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

[yinyanggirls]

That's actually our April vacation and what we would hope for in terms of a departure date! Maya is the same way with Ali. In fact, she likes to "show off" her sister, and is always quick to point out her AFOs and g-tube. She doesn't see it as a big deal at all, most likely because we try to treat it like it's not a big deal. And please, do share - I'm looking forward to it since we are a couple of steps behind you! I hope that you get your dates confirmed soon. I just want everything set so that I know I can truly look forward to it.

That would be fun to cross paths (for me at least, hehe).

So I was talking to Ali this afternoon about "getting her wish," and now she's insistent on going to the zoo. I know why, too, which is pretty funny. Last September, we were supposed to go to the Franklin Park Zoo as part of a Starlight Foundation thing. Because of the weather, it was post-poned to October, and then it was finally just cancelled, again, because of the weather. Ever since then, she has obsessed about it. Now if her wish granters come here and she says she wants to go to the zoo, will they think "bigger" than the Franklin Park Zoo? I'm thinking Animal Kingdom is a zoo, right? I can just picture us spending her wish in Dorchester.

Crying kid - need to go find out what the lastest fight is about!

Kelly

What do you think about showing her some youtube video or google images of Animal Kingdom? Oh!!! And Sea World! Show her all of that, tell her that if you go to the "zoos" in Florida that she can also meet (insert fave character here). Hopefully, you'll be able to nudge her over that direction.

 

[LindaBabe]

Phoebe's vision is very poor for long distances, so the SW shows will probably bore her to tears, literally. We will visit/touch/feed all the animals we can, and maybe eat at the underwater restaurant.

She might enjoy the "Pet" show at SW - Seating for people with disabilities is right in front of the stage, there's lots of action (It's VERY funny), and you get to 'meet' some of the pets afterwards.

 

[kellyw8863]

What do you think about showing her some youtube video or google images of Animal Kingdom? Oh!!! And Sea World! Show her all of that, tell her that if you go to the "zoos" in Florida that she can also meet (insert fave character here). Hopefully, you'll be able to nudge her over that direction.

I think we have her convinced that there is indeed a zoo at WDW. She's even gotten more specific and will say that her one true wish is "to see a giraffe at a zoo." She cracks me up.

Hello! I'm not on the boards every day, and just saw your question. Our son Mark had his Wish Trip to WDW/GKTW in November 2008. Mark is a twin, and we were very concerned about his twin brother's reaction to all this. I understand that your situation is different because everything has not been explained. In our case. Douglas has always known of his brother's disability. Still, as Mark is cognitively, socially and verbally typical for age, Douglas sometimes has a hard time understanding why people make a fuss about Mark.

We were very concerned about Douglas' reaction. Our wish granting organization, Starlight Starbright of Canada, was so inclusive from the very start - Douglas also received lovely gifts when we first met out Wish Granter, and also when she came with the Wish Trip tickets etc package...it was a HUGE box filled with gifts for the boys...and tickets etc.!

We did try to think of something that would make Douglas feel special and it worked. Unfortunately, I also know that WDW has stopped doing this, so I'll try to think of another idea as well. We had a meal at the Coral Reef at Epcot, where you can eat right beside a HUGE fish tank. There are divers who have work to do etc in the water, but they also used to "deliver" special messages to the folks at the tables right by the glass. I was able to arrange a special sign that said "Welcome to the Coral Reef, Douglas Bowen and Family. Best Wishes to a Wonderful Brother and Son." They also did personalized menus for us - had a picture of the boys, and same message. It worked like magic! I did tell Mark about it ahead of time (they were 10 at the time, so he was able to understand) and he appreciated that this was a special time for Douglas.

So...I just wish I could suggest this to you, too...but I have read that they don't do this anymore. I suspect they were inundated with requests. Do you have any special meals planned? Perhaps you could arrange a special dessert with a special message?

Another thought is to try to be clear about what you other child would really, really like to do at WDW and make sure it happens. This story comes from after our time at GKTW, when we extended our stay. Our weather was a little iffy and we hadn't had any swim time. Douglas wanted to go back to the hotel and swim; Mark wanted to stay at the MK. For sure, my hubby took Douglas back and Mark and I stayed on. That was the day we visited the Wish Lounge and met a CM who was a triplet...and had the same bday sa my guys! She arranged a gift of Mickey ears for the boys. If there is anything your other child would love to do but your Wish Child doesn't care for, so your best to do it.

Those are my initial thoughts, and if I think of anything else, I'll let you know!

Alison

Alison, thank you for sharing your experience and ideas! I think once we have dates confirmed that we will schedule some kind of princess meal because that's really where it's at for Maya - she is all about the princesses. It does help that she really wants to go to Disney period. So assuming that we will end up at the zoo at Disney, in a way, Maya will also be getting what she wants. I think it's just the language of the whole thing that's irking her, so we need to be careful there. I know it's Ali's wish, but really, we are looking at this as a family affair because all three children have sacrificed so much over the past four years.

Ok...

I am copying this in several places...so if you follow my pretrip reports and such...you may see this more than once...

We leave MONDAY to go to Disney.

I am going with my friend Rachel (not to be confused with Lauren, who is pictured below) as her nurse and to help "guide" them in Disney.

Rachel's condition is terminal and we almost lost her in July/Aug of this year - after an ICU stay...she finally has gotten a LOT better in the past few months.

But within the last few days she is having all sorts of issues with seizures, confusion and she is now sick - 101F fever and a lung infection. It is not pneumonia. Her doctor was talked into letting her go - and gave us a list of instructions - including staying in the room if she is sick.

I am asking you guys to please pray for her - that she would feel better and feel GOOD for this trip!

Also that the weather would hold out for us...specifically that it would not be so cold. Right now some forecasts are saying that it may be as low as 41F at night...which is cold to these people from MS!

I would appreciate you guys praying for the trip!

Many prayers going out to Rachel that she's feeling well enough to enjoy her trip.

Thanks for all the input Maroo!!
Kelly, We have met before at CHB. I follow Alli's CB page...I am Brigitte's mom, Shannon. Congrats on MAW. I would highly suggest subscribing to TourGuide Mike's website. It has great information on it, but I also like to have something to hold in my hands and look at too when I am planning, and the 2010 Unofficial Guide to Disney is great too!! They make a version for kids too, which would make a great holiday gift!!!

Aaahhh, I remember! I think we met on the CCS floor right after Ali had her feeding tube placed - Jessica introduced us. Congrats on a wish for Brigitte! How is she doing? I don't get on CarePages much anymore because I tend to have log-in problems there. I will check out TourGuide Mike's website, and I'll have to look into the Unofficial Guide for kids - that could make a great Christmas gift for all three kids.

We're still waiting to hear from Ali's wish granters, though we don't really expect to hear anything until the middle/end of next week. I just want dates so I can start planning in earnest! And speaking of, can anyone tell me about crowds and weather in mid to late April? Our vacation falls the week of April 17th, so that's when we are looking to go. Ali does have many issues with heat, so I'm a little concerned about that, but we are already so limited when it comes to vacation time. I'm thinking we'll be spending lots of time cooling off in the wish lounges, which is fine because that would give my husband and 17 year old time to ride some of the big kid rides without dragging around two tired, overheated little girls.

Thanks!
Kelly

 

[kellyw8863]

Okay, I couldn't resist. Even though we don't have dates, I did start a PTR.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34640980#post34640980

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by momma_mouse
Thanks! That's good to know. Now I can just buy when we get there instead of trying to pack it on the airplane. I e-mailed Disney and they were not very helpful with a list of foods she could eat. They seemed to only want to help out with table service meals which we won't have any of. So, I guess we will be packing all of her meals. They listed a couple of counter service places, but not safe foods for her.

I'm not sure what email you used, but if you used the general WDW email, I just wanted to point out that there is some specific contact information for special dietary needs. Most people have found the information helpful when they have used those, so if you used them and did not find it helpful, I'm sorry to hear that.

The contact numbers and emails are listed in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find a link to that thread in my signature.

To maroo, sending hope and pixie dust for Rachel to be well enough to have a good time at WDW.

 

[momma_mouse]

I'm not sure what email you used, but if you used the general WDW email, I just wanted to point out that there is some specific contact information for special dietary needs. Most people have found the information helpful when they have used those, so if you used them and did not find it helpful, I'm sorry to hear that.

The contact numbers and emails are listed in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find a link to that thread in my signature.

To maroo, sending hope and pixie dust for Rachel to be well enough to have a good time at WDW.

I used the e-mail addy from post #3. Yep, not much help at all, unless we want to eat a bunch of table service meals. (which we would love to, but can't afford) I guess we'll just be packing her lunch.

 

[LindaBabe]

MommaMouse, You may find this web site helpful http://allears.net/din/guestceliac.htmThere is also a section in the book "WDW for your special needs" published by Passporter.

 

[pnutallergymom]

Hi Kelly,

Yes, Jessica did introduce us!! Thanks for asking about Brigge. Things aren't good, but we are managing. She got a broviac and started TPN at the end of September..it lasted 6wks..and then she got a line infection. We were inpatient for 2wks and ended up having to pull the line. We were home for all of a week and she got so bad (dehydrated, total gut shut down etc) so she had another broviac placed and were inpatient for 4 days..She's home now and is doing better, but we've got alot of "stuff" going on....heart issues, psych issues, endocrine issues. You name it!!! I think our list is up to 16 specialists at CHB!!!

We are planning Brigitte's trip for the week after you guys (NH school vacation week). I will tell you that the week your looking at is typically VERY crowded. We went two years ago in April and it will be HOT. We had 90 degree days...the kids just wanted to swim at the pool most of the days. So we would go to the parks early, in time for RD, stay until lunch time. We'd go back to POFQ swim, nap etc..go to dinner (I did early ADR's between 4-5) and then hit the parks at night when it would cool off.

I just picked up the 2010 Unofficial Guide and resubscribed to TGM...just to get the touring plans. I highly suggest following them as much as possible. They really work. We didn't stand in a single line the entire time we were there...We went last February (froze our butts off..it was unseasonably cold though)...didn't follow the touring plans and waited in ALOT of lines.

Good luck in your planning!!! Have a happy holiday too!!!

Shannon

 

[dmbfan]

Fast forward to this trip. I am totally freaking out. We have told our MAW chapter that we aren't interested in GKTW, or the other parks and that B's wish is just to do Disney....
Thanks so much!!

I just wanted to add about staying at the GKTW property....it is truly amazing, and this is a once and a life experience, and I highly suggest you stay there, you will be amazed about how you do not have to lift a finger for anything...except if you pick the phone up and call for room serivce Boston Markert...

There was not a day that I walked out of villia to go eat or do some of the activities there and not be in tears...the look on your child's face when you get there is priceless.

We are going back to Disney Feb 16th for a vacation, but mostly cause we want to go spend a day or two volunteering our time there...I think I even cried when I was talking to the volunteer lady on the phone...

We are staying on Disney property, Port Olreans French Quaters, and are excitied...but we just can wait to be able to go back to GKTW...

As for US/IA...I understand where your coming from, as we are just doing MK/AK/HS/Epcot during our Feb trip, but when you go with a wish child,they give you this amazing pass ( in some asspects, better than the Disney ones) and you never wait for a ride, a show or a anything when you are there. They walk you right to a speical area of the ride and you go on before anyone else, if you want front seats, than you get front seats. You will also get a private meet and greet with all the superheros, which my son loved, so your older boys will love it.

Please check out my trip report, I have TONS of pictures from our trip.

Good Luck with the planning, but please consider GKTW, it truly is so magical..

 

[LindaBabe]

We are going back to Disney Feb 16th for a vacation, but mostly cause we want to go spend a day or two volunteering our time there...I think I even cried when I was talking to the volunteer lady on the phone...

Dmbfan, I don't even HAVE a wish child, I just volunteer there - but I tear up every time I talk to someone at GKTW! You are not alone

 

[maroo]

Hey guys!!

I just wanted to let you guys know that we are OFF to Disney!!!!

We are driving down and won't get there till tomorrow, but I will be out of pocket for most of the week.

I will be lurking on here and also checking my PM's...so PM me if you guys have any issues or questions that can't hold till I get back.

There are lots of families just returning, so I am sure you guys will have a bunch of fun without me - talking about those trips! But I will catch up when I get back!

 

[yinyanggirls]

There was not a day that I walked out of villia to go eat or do some of the activities there and not be in tears...the look on your child's face when you get there is priceless.

I'm so excited to go with our family! All of the TR's make it sound so amazing!


As for US/IA...I understand where your coming from, as we are just doing MK/AK/HS/Epcot during our Feb trip, but when you go with a wish child,they give you this amazing pass ( in some asspects, better than the Disney ones) and you never wait for a ride, a show or a anything when you are there. They walk you right to a speical area of the ride and you go on before anyone else, if you want front seats, than you get front seats. You will also get a private meet and greet with all the superheros, which my son loved, so your older boys will love it.

I figure we'll give them a try, even though our kids are little, and I'm sure there will be some rides and shows that they'll love.

Dmbfan, I don't even HAVE a wish child, I just volunteer there - but I tear up every time I talk to someone at GKTW! You are not alone

We were told our dates were approved, but no other details of the trip yet. I sure hope we are staying at GKTW!

Hey guys!!

I just wanted to let you guys know that we are OFF to Disney!!!!

Have a great trip Maroo!!! You're so sweet to stay "in the loop" even while you're gone!

 

[WishMom09]

Wow everyone...it was about a year ago this month that we were planning Jake's MAW trip...and here I am again, but this time to share that we are going back to Disney World in Feb, and very excitied to go and volunteer hopefully a full day at GKTW. We want to be able to give back and see the smiles of other wish familys'.

Has anyone been back after their wish trip to volunteer? We are just so excitied we can can not wait.

Also looking at stayin at Port Orleans....anybody stay there?....

I am so excited y'all are getting to go back!
We are planning to go back also...we are still debating between March 2010 and June 2010!
I too hope to visit GKTW! Such a magical place!
Do you have a PTR started?
Maybe I just missed it as I am about 4 pages behind!

 

[alizesmom]

Maroo, have a blast!

Anyone else going to be there Jan 9th-16th? Karen

 

[dmbfan]

I am so excited y'all are getting to go back!
We are planning to go back also...we are still debating between March 2010 and June 2010!
I too hope to visit GKTW! Such a magical place!
Do you have a PTR started?
Maybe I just missed it as I am about 4 pages behind!

You know I did not think of doing a pre trip report..lol...I will be talking to the lady at GKTW tomorrow and go over what days and times they will need us, so maybe after that, I will start one. I do know I will share photos when we get back for sure. To be honest, I feel like we need to do more, so we did go thru their wish list and I will ask them tomorrow, what on the wish list they need. The kids want to use some of their "disney spending money" and bring gifts that they might need.

I also wanted to add to the US/IA....we actually were able to do both parks with the pass the gave us in less than a day, and we did go back on day 2 to the kids favorite rides and than dinner at Margartiaville( as we are HUGE Buffett fans)...so I do suggest take about 6 hours at both parks and than go back to the village, have dinner there and enjoy the activies that night.

 

[Savannah's Mami]

We are back and I have soooooooooooooo much to share....we just got home a bit ago so I will get on and share later this week....soooooooooo many photos to go through!

Maroo - can you pm me a code for the photo passport - we did not get one at GKTW....and I know we have a ton of amazing pictures!!!

So excited to get some rest and share!

 

[LindaBabe]

Maroo, have a blast!

Anyone else going to be there Jan 9th-16th? Karen

I'll be at GKTW, working in the warehouse, on the 16th. Maybe we could meet for a hug, at least, on my way to work?

We are back and I have soooooooooooooo much to share....we just got home a bit ago so I will get on and share later this week....soooooooooo many photos to go through!

Maroo - can you pm me a code for the photo passport - we did not get one at GKTW....and I know we have a ton of amazing pictures!!!

So excited to get some rest and share!

Welcome home! Maroo's on a trip this week - but checking her pm's so please send her one!

 

[Khalana]

Well, Lydia developed pneumonia after about five days here and we had to take her into emergency Saturday night and she was transferred to the Florida Children's Hospital PICU that night. Last night we got to go the the peds floor (which is really nice and new) and we're hoping to be flying home with medical transport today or tomorrow. We are staying at the RM House right next to the hospital (what an awesome place!). Just wanted to let you who know us know.

 

[pipersmom]

Sooo sorry to hear that, Linda, keeping your family in our prayers!

 

[Momofwishkid]

Well, Lydia developed pneumonia after about five days here and we had to take her into emergency Saturday night and she was transferred to the Florida Children's Hospital PICU that night. Last night we got to go the the peds floor (which is really nice and new) and we're hoping to be flying home with medical transport today or tomorrow. We are staying at the RM House right next to the hospital (what an awesome place!). Just wanted to let you who know us know.

Linda, Im so sorry to hear Lydia ended up in the hospital. Good thoughts for you all and I hope you make it home today.