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

[mom2lilnick]

Hi everyone.. I did actually update another day on our TR. I am so sorry, I didn't want to drag it out like this. But day two is up and finished!

 

[chcmama]

Hi everyone.. I did actually update another day on our TR. I am so sorry, I didn't want to drag it out like this. But day two is up and finished!

I enjoyed your update, too bad it was so cold. It looks like you had a lot of fun at GKTWV though.

 

[Soon2B4]

I posted a while back that we had applied for MAW and was trying not to get my hopes up that we would be approved. (Aidan did receive chemo, but was very young and we had to wait until he was 2 1/2 to apply. He has been off of treatment since Apr '07, but is still be watched closely for relapse beyond the normal protocol with his cancer.) We got our approval letter today with our 2 trip planners listed. We now just have to wait to be contacted to schedule a visit. I have no doubt in my mind what Aidan will ask for...to go to Disney. We hear that from him several times a week. He doesn't seem to understand that flights are expensive and we can't just get on a plane. Well, he used to think that anytime we saw a bus it would take us to Animal Kingdom so I guess it's better that he understands the plane.

For those asking about Disney Cruises, our MAW is currently not really offering them since the economy is so bad and money is tight right now, per our letter. They also aren't really offering Hawaii or International Travel.

My next concern is scheduling. I am due in 2 months (induced around May 1) and don't really want to go this summer. Do you think there will be a problem with Oct, Nov, or early Dec? That way the baby will be at least a few months older.

Also, if you stay at GKTW, how do you get to and from the parks everyday? For those who did go to Disney, how long was your trip? I am just wondering if it's only a few days, how hard it would be to get approval for us to pay for an extension. (I did read on our papers that it is possible, but has to be approved due to MAW paying for the flight.)

 

[Khalana]

I posted a while back that we had applied for MAW and was trying not to get my hopes up that we would be approved. (Aidan did receive chemo, but was very young and we had to wait until he was 2 1/2 to apply. He has been off of treatment since Apr '07, but is still be watched closely for relapse beyond the normal protocol with his cancer.) We got our approval letter today with our 2 trip planners listed. We now just have to wait to be contacted to schedule a visit. I have no doubt in my mind what Aidan will ask for...to go to Disney. We hear that from him several times a week. He doesn't seem to understand that flights are expensive and we can't just get on a plane. Well, he used to think that anytime we saw a bus it would take us to Animal Kingdom so I guess it's better that he understands the plane.

For those asking about Disney Cruises, our MAW is currently not really offering them since the economy is so bad and money is tight right now, per our letter. They also aren't really offering Hawaii or International Travel.

My next concern is scheduling. I am due in 2 months (induced around May 1) and don't really want to go this summer. Do you think there will be a problem with Oct, Nov, or early Dec? That way the baby will be at least a few months older.

Also, if you stay at GKTW, how do you get to and from the parks everyday? For those who did go to Disney, how long was your trip? I am just wondering if it's only a few days, how hard it would be to get approval for us to pay for an extension. (I did read on our papers that it is possible, but has to be approved due to MAW paying for the flight.)

YAY for approval!!! You must be so excited!!!

If you request to go in the Fall/early Winter, I'm sure they'll do their best to accomodate you. November (except Thanksgiving) and December (except Christmas) is usually not very busy either. And having the baby a bit older will probably make it easier for you. Bring a good comfy stroller along or a good baby sling/carrier and you'll be good to go.

About getting to and from the parks, I think you usually get a rental car/van. If you are unable to drive for some reason (no license etc) there are shuttles but they have their own schedule and might not fit yours as well.

Disney trips usually last 6 nights for everyone inside the US and 7 nights for international guests.

It depends on your chapter it seems on whether you can get an extension or not but i would certainly give it a try. You could also try to extend your plane tickets on your own if they won't let you (I think someone here did that, can't remember who right now, sorry!).

Good luck planning and I know you will have a blast!

 

[Soon2B4]

6 nights would be perfect! That is really all you need when you have little ones that don't always sleep the best away from home. I can not wait to get the planning started!

 

[maroo]

I posted a while back that we had applied for MAW and was trying not to get my hopes up that we would be approved. (Aidan did receive chemo, but was very young and we had to wait until he was 2 1/2 to apply. He has been off of treatment since Apr '07, but is still be watched closely for relapse beyond the normal protocol with his cancer.) We got our approval letter today with our 2 trip planners listed. We now just have to wait to be contacted to schedule a visit. I have no doubt in my mind what Aidan will ask for...to go to Disney. We hear that from him several times a week. He doesn't seem to understand that flights are expensive and we can't just get on a plane. Well, he used to think that anytime we saw a bus it would take us to Animal Kingdom so I guess it's better that he understands the plane.

For those asking about Disney Cruises, our MAW is currently not really offering them since the economy is so bad and money is tight right now, per our letter. They also aren't really offering Hawaii or International Travel.

My next concern is scheduling. I am due in 2 months (induced around May 1) and don't really want to go this summer. Do you think there will be a problem with Oct, Nov, or early Dec? That way the baby will be at least a few months older.

Also, if you stay at GKTW, how do you get to and from the parks everyday? For those who did go to Disney, how long was your trip? I am just wondering if it's only a few days, how hard it would be to get approval for us to pay for an extension. (I did read on our papers that it is possible, but has to be approved due to MAW paying for the flight.)

congrats on the approval!

Oh, it makes me sad that MAW is getting strapped for cash. The Disney World vacation is a fairly cheap choice, since the lodging is taken care of by GKTW and Disney is so awesome to provide tickets, etc. MAW is basically responsible for transportation and limited food...since you get to eat at GTKW! I guess that is good for the Pixie Dust!!

If you want help in picking your dates...I can help you. I have access to a website that talks about crowds and gives levels for Oct, Nov and Dec.

I personally love October! The weather is great and you would be able to possibly (on your own dime, probably) attend a MNSSHP (the halloween party at Disney). It is a fun party and allows you to sort of have an extra Disney day in a fairly inexpensive way.

November - you would want to avoid the first week in Nov (including Nov 2 - Nov 9) because lots of people in New Jersey are out of school and all love to go to Disney World! And avoid Thanksgiving week, too.

December - any date before the 20th is good for crowds. And it is beautiful at Christmas. You also have an opportunity to purchase MVMCP (the Christmas party) tickets - which is similar to the Halloween hard ticket event.

You can PM me if you have questions about certain dates...which would be better, etc.

 

[macntosh]

I posted a while back that we had applied for MAW and was trying not to get my hopes up that we would be approved. (Aidan did receive chemo, but was very young and we had to wait until he was 2 1/2 to apply. He has been off of treatment since Apr '07, but is still be watched closely for relapse beyond the normal protocol with his cancer.) We got our approval letter today with our 2 trip planners listed. We now just have to wait to be contacted to schedule a visit. I have no doubt in my mind what Aidan will ask for...to go to Disney. We hear that from him several times a week. He doesn't seem to understand that flights are expensive and we can't just get on a plane. Well, he used to think that anytime we saw a bus it would take us to Animal Kingdom so I guess it's better that he understands the plane.

For those asking about Disney Cruises, our MAW is currently not really offering them since the economy is so bad and money is tight right now, per our letter. They also aren't really offering Hawaii or International Travel.

My next concern is scheduling. I am due in 2 months (induced around May 1) and don't really want to go this summer. Do you think there will be a problem with Oct, Nov, or early Dec? That way the baby will be at least a few months older.

Also, if you stay at GKTW, how do you get to and from the parks everyday? For those who did go to Disney, how long was your trip? I am just wondering if it's only a few days, how hard it would be to get approval for us to pay for an extension. (I did read on our papers that it is possible, but has to be approved due to MAW paying for the flight.)

My understanding from our chapter was, once the trip is approved they can take it at any time up until their 18th birthday. They have postponed international trips here as well, but if that is their wish they will hold that spot until money or the economy get's better.


Oh and we are back!

 

[maroo]

Oh and we are back!

Woo Hoo!!! Welcome back!!!

Was it wonderful? Tell us all about it!!!

 

[macntosh]

Woo Hoo!!! Welcome back!!!

Was it wonderful? Tell us all about it!!!

How about I work on that tomorrow? In Summary, not enough time, Great Character Interaction, Tinkerbell said "Poop", Magical Ariel Moment, Rides for Dad, Locked in a Bathroom, VIP Treatment, Wonderful Lodging, Photos, Photos, Photos, Biker Week and Sick as a Dog!

Here's a little sampling:

And a few more on my post before bed...

 

[maroo]

We have a new MAW pre-trip report up on Post 1!!!

Check it out if you guys have a sec!

Here is the link to make it easier...

Ella's Royal Wish Pre-Trip Report!

They don't have much time left to plan...so any help we can give them would be awesome!

 

[maroo]

Jason's Wish Trip is up and started!!!

Jason (tinytreasures) started a new thread for the TR portion...here is the link!!


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30571110

 

[tinytreasures]

we are home is was wonderful
the village made it so much more magical

 

[Bill_Lin]

We were there in 07... I want to hear all about it.

Bill

 

[Bill_Lin]

Thank you everyone for welcoming me back.

Please patronize me by asking for advice, even if you don't need it. I am very codependent on this Board

The GKTW experience is the ultimate experience in my opinion. Having that bastion, that home away from home for your base to visit theme parks is so wonderful. The love overwhelms you.

The royal treatment at the theme parks is amazing as well.

But the best part of all is seeing the joy in the eyes of your child.

 

[Bill_Lin]

We all owe a debt of thanks to Wendygrace, who started the original WTU thread. Her wish trip report inspired so many families. That is how I found the DISboards by doing a web search and finding her thread. It inspired me to believe in the magic. She and others gave me so much advice in my planning, which took off a lot of pressure for us.

 

[maroo]

Hello, Bill!! Welcome back!

We were there in 07... I want to hear all about it.

Bill

I wish I could write all about it right here! I think the best way to get the most recent info is to read some of the latest TR's. I am going to go back here in the next few days and mark the ones that are completed so that folks will know which ones won't send them hanging off a cliff.

Thank you everyone for welcoming me back.

Please patronize me by asking for advice, even if you don't need it. I am very codependent on this Board

The GKTW experience is the ultimate experience in my opinion. Having that bastion, that home away from home for your base to visit theme parks is so wonderful. The love overwhelms you.

The royal treatment at the theme parks is amazing as well.

But the best part of all is seeing the joy in the eyes of your child.

If you hang out around here...people start asking questions! Or you can check the "upcoming" pre-trippies...they ask a lot of questions there, too!!

I agree...GKTW is the ultimate dream land for the kids and the parents! Not perfect...but just about as near perfect as we will see this side of heaven!

We all owe a debt of thanks to Wendygrace, who started the original WTU thread. Her wish trip report inspired so many families. That is how I found the DISboards by doing a web search and finding her thread. It inspired me to believe in the magic. She and others gave me so much advice in my planning, which took off a lot of pressure for us.

Yes, you are exactly right!!! I talked to Wendygrace before I continued her thread and she gave her blessing! She was not able to be on as much anymore and I am on here WAY TOO MUCH! Ya know what I mean!

Wendygrace's TR was the first Wish Trip TR that I ever read, too. What a wonderful experience they had! Definitely need tissues for that one! And she did a great job capturing events with her camera, too. That is very hard to do when you are so busy in the parks, etc.

I have a lot of recent GTKW pictures...although not much has changed from 07, I think.

The biggest addition is the Matthews Boundless Playground. Nicole - Mom to Noah and nldoewn on the boards is down there now and has said that she will take lots of pics on the playground (they are going to be in Orlando 2 weeks...one week GKTW and one week on site)...so she should have time to document things like that. But you can search youtube as well...they have some good videos that will show you pictures of it.

And they have some new villas!

well...that is my 12 cents!

Welcome back! And feel free to jump right in!

 

[muttshouse]

Hi Bill. Welcome back! I'm a newbie and welcome *you* back! What a riot. I've pored over your and Maroo's helpful links for the last 2 months.

I need help!!! Can you tell me how much time you think the "button" saves you in getting to do rides/shows? I've gotten in a pickle and right now can't change ressies.

DD wants to ride the horses @ GKTW but they are only available 1 day that we'll be there from 8-11am.

That's our first day at MK with 8:20am ressies at Crystal Palace, 1:55p BBB, 4:45pm 1900 PF. We're realizing that we should probably bring the kids back to the village to rest in the middle of the day/after lunch but won't be able to due to the timing. BBB is a TOTAL surprise for DD - the only part of her trip that remains a secret. LOL.

I can't imagine really eating at CP and then going back to the village for a horse ride! So I think we're giving up on that.

Could both kids nap at the Wish lounge? If I can switch BBB and 1900PF for later, how many rides/shows could we do between 9:30a and say 12:00? We'd head back to the Village for a leisurely lunch and nap and be back to the park by 4p theoretically. Do BBB and dinner a ride and then the fireworks?

Another question: We arrive at the Village on Tues afternoon. Nothing going on that night at the village. Any suggestions on what to do that day/night?

Thanks in advance for everyone's input.

 

[maroo]

I just wrote an incredibly long response to your questions...and it got lost in cyberspace. Maybe it was too long?

So I will shorten the answers...

I would skip horseback riding.


Maybe pick 5 MUST DO rides for MK and do those first. Prepare for interruptions. Not just for the kids bathroom, etc...but special interruptions that might take place at any point.

I was totally in a zone with planning and had us planned to the minute! I was totally stressed our first day because it did not go at all like I planned. I had all of this stuff I wanted Lauren (and family) to see! But we got stopped by characters at the front gate, literally. And a CM that arranged a cool meet/greet. And then at the Castle to watch the show. And we hardly rode any rides. Lauren did BBB and lunch at the Castle and that was the end of the day for her. We were so tired! (We did come back and do MNSSHP that night and rode a few things.)

You are doing an awesome job planning and I definitely think you should plan to make the most of the trip...but I wish I had been more flexible in my head! Lauren had a blast...has no idea what she missed.

Most magical moments are interruptions. Enjoy every minute you are there! Even if you get way off schedule!

YOu can definitely rest in the Wish Room. I wish I had a picture...I know there is one around these boards somewhere! Basically imagine a fairly big room with carpet flooring and a big pillow in the middle. They have checkers and I think some other board games. There is a couch, but I think it is pretty small. They have pillows around. THere is a big TV and you can pick out of lots of Disney movies. You can take a nap there, for sure!


Maybe you could move the 1900 Park Fare meal. It is not in Disney...right? Isn't it at a resort? You could maybe go on another night that is a non-Disney day. When you can just drive to that resort and park? And then you would not eat up MK time? Just a thought. That may not work. ?


On your arrival day...plan on being at GKTW no sooner than 1 hour after your plane lands. It will take some time to get your luggage and car and drive there. You can eat lunch there. Have ice cream. Play on the amazing playground!!! (a must do!) You can plan a Walmart run to pick up anything you forgot or snacks and drinks for the parks or at night. You will have orientation for one parent at either 3:30 or 7:00 pm. Depends on when families are arriving as to when orientation is...and unfortunately, you won't know till you get there. There are lots of fun things to do at GKTW that will keep you busy all day. And you will be tired and ready to settle in your villa, too.

now, let's see if this works...

 

[StefaniLyn]

You are a GENIUS!!!!

I am a "reimbursement specialist" for a cancer clinic in Mississippi. Which means I fight with insurance companies all day on behalf of patients. I basically stay on hold most of the day!

We deal with adults, not kids, and UHC is the WORST, WORST, WORST insurance company to deal with. Particularly the GM version of UHC (who refuse to pay for anti-nausea drugs with chemotherapy).

I am so in awe of you. What an awesome idea. And what an awesome way to fight.

We have gone to the insurance commissioner, the Governor, had patients write letters...but you have just given me a new avenue. You Tube! What a fantastic idea!!

And your presentation was awesome. I particularly like the..."It's gross but we get to deal with it 4 times a day!"

How is she now?


I am in awe...really.

Thanks Maroo. I sometimes wish we didn't have to post our story on the internet to get their attention, but they gave us no other choice after their denial. As you can see from the video, we were pretty desperate at the time.

Bella completed the KKI program this summer and successfully learned to eat enough food to have her g-tube removed in October of this year, 4 and a half years after it was first put in at the ripe age of 12 hours old! Unfortunately, Bella has recently not been feeling well. When she doesnt' feel well, food makes her feel worse so meals have been a challenge. In February, she spent 3 days in the hospital and we finally came out with a new diagnosis - pancreatic insufficiency - and a new script for 24 pills a day to help Bella feel better. Fortunately, the medication is working well and she's feeling much better. Meals are starting to turn around too.

I honestly could go on and on about how Bella is doing, lol, but I don't want to take up half a page on this thread. However, I do update Bella's caringbridge www.caringbridge.org/visit/isabellagriggs often and you're more than welcome to take a look if you're interested in all the gory (just kidding) details.

I admire you for your persistence. I know from our experience just how difficult the insurance game can be and I cannot imagine the patience you must have as a reimbursement specialist. Bless you for fighting on behalf of those patients!

Edited to add: From speaking with many kind strangers after I posted the video, the majority agree with you that UHC is the worst!

 

[StefaniLyn]

OMG, I saw this video a few months ago. She's gorgeous. How's she doing now? That's great that the insurance finally gave in, but you should have never had to fight so hard for it!!!

My daughter will probably be put on the heart transplant list in June and now I have so many questions for her doctors. We live in WA but she recives all of her surgeries and hospital stays in Portland,OR. So far the WA state insurance has paid for everything even though it has all been done in OR because the seattle childrens told us there was no hope for our baby. This case has certainly made me scared, I hope we never end up in the same position.

Bella is doing pretty good. Bella was approved and did get into KKI shortly after the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsT-ZhnmQJ0 and she successfully completed the Intensive Feeding Program http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlZybCGMjUY See my post above and her caringbridge website www.caringbridge.org/visit/isabellagriggs for more details. She definitely has had a lot of ups and downs since discharge, but the program was amazing and definitely something that Isabella needed in order to learn how to eat.

Until Bella failed the program at Children's hospital in WI, we also had received all her care locally and never had insurance issues. It was a huge wake-up call for us and I feel so badly for parents who don't have anywhere else to turn after they are denied necessary medical treatment for their child. Under normal circumstances I probably would have given up but we honestly were stuck between a rock and a hard place. Desperate times call for desperate measures!

I just watched your video and it was so touching. She really is a sweetie!

Thanks. I'm incredibly proud of her and just honored that I have the privilege of being her mom!