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

[macntosh]

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 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!

What is the KKI program, my son has a feeding tube that we are working on trying to get removed. However medicaid will not pay for both feeding and speech therapy, so we have to chose one or the other and Naomi is wanting to do the feeding herself so we can get quality Auditory Therapist.

So to all, does anyone have any good advice for home feeding therapy?

 

[StefaniLyn]

What is the KKI program, my son has a feeding tube that we are working on trying to get removed. However medicaid will not pay for both feeding and speech therapy, so we have to chose one or the other and Naomi is wanting to do the feeding herself so we can get quality Auditory Therapist.

So to all, does anyone have any good advice for home feeding therapy?

KKI is Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD. (on the Hopkins campus). Bella has had a feeding tube since she was less than a day old. She never was able to eat as an infant and many medical complications, including congestive heart failure, over the past 4 years made her not only unable to eat, but fearful of food. She would honestly vomit at the sight of a spoon. In 2006 and 2007, we tried a 2 week inpatient program at our home hospital, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. They try to help kids learn how to eat while there. Bella failed, twice. She is the ONLY kid in the history of their program to fail twice.

After the second failure, the docs said they could no longer help us and they referred us to the most reknown feeding program in the US (probably the world) at Kennedy Krieger. Last summer, Bella spent 8 weeks in the hospital at KKI learning how to eat. She was successful, and can now tolerate purees and junior texture (think applesauce) foods. She can eat minimal (eraser sized) portions of regular food but it takes her forever to swallow it.

Depending on your son's age, you may consider an inpatient program. Local, smaller programs, still have a lot of success with most kids. Other families start looking at bigger programs like KKI or Marcus Institute in Atlanta first as they don't want to risk having to do multiple programs.

I am certain it varies from state to state, but here in WI, we are allowed to have both speech and feedign therapy as long as they set different goals for Bella (she is on a medicaid program, Katie Beckett, as well). I hope you are able to find and obtain appropraite therapy for your son. A good therapist and frequent therapy for both speech and feeding can meal a world of difference for a child who is tube dependent. Best wishes!

Edited to add: after posting I realized that I had read your pre-trip report and sorta know the background of Aiden. You may want to look into this program in TX http://www.texaschildrens.org/carecenters/FeedingDisorders/Default.aspx I have heard great things about their program.

 

[StefaniLyn]

I submitted an online application for Bella's MAW last week on Monday. I haven't had a phone call or anything since then. Is this typical or should I be worried? Do they call you and tell you even if they don't approve you? Should I call them or is harassing the MAW folks considered taboo? LOL - just kidding. I wouldn't harass them, but I worry that I typed in an incorrect phone number or did something else wrong when submitting it. Any advice?

 

[macntosh]

I submitted an online application for Bella's MAW last week on Monday. I haven't had a phone call or anything since then. Is this typical or should I be worried? Do they call you and tell you even if they don't approve you? Should I call them or is harassing the MAW folks considered taboo? LOL - just kidding. I wouldn't harass them, but I worry that I typed in an incorrect phone number or did something else wrong when submitting it. Any advice?

I would give it some more time. I think I got the first call about a month after sending in the forms. It was a complete surprise which made it even better. They will call with preliminary questions at first. They way we looked at it was ask and wait, if it happened great, if it didn't we aren't missing anything we didn't have before.

 

[mom2lilnick]

I submitted an online application for Bella's MAW last week on Monday. I haven't had a phone call or anything since then. Is this typical or should I be worried? Do they call you and tell you even if they don't approve you? Should I call them or is harassing the MAW folks considered taboo? LOL - just kidding. I wouldn't harass them, but I worry that I typed in an incorrect phone number or did something else wrong when submitting it. Any advice?

We never got a phone call or anything, just a huge envelope in the mail in Aug saying that he was going to be granted a wish, but it was still a couple months after we had originally had any contact with them.

 

[twinmum]

Hello Muttshouse...and welcome to the boards (says someone who only drops by occasionally, but happy to answer questions, especially as they remind me of our trip!!!).

Your children are young, so I'd caution you to not push too hard to include lots and lots each day. You'll be amazed how quickly the day flies, and how tired having that much fun can make you. I think the sheer joy and stimulation tuckers the little ones out. Our guys are 10 years old, and Mark's Wish Trip was our 3rd Disney vacation. The best thing I did was to finally recognize we couldn't do everything and just accept that...and hope we would be back!

So what can you do? Well, I realize that when a little princess finishes at BBB, she really needs to make the most of her princess-time. And 1900 Park Fair is home to Cinderella and the gang, so that certainly fits with her initial wish ideas. I would make sure you arrive early and talk to someone about how special this meal is for your daughter. While there is often lots of unexpected magic at WDW, it does help the CMs if they know that this was a special element of the Wish. Do not be shy - just a discreet word on the side can ensure that the characters have the inside scoop on how special this is for your daughter.

Certainly the children should be able to rest at the Wish Lounge, with the only problem being if there are other families in there - it's not that big. Mark and I visited it just to see it, and he didn't want to leave! Whether the kids sleep or not may not matter, and they should have some down time, maybe watch a movie, have a snack etc. The CM was lovely. You can bring food into the wish Lounge, also, but they have water and juice and so forth.

1900 Park Fair is over at the Grand Floridian. Were you planning on going straight back to GKTW after your dinner? If so, you could think about parking there in the morning (should probably check out that you can park there for free, but I suspect the "magic button" will help!). Still the Disney transportation between the Gf and MK is great. You can get between the GF and MK by monorail (1 stop on the way to MK, 4th stop from MK to GF) or you can also take the boat launch (didn't check your wish child's info, but I don't think you have mobility concerns, just stroller...we have a manual w/c for Mark and the launch can be iffy.

You may find that your little princess will have as much fun meeting with the princesses as riding any rides that day. You will also want to head over to Toontown where many a princess can be spotted...of course this is all second hand info because my boys were not going to get anywhere near any princess!!! Just ask here, and I am sure you will get lots of advice on princess encounters.

What a lovely day you have planned! Youèll be ready for a quiet evening at GKTW after that!

Alison

 

[Soon2B4]

I submitted an online application for Bella's MAW last week on Monday. I haven't had a phone call or anything since then. Is this typical or should I be worried? Do they call you and tell you even if they don't approve you? Should I call them or is harassing the MAW folks considered taboo? LOL - just kidding. I wouldn't harass them, but I worry that I typed in an incorrect phone number or did something else wrong when submitting it. Any advice?

I just got approved on Friday and it took our MAW about 3 weeks. Keep in mind once they get the paperwork, they have to send something to your doctor, the doctor has to send it back, and so on. I never got a call either, just a big envelope. I have volunteers assigned to us and am just waiting for a call to set up a meeting.

 

[Momto2redheads]

Okay, the countdown is on. We are leaving the 27th and coming back April 2nd. I have so much to do, but I wanted to ask a couple of questions first.

1. Neither me nor my children have been on an airplane. My wish girl doesn't talk, so she can't tell me if she is in any pain. I'm worried about ear issues. Lord knows, I don't want a crying 13 year old in the air for 2 hours. Any tips?

2. I was thinking on the following schedule:
Friday, March 27 (should arrive in Orlando by 10:30) get settled, Walmart trip, Sea World

Saturday, March 28: Hollywood Studios

Sunday, March 29: Animal Kingdon/Epcot

Monday, March 30: Magic Kingdom

Tuesday, March 31: Universal/IOA

Wednesday, April 1: trip to beach since we haven't
been there before

Thursday, April 2: (our plane leaves at 5:00) get ready to go, hang out at GKTW

Thoughts? Any days that you would switch around? Any places you would eliminate or add? My girl is a huge Finding Nemo/Cars/Toy Story (the newer pixar movies) fan....anything related to that is a must see.

3. Back to an airplane question...My girl has to have her seizure medicine. Its a liquid. What problems will I have taking that on an airplane? Any special tips or concerns about her wheelchair on the plane?

Thanks for any and all ideas...

 

[maroo]

Wow! You are headed out soon!!

The only thing that I can tell from first pass that may not exactly work is Sea World on that first day. When you get to GKTW they won't give your tickets until your orientation time. That will either be at 3:30 or 7:00, but depends on when the people that are arriving that day will need their orientation. If it is at 3:30, then you might be able to squeeze in some Sea World time? Not sure...

I have to run for now...but I will be back on here in a few min...

 

[muttshouse]

I submitted an online application for Bella's MAW last week on Monday. I haven't had a phone call or anything since then. Is this typical or should I be worried? Do they call you and tell you even if they don't approve you? Should I call them or is harassing the MAW folks considered taboo? LOL - just kidding. I wouldn't harass them, but I worry that I typed in an incorrect phone number or did something else wrong when submitting it. Any advice?

I hope Bella is doing better!

Hang in there. I'm assuming that you don't have a "rush wish". If you *do* have a rush, call them tomorrow! "Rush wishes" get taken care of first (for obvious reasons). In adddition, it takes time to confirm with the docs that your child is eligible. I think it depends on how slow your hospital is. If it's been more than 2 months, go ahead and call and just ask if they received your application. It won't hurt any.


I submitted Elsa's application in January 2008. We had a phone call to schedule a visit in May. We didn't have a "rush wish". We didn't hear ANYTHING until October; it was from the state headquarters directly. Had I known then what I know now, I would have been more specific about the airport we would fly from and the airline (Husband is a frequent flier on Continental and could've given us free baggage both ways without worrying about weight. Continental still includes drinks and meals on their flights so we wouldn't have to buy food and water at the airport for the trip down.) I'm not complaining about this tremendously generous gift, but things could be a little smoother than they are right now. In October we went over possible travel dates. Once we decided on the reservations we wanted, it took another couple of weeks to get the paperwork done. Whew.

 

[muttshouse]

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.

Gotcha

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.)

Hey Maroo, do you happen to have those park plans/itineraries available . . . I'm open to those "magic moments"! I just don't expect them to happen to us. We'll be in MK before rope drop so we'll miss the morning characters at the front gate. I wanted to have Elsa wake up Tinkerbell, but we'll be at breakfast! LOL. Oh well. Maybe next time.

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!

Hubby is really great about helping remember to enjoy the gift of the present. I just have to remember that the kids running around being maniacs and screeching at each other is the "happy moment" sometimes.

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!

So do the Wish Kids get to snuggle with each other on the big floor pillow?!? Gotta get a picture of THAT! I'm not sure that both kids will be tired enough to sleep in a strange place. Maybe if we make them push us around in the stroller.

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. ?

We only have 4 full days in FL. The only day that is not time restricted with ressies is our last day at AK. ALL of the restaurants are totally booked for the days we'll be down there. At least for now. The 3 CMs I spoke with today could find nothing. One did remind me that there was a 24 hour cancellation notice on these places so we might still be able to switch at the last minute. Can't switch BBB either. Tried to switch to Tuesday too. Sigh. More calls to FL daily looks like.

I've also tried to make down time at the Village part of the "scheduled time". I still can't tell how many rides we'll get to do with the button. Oh well. Hopefully I can report abut it on our TR. DD's birthday will be on the second full day. We'll be having an "easy" start since Epcot doesn't open until 9am and we want her to enjoy her birthday breakfast at GKTW.


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...

Yup - great minds think alike! We land at 1p and I planned for us to be there at 3p. Hopefully we'll have orientation right away. I've planned to do a little shopping: mousememories , Character Premiere Outlet (Open until 11pm - trading pins!), and maybe some snacks for the kids.

If the kids get a nap that afternoon, we might even venture out to try to see the fireworks from one of the resorts.

Does anyone know where the best fireworks spots is - that will let us on property without having to have ressies?

 

[muttshouse]

Hello Muttshouse...and welcome to the boards (says someone who only drops by occasionally, but happy to answer questions, especially as they remind me of our trip!!!).

Your children are young, so I'd caution you to not push too hard to include lots and lots each day. You'll be amazed how quickly the day flies, and how tired having that much fun can make you. I think the sheer joy and stimulation tuckers the little ones out. Our guys are 10 years old, and Mark's Wish Trip was our 3rd Disney vacation. The best thing I did was to finally recognize we couldn't do everything and just accept that...and hope we would be back!

So what can you do? Well, I realize that when a little princess finishes at BBB, she really needs to make the most of her princess-time. And 1900 Park Fair is home to Cinderella and the gang, so that certainly fits with her initial wish ideas. I would make sure you arrive early and talk to someone about how special this meal is for your daughter. While there is often lots of unexpected magic at WDW, it does help the CMs if they know that this was a special element of the Wish. Do not be shy - just a discreet word on the side can ensure that the characters have the inside scoop on how special this is for your daughter.

Certainly the children should be able to rest at the Wish Lounge, with the only problem being if there are other families in there - it's not that big. Mark and I visited it just to see it, and he didn't want to leave! Whether the kids sleep or not may not matter, and they should have some down time, maybe watch a movie, have a snack etc. The CM was lovely. You can bring food into the wish Lounge, also, but they have water and juice and so forth.

1900 Park Fair is over at the Grand Floridian. Were you planning on going straight back to GKTW after your dinner? If so, you could think about parking there in the morning (should probably check out that you can park there for free, but I suspect the "magic button" will help!). Still the Disney transportation between the Gf and MK is great. You can get between the GF and MK by monorail (1 stop on the way to MK, 4th stop from MK to GF) or you can also take the boat launch (didn't check your wish child's info, but I don't think you have mobility concerns, just stroller...we have a manual w/c for Mark and the launch can be iffy.

You may find that your little princess will have as much fun meeting with the princesses as riding any rides that day. You will also want to head over to Toontown where many a princess can be spotted...of course this is all second hand info because my boys were not going to get anywhere near any princess!!! Just ask here, and I am sure you will get lots of advice on princess encounters.

What a lovely day you have planned! Youèll be ready for a quiet evening at GKTW after that!

Alison

Hi Alison!

Thanks so much for your feedback. I was afraid that I was planning too much. I have had bad experiences with Disneyland vacations as a kid (5 adults, 4 young kids, and everything done by committee! )

I don't think we'll be able to afford a trip back to WDW for a LONG time after this. We've got some major expenses this year that will take us some years to pay off before we can start saving for Disney again. The plane tix alone would be about $1200 with cheap tickets.

What an awesome tip about parking at the GF! I think it would save us some time in the morning too! I hope that magic button will work! *fingers crossed*

 

[StefaniLyn]

I would give it some more time. I think I got the first call about a month after sending in the forms. It was a complete surprise which made it even better. They will call with preliminary questions at first. They way we looked at it was ask and wait, if it happened great, if it didn't we aren't missing anything we didn't have before.

Thanks, now I'm not so worried. I have no problem with waiting, I just wanted to make sure I didn't mess anything up on the form I submitted.

I just got approved on Friday and it took our MAW about 3 weeks. Keep in mind once they get the paperwork, they have to send something to your doctor, the doctor has to send it back, and so on. I never got a call either, just a big envelope. I have volunteers assigned to us and am just waiting for a call to set up a meeting.

Thanks for the info. I don't believe they have our doctor's name as there was no spot on the application for it. However, our doc did say he would recommend us so he may have contacted them as well. I'll keep my eye on the mailbox!

I hope Bella is doing better!

Hang in there. I'm assuming that you don't have a "rush wish". If you *do* have a rush, call them tomorrow! "Rush wishes" get taken care of first (for obvious reasons). In adddition, it takes time to confirm with the docs that your child is eligible. I think it depends on how slow your hospital is. If it's been more than 2 months, go ahead and call and just ask if they received your application. It won't hurt any.


I submitted Elsa's application in January 2008. We had a phone call to schedule a visit in May. We didn't have a "rush wish". We didn't hear ANYTHING until October; it was from the state headquarters directly. Had I known then what I know now, I would have been more specific about the airport we would fly from and the airline (Husband is a frequent flier on Continental and could've given us free baggage both ways without worrying about weight. Continental still includes drinks and meals on their flights so we wouldn't have to buy food and water at the airport for the trip down.) I'm not complaining about this tremendously generous gift, but things could be a little smoother than they are right now. In October we went over possible travel dates. Once we decided on the reservations we wanted, it took another couple of weeks to get the paperwork done. Whew.

Thankfully, we do not have a rush wish and I am certainly willing to wait in line behind those who do. I think I was worried because the only person I have spoken to in person who has gotten a MAW told me that they were called within hours of submitting the form online. I know the history of that child and I think theirs would be considered a *RUSH* wish so now it all makes sense. Sorry to hear about the airline for your MAW. Thanks for the info!

 

[maroo]

I am not sure exactly what you mean by iteneraries? I also can't spell tonight! Do you mean the times for the castle show and such? If so, that will be on the "times guide" given out in the park that day. The only thing they know for sure is the afternoon parade times and the big events like Wishes, Spectro, Illuminations, and Fantasmic...

I will get you a planner and hopefully that will help you some in making some of the decisions you guys have.

On the magical moments...I am sorta glad you don't expect them...then they will be that much more magical if they happen! Every wish trip is totally different. But every TR I have read had magical moments. I think you guys will certainly have yours. When you least expect it.

I would not worry about missing MK rope drop characters. Just a song and a bunch of people running over each other at the gate. Not really a must see...except for getting in the parks!

"Hubby is really great about helping remember to enjoy the gift of the present. I just have to remember that the kids running around being maniacs and screeching at each other is the "happy moment" sometimes." -

I don't know about the "best"...but we enjoyed them from the 4th floor of The Contemporary. And it is right by the shops...so you could shop and see fireworks! (but not outlet prices)...

The 4th floor is open to the public. If you want to try...you could see if you could swing a viewing from the 15th floor. The California Grill is up there and supposedly people that dine there at night can come back to watch from the 15th floor and THAT would be cool. I think, if we had asked, we could have done that...if you get the right CM and pull the "We are on a wish trip" card then you might score that.

Let us know if it works.

 

[StefaniLyn]

Okay, the countdown is on. We are leaving the 27th and coming back April 2nd. I have so much to do, but I wanted to ask a couple of questions first.

WOW! How exciting! I am new to MAW stuff, but we've been to Disney twice with a special needs kid so I'll offer what advice I can.

1. Neither me nor my children have been on an airplane. My wish girl doesn't talk, so she can't tell me if she is in any pain. I'm worried about ear issues. Lord knows, I don't want a crying 13 year old in the air for 2 hours. Any tips?

Will she chew gum? suck on a sucker? Also suggest that she take drinks every few minutes. The best way to clear your ears on a plane is to pinch your nose tightly and try to blow air out of it. Wiggling your jaw back and forth helps too.

2. I was thinking on the following schedule:
Friday, March 27 (should arrive in Orlando by 10:30) get settled, Walmart trip, Sea World

Saturday, March 28: Hollywood Studios

Sunday, March 29: Animal Kingdon/Epcot

Monday, March 30: Magic Kingdom

Tuesday, March 31: Universal/IOA

Wednesday, April 1: trip to beach since we haven't
been there before

Thursday, April 2: (our plane leaves at 5:00) get ready to go, hang out at GKTW

Thoughts? Any days that you would switch around? Any places you would eliminate or add? My girl is a huge Finding Nemo/Cars/Toy Story (the newer pixar movies) fan....anything related to that is a must see.

3. Back to an airplane question...My girl has to have her seizure medicine. Its a liquid. What problems will I have taking that on an airplane? Any special tips or concerns about her wheelchair on the plane?

We travel with liquid medications as well as tube feeding formula all the time. We have never had anyone at airport security even question us about it. When we go through, I take them all out of the bag and place them in a separate bin - then I let the security officer know what they are and who they ar for. The prescription bottles must be labeled with the name of the patient. You should also get a perscripton form from your doctor, just to be sure.
Thanks for any and all ideas...

Hope this helps!

 

[maroo]

Okay, the countdown is on. We are leaving the 27th and coming back April 2nd. I have so much to do, but I wanted to ask a couple of questions first.

1. Neither me nor my children have been on an airplane. My wish girl doesn't talk, so she can't tell me if she is in any pain. I'm worried about ear issues. Lord knows, I don't want a crying 13 year old in the air for 2 hours. Any tips?

2. I was thinking on the following schedule:
Friday, March 27 (should arrive in Orlando by 10:30) get settled, Walmart trip, Sea World

Saturday, March 28: Hollywood Studios

Sunday, March 29: Animal Kingdon/Epcot

Monday, March 30: Magic Kingdom

Tuesday, March 31: Universal/IOA

Wednesday, April 1: trip to beach since we haven't
been there before

Thursday, April 2: (our plane leaves at 5:00) get ready to go, hang out at GKTW

Thoughts? Any days that you would switch around? Any places you would eliminate or add? My girl is a huge Finding Nemo/Cars/Toy Story (the newer pixar movies) fan....anything related to that is a must see.

3. Back to an airplane question...My girl has to have her seizure medicine. Its a liquid. What problems will I have taking that on an airplane? Any special tips or concerns about her wheelchair on the plane?

Thanks for any and all ideas...

Hello!!

I am going to check TouringPlans.com for you...

For March 28th: Good park is Epcot, Bad park is DS.
For March 29th: Good park is AK, the rest of Disney parks are listed as bad.
For March 30th: Good park is MK, bad park is AK
For March 31st: Good park is DS and AK, Bad park is Epcot
For April 1: Good park is MK and EP, Bad park is AK


I would probably do...

Epcot/AK that first day (make sure you get to the Nemo ride and Talk with Crush at Epcot AND don't miss Finding Nemo at AK?! It is AWESOME!!). Start with AK and then go to Epcot, since AK closes so early. You could do Illuminations at Epcot, if you want to stay that long. But that is a long day!

Then go to the beach on the 29th (sort of a down day). You might need the down day after that first BIG day!

Then do MK. Wishes is at 9:00, no Spectro for this day. (which may be worth switching days, if you definitely want to see or park hop)

Then do DS - Toy Story ride and "Cars" characters around by Toy Story. No Fantasmic this night...so that could be a reason to swap days, too.

Then do Universal. But you could switch this with another day, especially if you want to catch spectro or Fantasmic.



You could always switch around if you saw that the beach day would be rainy...that way it would not be your last day...and you could switch them out.

Do you have a lot of ADR's? Of course, those would be affected if you decide to swap out days. Crowds are not an issue for rides or character lines...but it harder to get around when it is really crowded.


airline questions. I would ask your doctor about the ear issue. Not sure at all on that one. Maybe they could give you something to use in case it was an issue?

You can carry any medicine on the plane no matter what - just present it to the security people first and make sure it is in the original bottle. It does not have to be 3oz.

I think that is everything you asked...did I miss anything.

Let me know and I can get you a "planner" if you want one. totally free and has this same info on it for your specific dates.

also...did you start a pre-trip report? I can link it on our first post here if you have started one.

 

[Khalana]

I just updated my tr about our check-up today. It didn't go so well... Please pray for us and especially for Lydia. Pray that the Enalapril (medication) will work!

 

[maroo]

I just updated my tr about our check-up today. It didn't go so well... Please pray for us and especially for Lydia. Pray that the Enalapril (medication) will work!

I wrote on your TR...

but we are praying.

And I am praying for you guys, too! The whole family, not only Lydia. Bless your heart!

 

[twinmum]

Okay, the countdown is on. We are leaving the 27th and coming back April 2nd. I have so much to do, but I wanted to ask a couple of questions first.

1. Neither me nor my children have been on an airplane. My wish girl doesn't talk, so she can't tell me if she is in any pain. I'm worried about ear issues. Lord knows, I don't want a crying 13 year old in the air for 2 hours. Any tips?

2. I was thinking on the following schedule:
Friday, March 27 (should arrive in Orlando by 10:30) get settled, Walmart trip, Sea World

Saturday, March 28: Hollywood Studios

Sunday, March 29: Animal Kingdon/Epcot

Monday, March 30: Magic Kingdom

Tuesday, March 31: Universal/IOA

Wednesday, April 1: trip to beach since we haven't
been there before

Thursday, April 2: (our plane leaves at 5:00) get ready to go, hang out at GKTW

Thoughts? Any days that you would switch around? Any places you would eliminate or add? My girl is a huge Finding Nemo/Cars/Toy Story (the newer pixar movies) fan....anything related to that is a must see.

3. Back to an airplane question...My girl has to have her seizure medicine. Its a liquid. What problems will I have taking that on an airplane? Any special tips or concerns about her wheelchair on the plane?

Thanks for any and all ideas...

Hello! I think Maroo had some great ideas for your plans, days etc. We took a day at the Kennedy Space Centre and beach and it was a good break - not that we weren't enjoying ourselves, but having something of a break from that much walking, stimulation was good, even for our 10 year old boys. BTW, Kennedy was great, but also so much to do we had to be very selective. Another time I might do a full day at the beach.

Park calendars: Here's a link to a page with additional links to park calendars :etc. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/theme-parks-and-more/

These give you park hours and times for parades and fireworks. However, as Mary said, you need to check the Times Guide when you get to the park. Things do change, sometimes.

Finally, the Contemporary is a wonderful place to watch the fireworks. We have eaten at the California Grill twice and the food is fantastic, and watching the fireworks from the Observation Deck is magical. It gets very busy, though. I would hope that explaining that you are on a Wish Trip would help, but as always, there is no guarantee. I wonder if you could make a visit there ahead of time, have one of you pop up to the check in for the restaurant (it's not on the 15th floor, maybe on the 2nd?) and explain it to them. Make sure you get a name and all. I really hope this works, because it makes a delightful end of the day!!!

Alison

 

[Momto2redheads]

Hello!!

I am going to check TouringPlans.com for you...

For March 28th: Good park is Epcot, Bad park is DS.
For March 29th: Good park is AK, the rest of Disney parks are listed as bad.
For March 30th: Good park is MK, bad park is AK
For March 31st: Good park is DS and AK, Bad park is Epcot
For April 1: Good park is MK and EP, Bad park is AK


I would probably do...

Epcot/AK that first day (make sure you get to the Nemo ride and Talk with Crush at Epcot AND don't miss Finding Nemo at AK?! It is AWESOME!!). Start with AK and then go to Epcot, since AK closes so early. You could do Illuminations at Epcot, if you want to stay that long. But that is a long day!

Then go to the beach on the 29th (sort of a down day). You might need the down day after that first BIG day!

Then do MK. Wishes is at 9:00, no Spectro for this day. (which may be worth switching days, if you definitely want to see or park hop)

Then do DS - Toy Story ride and "Cars" characters around by Toy Story. No Fantasmic this night...so that could be a reason to swap days, too.

Then do Universal. But you could switch this with another day, especially if you want to catch spectro or Fantasmic.



You could always switch around if you saw that the beach day would be rainy...that way it would not be your last day...and you could switch them out.


I like it... I think this is our new plan.
Do you have a lot of ADR's? Of course, those would be affected if you decide to swap out days. Crowds are not an issue for rides or character lines...but it harder to get around when it is rea

No, I actually haven't made any ADR's. Sami would really only be interested enough to warrant the cost if it were Toy Story characters, but I'm not finding where they would be in an ADR. Otherwise, a few smiles and a wave from the others will be all that she would want, I think.

airline questions. I would ask your doctor about the ear issue. Not sure at all on that one. Maybe they could give you something to use in case it was an issue?

Somone else has suggested that I do gummies and drinks during takeoff/landing. I'm also going to give her doc a call to see if he has any suggestions.


Let me know and I can get you a "planner" if you want one. totally free and has this same info on it for your specific dates.

That would be awesome, if you have time...
also...did you start a pre-trip report? I can link it on our first post here if you have started one.

Sadly, I'm just barely savvy enough to figure out how to post here, and I seem to be struggling with that...