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

[Soon2B4]

If anyone can help me, I figured you ladies and gentlemen can. I have our wish granter volunteers coming on Sunday. She called today and just asked for any info that I was willing to share. So I gave a brief run through of what cancer Aidan had, how we found it, and how he is doing. Once I got off the phone, I suddenly felt guilty for requesting a Wish. He is doing so well and almost 2 years past chemo. He is still seeing his oncologist every 3 months and getting an MRI and MIBG (nuclear medicine scan) every 6 months. His scans require sedation due to age. I somehow feel like we will be judged by MAW or that we aren't deserving of a wish due to how well he is doing. Other than the scars on his chest (which are large) and Horner's Syndrome (only sweating on one side of his body and his pupils not being equal) you would never know he was sick. I am pregnant and right now I could just cry. I feel like there are so many families that have it so much worse than we do and we have been so lucky that we shouldn't make our Wish. I really don't know what I am looking for, but I guess it's just something that I needed to get off my chest.

 

[llurgy]

If anyone can help me, I figured you ladies and gentlemen can. I have our wish granter volunteers coming on Sunday. She called today and just asked for any info that I was willing to share. So I gave a brief run through of what cancer Aidan had, how we found it, and how he is doing. Once I got off the phone, I suddenly felt guilty for requesting a Wish. He is doing so well and almost 2 years past chemo. He is still seeing his oncologist every 3 months and getting an MRI and MIBG (nuclear medicine scan) every 6 months. His scans require sedation due to age. I somehow feel like we will be judged by MAW or that we aren't deserving of a wish due to how well he is doing. Other than the scars on his chest (which are large) and Horner's Syndrome (only sweating on one side of his body and his pupils not being equal) you would never know he was sick. I am pregnant and right now I could just cry. I feel like there are so many families that have it so much worse than we do and we have been so lucky that we shouldn't make our Wish. I really don't know what I am looking for, but I guess it's just something that I needed to get off my chest.

Dont EVER feel guilty for taking the opportunity of a wish trip EVER!!!
The MAW foundations deems whether or not you are entitled for a trip not you.
We as families of wish children always feel that guilt but you have to remember what your child has already been through and could go through and not only consider where they are at 'NOW'. Just remember, your child is in a good place NOW and this is the time to do the Wish trip that your child and your family deserves.
We just did a Wish Trip and just one week after our little girl was in hospital.
We THANK GOD that we did the Wish trip in time and she still has the memories of such a wonderful experience.

Now stop feeling guilty or else I shall come on over and spank your behind

 

[Soon2B4]

Dont EVER feel guilty for taking the opportunity of a wish trip EVER!!!
The MAW foundations deems whether or not you are entitled for a trip not you.
We as families of wish children always feel that guilt but you have to remember what your child has already been through and could go through and not only consider where they are at 'NOW'. Just remember, your child is in a good place NOW and this is the time to do the Wish trip that your child and your family deserves.
We just did a Wish Trip and just one week after our little girl was in hospital.
We THANK GOD that we did the Wish trip in time and she still has the memories of such a wonderful experience.

Now stop feeling guilty or else I shall come on over and spank your behind

Thanks, that makes me feel better. Darn pregnancy hormones are getting harder to control. I realized that you really could come over a spank my behind! I am in the Cleveland area and am originally from the Youngstown area. You could be here in just a few hours!

 

[mom2lilnick]

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?

No, we did no meal reservations or character meals. My kids didn't mind at all. We had a fleeting thought of trying to just get into the crystal palace one night, but we were like.. we have seen all the characters we wanted to at that point and I really hate to spend $$$$ for food when we can eat just as well elsewhere.

 

[llurgy]

Thanks, that makes me feel better. Darn pregnancy hormones are getting harder to control. I realized that you really could come over a spank my behind! I am in the Cleveland area and am originally from the Youngstown area. You could be here in just a few hours!

Yes we are in Columbus Childrens hospital just now so we could be there in no time at all, I shall have to ask Becca if I can have time off to go spank someones behind first though before leaving.
I am sure she will let me though seeing as it is for such a good cause

 

[twinmum]

Soon2B4: I think all of us Wish Trip families have spent many months or years telling ourselves that we can cope, that things aren't so bad, that it's worse for other people and so on. We felt so guilty about considering accepting a wish that it took us 2 1/2 years to accept it. So many reasons - Mark's cerebral palsy isn't life threatening (although without g-tube feeding, I guess it could be), we have resources to go on vacation, and he's come so far. Eventually, the Wish granting organization helped me to understand that this wasn't about whether we could save for vacations, this was about Mark, about his Wish and about everything that he has gone through, all the challenges he has faced and continues to face. And most compellingly, she said, this was their way of "giving Mark back some of the childhood he missed out on."

We also knew that if we ever wanted to give back, by giving of our time or resources, that we could always do that.

Don't ever feel guilty about this blessing. You've all been through a lot and you deserve this!

Alison

 

[StefaniLyn]

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.

could you possibly email me griggsfive@charter.net the photographer's information? We did Littlest Heroes Project with Bella last year as well and it wasn an amazing experience - because of finances and being in the hospital, we had never had a family portrait taken until then - Bella was 4 at the time. However, we woud love to have updated pictures of Bella and the family. Also does she have a website? I'd like to take a look at her rates before we book something we can't afford. Thanks!

 

[dmbfan]

I just posted some pictures in Jake Pre trip from the Big Give if anyone wants to take a peek..

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30636662#post30636662

Thank you so much!!!!

 

[macntosh]

could you possibly email me griggsfive@charter.net the photographer's information? We did Littlest Heroes Project with Bella last year as well and it wasn an amazing experience - because of finances and being in the hospital, we had never had a family portrait taken until then - Bella was 4 at the time. However, we woud love to have updated pictures of Bella and the family. Also does she have a website? I'd like to take a look at her rates before we book something we can't afford. Thanks!

Here is a link to her website. We are featured on the header. I know were celebrities now.

Anyhow, just contact her and let her know we sent you. I'm sure she will work something out on rates.

http://www.beck-photo.com/ She truly is an amazing person, with a HUGE heart. Tell her we miss her already.

 

[StefaniLyn]

Here is a link to her website. We are featured on the header. I know were celebrities now.

Anyhow, just contact her and let her know we sent you. I'm sure she will work something out on rates.

http://www.beck-photo.com/ She truly is an amazing person, with a HUGE heart. Tell her we miss her already.

Thanks! I love the pic she has on her home page!

 

[macntosh]

I've begun to write our trip report. Going Away Party and Day One posted...

 

[dmbfan]

Has anyone flown Delta to Disney on their MAW trip? Also do you call the airlines regarding what you can and can not take for meds and such on the plane?

 

[Momto2redheads]

Many thanks for the tips on the beaches. Since I think that only my husband would be really into Kennedy and we have so much else that everyone wants to do, I will forgo Cocoa Beach. I haven't decided on which one yet, but a lady at work mentioned that I might want to go to the gulf side, as well. I think that is where we will head...

Also, Maroo, Sami's chair is a manual.


Tammy B (eek, I just counted and I think we are down to 21 days till D-Day)

 

[nyveggie]

I'm not sure if I have the right forum. My son Matthew is having a wish granted to go to Disney on March 30th. An online friend of mine had e-mailed mr this site awhile back. I just now found a free moment to join.

 

[dmbfan]

I'm not sure if I have the right forum. My son Matthew is having a wish granted to go to Disney on March 30th. An online friend of mine had e-mailed mr this site awhile back. I just now found a free moment to join.

OH YEAH.... I am so glad to see you here....

I can't wait to read Matthew's pre trip report...and more so, can't wait to see you all in Disney....

 

[muttshouse]

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!

Lydia and your family are in our thoughts.

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

Hi Alison,

My husband and I are enthusiastic about the Space Program. It was such an awesome place - but we were underprepared for ALL of the information and time we needed to enjoy the Space Center. We loved it and would love to go again. Having said that, it's definitely a BIG trip and on a Wish trip, you might want to relax more.

Thanks for the Contemporary clues. I'm trying to figure out if we could catch the fireworks the first night we're there and then turn in early on the other nights.

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...

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.

Maroo, you crack me up. By "itineraries", I meant your minute by minute touring plans! If you didn't want/couldn't use them, maybe some of could - just to save the planning time.

Magical moments. Hmmm let me think. Oh yes, I think I can recognize those moments - that's when I get all teary eyed and forget to take pics for my scrapbook albums, yes?

You're right, we don't need rope drop. So funny. The last time I was at rope drop was BK (before kids) - I believe the experience was "walking" along with a crowd that was pretending not to run to the most popular attractions while running!

I'm starting to think a stop to the Contemporary shops is in order - the gate guard would HAVE to let us do that!! Disney won't turn down money spending opportunities would they?

Hey - do you think that there's a "limit" on how many times we can pull out the "wish trip card"? Does the pixie dust wear off or expire? So far from telephone interactions, the help I get depends on whether someone is familiar with the programs or not.

I'll see if we can pull the card out on the trip and what happens!

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 Nicole! You must be my long lost sister! I am currently in the throws of (over)scheduling our trip! I'm sorry you didn't have such a good time. I am like you - too busy making sure everyone else is having a good time to worry about me and then get burnt.

This trip I am trying to be *mentally* flexible. My DH keeps telling me "It's gonna be great." I've gotten so bad, that DD even said to me, "Mom, don't worry. We're gonna have a great trip no matter what!".

Having said that, DD is sporting a kind of haughty attitude. She's turning 7 and is spouting off, "This is MY Wish Trip. What I say GOES." Am I wrong in being fed up with this attitude? I mean, there are 3 other members of this family who suffered right alongside with her! (DS is an innocent bystander - he was 3 months when she was diagnosed; and I think part of his eczema is caused by the stress of her illness.) I just want her to be less arrogant about the whole works. She definitely likes the limelight!

 

[muttshouse]

Has anyone flown Delta to Disney on their MAW trip? Also do you call the airlines regarding what you can and can not take for meds and such on the plane?

I'm not sure about Delta, but I believe the TSA regulations take precedence since they are doing the security checks. If you have liquid or gel medications, they need to be in their prescription bottles/containers with the pharmacy labels on them. They should be packed in a clear ziploc bag - whatever size is ok. You aren't limited to the quart size for medical equipment. Any other over the counter liquids/gels are limited by the normal travel restrictions. The link below is very easy to go through and understand. They even have a demo video to show kids what to expect at the security gate. Includes packing tips and suggestions on getting through faster.

http://www.tsa.gov/

 

[muttshouse]

I'm not sure if I have the right forum. My son Matthew is having a wish granted to go to Disney on March 30th. An online friend of mine had e-mailed mr this site awhile back. I just now found a free moment to join.

HI! Welcome!!! Looks like we'll just miss you!

 

[macntosh]

Lydia and your family are in our thoughts.



Hi Alison,

My husband and I are enthusiastic about the Space Program. It was such an awesome place - but we were underprepared for ALL of the information and time we needed to enjoy the Space Center. We loved it and would love to go again. Having said that, it's definitely a BIG trip and on a Wish trip, you might want to relax more.

Thanks for the Contemporary clues. I'm trying to figure out if we could catch the fireworks the first night we're there and then turn in early on the other nights.



Maroo, you crack me up. By "itineraries", I meant your minute by minute touring plans! If you didn't want/couldn't use them, maybe some of could - just to save the planning time.

Magical moments. Hmmm let me think. Oh yes, I think I can recognize those moments - that's when I get all teary eyed and forget to take pics for my scrapbook albums, yes?

You're right, we don't need rope drop. So funny. The last time I was at rope drop was BK (before kids) - I believe the experience was "walking" along with a crowd that was pretending not to run to the most popular attractions while running!

I'm starting to think a stop to the Contemporary shops is in order - the gate guard would HAVE to let us do that!! Disney won't turn down money spending opportunities would they?

Hey - do you think that there's a "limit" on how many times we can pull out the "wish trip card"? Does the pixie dust wear off or expire? So far from telephone interactions, the help I get depends on whether someone is familiar with the programs or not.

I'll see if we can pull the card out on the trip and what happens!




Hi Nicole! You must be my long lost sister! I am currently in the throws of (over)scheduling our trip! I'm sorry you didn't have such a good time. I am like you - too busy making sure everyone else is having a good time to worry about me and then get burnt.

This trip I am trying to be *mentally* flexible. My DH keeps telling me "It's gonna be great." I've gotten so bad, that DD even said to me, "Mom, don't worry. We're gonna have a great trip no matter what!".

Having said that, DD is sporting a kind of haughty attitude. She's turning 7 and is spouting off, "This is MY Wish Trip. What I say GOES." Am I wrong in being fed up with this attitude? I mean, there are 3 other members of this family who suffered right alongside with her! (DS is an innocent bystander - he was 3 months when she was diagnosed; and I think part of his eczema is caused by the stress of her illness.) I just want her to be less arrogant about the whole works. She definitely likes the limelight!

My wife ended up writing me a letter a few days before we left, to remind me that it was my daughter's trip and not mine. Relax and enjoy. You won't get everything done that you wanted, so why waste the time planning? Make it a simple outline, but don't get to deep. I finally learned that. Just enjoy the experiences, there are really one's that none of us have shared with you as the surprise is half the fun!

 

[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. We just got our flight schedule and a few other thing from MAW yesterday. We are so excited and can't wait to go.


Thanks so Much

Tammy