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

[josabbimommy]

Hi All,

I was wondering what kind of bag to bring to the parks and what essential items to put in there.

Does anyone know where the lockers are located at the parks and how much they cost?

We will be using a wheelchair so I maybe able to hook it on the wheelchair.

Any Advice??

Thanks,
Diane

I'd look at 5dwarves TR. She's extremely through with her pre-trip planning and included all kinds of lists for the bag. There are some other TR's that discuss doing WDW with a wheelchair that are informative.

As for the termination date, that just makes me mad. No one knows this, even in a healthy person.

As for the guilt part, it's hard to accept something that is free for me. I was scared when MAW called because I thought that the Child Life lady knew something about my son's diagnosis that I didn't. The first question I asked was "Is my son dying?" And that's when she explained to me that not all MAW children are dying. I've finally come to realize that my son deserves this. He's had an incredibly hard life and has dealt with things that no child ever should, and he deserves a little R&R.

 

[josabbimommy]

anyone know anything about the McD's on Disney property?
I heard that it's super expensive (compared to other McD's?)
is this true? and if so, is it worth it because it's a really cool McD's?

 

[jessica52877]

anyone know anything about the McD's on Disney property?
I heard that it's super expensive (compared to other McD's?)
is this true? and if so, is it worth it because it's a really cool McD's?

The McD's are more expensive then a regular one. There is nothing special about the one at Downtown Disney. The one by the Value All Star resorts is really cute on the outside but nothing special on the inside.

 

[josabbimommy]

Also, does anyone know anything about carseats and planes? Do I check them as luggage? Both my kids need seats according to Virginia law and I think Florida law, but I'm curious how I get them on the plane. I haven't flown in a long time (since before 9/11) and I know that the rules are a lot stricter. Any information would be useful.
Thanks!

 

[sammie girl]

Do u know of anyone who has went to GKTW with the dream factory?
We are going in June but haven't been told what to expect etc. Any help is appreciated. Thank you

 

[macntosh]

Also, does anyone know anything about carseats and planes? Do I check them as luggage? Both my kids need seats according to Virginia law and I think Florida law, but I'm curious how I get them on the plane. I haven't flown in a long time (since before 9/11) and I know that the rules are a lot stricter. Any information would be useful.
Thanks!

We took Aidan's carseat on the plane and strapped him in it. He is almost two. Mya we got a booster in Fl when we picked up the car. MAW provided it in the rental. It is safer on the plane for a small child in a car seat, but you know if it benifits your kids. The car rental does have seats, you could always call ahead and confirm.

 

[macntosh]

Hey guys, we are in the hospital. Aidan got a stomach bug and we couldn't keep him hydrated. We did the ER thing yesterday and are now going on our first, looking atleast at another. He is doing better and is quite active today. Not much fun in the hospital though, I get to hang out with a kid that doesn't really wish to be here and doesn't want to keep in an IV.

Not much fun at home for Naomi however. Mya has the same thing and started throwing up violantly last night, she however is urinating which we are told is a good sign.

 

[that's nice]

Also, does anyone know anything about carseats and planes? Do I check them as luggage? Both my kids need seats according to Virginia law and I think Florida law, but I'm curious how I get them on the plane. I haven't flown in a long time (since before 9/11) and I know that the rules are a lot stricter. Any information would be useful.
Thanks!

Flying with my DD we carried on her car seat and strapped it into the airplane seat. If you have a newer car seat last 8-9 years you should be all set. There is supposed to be a sticker on the seat saying it is FAA compliant. Flying 3 times in the last year on 2 different airlines, no one has ever asked to see the sticker. If you didn't want your child in the car seat you can gate check it for no cost. It doesn't go against your allotted baggage requirement. As far as the booster goes I would imagine you can gate check it as well... although I don't know for sure.

Hope this helps some.

Tim

 

[kdzbear]

I still dont understand MAW sometimes.....

Some chapters seem to only take terminal and others life threatening. I was under the impression that it was life threatening that qualified a child where-as it USED to only be terminal. Life threatening would not require a termination date, so I dont know what is happening.

Love
Mandy

Thank you to everyone for your sweet replies. I think the problem with my son's condition is that he is the only one in the world with it. Therefore, so little is known about it that it confuses Wish organizations that are used to common medical problems. I know it has been an issue with therapists, doctors, special needs preschool and every other aspect of his life. I guess I have just gotten used to fighting for him and his needs. I will try to start a pre-trip report tomorrow. I just returned home from camping with 50 girls (1st - 5th graders) and 14 parents this Sat. - Sun. and it started raining at 8 pm last night. I have 17 3rd and 4th graders in my troop with my oldest daughter. We were inside, but we had to get from building to building in the muck. The girls had a blast, but I need some sleep now! Thank you again for all of the nice and encouraging words.

 

[tbelfonti]

Also, does anyone know anything about carseats and planes? Do I check them as luggage? Both my kids need seats according to Virginia law and I think Florida law, but I'm curious how I get them on the plane. I haven't flown in a long time (since before 9/11) and I know that the rules are a lot stricter. Any information would be useful.
Thanks!

Boosters are NOT allowed to be used on planes - only the 3 pt or 5 pt harness ones. You can either carry your booster on or check it as luggage. Honestly - we bring ours on with us rather than trust the airline to take care of it. And renting them - um, I've heard HORROR stories about nasty car seats, but that may not be the case ...

Hey guys, we are in the hospital. Aidan got a stomach bug and we couldn't keep him hydrated. We did the ER thing yesterday and are now going on our first, looking atleast at another. He is doing better and is quite active today. Not much fun in the hospital though, I get to hang out with a kid that doesn't really wish to be here and doesn't want to keep in an IV.

Not much fun at home for Naomi however. Mya has the same thing and started throwing up violantly last night, she however is urinating which we are told is a good sign.

Feel better everyone! The stomach thing is going around our town. My nephew is on his way home from the ER because he's been sick since Tuesday...

 

[maroo]

Do u know of anyone who has went to GKTW with the dream factory?
We are going in June but haven't been told what to expect etc. Any help is appreciated. Thank you

I believe it is very similar to a MAW sponsored trip as far as what goes on at GKTW. You get the same tickets to the parks etc. I am not sure about the spending money etc and how that works.

 

[jessica52877]

Also, does anyone know anything about carseats and planes? Do I check them as luggage? Both my kids need seats according to Virginia law and I think Florida law, but I'm curious how I get them on the plane. I haven't flown in a long time (since before 9/11) and I know that the rules are a lot stricter. Any information would be useful.
Thanks!

Most airlines (if not all of them) have no rules involving carseats as far as if a child has to be in them or not. The main thing is a booster cannot be used on the airplane (so it has to have harness straps) and must be FAA approved. Make sure to look and know where the sticker is that says it is. It is usually written in red along with a bunch of other stuff around it. I have had someone ask on every flight to see the sticker.

I would highly suggest taking the carseats on the plane for the kids. Not sure of the age of your oldest but for sure the younger ones up to 4 or so. It makes their trip way more comfortable and they are used to it, not to mention it is safer. Most kids I know get in and fall right asleep. I still took mine on for my almost 6 year old.

Most airlines will allow you to check it as a piece of luggage without any fees (along with a stroller) but check the one you are flying for sure. If I had to check it I would gate check it so there is a much better chance of knowing it got on your plane.

 

[ndloewen]

Hey guys, we are in the hospital. Aidan got a stomach bug and we couldn't keep him hydrated. We did the ER thing yesterday and are now going on our first, looking atleast at another. He is doing better and is quite active today. Not much fun in the hospital though, I get to hang out with a kid that doesn't really wish to be here and doesn't want to keep in an IV.

Not much fun at home for Naomi however. Mya has the same thing and started throwing up violantly last night, she however is urinating which we are told is a good sign.

Uggg...sorry to hear that. Praying that this is a short visit and Aidan feels better soon. Praying Mya stays home!!

 

[ndloewen]

I would highly suggest taking the carseats on the plane for the kids. Not sure of the age of your oldest but for sure the younger ones up to 4 or so. It makes their trip way more comfortable and they are used to it, not to mention it is safer. Most kids I know get in and fall right asleep. I still took mine on for my almost 6 year old.

Most airlines will allow you to check it as a piece of luggage without any fees (along with a stroller) but check the one you are flying for sure. If I had to check it I would gate check it so there is a much better chance of knowing it got on your plane.

We have never taken our carseats on the plane (always checked them with no issues). I think our kids do way better without the carseats. They are able to move around, curl up in the seat and are happier than being strapped in for hours. Not to mention that we already carry on so much medical equipment...I can't imagine carrying car seats on too! That's just my kids though...other kids may feel more secure and happier in their own seats.

 

[sammie girl]

Hi I am new on here and still trying to figure this out.
I have a 7 year old daughter that was just approved for a wish through the Dream Factory. I don't know what to expect or what to bring, how much money do we need etc. I am sure we will find out eventually but our trip is in June and I am kinda complusive on making sure we have everything in line. I also have to keep my daughter on a pretty rigid schedule.
This will be our first vacation as a family since my daughter has been born and I am so looking forward to it. My daughter is so excited to go on an airplane with her dad. I can't wait but also I am kinda freaking on what to expect. Any help is much needed and appreciated. Thanks

 

[sammie girl]

needing ten posts in order to submit pic?

 

[sammie girl]

Why is this?

 

[sammie girl]

Post number 6 just trying to get to number 10 sorry about all the babble.

 

[sammie girl]

Patience please I am now on number 7.

 

[sammie girl]

I have to wait 40 seconds between posts. I am very bad at this computer stuff.