I think the food is some of the worst. They have a really nice dessert area though. That is another Mickey one with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. The characters wear chef outfits.

-The one at DAK has changed a bit since I was there I think. It was Donald Duck's Breakfastosaurus (and somehow I don't have a pic of it). It was Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and I'm forgetting who the other was. They were in camp type outfits. It was cute, but that is one restaurant where the characters cannot be late from set because of how it is set up so you don't get a lot of time with the characters. It's very rushed. I think they may have replaced it with Tusker House, not sure how it is now.

-There are two princess meals, one at Akershus in Norway (haven't been) and one at the castle. I've been to that one a couple of times. It's neat but hard to get into and little boys may not enjoy it.

I think I've hit most of them.

Thank you for all of the great information. Now that we have dates I want to start planning.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Anyone have any adivce on what is the best and simplest character dining to see Micky & Minnie. We would perfer to stay in the parks without going to one of the resorts.

If you don't want to leave the parks the only one I can think of is Garden Grill at Epcot, but Minnie does not greet there. If you want to see both together, I believe you will have to go to Chef Mickey's. For whatever reason, most meals have one or the other but not both.

Of course, the last time I was down there (working) was in 06 and obviously some things have changed.

 

[cajunfan]

MickeyDees...

I would say Garden Grill at EPCOT, but not sure if Minnie is there...definitely Mickey. I would imagine this one is more quiet. I know that Tusker House at AK is kinda loud, Crystal Palace at MK, is not too loud, but can be crowded and only has WTP characters.

Lynn

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I believe Chef Mickeys still does breakfast. You could do breakfast there and then go to the parks. If you get first seating you may even be able to make it to MK before the park opens!

 

[tastycollector]

Staging in the back bedroom. Has anyone taken a VEST machine? If so, did it count as part of your luggage or was it waved because it was a medical device. We are flying American.

Someone gave me a neat idea. If traveling with multiple booster seats, break them down and pack them together in a duffle bag or sea bag. Only counts as one piece this way and other things like pillows etc. be put in the bag too.

 

[jessica52877]

Staging in the back bedroom. Has anyone taken a VEST machine? If so, did it count as part of your luggage or was it waved because it was a medical device. We are flying American.

Someone gave me a neat idea. If traveling with multiple booster seats, break them down and pack them together in a duffle bag or sea bag. Only counts as one piece this way and other things like pillows etc. be put in the bag too.

The carseats don't count against your baggage allowance and you aren't charged for them on most airlines. I am not sure if any charge to be honest. Strollers also don't count.

 

[jenb1023]

I wanted to chime in on character dining since there have been a lot of posts about that recently. . .

Liberty Tree is no longer a character meal as mentioned in another post.

Chef Mickeys is the only place to see Mickey and Minnie together at a meal. Donald, Pluto and Goofy are also there. This is an easy out of park meal because you can just take the monorail - an easy trip on an MK or Epcot day. They serve breakfast and dinner (also lunch during busier times of year I believe).

Garden Grill has a character meal for dinner only (lunch character meals stopped last year) - characters are Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale.

Tusker House (at AK) is a character meal for breakfast and characters are Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Daisy.

Crystal Palace is a character meal for all three meals and features Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet.

No one has mentioned the "princess" meals but here are a few notes just in case.

CRT features Cinderella downstairs at all three meals. Breakfast and lunch there are usually four characters upstairs - princesses and friends. Dinner is only the Fairy Godmother and Suzy and Perla. There are no other princesses at dinner.

PS Dining at Askershus serves three meals with princesses. Princesses vary on any day and at any meal. Belle is typically the greeter and then four other princesses or friends circulate in the dining room. You will not typically see Cinderella here though she is known to show up once in awhile. Lunch and dinner are your best chances to see Ariel in her human form.

There are a few other character meals that haven't been mentioned yet or just briefly - 1900 Park Fare (which is great), Playhouse Disney at Hollywood and Vine (little kids love it), Ohanas and Cape May Cafe (I have not been to either of those personally).

Hope this helps! We have been to most of these (and a lot of them more than once) so if you want any details just ask and I will do my best.