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

[twinmum]

Hello everyone! So after my pity party posting the other day (thankfully relegated to our first thread and hopefully to be hereby ignored), I am doing my best to keep my chin up and be more positive.

So now I have a question for my friends spread over the lovely USA. You'll remember that we are from Toronto, Canada, where we've had a fairly snowy couple of weeks, although yesterday was "warm" and rainy - the snow was melting so fast it created quite a bit of fog.

The last week or two has reminded me that it is so very tough for Mark to get around outside by himself in the winter months. It's a real drag for him, and it does end up affecting his mood and sleep patterns. We do downhill ski as a family (Mark is in a sit-ski with guides), but that is just not enough to get us through the winter. I've also been thinking longingly of our wonderful time at WDW in November, and thinking about all the fresh air and exercise (as well as FUN!!!). LAst March Break, I swore never again would we just sit at home. My plan was to take Mark someplace and have Peter take Douglas on a ski trip...but that just didn't get organized.

Which brings me to my question. March Break is coming (not soon enough!) and, as usual, we have no plans. Now this is a rotten year to try and pitch a March Break trip to my hubby, what with renovation expenses and needing to be nearby as we'll be in the last month of inside work then, the economy is terrible and we're being careful with money, Peter is tight on vacation time (guess I shouldn't be so easy to OK that ski trip of his in January!?!) so I'd have to go on my own with the boys, and so on.

However, if I could think of someplace warmish, with easy walking and relatively accessible), fine (safe) and fun for a mum and her 2 10 year old boys, and great value (but still nice enough, we do deserve some spoiling after all, if we're going!) and easy travel (they weren't so good on their first taste of jet lag last year)...maybe I'd give it a try. Of course, the obvious answer is "I wanna go to DisneyWorld!", but that is just not happening. I have a friend with a place in Vero Beach Florida, but I think she'll have a full house.

Anyone have any sugggestions to fuel my dreams?

Thanks,
Alison

 

[dmbfan]

Just favorited placed Volume 2...

I do have a quick question. For those of you that took another family member with you as an extra set of hands, and MAW did not pay for them, were they able to stay with you at GKTW, and were they able to eat there with you as well?

I talked to our volunteers last week that told me they usually shy away from having outside family members go with you as a PCA/AID, but with the boston one, it is a case by case basis, and we will submit the paperwork tomorrow night to see if they will approve my sister to go with us, as she helps me almost daily with Jake's care. They did tell me that she would be able to go with us on her won dime, but I assume that means flight, but what else cause they told me that she would be able to stay with at GKTW, but will she have to pay if we eat there? And will she have to pay for own park tickets? And if she does, will she be able to be in our party at the parks?

I know I will find out more tomorrow, but just wanted to hear how it worked for those of you that had family members go they were not taken care by MAW, but went to help you with your child's medical needs.

Thanks

 

[LindaBabe]

Alison, would one of those indoor water parks fill the bill for a long weekend at Spring Break? There really aren't too many easy walking, warm places - I love the beach, but it seriously is NOT easy walking, so I always go back to Disney.

Christine, Your sister will be able to be with you in the parks, no matter where she gets her tickets. I don't know how GKTW will work the food, but I do know the meal places are not set up for cash transactions. Hopefully your wish organization will be able to sort it out for you.

If you would like postcards sent to your wish kids and their sibs during January, please PM me their names, ages and snail mail addy's as well as anything else that might be helpful to personalize the card - (like when they are going or when they went, etc.) I leave January 5th.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Hello all, I participated off and on on the old thread. Haven't done much lately cause of some issues that happened to me this past semester, but I should be able to participate more now that it is over!

For those who don't know me, I am a former CM in entertainment and Fanstasyland Attractions. I have dealt with countless Wish families in both their roles, and can honestly say that Wish families are by far the favorites of the CMs. If you have any questions you need a CM to answer, I am happy to help.

I was also an "Angel" at Give Kids the World (Angels are Volunteers). Through the College Program I volunteered at the Parents Night Out which no longer exists. Later on I started going on my own and have done various things around the resort, from driving the Cookie Cart and the Little and Big Blue Trains, to working Amberville. I can answer questions about Give Kids the World if you need it.

I am more than happy to help, and wish all of you who are currently planning trips lots of luck. It truly is the trip of a lifetime, and your families bring so much joy into the lives of the Angels and the CMs.

 

[maroo]

Hi! Thanks for joining us! The main reason for starting a new thread is that the "leader" is changing hands and the first post gets updated very often as trip reports come and go.

Thanks again for taking this on Maroo!! I definetly think locking the old thread is the way to go with the last post being the linky to this thread in big bold letters. I should also go and link it on the first post so that people know if they look at the first page that we have moved on and where to find us. I'll go do that now!!

You are so sweet, wendygrace!!

A link on that first page would be a good idea!

Hello everyone! So after my pity party posting the other day (thankfully relegated to our first thread and hopefully to be hereby ignored), I am doing my best to keep my chin up and be more positive.

So now I have a question for my friends spread over the lovely USA. You'll remember that we are from Toronto, Canada, where we've had a fairly snowy couple of weeks, although yesterday was "warm" and rainy - the snow was melting so fast it created quite a bit of fog.

The last week or two has reminded me that it is so very tough for Mark to get around outside by himself in the winter months. It's a real drag for him, and it does end up affecting his mood and sleep patterns. We do downhill ski as a family (Mark is in a sit-ski with guides), but that is just not enough to get us through the winter. I've also been thinking longingly of our wonderful time at WDW in November, and thinking about all the fresh air and exercise (as well as FUN!!!). LAst March Break, I swore never again would we just sit at home. My plan was to take Mark someplace and have Peter take Douglas on a ski trip...but that just didn't get organized.

Which brings me to my question. March Break is coming (not soon enough!) and, as usual, we have no plans. Now this is a rotten year to try and pitch a March Break trip to my hubby, what with renovation expenses and needing to be nearby as we'll be in the last month of inside work then, the economy is terrible and we're being careful with money, Peter is tight on vacation time (guess I shouldn't be so easy to OK that ski trip of his in January!?!) so I'd have to go on my own with the boys, and so on.

However, if I could think of someplace warmish, with easy walking and relatively accessible), fine (safe) and fun for a mum and her 2 10 year old boys, and great value (but still nice enough, we do deserve some spoiling after all, if we're going!) and easy travel (they weren't so good on their first taste of jet lag last year)...maybe I'd give it a try. Of course, the obvious answer is "I wanna go to DisneyWorld!", but that is just not happening. I have a friend with a place in Vero Beach Florida, but I think she'll have a full house.

Anyone have any sugggestions to fuel my dreams?

Thanks,
Alison

Everyone is allowed a pity party every now and then!! And who better to share it with than your friends online!

Let's see...I have no idea? But you are sure the "deal" at Disney would not be do-able? We priced it and could not do it...but if you are already flying...seems like it could work with the 4 nights free or whatever it is? Totally value resort, etc. You would have to watch the eating out at Disney? Gosh...I vote for Disney! Do I get a vote? Tell your husband...that we said you should go to Disney!

Just favorited placed Volume 2...

I do have a quick question. For those of you that took another family member with you as an extra set of hands, and MAW did not pay for them, were they able to stay with you at GKTW, and were they able to eat there with you as well?

I talked to our volunteers last week that told me they usually shy away from having outside family members go with you as a PCA/AID, but with the boston one, it is a case by case basis, and we will submit the paperwork tomorrow night to see if they will approve my sister to go with us, as she helps me almost daily with Jake's care. They did tell me that she would be able to go with us on her won dime, but I assume that means flight, but what else cause they told me that she would be able to stay with at GKTW, but will she have to pay if we eat there? And will she have to pay for own park tickets? And if she does, will she be able to be in our party at the parks?

I know I will find out more tomorrow, but just wanted to hear how it worked for those of you that had family members go they were not taken care by MAW, but went to help you with your child's medical needs.

Thanks

Gosh...MAW paid for me. And I am not even "family." If Jake needs extra hands, they will probably approve you to go. ?? Lauren needs extra hands. And her little bro has some special needs and her dad is a brittle diabetic...so maybe that is why they let me go?

It is my understanding (and someone correct us here) that you would pay for flight, food in the parks, tickets...but you can eat at GKTW for little to no money. But...I am not sure about lodging? I would guess they could stay with you?

You could definitely stay with their party at the parks, for sure! They don't really care how many people are with the Wish family, really. You just tell the CM the number so that someone doesn't just walk in behind you.

Alison, would one of those indoor water parks fill the bill for a long weekend at Spring Break? There really aren't too many easy walking, warm places - I love the beach, but it seriously is NOT easy walking, so I always go back to Disney.

Christine, Your sister will be able to be with you in the parks, no matter where she gets her tickets. I don't know how GKTW will work the food, but I do know the meal places are not set up for cash transactions. Hopefully your wish organization will be able to sort it out for you.

If you would like postcards sent to your wish kids and their sibs during January, please PM me their names, ages and snail mail addy's as well as anything else that might be helpful to personalize the card - (like when they are going or when they went, etc.) I leave January 5th.

Hello all, I participated off and on on the old thread. Haven't done much lately cause of some issues that happened to me this past semester, but I should be able to participate more now that it is over!

For those who don't know me, I am a former CM in entertainment and Fanstasyland Attractions. I have dealt with countless Wish families in both their roles, and can honestly say that Wish families are by far the favorites of the CMs. If you have any questions you need a CM to answer, I am happy to help.

I was also an "Angel" at Give Kids the World (Angels are Volunteers). Through the College Program I volunteered at the Parents Night Out which no longer exists. Later on I started going on my own and have done various things around the resort, from driving the Cookie Cart and the Little and Big Blue Trains, to working Amberville. I can answer questions about Give Kids the World if you need it.

I am more than happy to help, and wish all of you who are currently planning trips lots of luck. It truly is the trip of a lifetime, and your families bring so much joy into the lives of the Angels and the CMs.

Thank you for helping us!! I didn't realize they didn't do parents night out anymore? It is still on their website? We almost planned to do it?

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

You are so sweet, wendygrace!!

A link on that first page would be a good idea!



Everyone is allowed a pity party every now and then!! And who better to share it with than your friends online!

Let's see...I have no idea? But you are sure the "deal" at Disney would not be do-able? We priced it and could not do it...but if you are already flying...seems like it could work with the 4 nights free or whatever it is? Totally value resort, etc. You would have to watch the eating out at Disney? Gosh...I vote for Disney! Do I get a vote? Tell your husband...that we said you should go to Disney!



Gosh...MAW paid for me. And I am not even "family." If Jake needs extra hands, they will probably approve you to go. ?? Lauren needs extra hands. And her little bro has some special needs and her dad is a brittle diabetic...so maybe that is why they let me go?

It is my understanding (and someone correct us here) that you would pay for flight, food in the parks, tickets...but you can eat at GKTW for little to no money. But...I am not sure about lodging? I would guess they could stay with you?

You could definitely stay with their party at the parks, for sure! They don't really care how many people are with the Wish family, really. You just tell the CM the number so that someone doesn't just walk in behind you.





Thank you for helping us!! I didn't realize they didn't do parents night out anymore? It is still on their website? We almost planned to do it?

When I was down there in 06 they had stopped it. It seemed that feedback indicated that other programming would be more appreciated. I guess not enough people were using it. At least, that was the impression I was given.

 

[wendygrace]

When I was down last week I'm pretty sure I saw a sign that advised parents to sign up early if they wanted to utilize the service. I'm not 100% because I was just visiting but I'm pretty sure I saw it. Has anyone actually done this?

When I was down there in 06 they had stopped it. It seemed that feedback indicated that other programming would be more appreciated. I guess not enough people were using it. At least, that was the impression I was given.

 

[llurgy]

I'm here!!

Thanks WendyGrace for all the past work you have put into the Wish trippers Unite Venture and thanks Maroo for all the future work you are gonna be doing.
I know I can say from all of us that both your works are truely appreciated.

Ooooooo....our wish trip is getting closer, we are getting ever-so eck-ki-cit-ted

Mandy

 

[mom2lilnick]

No parents night out? It is on Nick's sheet we got from MAW (not GKTW), it is mentioned on either the night we get there or another night.. Not sure. I would have to dig it out.

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

Maroo, THANK you so much for everything that you have done!

I haven't been on much lately. We spent 7 out of ten days at the doctors. Siennah had her adenoids out and tubes in the day after Christmas and Savannah is having an endoscapy the day after tomorrow. I'll work on updating our trip report about it. 2008 has just been such a crazy year right up to the end!

I miss you guys!!! I've been getting my pics organized so Sebastian's MAW send off party and Day one of Disney are coming soon!

Much love and well wishes for 2009!

 

[twinmum]

Hello gang - thanks for the thoughts about our March Break. I did manage a bit of a chat with Peter, but I suspect a trip may be a non-starter...$$$ mostly.

Re: Kids Nite Out - we did see this on a literature before our trip, and it does exist...BUT "at least one parent must stay on GKTW property" during the evening. This does sound different from earlier days when parents were able to go have a meal off-site, and I think discounts/gift certificates were even offered. I imagine that GKTW had some difficulties managing medical needs, and I can understand why. We had hoped to have a night out as we were planning our trip, but had realized it was unlikely by the time we got there in early November. We did see the gang of kids and volunteers enjoying thier evening, including a special dinner at the Gingerbread House, but it had not fit into our plans, and our boys had not been keen on the idea.

If it sounds like something you are interested in, think about signing up you child(ren) (they need to knwo because they have a ratio of 1:1) and check out any interesting take out spots nearby (we didn't look so I don't have any recommendations. You could anjoy a quiet time in the villa, maybe a jacuzzi, and a meal at "home" while the kids whoop it up with the volunteers.

Alison

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Thanks for the clarification. I have not been down there since 06, so things may have changed. AT that time they were not doing it. It sounds like they may have ahd some trouble with how medically fragile some of the children are.

 

[maroo]

Hey guys!!!!

For those of you that have been following Noah's Journey from his TR, this will be a duplicate post...

But for the rest of you guys that have not been made aware of this families struggles, please take a minute to check out this blog and pray for this family.


Noah is 3 years old and has been approved for a Wish Trip to Disney! But he is very sick right now.


Here is a link to Noah's pre-trip report:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2031190

Here is the link to his blog with the most recent information!
http://www.noahgrantjohn.blogspot.com/

 

[maroo]

Maroo, THANK you so much for everything that you have done!

I haven't been on much lately. We spent 7 out of ten days at the doctors. Siennah had her adenoids out and tubes in the day after Christmas and Savannah is having an endoscapy the day after tomorrow. I'll work on updating our trip report about it. 2008 has just been such a crazy year right up to the end!

I miss you guys!!! I've been getting my pics organized so Sebastian's MAW send off party and Day one of Disney are coming soon!

Much love and well wishes for 2009!

Woo Hoo!! TR is coming! Yeah!!!!!! I can't wait!

I hope you guys get some answers about Savannah. Maybe the scope will shed some light!



As far as the Parent's Night Out...I just love this board...because with all of our information, we can usually figure it out! With past folks that have gone...and people going in the next few weeks...and the folks planning trips way out...it is just so helpful to have all of that info!!!

I hope to start adding links on page 2 that will give information about the different things GKTW offers...and other MAW Trip Hints. As well as "regular" trip hints, since many of those are also useful to our trips! Help me out with any information that would be helpful here!

 

[maktrk96]

I wish there was a place that would help adults wishes come true as well. My best friends has MS & in a wheelchair. She is raising her 15 year old daughter, she works a full time job, she is also putting her daughter through a Christain school (by the grace of GOD)! She is a wonderful hard working, caring, loving freind who is always there for me.

Anyway DH & I are going on a family trip to WDW/DCL and this is my friends dream so we invited & she put down her deposit for her and her daughter. So now its only 10 months away and its hard for her to finish paying off the trip plus getting passports. She is determined to do this.

I have tried differnt place to see about getting a wish for her and guess what everyone has told me. Because she is not terminal they can not do anything. That makes me so made. She may not be terminal, but darn she can not eat with a metal fork, spoon. She can not cut her own food. She can not pick up a cup. . I just pray that someday soon I will come across a wish foundation that would help my best friend out. She is an amazing woman and she does not let her handicap stop her.

 

[wendygrace]

Geez, Amber, you can't cut a break, can you? I hope you find some answers here soon! My thoughts are with your family.

I will keep Noah and his family in my thoughts.

As for the Parent's Night Out, I personally wouldn't have been able to leave Michael with the volunteers and left property. And he wasn't even medically fragile. Not that I don't trust the volunteers but geez, I barely leave him with family! A nice night alone with dh in the villa with the jacuzzi would have been nice. We decided against it ourselves. I can't remember why though? There was just so much to do!

mrktrk96, look into your church group. Lots of places want to sponsor things like this but don't know how. They may have a fund for something like this.

 

[maroo]

I wish there was a place that would help adults wishes come true as well. My best friends has MS & in a wheelchair. She is raising her 15 year old daughter, she works a full time job, she is also putting her daughter through a Christain school (by the grace of GOD)! She is a wonderful hard working, caring, loving freind who is always there for me.

Anyway DH & I are going on a family trip to WDW/DCL and this is my friends dream so we invited & she put down her deposit for her and her daughter. So now its only 10 months away and its hard for her to finish paying off the trip plus getting passports. She is determined to do this.

I have tried differnt place to see about getting a wish for her and guess what everyone has told me. Because she is not terminal they can not do anything. That makes me so made. She may not be terminal, but darn she can not eat with a metal fork, spoon. She can not cut her own food. She can not pick up a cup. . I just pray that someday soon I will come across a wish foundation that would help my best friend out. She is an amazing woman and she does not let her handicap stop her.

Have you already tried this one?

http://www.dreamfoundation.org/

I don't know anything about them. They were on the disABILITIES page (buried in a thread). I would be curious to know if they could help.

I know it is harder to raise money for adult wishes...so a lot of those foundations do less for the wish and have a harder time granting them all.

This one does mention "life limiting"...so maybe it is not a terminal only foundation?

And I thought MS was terminal? Eventually? I am not educated on that one!

I hope it works out for you guys!!! And please keep us posted!!

 

[llurgy]

Nichole wrote last night on Noahs blog at 10pm (1am my time) and the outlook is very bleak for poor Noah.

All prayers and good wishes are needed to help Noah and his family at this difficult time.
Mandy

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

Nichole wrote last night on Noahs blog at 10pm (1am my time) and the outlook is very bleak for poor Noah.

All prayers and good wishes are needed to help Noah and his family at this difficult time.
Mandy

I've been following thier blog for awhile and it breaks my heart. Let's all storm the heavens with prayers today for a miracle for Noah!

 

[oklamomof4boys]

I've been following thier blog for awhile and it breaks my heart. Let's all storm the heavens with prayers today for a miracle for Noah!

I agree. I have been following her blog also. I wish there was something we could do for this family.