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

[Andreaswish]

We can not believe it!! We will be leaving in 3 days!!!! Any last words of wisdom or advice? I just can not believe it is finally here. It just seemed like yesterday when we first started our PTR and here we are ready to leave.

Hope you and your family have a great trip. Try to enjoy yourselves and be flexible.

Thanks for the card for Andrea, she loved receiving cards.

Have fun!!!!!

Diane

 

[HeatherN]

Hello! First off, thank you so much for the kind thoughts and prayers for Hannah.She is doing ok.We are home now.She spent a week in ICU at Children's hospital Boston(4 hours from our house)She is feeling much better now.We have a rented hospital bed set up in our living room for her so it is working out pretty well.The biggest issue is that darn cast.It will have to remain on for another two weeks at least.We go back to Boston then and they will do x rays to see how well she is healing.We are working on getting her up into a reclining wheelchair for short times and she does like that.Overall she is doing pretty well.If anyone wants to follow her story you can visit her carepage. http://www.carepages.com/carepages/HannahNichols

The page is a bit boring now, as we are just hanging around waiting for the cast to come off.I had some time while she was in the hospital to read some trip reports but things are getting crazy again around here.Hope all is well with everyone and all the trip planning is going smoothly.

 

[Mickydees]

By asking this I don't want to come across as being greedy. Our MAW child is 7. His two sisters (17 & 12) will be going also. Obviously they will want to ride some things the 7 year old will not want to ride. Are any allowances made for MAW siblings ridding without the MAW child? Just wondering what other families had experienced with this situation. Does GKTW provide any discount on MNSSHP? Just curious, any comments would be appreciated. There is an update on our PTR about Collin's latest chemo and how he is doing.

 

[josabbimommy]

I know that it has been quite a while but I have updated and finished my TR. I even included some video. I"m sorry that it has taken so long and I hope that everyone enjoys!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Question?

We have reservations for Chef Mickey's at 11:05 on Wednesday. Because we will be up late the night before I figured we would have a liesure morning and check out the pony rides. (Because of the reservation time I figured we would just do a quick snack for breakfast so not everyone is filled up when we get there.) We were going to head to Magic Kingdom after we eat.

So here is the question. Do we park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and take the monorail to the contemperary? Do we park at Magic Kingdom and walk to the contemperary and take the monorail back? Or do we park at the contemperary and just drive back to MK? Never been to Walt Disney World so I don't know what is best. I want it to be as smooth as a transition as possible so we aren't getting lost and taking away from our park time.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

Question?

We have reservations for Chef Mickey's at 11:05 on Wednesday. Because we will be up late the night before I figured we would have a liesure morning and check out the pony rides. (Because of the reservation time I figured we would just do a quick snack for breakfast so not everyone is filled up when we get there.) We were going to head to Magic Kingdom after we eat.

So here is the question. Do we park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and take the monorail to the contemperary? Do we park at Magic Kingdom and walk to the contemperary and take the monorail back? Or do we park at the contemperary and just drive back to MK? Never been to Walt Disney World so I don't know what is best. I want it to be as smooth as a transition as possible so we aren't getting lost and taking away from our park time.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Hello!

Haven't been on here in a while...but thought I would answer this one for you!! There is no parking lot per say for Magic Kingdom....it's parking lot is the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center). After you park, hop on the resort loop monorail. You will hit the Poly, GF, MK and then the Contemporary. You can take the same monorail back when you go to MK or you could walk, which I have heard is about a 15 minute walk. Personally, I like to take the monorail!!! When you head back to the TTC after you are done at MK, you can either take the direct monorail line to the TTC or the resort loop monorail. If you are leaving after Wishes, it will be jam packed on the direct line, but not so much on the resort side. We took the resort loop to the TTC after Wishes one night....def worth it cause it was not as packed!

Hope that helped! Have fun on your trip!

 

[Bill_Lin]

By asking this I don't want to come across as being greedy. Our MAW child is 7. His two sisters (17 & 12) will be going also. Obviously they will want to ride some things the 7 year old will not want to ride. Are any allowances made for MAW siblings ridding without the MAW child? Just wondering what other families had experienced with this situation. Does GKTW provide any discount on MNSSHP? Just curious, any comments would be appreciated. There is an update on our PTR about Collin's latest chemo and how he is doing.

For rides too intense for the wish child, we were able to bring the GAC to a CM at the ride who took us on in. For instance, when I wanted to ride TMRR with our DS 13, Lysi and Mom went to Tom Sawyer Island for some "wiggle" and move time. They played in the water area at IOA while DS and I went on Ripsaw Falls. Mom and DS went on some coasters while Lysi and I did non-line activities like playing on Popeye's Boat.

 

[2specialkids]

I know throughout the different trip reports and threads I've read different things Wish families do to say "Thanks" to CM's and others who are making this a memorable trip. Me, being who I am, forgot to mark the ideas I really liked. I know some families print out "Thank You!" on business type cards and there were other ideas too. I'd like to have a few so that I can say thanks to the people who are helping us out and something a little extra special for when someone really goes out of the way to make Nikolas' trip wonderful.

Any and all ideas are welcome...thanks!

 

[Bill_Lin]

Question?

We have reservations for Chef Mickey's at 11:05 on Wednesday. Because we will be up late the night before I figured we would have a liesure morning and check out the pony rides. (Because of the reservation time I figured we would just do a quick snack for breakfast so not everyone is filled up when we get there.) We were going to head to Magic Kingdom after we eat.

So here is the question. Do we park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and take the monorail to the contemperary? Do we park at Magic Kingdom and walk to the contemperary and take the monorail back? Or do we park at the contemperary and just drive back to MK? Never been to Walt Disney World so I don't know what is best. I want it to be as smooth as a transition as possible so we aren't getting lost and taking away from our park time.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

I highly recommend checking out WDW on Google Earth. You can check out the relative location of GKTW, the theme parks and highways. Then, zoom in to MK and see a virtual reality tour of that park. It is well worth the download time to install the program.

 

[Bill_Lin]

I know throughout the different trip reports and threads I've read different things Wish families do to say "Thanks" to CM's and others who are making this a memorable trip. Me, being who I am, forgot to mark the ideas I really liked. I know some families print out "Thank You!" on business type cards and there were other ideas too. I'd like to have a few so that I can say thanks to the people who are helping us out and something a little extra special for when someone really goes out of the way to make Nikolas' trip wonderful.

Any and all ideas are welcome...thanks!

Business size cards are best. They are easier to pack around and easier for the CMs to pocket. Most folks include graphics relevant to the specific park on the cards for that park. These cards are referred to as Pixie Dust cards becuase the CM has added magic to your day.

Many CMs check out this thread, so post your praises here as well. It is great if you can get the name from their badge and mention the attraction where they work.

 

[Bill_Lin]

I want to remind everyone that there are GKTW groups on Facebook where you can get in touch with GKTW volunteers (to thank them) and former or upcoming wish trippers.

 

[maroo]

By asking this I don't want to come across as being greedy. Our MAW child is 7. His two sisters (17 & 12) will be going also. Obviously they will want to ride some things the 7 year old will not want to ride. Are any allowances made for MAW siblings ridding without the MAW child? Just wondering what other families had experienced with this situation. Does GKTW provide any discount on MNSSHP? Just curious, any comments would be appreciated. There is an update on our PTR about Collin's latest chemo and how he is doing.

You don't sound like you are coming across as being greedy at all...

In fact - I would strongly encourage you to use your GKTW button and GAC as much as possible on your trip!

Make sure the CM at each attraction and restaurant and everywhere knows you are here on a wish trip - they will accomodate you guys!

Some want to see the button, some want to see the GAC - but they will all take care of you!

Question?

We have reservations for Chef Mickey's at 11:05 on Wednesday. Because we will be up late the night before I figured we would have a liesure morning and check out the pony rides. (Because of the reservation time I figured we would just do a quick snack for breakfast so not everyone is filled up when we get there.) We were going to head to Magic Kingdom after we eat.

So here is the question. Do we park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and take the monorail to the contemperary? Do we park at Magic Kingdom and walk to the contemperary and take the monorail back? Or do we park at the contemperary and just drive back to MK? Never been to Walt Disney World so I don't know what is best. I want it to be as smooth as a transition as possible so we aren't getting lost and taking away from our park time.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Normally this is not allowed...but show them your button at the Contemporary parking lot and they will let you park there. Lucas' Mom just did that this week (and are doing it again tomorrow) and it worked very well for them!

The rest of the world should not do this - but on your wish trip - feel free!

 

[maroo]

I have been the thread operator for this thread for about 9 months. And I have read about many wonderful, magical moments for our wish kids...

Every single trip seems to have a moment - something not really planned, maybe - something a Cast Member did - something at Give Kids the World - or even Universal - SOMETHING - that the family will never, ever forget.


As many of you guys know...Lucas' family is in Disney World right now. In fact, I just left them at DHS - and they are enjoying themselves!

But yesterday - yesterday morning - was a completely magical morning for his family. And I was able to be there.

I have met several wish families in person. I love meeting you guys when I get the chance!

But I have never been able to witness a wish being granted - until yesterday.

I am going to do a separate trip report - from my point of view, but hopefully including pictures from every camera we can find - of his wish being granted yesterday morning.


Lucas Gets His Wish


Every wish trip is different - and I have never seen the "same" magical moment on any trip. Lauren was the "Princess of the Day" at DHS. Jake got to go backstage on "Tower of Terror" ride. Dilly got to meet ALL of the Power Rangers and ride in their car!

And Lucas had a magical morning - mostly due to the generosity of an anonymous DISer - and we definitely want to share it will all of the wish families! Feel free to join us for this short trip report! It will only cover a few hours of his trip.

 

[Mickydees]

Thank you for the replies to my question on siblings of our wish child. Your information was very helpful. All the advice here is going to make our trip truly magical. For those of you following Collin, he is not doing very good right now. I'm putting an update on our PTR. Right now just hoping he'll be better by our trip next month.

 

[wkualum]

Woo Hoooo!!!

We leave one month from today! Time has been going by so slow yet so fast at the same time!

 

[Corrine 1973]

As of tomarrow morning we only have two days left until Liam's wonderful wish trip. I must admite that I am completly franticed right now that I am going to forget something. Any last minute advice for us first time Walt Disney trippers would be extreamly appriciated and welcomes. Come to think of it, anyone have any good advice for taking 3 young kids on a plane for the first time. Liam is the only one who has been on a plane before and he was 2. I am bring coloring books, crayon rollups (thankyou big give), Leapsters for the younger kids and a nintendo ds for Liam.

 

[cajunfan]

Sounds like you have things cover pretty well for the plane Corrine! Maybe some snacks (remeber the liquid/gel regulations for carry on luggage) Ear plugs, gum and lollipops...things to help their ears pop if they have issues...

Best thing to do is prepare them for what they will go through...like going through security...having to take shoes off...maybe have them all wear socks...even with sandels if they are squeamish about those things. That tehy will have to go through the metal detector by them selves. Remind them that the plane may be loud and bumpy especially when it takes off and lands...and that it is importatnt that they stay buckled in their seat while the plan is moving! All basic things to frequent flyers, but just talk to the kids so that they know what to expect. Is your brother not going with you now? I hope he still is, so that you have some help. Especially since the seats are usually only three per side.

Have FUN!!!!!

Lynn

 

[GlassSlippers]

As of tomarrow morning we only have two days left until Liam's wonderful wish trip. I must admite that I am completly franticed right now that I am going to forget something. Any last minute advice for us first time Walt Disney trippers would be extreamly appriciated and welcomes. Come to think of it, anyone have any good advice for taking 3 young kids on a plane for the first time. Liam is the only one who has been on a plane before and he was 2. I am bring coloring books, crayon rollups (thankyou big give), Leapsters for the younger kids and a nintendo ds for Liam.

Hi Corrine!

It's only a two and a half hour or so flight, so you shouldn't need too much to occupy the kidlets. Pipe cleaners are fun to make things out of, won't make a mess and if they get dropped or lost it's no big deal. Some snacks might be good. Perhaps some Goldfish crackers or their favorite dry cereal in snack size ziploc bags. I do have a park suggestion though. The water at Disney tastes terrible. It's full of sulfur which won't hurt you, but it sure tastes and smells bad! If you have access to bottled water at GKTW that you can take along to the parks, I'd sure do it! Or take empty re-usable sport bottles and fill them there before you head out each day.

Hope this helps! Oh! And tell the kids that their friends at the Disney Store hope they have a Magical Trip!

Lori

 

[Corrine 1973]

Sounds like you have things cover pretty well for the plane Corrine! Maybe some snacks (remeber the liquid/gel regulations for carry on luggage) Ear plugs, gum and lollipops...things to help their ears pop if they have issues...

Best thing to do is prepare them for what they will go through...like going through security...having to take shoes off...maybe have them all wear socks...even with sandels if they are squeamish about those things. That tehy will have to go through the metal detector by them selves. Remind them that the plane may be loud and bumpy especially when it takes off and lands...and that it is importatnt that they stay buckled in their seat while the plan is moving! All basic things to frequent flyers, but just talk to the kids so that they know what to expect. Is your brother not going with you now? I hope he still is, so that you have some help. Especially since the seats are usually only three per side.

Have FUN!!!!!

Lynn

He is still coming. Couldn't do it with out him. He actually called me the other day and when I saw it was him I started freaking out thinking he was going to cancel on me at the last minute. He just wanted to confirm that the checked baggage was going to cost $15.

Hi Corrine!

It's only a two and a half hour or so flight, so you shouldn't need too much to occupy the kidlets. Pipe cleaners are fun to make things out of, won't make a mess and if they get dropped or lost it's no big deal. Some snacks might be good. Perhaps some Goldfish crackers or their favorite dry cereal in snack size ziploc bags. I do have a park suggestion though. The water at Disney tastes terrible. It's full of sulfur which won't hurt you, but it sure tastes and smells bad! If you have access to bottled water at GKTW that you can take along to the parks, I'd sure do it! Or take empty re-usable sport bottles and fill them there before you head out each day.

Hope this helps! Oh! And tell the kids that their friends at the Disney Store hope they have a Magical Trip!

Lori

Thanks Lori. I will definatly tell them that.

 

[2specialkids]

I have a quick question...are the Disney passes from GKTW single day or park hopper? (I'm trying to figure out how many passes we'll need for my mom)

oh, and have a great trip Liam!!