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

[maroo]

OK..thanks ladies!! I decided to pass....she had less posts than me!
I don't want to somehow lose my photos!

Yeah...I sorta see it like buying something in eBay or something...you always check how much they have "sold" or something. Someone that is established on the DIS is more reliable, hopefully, than someone with only a few posts. Since you are sending them money...that would be a big factor for me to check. However, they could be totally reputable!

 

[twinmum]

We still don't know if we are going on our trip as planned. We should leave in 31 days! YIKES! I haven't started planning anything. I have learned that there are Wish lounges at DL and DCA. Has anyone gone on their trip doing IV meds. We still aren't out of the hospital-12 days now! Dev had his port removed and now has a double PICC line. We will have at least 2 more weeks IV meds maybe more. GOOD NEWS!!!!! Dev's heart valve is looking better and won't have to be replaced!!!!! God is good! Dev is feeling better now. He still isn't eating or drinking enough to come off IV mantience. We are encouraging him with his trip.

Need serious help with planning!

DL and DCA?!?!? These are abbreviations we know, but not from Wish Trips, I'm afraid. Our son Mark brought us all along for his Wish Trip to DisneyWorld on November, 2008. Mark has cerebral palsy and related medical issues.

In December 2007, we went on a family trip - but not a Wish Trip - to Disneyland. We stayed at the grand Californian Hotel and had a marvellous time. It was wonderful to be able to walk from the hotel, through Downtown Disney and on to either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure...and the park hopping between...!!!

I realize that most folks here went to WDW/Orlando, so I'd be happy to help with DL/DCA if I can...just ask! Sorry, I don't know anything about Wish Lounges in Dl, but the ones at WDW were great. Didnt do IV meds, but Mark is in a wheelchair and also had some medical issues flare up -the CMs at first were ever do helpful.

Alison

 

[josabbimommy]

I've started my TR for my son who's going in May. We're a wish family and can't wait.

 

[littlewarriorsmom]

Two and a half weeks ...

Crocs for the whole family -- check! (BTW, they're on sale at Sports Authority.)
Ponchos for whole family -- check!

My laptop is still dead ... got a new hard drive put in, but my CD/DVD drive is dead. Who cares, right? That's what we thought, til I realized, Um, how am I going to install the operating system? Got a new one Saturday, but it was broken. Hoping the replacement will arrive Tuesday.

Okay, list:
Mini mister fans -- ordered. (Couldn't find them here.)

Going to Wally World this week to get fanny packs for everyone.

Big things yet to do:
Have to finish my paper on "Right Relationship" (seminary) to turn it in before we leave, and
Have to continue cramming Disboard facts and tips! Hmmm, wonder what grade I'll get in this class ...

BTW, Maroo, thank you thank you thank you for the spreadsheet!

Oh, and here's the press release about the "Katie's Kitchen," in case anyone didn't see it:
http://www.restaurantnewsresource.com/article36906.html

 

[BeckySob]

Two and a half weeks ...

Crocs for the whole family -- check! (BTW, they're on sale at Sports Authority.)
Ponchos for whole family -- check!

My laptop is still dead ... got a new hard drive put in, but my CD/DVD drive is dead. Who cares, right? That's what we thought, til I realized, Um, how am I going to install the operating system? Got a new one Saturday, but it was broken. Hoping the replacement will arrive Tuesday.

Okay, list:
Mini mister fans -- ordered. (Couldn't find them here.)

Going to Wally World this week to get fanny packs for everyone.

Big things yet to do:
Have to finish my paper on "Right Relationship" (seminary) to turn it in before we leave, and
Have to continue cramming Disboard facts and tips! Hmmm, wonder what grade I'll get in this class ...

BTW, Maroo, thank you thank you thank you for the spreadsheet!

Oh, and here's the press release about the "Katie's Kitchen," in case anyone didn't see it:
http://www.restaurantnewsresource.com/article36906.html

We've got 3 days and you're more prepared than I am!! Yikes!

 

[Andreaswish]

I have a couple more questions:


Where can I find a princess dress or a nice princess shirt for my daughter, she wears a size 10/12. I want it for when she goes to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover?? She loves to dress up and we are doing it at the downtown Disney location.

Does anyone know of any good hotels offsite to stay at?? I am hoping we are going to be able to extend our trip. So I will need one for Sunday night and one on Saturday night.

Where is a good place to prebuy Disney Trading Pins? I am planning on letting the kids do this (especially my Autistic son so he can have fun interacting with the CM's ) anyone have experience with this??

Thanks for the help in advance!!

I still have my fingers, toes and legs crossed - waiting for the MAW manager to give me the information whether we can extend our trip.

Diane

 

[LeeLee2U]

Thats Nice- Just wanted you to know We are Praying for your Daughter and for your family!

We still don't know if we are going on our trip as planned. We should leave in 31 days! YIKES! I haven't started planning anything. I have learned that there are Wish lounges at DL and DCA. Has anyone gone on their trip doing IV meds. We still aren't out of the hospital-12 days now! Dev had his port removed and now has a double PICC line. We will have at least 2 more weeks IV meds maybe more. GOOD NEWS!!!!! Dev's heart valve is looking better and won't have to be replaced!!!!! God is good! Dev is feeling better now. He still isn't eating or drinking enough to come off IV mantience. We are encouraging him with his trip.

Need serious help with planning!

So glad Dev is feeling better!! Praying for ya'll.

I've started my TR for my son who's going in May. We're a wish family and can't wait.

I'll see if I can find that TR. I might have to wait for MAROO. She'l the "HelpMeister"!!

I have a couple more questions:


Where can I find a princess dress or a nice princess shirt for my daughter, she wears a size 10/12. I want it for when she goes to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover?? She loves to dress up and we are doing it at the downtown Disney location.

Does anyone know of any good hotels offsite to stay at?? I am hoping we are going to be able to extend our trip. So I will need one for Sunday night and one on Saturday night.

Where is a good place to prebuy Disney Trading Pins? I am planning on letting the kids do this (especially my Autistic son so he can have fun interacting with the CM's ) anyone have experience with this??

Thanks for the help in advance!!

I still have my fingers, toes and legs crossed - waiting for the MAW manager to give me the information whether we can extend our trip.

Diane

We stayed onsite so I don't have any experience of the hotels in the area. However I know many of the chains. Have you looked on Priceline to see about getting a deal on there? I found a great deal at a DoubleTree for $67 and 1 at Comfort Inn Suites for $56. Comfort Inn offers a continental Breakfast also so that was a Plus. We are staying at hotels going and coming on our next trip so I'm keeping my options open.
I know others have stayed longer so you should have some opinions in soon!

 

[Corrine 1973]

I have a couple more questions:


Where can I find a princess dress or a nice princess shirt for my daughter, she wears a size 10/12. I want it for when she goes to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover?? She loves to dress up and we are doing it at the downtown Disney location.

I found a couple of diney dresses at Walmart but they were smaller sizes. Looking for dresses I found some intresting stuff on line. Check out Walmart.com (Not top of line disney dresses but good for dress up, I think they had bigger sizes on line and a couple of them were on sale for $15), of course check out the disney store (they are pricey) and also check out ebay( you can sometimes find good deals but make sure you buy from someone with high feed back score.) Other than that Walmart and target seem to have disney dresses and check out to see if you have any disney or disney outlet stores around. I am lucky enough to have a disney outlet store and they have dresses for $25 and I just bought a bunch of t-shirts between $3-$5.

Hope this helps.

 

[5dwarves]

Tomorrow my DD3 has her 3 month scans...... if you can please think of her or say a little prayer that everything will be ok. Thanks

Tim

You are in all our prayers for safe travel, an easy day and good news! Let us know how things went.

We still don't know if we are going on our trip as planned. We should leave in 31 days! YIKES! I haven't started planning anything. I have learned that there are Wish lounges at DL and DCA. Has anyone gone on their trip doing IV meds. We still aren't out of the hospital-12 days now! Dev had his port removed and now has a double PICC line. We will have at least 2 more weeks IV meds maybe more. GOOD NEWS!!!!! Dev's heart valve is looking better and won't have to be replaced!!!!! God is good! Dev is feeling better now. He still isn't eating or drinking enough to come off IV mantience. We are encouraging him with his trip.

Need serious help with planning!

So glad to here Dev is feeling better. I am also glad that the PICC lines are working out. I am sorry you are in an extended hospital stay. I know how much of a drag that can be! Hopefully you will be on your way home soon. If Dev is on meds at a certain time every day, you can use that time to explore the wish lounges. DL also has a first aid lounge (if I remember correctly from the 80s when I lived in Orange County.)

OK..thanks ladies!! I decided to pass....she had less posts than me! I don't want to somehow lose my photos!

I totally agree. Once pictures are gone, they are gone for good. Your Photopass CD will come in a DVD case and it stores nicely (and safely.) Wendygrace shared a photopass CD with someone, and it worked out okay, but if I remember correctly it took an extraordinarily long time before she was able to get to her pics.

I've started my TR for my son who's going in May. We're a wish family and can't wait.

Welcome to the Disboards and especially to the Wish thread. Let us know if there are any questions you have and how we can help!

We've got 3 days and you're more prepared than I am!! Yikes!

Now it is only 2 days ! Woo Hooo!!!!

I have a couple more questions:

Where can I find a princess dress or a nice princess shirt for my daughter, she wears a size 10/12. I want it for when she goes to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover?? She loves to dress up and we are doing it at the downtown Disney location.

Does anyone know of any good hotels offsite to stay at?? I am hoping we are going to be able to extend our trip. So I will need one for Sunday night and one on Saturday night.

Where is a good place to prebuy Disney Trading Pins? I am planning on letting the kids do this (especially my Autistic son so he can have fun interacting with the CM's ) anyone have experience with this??

Thanks for the help in advance!!

I still have my fingers, toes and legs crossed - waiting for the MAW manager to give me the information whether we can extend our trip.

Diane

Diane: How about a party store for the dress? Many times the displays there for princess birthday stuff also have tiaras and dresses. I would also check ebay. A very long time ago, one of the pattern companies had some awesome disney costumes (to include the heads of the dwarves and donald that were "sculpted" with wire and covered with fabric.) They were genuine Disney patterns and were perfect replicas. I think some of the pattern companies have them again (just not as detailed) and then again, you might be able to find the patterns on ebay. All that is contingent on you being able to sew or knowing someone who can. (Definintely not me...staple my hems kind of gal.)

I am with LeeLee on the hotels. Look at Priceline and travelocity. If you have a AAA or military discount that would help out too. There are hotels fairly close to GKTW. They have used hotels in the past when they were fully booked. They may have a relationship with some that will give you a better deal. Won't hurt to call.

I bought trading pins from ebay. I was very pleased. Several people have lots of multiple pins so you can get a lot of variety all at once. Be warned though that there are TONS of pins on ebay. It will be overwhelming to look at them all. You might want to pick out certain characters or themes. I liked the silhouettes of the characters and went after those.

~Elisa

 

[maroo]

HI guys!!!

We have another new Wish Trip Pre-Trip!!!

Make a Wish Sends Joseph to Disney!

I am so excited that we have all of these families to plan with!!

 

[maroo]

I've started my TR for my son who's going in May. We're a wish family and can't wait.

Woo Hoo!!! Welcome to the Wish Trippers Unite thread! Feel free to ask any questions and just jump right in on any discussion, etc.

My laptop is still dead ... got a new hard drive put in, but my CD/DVD drive is dead. Who cares, right? That's what we thought, til I realized, Um, how am I going to install the operating system?

Ok...that made me laugh! Sounds like a thought process I would have. I would get all the way to getting the software out of the case and then realize...DUH...won't work, Maroo.

BTW, Maroo, thank you thank you thank you for the spreadsheet!

You are very welcome!!!

For the new folks...I do an excel spreadsheet for any family going on a Wish Trip. PM me if you are interested. This is totally free and I can just email it to you. I try to do these about a month before you leave so that the park schedule is fairly set.

We've got 3 days and you're more prepared than I am!! Yikes!

Does anyone know of any good hotels offsite to stay at?? I am hoping we are going to be able to extend our trip. So I will need one for Sunday night and one on Saturday night.

Where is a good place to prebuy Disney Trading Pins? I am planning on letting the kids do this (especially my Autistic son so he can have fun interacting with the CM's ) anyone have experience with this??

Thanks for the help in advance!!

I still have my fingers, toes and legs crossed - waiting for the MAW manager to give me the information whether we can extend our trip.

Diane

Good luck on extending your trip!!!

I can't help with dresses...no kids and we got Lauren's at the BBB store because it was something MAW set up for her (part of her wish).

Hotels...there are LOTS and LOTS of hotels. It all depends on how nice and how much you want to spend. I have pictures on my current trip report...I think it is somewhere toward the beginning...of the hotel where I stayed. It was a good location (close to Disney), was fairly inexpensive (compared to Disney property), and has a full kitchen. I particularly like it for someone trying to sleep 5. It was not fancy, but it was clean and roomy!

I would check www.tripadvisor.com and search for some. I got a fairly good deal by just going through that site and letting the computer find me the best deal.

You can also check www.mousesavers.com. I have seen fantastic deals on their site. And they have rental cars for really cheap (I heard you can get a car for $10 a day?) but you have to "shop" for the good deals!

I'll see if I can find that TR. I might have to wait for MAROO. She'l the "HelpMeister"!!

I did post a link to the new pre-trippie!! So that you guys can all check it out and encourage this new DISer!

 

[chcmama]

I have a couple more questions:


Where can I find a princess dress or a nice princess shirt for my daughter, she wears a size 10/12. I want it for when she goes to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover?? She loves to dress up and we are doing it at the downtown Disney location.

Does anyone know of any good hotels offsite to stay at?? I am hoping we are going to be able to extend our trip. So I will need one for Sunday night and one on Saturday night.

Where is a good place to prebuy Disney Trading Pins? I am planning on letting the kids do this (especially my Autistic son so he can have fun interacting with the CM's ) anyone have experience with this??

Thanks for the help in advance!!

I still have my fingers, toes and legs crossed - waiting for the MAW manager to give me the information whether we can extend our trip.

Diane

I bought our pins on e-bay also. You do have to check their ratings and there is one kind of pin that isn't as good as others. All the pins should say Disney on the back I think I was told that if they say SESMA also to stay away from them. I asked on one of the boards for some tips on buying pins and they gave me some names of good sellers. The one I bought from was named mubunny. This seller only has stuff listed periodically. I don't remember the names of the others. But, I would suggest asking on one of the other boards and I'm sure you'll get some good information. My kids loved pin trading once they got into it.

 

[twinmum]

Good morning! It's great to see so many families who are busy planning!
(I want to go back too!)

I have been thinking of you and keep coming back to one - or maybe two - pieces of advice.

First, do your very best to accept that there is so much to do in/around Orlando that there is no way you can do it all. Focus on the absolute "must do's" for your family - all of you - and try to get them done. Everything else is icing on the cake. As you plan, focus on things that are unique to a Wish Trip: staying at GKTW (you can always visit, but you cannot stay), Wish Lounges, "magic button" access for character meets and queues, and so on. Convince yourself that WDW and Orlando will always be there and that you'll find a way to come back.

Second, and more importantly, open your heart to receive blessings from all directions. I was overwhelmed by the kindness of so many people we met: the volunteer "Angels" at GKTW, the CMs at the parks, just anyone who saw Mark's button and went out of their way to make this a special trip for all of us. All of us on this Wish Trippers thread (and our children) spend so much energy coping and bearing our loads with love and courage, and many of us do so without a lot of support. I know I have a really hard time asking for help, and often I feel guilty when I get it. To me, accepting help somehow means admitting that life is tough.

Prepare yourselves to bask in the support. Accept these blessings with grace. And give thanks for the goodness in all these people who take such joy from bringing a smile to your child's face and tears of happiness to your eyes. When life is easier, you'll find a way to reflect that goodness right back, but on the trip, accept the kindness, the empathy, the admiration and the support.

I suspect I won't be on the boards too much in the next few days - we are finally moving back into our house post-reno. Remember our son Mark who has cerebral palsy and uses a walker to get around? Today, for the first time ever in his life, our son Mark will be able to move around his home, through widened hallways, and using the elevator to get to his room and accessible bathroom. If he wants something from his room, he won't have to ask for help. He'll be able to get there himself. Finally, after 10 years of relying on others to get around, he'll have his independence. With all the practice possible, he should be able to master quad canes - a hug step forward.

Last night Mark was sad that we won't have "those special hugs when you carry me upstairs." I explained that now we'll have time for hugs that are simply "loving hugs" and not "lifting hugs." We're praying that Mark finds the strength to embrace this push towards independence and to open himself up to all the possibilities that present themselves.

I'll be back!
Alison

 

[5dwarves]

I suspect I won't be on the boards too much in the next few days - we are finally moving back into our house post-reno. Remember our son Mark who has cerebral palsy and uses a walker to get around? Today, for the first time ever in his life, our son Mark will be able to move around his home, through widened hallways, and using the elevator to get to his room and accessible bathroom. If he wants something from his room, he won't have to ask for help. He'll be able to get there himself. Finally, after 10 years of relying on others to get around, he'll have his independence. With all the practice possible, he should be able to master quad canes - a hug step forward.

Last night Mark was sad that we won't have "those special hugs when you carry me upstairs." I explained that now we'll have time for hugs that are simply "loving hugs" and not "lifting hugs." We're praying that Mark finds the strength to embrace this push towards independence and to open himself up to all the possibilities that present themselves.

I'll be back!
Alison

Alison:

How wonderful! I hope that the transition back into the new and improved house is a smooth one. I am sure that Mark will ease into the new routine. What a blessing for him to have a home that accomodates his mobility issues!

~Elisa

 

[maroo]

It would not let me quote it and make it huge...so here ya go...

Wish Trip Hints from twinmum...

First, do your very best to accept that there is so much to do in/around Orlando that there is no way you can do it all. Focus on the absolute "must do's" for your family - all of you - and try to get them done. Everything else is icing on the cake. As you plan, focus on things that are unique to a Wish Trip: staying at GKTW (you can always visit, but you cannot stay), Wish Lounges, "magic button" access for character meets and queues, and so on. Convince yourself that WDW and Orlando will always be there and that you'll find a way to come back.

Second, and more importantly, open your heart to receive blessings from all directions. I was overwhelmed by the kindness of so many people we met: the volunteer "Angels" at GKTW, the CMs at the parks, just anyone who saw Mark's button and went out of their way to make this a special trip for all of us. All of us on this Wish Trippers thread (and our children) spend so much energy coping and bearing our loads with love and courage, and many of us do so without a lot of support. I know I have a really hard time asking for help, and often I feel guilty when I get it. To me, accepting help somehow means admitting that life is tough.

Prepare yourselves to bask in the support. Accept these blessings with grace. And give thanks for the goodness in all these people who take such joy from bringing a smile to your child's face and tears of happiness to your eyes. When life is easier, you'll find a way to reflect that goodness right back, but on the trip, accept the kindness, the empathy, the admiration and the support.


I just think that needed to stand out a little more.

Today, for the first time ever in his life, our son Mark will be able to move around his home, through widened hallways, and using the elevator to get to his room and accessible bathroom. If he wants something from his room, he won't have to ask for help. He'll be able to get there himself. Finally, after 10 years of relying on others to get around, he'll have his independence. With all the practice possible, he should be able to master quad canes - a huge step forward.

This made me cry. There is nothing better than this, really. We all take so much for granted. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

 

[WishMom09]

twinmum.....I hope your son loves his improved home ...how awesome to be able to make your home completely accesable for him!

And your sweet comment about enjoying your wish trip and accepting the love and generosity with grace was so sweet...I needed to read that!
Thank you!

 

[tbelfonti]

Quick Question: Is there High Speed Access at GKTW (wireless or wired)? Thanks!!! 21 days!!!!

 

[5dwarves]

Quick Question: Is there High Speed Access at GKTW (wireless or wired)? Thanks!!! 21 days!!!!

Yes, but not in the villas. The arcade has wireless, and I believe there are a couple of other places as well. We had major problems with it though (spotty coverage once we finally found someone who could tell us the passwords to access it) , and ended up using dial up in the villa. We went 2 years ago, so this may have gotten better.

 

[Soon2B4]

Thanks to all. Her scans are at 8am. Tomorrow at about 11am can't come soon enough(we should be driving home by this time)

Sorry I am a little late....I hope all went well with her scans! Do they have to sedate her? I think that causes the worst anxiety for us. Then you sit on pins and needles waiting for the results.

I hate scans and hopefully Aidan's next set in Sept. are his last!

 

[that's nice]

Hi-
We are home now. Thanks to all for all the kinds words. Juliana had her x-ray, ultrasound, bloodwork and check up. As of now we still haven't heard back from the clinic with her results.

She was really tough with the bloodwork this time. We didn't tell her she was going till she woke up this morning. The first thing she asks after we tell her is if 'they are gonna take my blood'. She kept asking us the whole ride to the hospital. After her check-up she knew it was time. I was holding her while she was screaming and then she started kicking. I felt bad for Juliana and for the nurses too.

We are relaxing right now watching Pinocchio. Juliana got it for her birthday and this is her first time watching it...... Hopefully we will hear something by 5.

Tim