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

[LuvGoing2Disney7]

I've been meaning to ask you how William is doing?

 

[maroo]

I've been meaning to ask you how William is doing?

He is doing well, thanks for asking!

Still having the spells...but he is also driving his Mom crazy...so he must be feeling better!!

He found a friend that lives down the street...and they live in a pretty secluded area...so he is really excited! Outside playing...he has not done that in almost a year...So something they have done has helped!

 

[LuvGoing2Disney7]

He is doing well, thanks for asking!

Still having the spells...but he is also driving his Mom crazy...so he must be feeling better!!

YEP, that's a sure sign he's feeling better

He found a friend that lives down the street...and they live in a pretty secluded area...so he is really excited! Outside playing...he has not done that in almost a year...So something they have done has helped!

That makes all the difference

 

[LindaBabe]

It was a cold day at GKTW today (38 degrees when I went to work), and wouldn't you know? My assignment was in the ice cream parlor! I just knew nobody would come in. lol. For the first hour or two, I dispensed a lot of coffee, but just about the time my partner went for a break, a nice family of 6 came in - and asked me for something I didn't know how to make - the little girl had to tell me what to do but she did, very capably! Fortunately, they were patient and it all worked out.

Then - can you believe? It really IS a small world! I met a family that lives 3 miles from me!!! I invited them to come over here and participate with this thread.

Be sure to stop for ice cream at least once! It makes the volunteers SO happy to serve you

 

[llurgy]

It was a cold day at GKTW today (38 degrees when I went to work), and wouldn't you know? My assignment was in the ice cream parlor! I just knew nobody would come in. lol. For the first hour or two, I dispensed a lot of coffee, but just about the time my partner went for a break, a nice family of 6 came in - and asked me for something I didn't know how to make - the little girl had to tell me what to do but she did, very capably! Fortunately, they were patient and it all worked out.

Then - can you believe? It really IS a small world! I met a family that lives 3 miles from me!!! I invited them to come over here and participate with this thread.

Be sure to stop for ice cream at least once! It makes the volunteers SO happy to serve you

Linda,

We are due in next week.

We will be sure to have ice cream.....several times

I have been looking at the village schedule and on Thursday evenings it now says Winter Wonderland, whereas before it said Christmas party.
Does Santa still come? Is it just the name that has changed?

Only asking because we are trying to plan park days and Becca would kill us if we missed the "Christmas" party by staying out late.

Mandy

 

[alizesmom]

I'm an old face from the first thread. Our son, Alize, had his Wish Trip in Dec of 2007 and we had a fantastic time. Now we are planning another Wish Trip for our daughter, Ciara. We are in the early stages and have returned (like the prodigal son) for more information and advice. . We are aiming at another Dec trip and will likely drive from PA. A little about our Wish girl: Ciara will be 4 on Feb 5 and joined our family a little over a year ago. She has an undiagnosed genetic syndrome and has many medical issues including a trach for nonprotection of her airway, a g-tube for no swallow reflex, a cleft palate, developemental delays and several other issues. Just wanted to hello to all of you. Karen

 

[tinytreasures]

I'm an old face from the first thread. Our son, Alize, had his Wish Trip in Dec of 2007 and we had a fantastic time. Now we are planning another Wish Trip for our daughter, Ciara. We are in the early stages and have returned (like the prodigal son) for more information and advice. . We are aiming at another Dec trip and will likely drive from PA. A little about our Wish girl: Ciara will be 4 on Feb 5 and joined our family a little over a year ago. She has an undiagnosed genetic syndrome and has many medical issues including a trach for nonprotection of her airway, a g-tube for no swallow reflex, a cleft palate, developemental delays and several other issues. Just wanted to hello to all of you. Karen

welcome I can't wait to read more of your dd story

 

[llurgy]

I'm an old face from the first thread. Our son, Alize, had his Wish Trip in Dec of 2007 and we had a fantastic time. Now we are planning another Wish Trip for our daughter, Ciara. We are in the early stages and have returned (like the prodigal son) for more information and advice. . We are aiming at another Dec trip and will likely drive from PA. A little about our Wish girl: Ciara will be 4 on Feb 5 and joined our family a little over a year ago. She has an undiagnosed genetic syndrome and has many medical issues including a trach for nonprotection of her airway, a g-tube for no swallow reflex, a cleft palate, developemental delays and several other issues. Just wanted to hello to all of you. Karen

Welcome Karen!!!

I cant wait to hear more from a returning Wish Tripper, it will probably be weird finding out how much has changed since you first went.

We are due to go on Wednesday

Mandy

 

[LindaBabe]

Linda,

We are due in next week.

We will be sure to have ice cream.....several times

I have been looking at the village schedule and on Thursday evenings it now says Winter Wonderland, whereas before it said Christmas party.
Does Santa still come? Is it just the name that has changed?

Only asking because we are trying to plan park days and Becca would kill us if we missed the "Christmas" party by staying out late.

Mandy

I heard the announcement for Winter Wonderland on GKTW "radio" as I walked to the volunteer check-in this morning. It sounds to me like it's the same thing with a different name. You should definitely not miss it, lol. And don't forget that empty suitcase

 

[mindymouse1]

** Click on the Podcast button above...and it is like three down on the list (as of 1/16/09)...it is audio only...unless my computer is not working!

...

Where can I find this Maroo??? I would love these . Oh and do you download to computer first and then the iphone?? Thanks!!!

 

[dmbfan]

Where can I find this Maroo??? I would love these . Oh and do you download to computer first and then the iphone?? Thanks!!!

Here is the link:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/podcast/gktw.mp3

I PM'd Dave, the gentleman who did the interview, and he sent me the link cause I could not find it either.

Jake and myself listen to this today and it brought happy tears to my eyes just watching Jake's face light up when ever they said "Disney or GKTW"...

I did not get any video, just audio. Enjoy!!!

 

[llurgy]

Can anyone give me the exact whereabout of the Wish Lounge and the other couple of places where Wish Kids are allowed to go for a rest?
I think one of them is near Test Track in Epcot one near Cinderella's Castle and another at Seimens, but I dont know where??.... I think there are 3 altogether.

Are there similar places at Universal Studios or Sea World?

I did write the info down as I came across it, but I seem to have misplaced my notes.

Mandy

 

[LuvGoing2Disney7]

Can anyone give me the exact whereabout of the Wish Lounge and the other couple of places where Wish Kids are allowed to go for a rest?
I think one of them is near Test Track in Epcot one near Cinderella's Castle and another at Seimens, but I dont know where??.... I think there are 3 altogether.
Mandy

That is correct. The one is not at the castle but at the end of Main Street on the left as you're walking towards the castle. IN the First Aid. We almost missed it.

And it's all printed in your Handy, Dandy Bunny Book you get at Checkin at GKTW

 

[llurgy]

Thanks DeAnna, I didnt know whether or not it would be in the book, are all three in the book, or just the Wish Lounge?

 

[maroo]

Linda,

We are due in next week.

We will be sure to have ice cream.....several times

I have been looking at the village schedule and on Thursday evenings it now says Winter Wonderland, whereas before it said Christmas party.
Does Santa still come? Is it just the name that has changed?

Only asking because we are trying to plan park days and Becca would kill us if we missed the "Christmas" party by staying out late.

Mandy

It has been listed as "Winter Wonderland" for a little while now on the website. I guess it is so that anyone who does not celebrate Christmas won't feel like they can't come. I guess it is just more politically correct. There are several denominations that don't recognize and are even not allowed to recognize holidays...and families come from all over the world where they also might not celebrate.

But for me, it will always be refered to as the Christmas Party...Just a creature of habit, I guess! Sorta like MGM...I keep typing that, too!

I'm an old face from the first thread. Our son, Alize, had his Wish Trip in Dec of 2007 and we had a fantastic time. Now we are planning another Wish Trip for our daughter, Ciara. We are in the early stages and have returned (like the prodigal son) for more information and advice. . We are aiming at another Dec trip and will likely drive from PA. A little about our Wish girl: Ciara will be 4 on Feb 5 and joined our family a little over a year ago. She has an undiagnosed genetic syndrome and has many medical issues including a trach for nonprotection of her airway, a g-tube for no swallow reflex, a cleft palate, developemental delays and several other issues. Just wanted to hello to all of you. Karen

Yeah, Karen! Welcome back!!!

It is good, and bad (I guess), that you guys are being blessed with two Wish trips. I can't remember your story...did you guys adopt these special needs children? How do you do it all? I am in awe, honestly.

I can't wait to watch you guys plan your next one!

Where can I find this Maroo??? I would love these . Oh and do you download to computer first and then the iphone?? Thanks!!!

Looks like you got your question answered!

I also logged into iTunes and "subscribed" to the podcast. I did it straight from my phone. Clicked on the iTunes store from my phone and followed the prompts. But I do have the 3G...is that the one you have? And the latest update.

I have listened to several of the podcasts. They are sometimes sort of "wordy"...I guess I will get to know those guys and understand their banter ...but they do have some information each time that I didn't know. Even after spending untold hours on this website!

If you want more info about how to subscribe to the podcast on your iPhone, let me know! I love, love my iPhone. So much more than I thought I would!

Here is the link:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/podcast/gktw.mp3

I PM'd Dave, the gentleman who did the interview, and he sent me the link cause I could not find it either.

Jake and myself listen to this today and it brought happy tears to my eyes just watching Jake's face light up when ever they said "Disney or GKTW"...

I did not get any video, just audio. Enjoy!!!

It brought happy and sad tears to my eyes!! I feel like we missed so much of it...and I MISS GKTW!!

It is just audio...but it is like you are there...you can hear all of the background noise...it is especially true if you have already been there and can picture the place in your head.

Can anyone give me the exact whereabout of the Wish Lounge and the other couple of places where Wish Kids are allowed to go for a rest?
I think one of them is near Test Track in Epcot one near Cinderella's Castle and another at Seimens, but I dont know where??.... I think there are 3 altogether.

Are there similar places at Universal Studios or Sea World?

I did write the info down as I came across it, but I seem to have misplaced my notes.

Mandy

There are 2 lounges in Epcot that you can go to. Both are considered "VIP" lounges and not specific to wish kids. I have heard awesome things about both, but I have never been. I know you have to "a secret code" to get in...which is so fun for your kids!! Like secret spies or something! You might ask a CM when you get there where they are. I would definitely make an effort to see both of them...especially if you think you will get back to DW at some point and therefore won't miss out on rides or attractions.

The MK one is inside the First Aid building. It is the door on your left as you go in...it says Wish Lounge. We used the First Aid side first to take of Lauren's medical stuff and then went and rested in the Wish Lounge.

Sea World had a couple of First Aid buildings...but we never used them since Lauren was not there very long. Nothing VIP or specific for Wish Kids.

MGM (DHS) has a First Aid building near the front of the park. They have good private rooms and the nursing staff there was great! Nothing VIP or specific for Wish Kids.

 

[llurgy]

Thanks Maroo, a post full of info as usual

BTW, I type Maroo, but I always think Roo, from Winnie the Pooh

 

[dmbfan]

Question about a Wish child and rides....Say Jake wanted to ride a ride again, can we just get right back on it again? Also what if he wants to sit in the front of the ride, is able to do that, or does he, or our whole party, have to wait until after the people who have been waiting to ride in the front, until they are done?

So in other words when they see your child wearing the MAW and GKTW button, do they really make sure your child gets what they want...

 

[maroo]

Thanks Maroo, a post full of info as usual

BTW, I type Maroo, but I always think Roo, from Winnie the Pooh

Sometimes I think I talk WAY too much!

That is interesting! Pooh is my favorite character! I am sometimes more like Eyeore... But I look more like Pooh. And I like Pooh!

His voice is so sweet...

Question about a Wish child and rides....Say Jake wanted to ride a ride again, can we just get right back on it again? Also what if he wants to sit in the front of the ride, is able to do that, or does he, or our whole party, have to wait until after the people who have been waiting to ride in the front, until they are done?

So in other words when they see your child wearing the MAW and GKTW button, do they really make sure your child gets what they want...

It really depends on the CM. If they are aware of the GKTW button at the end of the ride (like if the end is the same place you "boarded")...then they may let you keep riding. They did let Lauren keep riding several times...but mainly because of her wheelchair status...to load her and unload her did not make sense...as long as people were not waiting. If people are waiting, then we did get off and if she wanted to ride again, we just went back to the beginning and did it again.

My guess is, in most cases, I would expect to have to start over. If Jake has a hard time with the walking, etc...you could talk to a CM and see if they can make an exception or something. ??

Character lines, he should get moved to the front. Some wish families have waited because the CM did not see the GKTW button...so make sure the CM at the character line sees it.

He will be having so much fun...that he probably won't notice stuff like that. If he has to go back through. I would just present it as...you get to go in the front, again!

 

[macntosh]

I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to remember all of this info. I think my brain will short circuit.

 

[macntosh]

Has anyone done the photo shoot at the Grand Floridian? Wondering if it's worth it with photo pass.