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

[OrangeRabbit]

I have heard of so many wish families having great luck with just a walk up (no reservation). So if you don't have any luck with CM, I'd try the walk up with your special button.

We did a walk up for the Castle at lunch and got in!!! O.K., we did a walk-up, they said "come back in ten minutes and we'll know" and THEN we got in

 

[ndloewen]

Nichole... Gosh, everyone is on here tonight!!

How is Noah doing?

He's doing ok, which is why I'm on here tonight. I did update his blog with more details. Just love hanging out here...reliving those disney memories!! Oh, I just added to my trip report too!!

 

[Andreaswish]

Your friends are in my thoughts and prayers. My dd has a heart defect and has had two surgeries and is due to have another one this summer and we will find out in May what is planned. We have been told if her heart isn't strong enough she could possible need a transplant. Very scary

Diane

No offense taken. I agree with you ten fold.

Nothing to do with my pre- wish trip but I know there will be those here who will understand. A close friend of mine's son was born with a heart condition. He was due to have a surgery in March but it was cancelled because they feared he would not survive the surgery. My friend has just been notified that her son will need a heart transplant. This poor little boy has already had 3 surgeries and is not yet 4. I would appriciate everyone keeping him in their thoughts so that he to will be able to go on a wish trip.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Andreaswish]

Hello I am a fellow Heart Mom and wanted to let you know I am praying for Dev and your family.

Diane

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!

 

[Andreaswish]

Thanks for the advice. I wanted to let you know your TR is wonderful. How is your family doing?? Thanks again.

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![/QUOTE]

 

[Andreaswish]

Rather New to here and I just wanted to say great news

Once again.. Thanks to all for thinking of Juliana.

I just got off the phone with her nurse and everything looks good! It is such a relief!

 

[Andreaswish]

I am glad you have a diagnosis - great news

We also got news from the Dr today! We finally have a diagnosis for Caleb...after 8 1/2 years! He has Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy ! Which is a slow progressive, VERY RARE form of MD. His Dr has only seen 15 other patients with this form of MD. And about 1/2 of them are still walking on their own. We are just so relieved to finally have a diagnosis![/QUOTE]

 

[maroo]

We did a walk up for the Castle at lunch and got in!!! O.K., we did a walk-up, they said "come back in ten minutes and we'll know" and THEN we got in

WOW!! That is totally awesome. I have never heard of someone walking up to the Castle lunch. Fabulous!!!!

You are back!!!! How was it?

Let us know if you start a trip report and we can link it here!! I hope you do!

He's doing ok, which is why I'm on here tonight. I did update his blog with more details. Just love hanging out here...reliving those disney memories!! Oh, I just added to my trip report too!!

I am so glad that he is stable enough for you guys to be at home.

And I love your updates!!! I read it on my iPhone this morning, but I need to go over there and comment, too. Love it.

Doing that TR, especially so soon after you get back, will help preserve those memories, too!!!

Thank you for sharing them with us!

 

[5dwarves]

WOW!! That is totally awesome. I have never heard of someone walking up to the Castle lunch. Fabulous!!!!

You are back!!!! How was it?

Let us know if you start a trip report and we can link it here!! I hope you do!



I am so glad that he is stable enough for you guys to be at home.

And I love your updates!!! I read it on my iPhone this morning, but I need to go over there and comment, too. Love it.

Doing that TR, especially so soon after you get back, will help preserve those memories, too!!!

Thank you for sharing them with us!

Wendygrace walked up to CRT. They saw Michael's GKTW button and asked them to wait a minute while they made room for them. Cinderella came up to the front and spent a considerable amount of time with them as well. Every wish family who does a walk up might not get in, just depending on the day, but if you found out about your wish too late to be one of the people who is on the phone at 7:00am EST 6 months beforehand, then give the walk up a try.

So glad to read all the good news on the Dis this morning when I got up. I know there are a bunch of thankful parents out there right now!

 

[BeckySob]

Hey all.

It's great to see the power of Gods hands at work. Lots of amazing news on here!

Just wanted to say, I am sorry if I offended anyone with my screen-name. It has been brought to my attention that it doesn't "look" good. Just wanted to let you know that it's my first name and the first 3 letters of my last name. Worst yet, is my initials are bs. Should I be so lucky. Should have kept my maiden name after all. With that said....

We leave in two days. Is it wrong of me to not be packed yet!!! I did find a bag tho! It's like a fanny pack, but big enough to carry diaper wipes and diapers, 2 bottles of water, camera, wallet, etc. I'm not a fan of fanny packs so we'll see.

Question:
Are there rules about parents leaving kids at GKTW in the evening in the villa so me and hubby can check out Disney Boardwalk. My son will be 14 and babysits for us at home. Didn't know if they had a rule against that? Obviously the lil ones will be sleeping by then. Can't do the parents night out because our youngest is 2 and is still in diapers. Rule is they have to be 3 and potty trained. Not a big deal if its a no go. Just thought it would be nice.

 

[maroo]

Just wanted to say, I am sorry if I offended anyone with my screen-name. It has been brought to my attention that it doesn't "look" good. Just wanted to let you know that it's my first name and the first 3 letters of my last name. Worst yet, is my initials are bs. Should I be so lucky. Should have kept my maiden name after all. With that said....

We leave in two days. Is it wrong of me to not be packed yet!!! I did find a bag tho! It's like a fanny pack, but big enough to carry diaper wipes and diapers, 2 bottles of water, camera, wallet, etc. I'm not a fan of fanny packs so we'll see.

Question:
Are there rules about parents leaving kids at GKTW in the evening in the villa so me and hubby can check out Disney Boardwalk. My son will be 14 and babysits for us at home. Didn't know if they had a rule against that? Obviously the lil ones will be sleeping by then. Can't do the parents night out because our youngest is 2 and is still in diapers. Rule is they have to be 3 and potty trained. Not a big deal if its a no go. Just thought it would be nice.

Why would your name be offensive? What am I missing?

Oh good grief. It just hit me. I think it would be rude to have Becky followed by CAPITOL letters. ...that would not be nice. But I had not even noticed.

I don't think GKTW is going to check on you to make sure you are there. If your 14 year old usually babysits, I don't think they will have a problem with that? And I think they don't do the parents night out thing anymore...not enough regular interest.

Wendygrace walked up to CRT. They saw Michael's GKTW button and asked them to wait a minute while they made room for them. Cinderella came up to the front and spent a considerable amount of time with them as well. Every wish family who does a walk up might not get in, just depending on the day, but if you found out about your wish too late to be one of the people who is on the phone at 7:00am EST 6 months beforehand, then give the walk up a try.

So glad to read all the good news on the Dis this morning when I got up. I know there are a bunch of thankful parents out there right now!

That is so cool about the walk up!! I had no idea!

And the good news was music to all of our ears!

 

[5dwarves]

Hey all.

It's great to see the power of Gods hands at work. Lots of amazing news on here!

Just wanted to say, I am sorry if I offended anyone with my screen-name. It has been brought to my attention that it doesn't "look" good. Just wanted to let you know that it's my first name and the first 3 letters of my last name. Worst yet, is my initials are bs. Should I be so lucky. Should have kept my maiden name after all. With that said....

We leave in two days. Is it wrong of me to not be packed yet!!! I did find a bag tho! It's like a fanny pack, but big enough to carry diaper wipes and diapers, 2 bottles of water, camera, wallet, etc. I'm not a fan of fanny packs so we'll see.

Question:
Are there rules about parents leaving kids at GKTW in the evening in the villa so me and hubby can check out Disney Boardwalk. My son will be 14 and babysits for us at home. Didn't know if they had a rule against that? Obviously the lil ones will be sleeping by then. Can't do the parents night out because our youngest is 2 and is still in diapers. Rule is they have to be 3 and potty trained. Not a big deal if its a no go. Just thought it would be nice.

Becky:

I think there are guidelines in place for leaving kids in the villa, but I don't remember what they are. I think there is something in the bunny book about it, and you can ask at orientation. On Parent's night out they require parents to stay on GKTW property so even if your 2 year old was out of diapers, it still wouldn't suit you. I don't know what FL law requires for babysitting. Where I am the youngest age for a sitter is 15. If your oldest can't sit for you, maybe there is a retiree volunteer who could. Not sure what GKTW allows though.

Have fun packing! My biggest challenge is getting all the laundry done for my family of 7 and then the packing is easy. Hope you have a wonderful time!

~Elisa

 

[Andreaswish]

YAH!!! I have finally made it to the end of this thread. Now I can start working on all the pre-trip reports and trip reports.

Has anyone used Earplanes for yourself or kids on the plane?? I heard they help with pressure in the ears while taking off and landing.

I looked at the Disney store for princess dresses no luck on her size. I think I will look on ebay otherwise I will get her a nice shirt or t-shirt with a princess or princesses on them.

Is it true that there is a makeover type spa for kids at GKTW?? If so I may think of cancelling the one at Downtown Disney.

Where is the best place to get inexpensive souveniors? or where is your favorite place for souveniors???

Is the Big Give a random thing?? or does everyone get this??

Thanks again for all your help everyone,

Diane

 

[keetmommy]

Becky:

I think there are guidelines in place for leaving kids in the villa, but I don't remember what they are. I think there is something in the bunny book about it, and you can ask at orientation. On Parent's night out they require parents to stay on GKTW property so even if your 2 year old was out of diapers, it still wouldn't suit you. I don't know what FL law requires for babysitting. Where I am the youngest age for a sitter is 15. If your oldest can't sit for you, maybe there is a retiree volunteer who could. Not sure what GKTW allows though.

Have fun packing! My biggest challenge is getting all the laundry done for my family of 7 and then the packing is easy. Hope you have a wonderful time!

~Elisa

I am really wondering about this, our 13 year old babysits all the time for us, we wouldn't want to go far...but even running to wal-mart is easier with out the gang..

 

[llurgy]

Hey all.

It's great to see the power of Gods hands at work. Lots of amazing news on here!

Just wanted to say, I am sorry if I offended anyone with my screen-name. It has been brought to my attention that it doesn't "look" good. Just wanted to let you know that it's my first name and the first 3 letters of my last name. Worst yet, is my initials are bs. Should I be so lucky. Should have kept my maiden name after all. With that said....

We leave in two days. Is it wrong of me to not be packed yet!!! I did find a bag tho! It's like a fanny pack, but big enough to carry diaper wipes and diapers, 2 bottles of water, camera, wallet, etc. I'm not a fan of fanny packs so we'll see.

Question:
Are there rules about parents leaving kids at GKTW in the evening in the villa so me and hubby can check out Disney Boardwalk. My son will be 14 and babysits for us at home. Didn't know if they had a rule against that? Obviously the lil ones will be sleeping by then. Can't do the parents night out because our youngest is 2 and is still in diapers. Rule is they have to be 3 and potty trained. Not a big deal if its a no go. Just thought it would be nice.

I did see your username and it did sound a bit wierd at first, the curse word way(btw....did not bother me because knew it wasnt intentional ), but mostly I see your username as someone cally becky who is always crying/sobbing

 

[Momto2redheads]

I
Is it true that there is a makeover type spa for kids at GKTW?? If so I may think of cancelling the one at Downtown Disney.

Where is the best place to get inexpensive souveniors? or where is your favorite place for souveniors???


Yes, there is a "spa" in the Castle now. When you go to the check-in center, there will be a book that you can schedule your session. We didn't have a chance to do it, but I know they advertise nails, hair, tatoos, massage and a photo session. Sounded fun!

Walmart is the hands down cheapest place to go. Their Disney section is quite large. There is also a Target very near GKTW that sells Disney stuff. There are a number of cheap touristy type stores on 192 right by GKTW that sells some Disney. (Probably knock-offs) There is a Disney outlet store really close as well. The "Bunny" book has been replaced with a new GKTW book, updated in March. There are directions in the book to get to a number of stores in the area.

The GKTW Guide was our bible on the trip. It gives very clear direction to all of the parks, in addition to some other attractions, stores, and restaurants. After memorizing the front section that talks about GKTW, I kept the book in the van and referred to it often to get around.

By the way, someone mentioned that the Parents/Kids Night Out has been cancelled. If it was, then they brought it back. It is on two nights. We did not use it. Although this isn't the reason that we didn't use it, I did notice that your child has to be able to communicate in order to stay, as well as being potty-trained. You need to sign up in advance for this, as well.

Hope this helps.

Tammy B

 

[maroo]

Walmart is the hands down cheapest place to go. Their Disney section is quite large. There is also a Target very near GKTW that sells Disney stuff. There are a number of cheap touristy type stores on 192 right by GKTW that sells some Disney. (Probably knock-offs) There is a Disney outlet store really close as well. The "Bunny" book has been replaced with a new GKTW book, updated in March. There are directions in the book to get to a number of stores in the area.

The GKTW Guide was our bible on the trip. It gives very clear direction to all of the parks, in addition to some other attractions, stores, and restaurants. After memorizing the front section that talks about GKTW, I kept the book in the van and referred to it often to get around.

By the way, someone mentioned that the Parents/Kids Night Out has been cancelled. If it was, then they brought it back. It is on two nights. We did not use it. Although this isn't the reason that we didn't use it, I did notice that your child has to be able to communicate in order to stay, as well as being potty-trained. You need to sign up in advance for this, as well.

Hope this helps.

Tammy B

Thank you, Thank you!!!!

I am so glad they brought back Parent's Night Out!!

Which two nights was it on?

Do you have the schedule at GKTW? Do you mind PM'g me with that info (I don't want to ruin any surprises here!) It will help me with my planners.

 

[5dwarves]

I am really wondering about this, our 13 year old babysits all the time for us, we wouldn't want to go far...but even running to wal-mart is easier with out the gang..

My older kids both babysit for me when I have to run out. The age is dependent on each individual state and their state laws. I don't know what the guidelines are in FL, and I also don't know what GKTW "allows" based on their potential liability and the special needs of some of their kids. I do recall that the bunny book talks about it or they mention it in the orientation. I agree though...maneuvering any store is very difficult with kids in tow. When I had three in diapers at the same time, I would go grocery shopping after the kids' bedtime and leave dad in charge. Soooo much easier that way.

 

[merneric]

I know that Fantasmic is a very popular show. Does the GKTW button allow for priority seating for this show? I hear it is something we should definitely see, but asking Sam (wish kid) to wait 60 minutes for something would probably make the show not worth it...if you know what I mean...
Also, does staying at GKTW allow for the "Extra Magic Hours" or is that only for resort guests??
Mary Anne

 

[merneric]

I have tried to PM you, but I guess I am too much of a newbie...
We have a wish trip planned for June 22-28. I am a nervous wreck. As much as I would love to be a planner, I am just not. Any tips on things I should do at this point would be much appreciated. We would like to do a nice meal or 2. We have never done a character meal, but think it sounds like fun. I was thinking Chef Mickey's? We would really like to be able to see Fantasmic. I don't want to miss the Christmas Party at GKTW and we would really like to do Universal Studios at least one day.
I can't believe how overwhelming the planning part is...
Thanks,
Mary Anne (35)
Eric (36)
Rachael (15)
Emily (11)
Sarah (10)
Samuel **Wish Kid** (8)