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

[maroo]

Yep...we have no vaccine here either. Even as a part of the high risk population we can't get it. I spent the morning making calls. Then I picked up Melia from preschool and she was lethargic with a fever, cough, and headache. I had some Tamiflu still and started her on it, then she started puking.

I really hate this...

Praying for you guys.

Keep us updated.

 

[Soon2B4]

Yep...we have no vaccine here either. Even as a part of the high risk population we can't get it. I spent the morning making calls. Then I picked up Melia from preschool and she was lethargic with a fever, cough, and headache. I had some Tamiflu still and started her on it, then she started puking.

I really hate this...

I found it through our health dept, but who knows what kind of lines I am going to find when I go on Thurs. They said first come, first serve. I seriously hope they turn away people who aren't high risk. I am not trying to be mean when I say that, but it is so hard to find the vaccine. I also preregistered to help cut down my wait time.

 

[chrissid7]

Yep...we have no vaccine here either. Even as a part of the high risk population we can't get it. I spent the morning making calls. Then I picked up Melia from preschool and she was lethargic with a fever, cough, and headache. I had some Tamiflu still and started her on it, then she started puking.

I really hate this...

I am praying for you guys as well. This is such a scary time, and all we can do is pray for our childrens safety. I got a call over the weekend that a friends of mine her son started getting sick on his 12th B-day and ended up with fever so high he had a seizure, he has never had 1 before, again swine flu! Hoping for speedy recoveries and safety for those who havent gotten it!

 

[CrystalSnow]

Steph: Yikes. First come first served sounds daunting--I hope you all can get it. Unfortunately, they aren't doing that here in Colorado and they have no more vaccine and no appts. And they won't let you travel to another city either. You have to get it according to your zip code, but there isn't any of it. Seriously, no one has any idea what's going on here.

And for those who are still trying to find it, I think the best option is to call your county health department. I was looking info everywhere from the CDC to calling our pedi, but couldn't get any specific info on who would have the vaccine and when.

So far, Melia is hanging in there. She has a headache, cough, runny nose, fever, upset stomach, and some lethargy, but she is doing pretty well when she's on Tylenol. It wore off last night though and she was burning up, heart racing, fast breathing. I had to try really hard to stay calm. Hopefully, the Tamiflu will start working FAST!

 

[2specialkids]

I just found out that our health department got a supply of H1N1 vaccines but they were first come first served and they didn't restrict to high(er) risk populations. Guess what...they're out. They took reservations if you were lucky enough to call in when they had it. They didn't advertise it.
Now my kids are both sick (& on Tamiflu) and I'm getting over bronchitis so none of us are eligible for this round anyway. We're not sure which strain of flu they have but since my kids had seasonal flu shots about 10 days ago I'd bet DD, DS & DNephew all have H1N1. My kids are not getting very sick (thank you Lord!) so I'm hoping we got the meds early enough. I'd love for them to build the immunity before we go so they get to enjoy the trip and we're less likely to bring it home.
I talked to our health dept and they say to just call every day or 2 and they can tell us when the next one gets there. It's crazy that they aren't even given a timeline for delivery. (I used to think they were not being totally honest when they say that until I worked for a local doc and I couldn't get a delivery guesstimate either.) She did say that most likely they won't have it until early to mid November. So when we get back I'll call daily for my kids and myself-DH "declines". Personally since Tamiflu is over $100 here-I'll take the vaccine.
Health prayers are going up from here for all our families!

 

[Soon2B4]

Steph: Yikes. First come first served sounds daunting--I hope you all can get it. Unfortunately, they aren't doing that here in Colorado and they have no more vaccine and no appts. And they won't let you travel to another city either. You have to get it according to your zip code, but there isn't any of it. Seriously, no one has any idea what's going on here.

And for those who are still trying to find it, I think the best option is to call your county health department. I was looking info everywhere from the CDC to calling our pedi, but couldn't get any specific info on who would have the vaccine and when.

So far, Melia is hanging in there. She has a headache, cough, runny nose, fever, upset stomach, and some lethargy, but she is doing pretty well when she's on Tylenol. It wore off last night though and she was burning up, heart racing, fast breathing. I had to try really hard to stay calm. Hopefully, the Tamiflu will start working FAST!

I hope the best for Melia. I have to ask since we both have babies (I have a 5 mo), what are you going to do about your little one? Do you know if they can get the Tamiflu? I have been wondering if one of us comes down with it, if they will give us all a RX for Tamiflu. I am hoping I can get a shot for Aidan and myself on Thurs and send my DH on Saturday. The baby will have to wait until Nov. 3 when he is 6 months.

Edit: I called my pediatrician to find out about the Tamiflu. At first the nurse said no about my youngest, but then she looked at Aidan's history. She said given his medical history, they may give Ian tamiflu. She is going to verify with the doctor. I also tried to see if they would give Ian a shot if he was 10 days short of 6 months and she said no. Can't blame me for trying!

 

[ahkeela]

We leave in 3 days and I finally (with maroo's help) created a schedule/plan! I have been staying up late reading trip reports and scouring the Disney World site. Nothing like waiting til the last minute! The trip always just seemed so far away, yet now here it is! lol Anyway, I put the schedule in our pre-trip report if anyone wants to see it.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2195434
Hope I'm not overdoing it!! I think we will have enough time for it all, especially since we are extending our trip a few days. It's the time change on the first couple of days that I worry about!

Can anyone give me suggestions on photo's? What is the best way to have photos done? I saw in someone's trip report they had a professional photographer with them, is that through Disney? Would love something like that since it seems my husband is always taking the pictures and never in them!

I would also like to do Character dining in or outside of the park, any recommendations?

I'm sure I have more questions, but that is all I can think of right now.
Thank you so much!
Debi

 

[MomTo4+more]

Deyki can't get the flu shot because of his allergy. They can't give him the nasal spray because it could cause flu in a sickle cell child. We have appointments right after we get back from our Wish Trip to get everyone else immunized. Lots of hand sanitizer seems the best I can do for him. Masks on the plane sound like a good idea, but he absolutely hates wearing them. I am trying not to be nervous about it, but it's hard not to be.

My friend's 12 year old son was diagnosed with H1N1 today. Now her 2 year old grandson is showing the same symptoms. She can't even be there with them because she is in the PICU with her 11 month old. The baby has severe respiratory distress and the last thing he needs is her bringing H1N1 from home.

One of my toddlers was diagnsed with bronchitis today. I just keep hoping Deyki and the girls stay well for our trip. Our wish granter called today. She is sending out our itenerary and the cash card. They will be coming to bring gifts for the kids and discuss it all with us early next week. The mix of excitement and concern I feel right now is somewhat confusing!

 

[CrystalSnow]

Steph: There really doesn't seem to be any consensus. My baby (Juniper) came down with the flu right when we were supposed to be leaving for Melia's MAW. Anyway, urgent care was torn on whether to give her Tamiflu (this was on a Sunday) and finally decided not to. But the next day her Pedi wrote a script for it. It is usually for kids over a year old, but there is an "emergency" protocol that has gone into effect because of H1N1 that approves it for younger. Anyway, we actually only gave her two doses because her fever had already broke and I was worried about giving it to her.

But now Melia is on it while she battles H1N1. I would make sure you have a plan in place to get the Tamiflu while in Florida...just in case. Oh, and I also talked to our pedi about giving the baby a flu shot before 6 months. She was willing to do it a week or two early--which ended up not mattering because it wasn't available.


Also, for Deyki's mom, what kind of allergy does he have? Just wondering because I know some families that were talking about the egg allergy issue and there is supposed to be a version safe for those kids.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Can anyone give me suggestions on photo's? What is the best way to have photos done? I saw in someone's trip report they had a professional photographer with them, is that through Disney? Would love something like that since it seems my husband is always taking the pictures and never in them!

I remember reading one TR where the dad (I think) was reporting and said he found a pro photographer through a group called the Littlest Hero Project. I don't remember the dad's name or the child's name so I can't pull up the TR for you. Sorry! I did look up the photo group when I read that, and the only website I could find for them said Coming Soon.

I've never done the Photopass card but others have described it as being pretty useful. Maybe someone can give you the low-down. Or check the first page of this thread. I think there was some info there.

 

[maroo]

Deyki can't get the flu shot because of his allergy. They can't give him the nasal spray because it could cause flu in a sickle cell child. We have appointments right after we get back from our Wish Trip to get everyone else immunized. Lots of hand sanitizer seems the best I can do for him. Masks on the plane sound like a good idea, but he absolutely hates wearing them. I am trying not to be nervous about it, but it's hard not to be.

My friend's 12 year old son was diagnosed with H1N1 today. Now her 2 year old grandson is showing the same symptoms. She can't even be there with them because she is in the PICU with her 11 month old. The baby has severe respiratory distress and the last thing he needs is her bringing H1N1 from home.

One of my toddlers was diagnsed with bronchitis today. I just keep hoping Deyki and the girls stay well for our trip. Our wish granter called today. She is sending out our itenerary and the cash card. They will be coming to bring gifts for the kids and discuss it all with us early next week. The mix of excitement and concern I feel right now is somewhat confusing!

Bless your heart! Sounds like you guys are surrounded by the flu with no way to really prevent it.

One random thought. IF you guys were to get sick...(I hope that is a remote chance)...you technically can get your trip rescheduled...even after you have arrived. They don't like to do that, but in extreme circumstances, they may offer. They did offer this for Lauren - but she would have had to go immediately home and reschedule the whole trip for later.

I would definitely have a script for Tamiflu that you could take directly to the pharmacy if he got sick. (Or really if any of you guys got sick.)

I hate that you have any concern in your mind. Go...enjoy your trip...don't worry too, too much... It will be ok!!

Steph: There really doesn't seem to be any consensus. My baby (Juniper) came down with the flu right when we were supposed to be leaving for Melia's MAW. Anyway, urgent care was torn on whether to give her Tamiflu (this was on a Sunday) and finally decided not to. But the next day her Pedi wrote a script for it. It is usually for kids over a year old, but there is an "emergency" protocol that has gone into effect because of H1N1 that approves it for younger. Anyway, we actually only gave her two doses because her fever had already broke and I was worried about giving it to her.

But now Melia is on it while she battles H1N1. I would make sure you have a plan in place to get the Tamiflu while in Florida...just in case. Oh, and I also talked to our pedi about giving the baby a flu shot before 6 months. She was willing to do it a week or two early--which ended up not mattering because it wasn't available.


Also, for Deyki's mom, what kind of allergy does he have? Just wondering because I know some families that were talking about the egg allergy issue and there is supposed to be a version safe for those kids.

This flu is just crazy!

I remember reading one TR where the dad (I think) was reporting and said he found a pro photographer through a group called the Littlest Hero Project. I don't remember the dad's name or the child's name so I can't pull up the TR for you. Sorry! I did look up the photo group when I read that, and the only website I could find for them said Coming Soon.

I've never done the Photopass card but others have described it as being pretty useful. Maybe someone can give you the low-down. Or check the first page of this thread. I think there was some info there.

This was Mya's Dad! Not the most recent Mya (the 2 year old), but the first Mya. His user name is mcntosh - or something close to that.

There is also info about this in POST 2 (first page) of this thread...I think under "Extra Stuff"

 

[maroo]

This is courtesy of kdzbear!

All of these hints relate to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP).

I think some of these can be applied to MVMCP - but I may know more about that after I get to go to that party in December.



This is all from kdzbear! (Thanks, Kristin!)

Will you have a stroller or get a free rental at the park? If so, make sure in addition to your Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that you get a stroller as a wheelchair tag. This tag will help with rides as you will go in the wheelchair entrance for most rides.

First, your party tickets get you into the park at 4:00 PM even though the party does not start until 7:00 PM.

There are special characters out that are not always out so I will start with those. In Toon Town go to the County Fair store. It is the store diagonally across from Goofy’s Barnstormer Rollercoaster. The Fairies are in here as are the princesses with their princes. When we were there it was Prince Charming and Cinderella with Aurora and Prince Phillip. Just show your card to the attendant at the front of the line and they will take you around a back way. You may have to wait a few minutes, but not whatever the current wait time shows. The princes do not arrive until 7 PM.

Then there is a candy line that takes you from Toon Town to Tomorrowland. If it is not raining, you can take this and end up at Stitch’s dance party. I have read in other reports that they are handing out Star Wars toothbrushes by the DJ booth, but we missed this. Stitch is out in his 4 arms costume. Chip and Dale were also out too.

The Villain’s Mix and Mingles are on the castle stage at 7:45, 9:00, 10:05 and 11:15. I would try to hit one of the later shows.

Hallowishes the fireworks show is at 9:30 and you want to be in front of the castle as they put lots of cool shapes via special lights on the castle that match the music selections.

There is one parade at 8:15 and one at 10:30. Be at least 15 minutes early or you will miss the headless horseman. Take lots of pictures of the pirate on the pirates float at the top. Often times it is the real Johnny Deep and only the manager at the pirates of the Caribbean would be able to tell you for sure. The handicapped seating is across from the Hall of Presidents.

You can do lots of your trick or treating towards the end of the party when it is less crowded and you will get tons of candy. The adults can trick or treat too!

You should be able to meet Abu and Genie over in Adventureland. There are several other characters there too. They sometimes include Baloo, Rafiki, and Timon.

There are special picture ops in front of the Haunted Mansion and diagonally from It’s a Small World is a Cinderella’s carriage photo op.

Pooh and Eeyore alternate with Tigger and Piglet by Pooh’s Playground. Leave that area and walk back towards Toon Town and you will see the 7 Dwarves.

There is another dance party with the Fab 5 over in Ariel’s Grotto area. The characters are really good about mingling with all of the kids and stopping for photo ops.

There are special stores that carry merchandise such as pins and t-shirts that are only available at the party.

Then ride rides between walking from one area to another. Let me know if I provided too much information or if I can answer any additional questions.

Have fun and take lots of pictures of all of the decorations. I wish I had taken more! My trip report has lots of pictures from the party. There is also a map of the party at: http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, for Deyki's mom, what kind of allergy does he have? Just wondering because I know some families that were talking about the egg allergy issue and there is supposed to be a version safe for those kids.

The shots and the intranasal vaccine both are made using eggs, so neither is completely safe for someone with a severe egg allergy. Here is what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on their website FAQs:

"Can people who are allergic to eggs receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine?

People who are allergic to eggs might be at risk for allergic reactions from receiving influenza vaccines, including the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. People who have had any of the following symptoms or experiences should consult with a doctor or other medical professional before considering any influenza vaccination:

* hives or swelling of the lips or tongue
* acute respiratory distress (trouble breathing) after eating eggs
* documented hypersensitivity to eggs, including those who have had asthma related to egg exposure at their workplace or other allergic responses to egg protein

Because children with severe asthma are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, a regimen has been developed for giving influenza vaccine to children with severe asthma and egg hypersensitivity."

So, some people with mild allergies may safely get the vaccine and there is a regime (set of guidelines/procedures) to follow that will minimize the risk of allergic reaction and allow some allergic people to receive the vaccine because the risk of not getting it and possibly getting the flu is greater than the risk of getting the vaccine with some safeguards in giving it.

 

[MomTo4+more]

Deyki definitely falls in the highly allergic to eggs category. They had to stop his last skin prick test early and give him benadryl and steroids to stop the reaction. No flu shot for him.

On another topic, I just got all 7 children to bed for the night. Yes, you read that right - 7. I have two new girls, but they are just here for the day. They are an emergency placement. They are sweet girls, but there is no way I can care for 7 children by myself. I can't even fit them all into the van! So for now I have two 1 year olds, and 6, 8, 9, 11, and 12 year olds sleeping peacefully. What a night it has been!

 

[maroo]

Deyki definitely falls in the highly allergic to eggs category. They had to stop his last skin prick test early and give him benadryl and steroids to stop the reaction. No flu shot for him.

On another topic, I just got all 7 children to bed for the night. Yes, you read that right - 7. I have two new girls, but they are just here for the day. They are an emergency placement. They are sweet girls, but there is no way I can care for 7 children by myself. I can't even fit them all into the van! So for now I have two 1 year olds, and 6, 8, 9, 11, and 12 year olds sleeping peacefully. What a night it has been!

Wow...

"Mom of three (maybe four?) *currently SEVEN* kids!"

 

[maroo]

PHOTOPASS -

There is a new problem with the Photopass system that Disney uses.

They used to provide discounts to all people going to Disney parks where you could purchase a Photopass CD for only $99.00 if you purchsed it before you loaded your pictures.

Now they are requiring anyone staying off property (INCLUDING GKTW) to pay a whopping $149.00 for it. You can no longer "pre-purchase" it. (You used to be able to buy it when you got home and then enter your photopass number from the card to get your pictures.)


I would suggest...for now...that you guys get together and come up with some way to "share" a photopass. It is against DISboards policy to actually do this and let money change hands on the DIS...but you could exchange email addresses to accomplish this. I hope to have this problem corrected very soon and will go pretty high up in the Disney ladder to make sure they know this is negatively affecting our Wish Families.

I believe getting a Photopass is very important for all Wish families...as this is a once in a lifetime trip and the pictures they get of your whole family are to be cherished forever.


I will be starting a campaign of writing letters, sending emails and calling and bugging the Photopass people until they provide a discount code for the families that stay at GKTW...but until then, I don't want any of you guys to have to pay $149 to get the pictures.

PM me if you have any questions.

More info will be coming about where you can send a letter or email or even call them...I am working on that little project. But I plan to ask the whole DIS to help me.

 

[Uuaww]

I am kinda a fish out of water in this thread, but thought I'd give helpful wishes to all involved. I don't have any involvement with anything like this, and don't even have kids. I don't really have any way to help but maybe postcards from my tiny island?

 

[maroo]

I am kinda a fish out of water in this thread, but thought I'd give helpful wishes to all involved. I don't have any involvement with anything like this, and don't even have kids. I don't really have any way to help but maybe postcards from my tiny island?

Hello!!! to the Wish Trippers thread!!!

Thanks for posting!

I am jealous of your residence! How cool to live on a small island.

Honestly...the best thing anyone can do for our families on here is to check out Post 1 on this thread and follow their trip reports. Encourage the families.

Some have Caringbridge sites...and the children and adults love to see posts on their blogs and sites.

So, welcome!!!

 

[Soon2B4]

Well, I managed to get Aidan and I H1N1 flu mist today. It took me about 2 hours start to finish, but at least it is somewhat done. I have to get Aidan a second dose in 4 weeks or so, but I hope at that point it should be more readily available. I couldn't get Ian any since he is 5 months and my ped would go along with it. She did also say Ian couldn't get the tamiflu if he does get sick since he is under 1. At least Aidan got his. They were turning away people who didn't fit the "group 1" category, which I was relieved they did. There were a ton of pregnant women and children standing in line.

On a side note to those trying to find it, check with your health department. I talked to a woman in line that works for the Cleveland Clinic and she said their pediatricians were NOT getting any H1N1 vaccines. They want everyone here to go through the health dept. so they can keep track of who gets it. I am glad I stood in line today since Aidan's pediatrician is through the Cleveland Clinic.

 

[maroo]

just taking up space....