Make a Wish (and other organizations) ~ Wish Trippers UNITE! Volume FIVE!!

[kalimom6]

Will requesting a busy week make it more likely it won't be approved? Ahhhh, what would you do?

We were told to give them 3 different dates that were between the months of October-May (no summer months as it's too hot), no school holidays, and no week of any holiday. This, of course, is our wish projects (Montana Hope Project) policy. The travel during no holidays is, I think, a way they can get cheaper flights out of here (MT). So when we were called in September, I gave her 3 dates, first week of December, last week of January, and first week of February. We wanted to go when it's freezing up here. They chose our first choice, December.
Another thing, a popular week may be harder to get into GKTW. Of course not everyone has the same spring break so you probably will be just fine. Our spring break is the first week of April.

 

[KaylaM]

We were told to give them 3 different dates that were between the months of October-May (no summer months as it's too hot), no school holidays, and no week of any holiday. This, of course, is our wish projects (Montana Hope Project) policy. The travel during no holidays is, I think, a way they can get cheaper flights out of here (MT). So when we were called in September, I gave her 3 dates, first week of December, last week of January, and first week of February. We wanted to go when it's freezing up here. They chose our first choice, December.
Another thing, a popular week may be harder to get into GKTW. Of course not everyone has the same spring break so you probably will be just fine. Our spring break is the first week of April.

We had no restrictions on dates, and we were even offered a time in July if we wanted to go sooner, but I said no way due to heat. Plus my daughter was in summer school and I didn't want her missing any school. She loves it too much to miss it even for M-A-W trip. I know that they need at least two-three months notice for GKTW. That was one reason why we couldn't go last spring was because they were booked (it was mid December when they checked). I know our flights were $700 each for the week of Thanksgiving. I was pretty picky with times because of what was best for my daughter. I have heard of other chapters having different regulations than ours, so I think each chapter / organization is different...

That is too bad you had so many restrictions, but do hope it all works out for you.

 

[carebearkidney]

We are working around school too - so our first choice was winter break - in February, then Spring Break, then first week of summer. They said there were no issues with any of those choices and did we want to move it up to Thanksgiving week! It was a hard choice to say no to that offer, but we decided to stick to our original plan. I think with the special attention to Wish families - the crowds shouldn't be too much of a factor hopefully.

 

[kalimom6]

That is too bad you had so many restrictions, but do hope it all works out for you.

I didn't mind the restrictions. With my husbands work, it's actually harder to get the time off during those times anyway and we didn't want to risk that. And we didn't want to travel during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
There are a lot of wish trips coming up, I hope to be able to read a trip report before we leave!

 

[blessedmom4]

Thank you all for your kind words about us supporting MAW. It was a LOT of fun and I highly recommend doing a walk in the future. If you haven't yet, sign up with your local MAW for their newsletter. That is a great place to learn what your wish organization is up to.

[/COLOR]


If anyone else has any other ideas/suggestions/must do, please do list.

Spend an entire down day at the village and just explore...it is worth every minute, especially if your wish child is like mine and needs rest. We had a BLAST just enjoying everything, including the volunteers!
I would really suggest looking into the photo pass at disney. If you purchase it before you leave for the trip you can get a discount. Just google disney photo pass and you should find the link if not let me know and I will find it for you. As a fellow photographer myself I can tell you it is amazing to actually be IN the photos All of the disney parks have photo pass photographers stationed throughout the parks (there is also a map online of where to find them) you have a photo pass card and each time you find a photographer they scan your card and take pics of you and your family. They can even do some fun ones where they insert tink and a few other characters. There is no limit to the amount of photos you can take and then when you get home you log in and can add some fun borders and then place the order for the cd (which is where purchasing before you leave can save some money!) We used it last year and had over 100 photos of us and the kids at the character meet and greets. They also include stock photos of all of the characters. It is awesome if you have the extra money.[/QUOTE]

If you are staying at GKTW, DO NOT BUY A PHOTOPASS! You will be given a code to redeem for a FREE Regular Photopass CD at orientation. The famous Maroo had a hand in suggesting they provide these for wish kids (she will say modestly it wasn't her; but, I remember a LOOOOONG time ago that she did indeed). I LOVED getting pics of the entire family together. I am sorry I don't kow about other wish organizations (Such as Sunshine Foundation. I hope they do as well, they deserve one also).

 

[blessedmom4]

Also, has anyone called the wish granters and changed the date before being approved? Will requesting a busy week make it more likely it won't be approved? Ahhhh, what would you do?

We actually changed dates..three times for medical reasons. It would not have mattered why we changed, if your child qualifies medically for a wish, they WILL work with your dates, no worries. If I needed to change dates, then I would change dates. That is the main reason our chapter doesn't purchase airline tickets to far in advance, dates have to be changed sometimes.

 

[DelanaAndKyra]

Question about the bibbidi bobbidi boutique...i have seen lots of videos and pictures of kids getting the makeovers done and they all seem to have long hair. Have any of you been able to do the makeover with the added hair piece with the child having short hair?

 

[NEmel]

Thank you all for your kind words about us supporting MAW. It was a LOT of fun and I highly recommend doing a walk in the future. If you haven't yet, sign up with your local MAW for their newsletter. That is a great place to learn what your wish organization is up to.

[/COLOR]
Spend an entire down day at the village and just explore...it is worth every minute, especially if your wish child is like mine and needs rest. We had a BLAST just enjoying everything, including the volunteers!
I would really suggest looking into the photo pass at disney. If you purchase it before you leave for the trip you can get a discount. Just google disney photo pass and you should find the link if not let me know and I will find it for you. As a fellow photographer myself I can tell you it is amazing to actually be IN the photos All of the disney parks have photo pass photographers stationed throughout the parks (there is also a map online of where to find them) you have a photo pass card and each time you find a photographer they scan your card and take pics of you and your family. They can even do some fun ones where they insert tink and a few other characters. There is no limit to the amount of photos you can take and then when you get home you log in and can add some fun borders and then place the order for the cd (which is where purchasing before you leave can save some money!) We used it last year and had over 100 photos of us and the kids at the character meet and greets. They also include stock photos of all of the characters. It is awesome if you have the extra money.

If you are staying at GKTW, DO NOT BUY A PHOTOPASS! You will be given a code to redeem for a FREE Regular Photopass CD at orientation. The famous Maroo had a hand in suggesting they provide these for wish kids (she will say modestly it wasn't her; but, I remember a LOOOOONG time ago that she did indeed). I LOVED getting pics of the entire family together. I am sorry I don't kow about other wish organizations (Such as Sunshine Foundation. I hope they do as well, they deserve one also). [/QUOTE]



WOW!! That is great they give MAW families the photo pass. When we went to Disney 2 yrs ago they had it on sale if you purchased it before your trip. We got some great pictures and we were actually chasing the photographers around to get every shot! They also give you a release so you can get photos printed at home. I did have to show this when I got them printed at Sams.

 

[NEmel]

I found those online. Are they flat on the back side so it would be easy to attach a magnet? I think that was an awesome idea and something easy enough that my boys could help create.[/QUOte

They are actually a bottle cap, but on the back they have a circle of double sided adhesive. I just took some E6000 (glue) and stuck a little magnet right to that. I tried it on our fridge and it works great!

 

[Cassondra]

If you are staying at GKTW, DO NOT BUY A PHOTOPASS! You will be given a code to redeem for a FREE Regular Photopass CD at orientation. The famous Maroo had a hand in suggesting they provide these for wish kids (she will say modestly it wasn't her; but, I remember a LOOOOONG time ago that she did indeed). I LOVED getting pics of the entire family together. I am sorry I don't kow about other wish organizations (Such as Sunshine Foundation. I hope they do as well, they deserve one also). [/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][/QUOTE]

That is awesome!

 

[yeti5353]

If you are staying at GKTW, DO NOT BUY A PHOTOPASS! You will be given a code to redeem for a FREE Regular Photopass CD at orientation. The famous Maroo had a hand in suggesting they provide these for wish kids (she will say modestly it wasn't her; but, I remember a LOOOOONG time ago that she did indeed). I LOVED getting pics of the entire family together. I am sorry I don't kow about other wish organizations (Such as Sunshine Foundation. I hope they do as well, they deserve one also). [/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]

That is awesome![/QUOTE]

More than awesome its the new deluxe photo pass with extra disney photos on it and if you have ride pics on the roller coasters and you show your card at the photo desks right outside the ride they will put those on also. If you end up with extra photo pass cards dont worry you can add them to your speical card at any computer. then when you get home you can edit the photos and use the code to have them mail you the cd for free.

 

[blessedmom4]

That is awesome!

More than awesome its the new deluxe photo pass with extra disney photos on it and if you have ride pics on the roller coasters and you show your card at the photo desks right outside the ride they will put those on also. If you end up with extra photo pass cards dont worry you can add them to your speical card at any computer. then when you get home you can edit the photos and use the code to have them mail you the cd for free.[/QUOTE]

They also add your pictures from character meals as well.

 

[KaylaM]

My daughter had her presentation party this morning. It was at a busy restaurant (wasn't expecting that), so she was a little agitated with all the people and loud noise, plus her seizures / spasms have been acting up the past few days, so that didn't help. She got a lot of neat things that local community schools, senior citizens, and quilt guilds gave her. M-A-W gave her her stuff for the trip (our limo leaves at 6:20a.m.). Our wish granter told us today about the photo pass - photos don't cost anything and at the end of the trip, you get a free CD of the photos. Apparently there is a new security line at airports for people with medications, medical devices, etc, so that is really cool and will cut down on time (no long lines).

Unfortunately, my daughters seizures and spasms have increased over past couple of days, so she had an infusion today. Hopefully it will help. So far it hasn't, and its been 5 hours. Her doctor wanted to hospitalize her, but I asked not to. I just hope we can stabilize her to where I am comfortable leaving. I want her to enjoy herself to and not be agitated all day like the past couple of days. Not fun! We see her doctor and neurologist tomorrow and again on Friday. Hope for the best!!!

I have been going over her packet with her, and keep telling her she is going to Mickey's World. She gets excited with the word Mickey! This almost seems like a dream that we are going to wake up out of. I am so excited for my daughter for this trip - I can't wait.

I want to make a shirt for her and I to wear on our travel day, but am not sure what/how. Any ideas???

 

[KaylaM]

More than awesome its the new deluxe photo pass with extra disney photos on it and if you have ride pics on the roller coasters and you show your card at the photo desks right outside the ride they will put those on also. If you end up with extra photo pass cards dont worry you can add them to your speical card at any computer. then when you get home you can edit the photos and use the code to have them mail you the cd for free.

They also add your pictures from character meals as well. [/QUOTE]

Good to know. We are having a character meal at the Tuscker?? House in ANimal Kingdom and at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. Both are lunches. I really wanted breakfast, but nothing was available.

 

[kalimom6]

My daughter had her presentation party this morning.


I want to make a shirt for her and I to wear on our travel day, but am not sure what/how. Any ideas???

I cannot wait for our presentation party!!! 2 weeks! As it's getting closer, it's getting harder keeping it a secret.

For shirts, maybe going to Joanns (or different craft store) for some iron-ons? You could probably watch a you tube video on how to make mickey mouse tye-dye shirts. I am not super crafty so that's as far as my suggestions go

 

[NEmel]

My daughter had her presentation party this morning. It was at a busy restaurant (wasn't expecting that), so she was a little agitated with all the people and loud noise, plus her seizures / spasms have been acting up the past few days, so that didn't help. She got a lot of neat things that local community schools, senior citizens, and quilt guilds gave her. M-A-W gave her her stuff for the trip (our limo leaves at 6:20a.m.). Our wish granter told us today about the photo pass - photos don't cost anything and at the end of the trip, you get a free CD of the photos. Apparently there is a new security line at airports for people with medications, medical devices, etc, so that is really cool and will cut down on time (no long lines).

Unfortunately, my daughters seizures and spasms have increased over past couple of days, so she had an infusion today. Hopefully it will help. So far it hasn't, and its been 5 hours. Her doctor wanted to hospitalize her, but I asked not to. I just hope we can stabilize her to where I am comfortable leaving. I want her to enjoy herself to and not be agitated all day like the past couple of days. Not fun! We see her doctor and neurologist tomorrow and again on Friday. Hope for the best!!!

I have been going over her packet with her, and keep telling her she is going to Mickey's World. She gets excited with the word Mickey! This almost seems like a dream that we are going to wake up out of. I am so excited for my daughter for this trip - I can't wait.

I want to make a shirt for her and I to wear on our travel day, but am not sure what/how. Any ideas???

There are a lot of iron ons you can get or do puffy paint. I hope she gets to feeling better quick! So excited for your trip!!

 

[KaylaM]

THANK YOU BOTH! I have been looking at iron-ons, but can't find a Mickey Mouse one. I will be near another craft store tomorrow, so am going to check there.

Puffy Paint.. Good idea.. Although, I have to be artistic, and I am far from it. I will see what I can find.

 

[jon03015]

Hello! I have not been on here in a long time! We are going in January and are extending our trip by three days. Can we use any of the standard amusement park tickets during our extension (Disney World, Sea World, Universal)? Or are they that valid after we leave? Thanks!!

 

[jas792]

our pre trip report for Anna's wish trip

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I hope I am doing this right I was trying to find ideas for Anna for her wish trip. So I typed in ideas for a wish trip and in the results I found this disboard. I loved reading all the stories - for the last few weeks - today I saw a post with a link to the board to start a thread --so I hope I am in the right place to start posting my PTR..Anna is getting a wish from Marty Lyons Foundation. She was approved a while ago but does not have clearancefrom the doctor to travel so we have waited. She can travel now so we are going to call back the wish granter tommorrow. The only problem is we still don't know what to ask for. She loves stitch -- he is her favorite - she wants to meet the other characters in the stitch movies. Problem is they are only in Japan Disneyland. When I see if I am doing this right I will post her story - just not sure if I am in the right place
Thanks
Jo

 

[KaylaM]

Hello! I have not been on here in a long time! We are going in January and are extending our trip by three days. Can we use any of the standard amusement park tickets during our extension (Disney World, Sea World, Universal)? Or are they that valid after we leave? Thanks!!

From what I read, they are valid for two weeks, but like Sea World is only valid for one of those days during two weeks, Disney Theme Parks are 3 days, the other parks are two days.

I would of liked to of extended our trip to not feel so rush and give my daughter plenty of time to rest, especially with the time change, but our M-A-W wouldn't allow it. We had to use the return flight at the end of our M-A-W trip. I looked into just purchasing return tickets, but its too expensive. Oh well. Glad your able to.