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

[Momto2redheads]

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.

So did you do Cocoa Beach? It appears to me to be the closest. We didn't want to "waste" too much of our time driving, but if there is a better place to go, we're open. My husband mentioned going to Kennedy, but I don't think Sami will be interested, so I thought we might skip that.

 

[twinmum]

Yes, we did go to Cocoa Beach but that was really only because we started with going to Kennedy. Our boys are 10, the shuttle Endeavour was on the launch pad, and my hubby was very, very keen to go. The actual beach at Cocoa Beach is not the most lovely, nor is it gentle, soft sand and the like. It would not have been my choice for the boys' first beach experience except it was very convenient! We did have a lovely lobster and shrimp snack out on the wharf watching the surfers, then we went for a walk on the sand and in the surf. And yes, we got soaked.

The beaches on the gulf coast are beautiful and I am sure someone can recommend a place for you to go. It's really not that much farther a drive.

I'd suggest Siesta Key if you want white sand, and calmer water; maybe Daytona if you want the waves on the Atlantic side.

anybody else have ideas?

Alison

 

[maroo]

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

You are doing a great job posting!!

I can totally tell what you are saying since you are posting in blue!

maroo

 

[maroo]

I am clueless on pretty beaches...You might try another section of the DISboards...maybe Orlando resorts or something where you can get some locals to tell you what the best beaches are.

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

Hi everyone. I havent been on this thread for such a long time but it is so great to remember how often I was when my ds had his wish trip. I think it is about time to try and finish up my trip report soon.
Well, I just wanted to give some advice for the newbies for your wish trip. When we went on our wish trip, I spent so much time organizing where to go and when to go and spent our time running around and trying to stick to the schedule that I just didnt enjoy it and experience a time to be with family and just really let my son decide even though he is 4. Even if you just relax and go to one place in disney or hang out at give kids the world that I promise you will have a experience more then running all over.
Also, for a beach idea. Siesta key is beautiful and quiet and I live right next to the beach and I had such a different experience at Siesta key!
Stay tuned for the rest of my trip report soon.

 

[Soon2B4]

I would have to recommend Clearwater over by Tampa/St Petes. The sand is beautiful and white and the water warm and calm. My DH thinks it is 1 1/2 hours, but isn't 100 % sure. I would mapquest it to make sure.

 

[maroo]

Hi everyone. I havent been on this thread for such a long time but it is so great to remember how often I was when my ds had his wish trip. I think it is about time to try and finish up my trip report soon.
Well, I just wanted to give some advice for the newbies for your wish trip. When we went on our wish trip, I spent so much time organizing where to go and when to go and spent our time running around and trying to stick to the schedule that I just didnt enjoy it and experience a time to be with family and just really let my son decide even though he is 4. Even if you just relax and go to one place in disney or hang out at give kids the world that I promise you will have a experience more then running all over.
Also, for a beach idea. Siesta key is beautiful and quiet and I live right next to the beach and I had such a different experience at Siesta key!
Stay tuned for the rest of my trip report soon.

Hi!!! Welcome back!!

Those are very wise words. I wish I had heard them before we went. Although I am sure someone told me!

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!!!!

I would have to recommend Clearwater over by Tampa/St Petes. The sand is beautiful and white and the water warm and calm. My DH thinks it is 1 1/2 hours, but isn't 100 % sure. I would mapquest it to make sure.

Yeah...Clearwater is in the news right now, for sure. With those missing boaters. That should not detract you...but it must be a nice beach if the NFL players are sailing out from there, ya know. I hope they find those young men!

 

[StefaniLyn]

Just as I was headed out the door to take Bella to school early this afternoon, the phone rang. DH bought a phone system that verbalizes the caller and when I heard a computerized voice say "call from Make A Wish Foundation" I did a 180 and grabbed the nearest handset just before the 4th ring (thankfully, as voice mail picks up after that). It was an employee from the Make A Wish Foundation!

The kind lady asked if I had a few moments to talk (I didn't really because Bella was due at school in 5 minutes, but who cares about being late when MAW is on the line? ) and then proceeded to ask several questions about Bella and our family. She also asked about her health history. One of the questions was "What is Bella's diagnosis?" and my reply was "which one - she has about a dozen of them" She wrote all of them down and asked for one that would be considered life threatening. I picked pancreatic insufficiency, and the caller stated that her doc could switch to another one if he felt it was appropriate.

After that, she asked about Bella's favorite colors (pink or purple), cartoon character (Dora), Movies (anything with Princesses) , music (Kidz Bop CDs) and some other stuff. She also asked if I had any idea what Bella might *wish* for (is it weird that I get chills just typing that word?). I said I though she would say a trip to Disneyworld.

The caller said the next step would be for them to contact Bella's doc and he would be the one who actually decided "if" she qualified for a wish. She said it can take 3-4 weeks for them to get in contact with the doc. I hope this part goes smoothly - Bella's doctor already told us he would be happy to recommend her for a wish. After they get the okay from the doctor, they will assign us two wish granters who will contact us. Then the real fun begins . . .

Poor Bella was late for school and I couldn't even tell her why - I don't want to let her know what's going on until we know for sure. I know this process is probably the same thing that most of you went through, but I am so excited and just felt the need to share. Thanks again to everyone who has offered us advice. I can't wait for the next step so I can officially start our pre-trip report. I'm new at that too so I thank you ahead of time for your patience.

edited to add:
Bella, potential future Wish Kid

 

[maroo]

Just as I was headed out the door to take Bella to school early this afternoon, the phone rang. DH bought a phone system that verbalizes the caller and when I heard a computerized voice say "call from Make A Wish Foundation" I did a 180 and grabbed the nearest handset just before the 4th ring (thankfully, as voice mail picks up after that). It was an employee from the Make A Wish Foundation!

The kind lady asked if I had a few moments to talk (I didn't really because Bella was due at school in 5 minutes, but who cares about being late when MAW is on the line? ) and then proceeded to ask several questions about Bella and our family. She also asked about her health history. One of the questions was "What is Bella's diagnosis?" and my reply was "which one - she has about a dozen of them" She wrote all of them down and asked for one that would be considered life threatening. I picked pancreatic insufficiency, and the caller stated that her doc could switch to another one if he felt it was appropriate.

After that, she asked about Bella's favorite colors (pink or purple), cartoon character (Dora), Movies (anything with Princesses) , music (Kidz Bop CDs) and some other stuff. She also asked if I had any idea what Bella might *wish* for (is it weird that I get chills just typing that word?). I said I though she would say a trip to Disneyworld.

The caller said the next step would be for them to contact Bella's doc and he would be the one who actually decided "if" she qualified for a wish. She said it can take 3-4 weeks for them to get in contact with the doc. I hope this part goes smoothly - Bella's doctor already told us he would be happy to recommend her for a wish. After they get the okay from the doctor, they will assign us two wish granters who will contact us. Then the real fun begins . . .

Poor Bella was late for school and I couldn't even tell her why - I don't want to let her know what's going on until we know for sure. I know this process is probably the same thing that most of you went through, but I am so excited and just felt the need to share. Thanks again to everyone who has offered us advice. I can't wait for the next step so I can officially start our pre-trip report. I'm new at that too so I thank you ahead of time for your patience.

Yea!!!

Congrats!! So Bella doesn't know? Wow...will she freak out? You should video it when you give her the news. he he!

So... when ya gonna start a pre-trip report.

I guess we can wait till it is official! (As she might wish for something else!) Lauren almost did when the wish granters got there. She suddenly wanted to go to Paris!!!

 

[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...

I had another thought on this....

Since I dont think you can do Sea World on your first day...I have thought about it and I DO think you could do some of it on your last day! You could be fairly ready to go and head there around 9 or so...feed the dolphins (which is a great thing!) and maybe do lunch (Backstage at Believe is a great buffet, but you have to pre-pay and pre-register). If you do the Backstage at Believe then you could get priority seating for the Believe show at around 1:00. Then you could leave Sea World around 2 (or a little before) and head to the airport to drop off your car. Sea World is fairly close to the airport.

What kind of wheelchair does she have? Is it a manual or power chair?

 

[maroo]

Aw!! I love the picture of Bella!!!

I am so excited for you guys! You will be able to make an AWESOME video after this trip, too!!!

 

[macntosh]

Yes, we did go to Cocoa Beach but that was really only because we started with going to Kennedy. Our boys are 10, the shuttle Endeavour was on the launch pad, and my hubby was very, very keen to go. The actual beach at Cocoa Beach is not the most lovely, nor is it gentle, soft sand and the like. It would not have been my choice for the boys' first beach experience except it was very convenient! We did have a lovely lobster and shrimp snack out on the wharf watching the surfers, then we went for a walk on the sand and in the surf. And yes, we got soaked.

The beaches on the gulf coast are beautiful and I am sure someone can recommend a place for you to go. It's really not that much farther a drive.

I'd suggest Siesta Key if you want white sand, and calmer water; maybe Daytona if you want the waves on the Atlantic side.

anybody else have ideas?

Alison

We went to Ponce Inlet and it has a really cool Operating Lighthouse. Sand was lovely and soft and clean I would recommend it highly.

That is where the following picture was taken. The sand stuck until brushed off.

 

[dmbfan]

Has anyone called GKTW before your trip to ask questions? I want to call to make sure Monday morning is still when the characters come, and to see if it is ok to have our Littlest Heros photographer can take pictures there ( which I think will be fine)

Should I call or just assume the dates are the same as what is posted online?

I can't believe our trip is right around the cornor and I think I work everyday, all day right up until we leave...I think I should take a day off from now to than...

 

[macntosh]

Has anyone called GKTW before your trip to ask questions? I want to call to make sure Monday morning is still when the characters come, and to see if it is ok to have our Littlest Heros photographer can take pictures there ( which I think will be fine)

Should I call or just assume the dates are the same as what is posted online?

I can't believe our trip is right around the cornor and I think I work everyday, all day right up until we leave...I think I should take a day off from now to than...

As of last week they are there on Monday/Thursday with Disney. I don't think they would have any problem with the Photog as I told them all about it last week. Enjoy your trip.

 

[chcmama]

Just as I was headed out the door to take Bella to school early this afternoon, the phone rang. DH bought a phone system that verbalizes the caller and when I heard a computerized voice say "call from Make A Wish Foundation" I did a 180 and grabbed the nearest handset just before the 4th ring (thankfully, as voice mail picks up after that). It was an employee from the Make A Wish Foundation!

The kind lady asked if I had a few moments to talk (I didn't really because Bella was due at school in 5 minutes, but who cares about being late when MAW is on the line? ) and then proceeded to ask several questions about Bella and our family. She also asked about her health history. One of the questions was "What is Bella's diagnosis?" and my reply was "which one - she has about a dozen of them" She wrote all of them down and asked for one that would be considered life threatening. I picked pancreatic insufficiency, and the caller stated that her doc could switch to another one if he felt it was appropriate.

After that, she asked about Bella's favorite colors (pink or purple), cartoon character (Dora), Movies (anything with Princesses) , music (Kidz Bop CDs) and some other stuff. She also asked if I had any idea what Bella might *wish* for (is it weird that I get chills just typing that word?). I said I though she would say a trip to Disneyworld.

The caller said the next step would be for them to contact Bella's doc and he would be the one who actually decided "if" she qualified for a wish. She said it can take 3-4 weeks for them to get in contact with the doc. I hope this part goes smoothly - Bella's doctor already told us he would be happy to recommend her for a wish. After they get the okay from the doctor, they will assign us two wish granters who will contact us. Then the real fun begins . . .

Poor Bella was late for school and I couldn't even tell her why - I don't want to let her know what's going on until we know for sure. I know this process is probably the same thing that most of you went through, but I am so excited and just felt the need to share. Thanks again to everyone who has offered us advice. I can't wait for the next step so I can officially start our pre-trip report. I'm new at that too so I thank you ahead of time for your patience.

edited to add:
Bella, potential future Wish Kid

Great news. It didn't take any time for our dr. to give approval. It was probably only a week after we got that phone call that we got a letter in the mail saying she was approved. After that it took awhile before we actually met our wish granters, but that was because our chapter was really busy. It all comes down to your chapter now and how busy they are how quick everything will happen.

We went to Ponce Inlet and it has a really cool Operating Lighthouse. Sand was lovely and soft and clean I would recommend it highly.

That is where the following picture was taken. The sand stuck until brushed off.

I love this picture, it looks like you planned ahead to have some great shots on the beach.

 

[macntosh]

I love this picture, it looks like you planned ahead to have some great shots on the beach.

We sent out emails through Littlest Hero's Project and found a photographer that we will use whenever we are in Florida. She was amazing! If interested I can provide her name.

 

[littlewarriorsmom]

We're going April 23 - 29 and have never been before. I'm going to try to get set up for one character meal (yes, I know, 'good luck' since it's less than 90 days) ... but other than that, I'm not making reservations. I want to roughly schedule out rides/events/etc, but for meals, I figure we'll just "wing it." Am I crazy?

 

[dmbfan]

As of last week they are there on Monday/Thursday with Disney. I don't think they would have any problem with the Photog as I told them all about it last week. Enjoy your trip.

Cool, thank you very much...Can't wait to see all your pictures... Did your photographer take pictures at GKTW? Were there good places for pictures there?

 

[Tamraj]

Hello everyone

My name is Tammy I am new here. I only just found out about this list a few days ago I have been reading as many posts as I can. We have our MAW trip scheduled for the end of this month. I have no idea what to expect what should I do what should I not do what do I need what do I not need. As you can see I know nothing I would love some input on what is to come.

 

[Tamraj]

Hello everyone

My name is Tammy I am new here. I only just found out about this list a few days ago I have been reading as many posts as I can. We have our MAW trip scheduled for the end of this month. I have no idea what to expect what should I do what should I not do what do I need what do I not need. As you can see I know nothing I would love some input on what is to come.


Thanks so Much

Tammy