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

[blessedmom4]

Information from a MAW/GKTW Dad who just happens to be typing this sitting in a GKTW suite at the moment...(I agree with the last poster, GKTW is simply amazing)

Let me preface my information for the group by saying that today is Day 2 at the Village. We started out at Hollywood Studios and shot over to Epcot to end the evening. We have a total of 6 boys with us, starting with DS21 and ending with Wish Kid DS6, and we had a simply amazing start to the day at the Studios. Each cast member greeted us warmly, and the minute they saw we were MAW/GKTW, we got the red carpet rolled out. I would say 75 percent of the time we were walked to the pre-show or load platform by a cast member, and the other 25 percent, we could clearly follow directions and made it there ourselves. Never had to worry about parking a stroller or doing a character meet and greet because there was always a cast member there to steer us in the right direction or chase down where our stroller got moved to. So our Disney experience started out as just simply amazing.

Then we decided to come back here, eat lunch, and head over to Epcot.

Having six boys ready to ride rides, we jumped directly in at Spaceship Earth and were going to continue working our way back around as far as possible and then come back another day to finish what we missed. As I said, we got directly onto Spaceship Earth without any question. CMs noticed our GKTW button and we were very cheerfully sent to the separate entrance on the side, where we were expedited straight onto the ride platform and loaded. Even took a stroller in as a wheelchair, which we left just outside of the holding area. So we thought that based upon our experience at Studios and Spaceship Earth that a Stroller as Wheelchair tag wasn't required if you had a GKTW button.

We were extremely short on time because Epcot starts shutting down attractions in Future World at 7pm. Journey into Imagination, all Land attractions, Innoventions East and West, Universe of Energy all close at 7. Didn't know that until we showed up tonight and saw that on the Times guide. So we didn't really worry about going to Guest Relations because we figured everything would be cool and CMs would understand.

Survey says....X!

On entering the Land, we were stopped by a foppish looking gentleman in a Soarin' uniform. We showed our GKTW documentation and were told that the stroller would have to wait outside. DS6 is autistic and the stroller is one, a source of elopement, and two, a safety net for him.
We informed the CM that we wished to use the stroller as wheelchair and didn't stop at Guest Relations to get the proper tag for Stroller as Wheelchair. (This worked earlier in the day at the Studios since the people there did not know about Stroller as Wheelchair tags and we did not find out they were required until going to the Lights! stunt show, but the CM still let us through since we explained that we were not aware of the rule). The CM refused, in a rude fashion and told us to park the stroller. With less than 90 minutes to hit Soarin' and three other attractions, we complied without contacting Guest Relations for a red tag or his supervisor and inform them of the CM's abrasiveness.

Don't listen to any CM at the Stroller rental, and regardless of the GAC, the GKTW button, and anything you're told, go to Guest Services and make sure you get a Stroller as Wheelchair tag before you do anything else at the parks. You never know when a CM is going to go exactly by the rules and when they are going to cut you a break.

So, the moral of the story, again, make sure you go get your Red card for Stroller as Wheelchair, and don't set up Epcot for a night park hop because half of the attractions close at 7.

All in all, with the exception of the Spaceship Earth cast, everyone else at Epcot was snotty, indifferent, and out to lunch, and we have cancelled the remainder of our time originally allotted for Epcot and rescheduled with extended Magic Kingdom and GKTW time.

Thanks for letting me rant, everyone.

SO HAPPY you are enjoyoing yourself! The Studios treated us like royalty wiht the exception of one individual;. We hopped over to EPCOT in the ealry afternoon and regretted it. Epcot has ALWAYS been one of our favorite parks and we were SHOCKED by our treatment and when I went to speak to guest services on our way home that night to ensure we were doing things correctly I was once again surprised by the response. I came home that night (October 17) and posted this on our PTR:

The Disney Studios, for the majority of our visit was MAGICAL (So much magic and so many pleasant people, you will be amazed!)...Epcot, which I LOVE was not....in fact, I was told that a greenlight on the front of a guest assistance card did NOT mean front of the line access. That was not my question, but Harvey in guest services felt the need to pull put a GAC and show me quite clearly that it plainly stated on our GKTW GAC that we did NOT get front of the line access, that each manager at each ride decided how all GAC’s are used in their area and that accommodations were at the whim of the person manning the ride...but I was always welcome to ask for a manager, although we often would have to wait for one to be free to discuss our “problem.” Wish Children are NOT afforded any special accommodations except at character interactions....per Harvey. AFTER the fact, I realized I should have asked for Harvey’s manager, but I was tired and wanted to go home....and was quite surprised my inquiry as to how to ensure a cast member realized we were MAW turned in to that! Lisa is IN her W/C, with her pink GKTW button and a sign that reads Princess Lisa’s Make a Wish Trip in big letters and we ALL 6 have on MAW buttons. Upon approach to the cast members, I immediately show the GAC, with the greenlight (and do it with a huge smile and THANK YOU) and both at Spaceship Earth (10 minute wait~not bad), Soarin (50 minute wait) and test track (NO WAIT, because I pointed out we were MAW and the girl said she didn't realize and sent us an alternate way). At all three rides, I was told they didn’t realize we were MAW. I stopped at GR to ask if we were doing something incorrectly or if we were following protocol...Harvey told me and I quote “Most of the CM’s have never seen the greenlight, so they treat it the same as on ANY GAC and he didn’t know why I felt we were entitled to more anyway, NOBODY received front of the line access.” BELIEVE ME, I had prefaced the entire conversation with how GRATEFUL we are, just wanted to make sure we were doing things right, I certainly do NOT feel entitled...so when the GAC expires on Wednesday (we have extended our trip past what MAW does for Lisa’s sake), it really will not matter...we are getting the same accommodations as a person with a GAC.

I DID go to the GKTW office the next morning to ensure I was doing things correctly. I was told they had "never heard anything like that before and attributed it to the food and wine festival. HONESTLY, we had a better experience at Epcot when we were NOT identified as MAW...so I HOPE you might speak to the manager on duty at GKTW and give YOUR feedback...perhaps Epcot needs a reminder what a MAW trip means.

I don't have a lot of time; however, simply needed to answer this because we had the SAME type of experience...and we WERE doing everything by the book.

I will say that Universal treated us like ROYALTY from start to finish and never ONCE looked at our Passes, although I offered it up at each and every attraction, so they could see it.

ENJOY the rest of your trip...it WILL be amazing!

 

[55Red416]

Wow! So it's not my sunny disposition after all!

I will go to the office this morning and ensure that they have my feedback. By your relation of the events in your situation, it would appear that the entire park needs a customer relations retrain.

Be Safe, everyone!

-J

(While DW was reading this, the phone rang and it was the GKTW office. I shortly related our experiences and told them I would stop by on the way to Universal this morning. How lucky.)

 

[Owensheart]

Found this on the US website, thought it would be helpful in case you didn't know already.

Due to the dramatic movement of the ride vehicles and the nature of certain special effects at Universal Orlando®, oxygen tanks are not permitted, except at the following locations:

Universal Studios Florida®

Shrek 4-D
Terminator 2® : 3-D
Animal Actors On Location!™
A Day in the Park with Barney™
Curious George Goes to TownSM
Fievel's Playland® (except the waterslide)

Universal's Islands of Adventure®

The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad®
Camp Jurassic® (except Pteranodon Flyers®)

Bummer. I'm going to have to unplug him for some rides. I'd better get a letter from Cardiology stating it's okay for him to ride the rides without oxygen. He's dying to go on a lot of rides! Thanks for the heads up!!

 

[sgarrity]

We are a little over 2 weeks from out trip and I have not heard from our MAW coordinators in about 8 weeks and have not received any packages from MAW or GKTW. I know they like to wait until it is close to trip but just wondering how close.

Thanks

 

[angcmom]

We are a little over 2 weeks from out trip and I have not heard from our MAW coordinators in about 8 weeks and have not received any packages from MAW or GKTW. I know they like to wait until it is close to trip but just wondering how close.

Thanks

We received a brochure from GKTW maybe 3 weeks or so before our arrival date. Our wish coordinator contacted me about 2 weeks before to make arrangements to bring our airline ticket/rental car/expense check/etc. by the house. Only because of matching our schedules did we have to meet one week prior to flying out.

If you have an email address, I'd send out an email just touching base with the coordinator.

I know the excitement is building for you! I felt like it was really going to happen once we had our package in hand.

 

[threelittlebakers]

I received bad news today from Matthew's wish coordinator. They have to postpone his wish trip for two more weeks. Apparently the chapter can't book our flight that week. But the funny thing is the week they can book us is the originally week we were thinking about going. We were so excited about the trip that we push our original date up sooner. I say its destiny. I just got off the phone. I had to cancel dinner reservations and reserve new ones. Well no biggie just a small disappointment. Time is flying though.

 

[Owensheart]

We are a little over 2 weeks from out trip and I have not heard from our MAW coordinators in about 8 weeks and have not received any packages from MAW or GKTW. I know they like to wait until it is close to trip but just wondering how close.

Thanks

I would give them a call. We are getting together with our Wish Granters the morning before our trip to get the airline tickets/debit card/itinerary.

 

[sgarrity]

I would give them a call. We are getting together with our Wish Granters the morning before our trip to get the airline tickets/debit card/itinerary.

WOW! They are really cutting it close!

 

[cajunfan]

DeAnna's birthday is December 1st. Her trip starts Dec 20th. Is that too long apart for a "special" Disney request. I have heard that sometimes they ask what you are celebrating and you can get a Birthday surprise.

Thanks

Savanna

Happy Birthday DeAnna!!

 

[lifewithmadison]

Im a newbie here, but we just found out that we are going on a wish trip to disney for my 5 yr old DD. WE leave early march. Any tips/info would be great!

 

[mommy2mrb]

Hello All,

Need to ask you all to pray for one of our prior Wish kids - Kylee....her mom Kris (Mom2mitokids) is asking for extra prayers, Kylee is back in the hospital again with more blockage issues from her Mito.

thank you! will keep you updated with any new info Kris passes along to me!


Update: they are staying put for the time being!!!

Kylee is at the Providence Tarzana Medical Center and they have E-cards you can send

if you'd like to send on, go to the hosptial website and there is a link on the right hand side

her info is

Kylee Postel
Room 611A
Providence Tarzana Med Ctr

thanks!

 

[wbh1964]

If you want goose bump feel good stories, please follow our pre-trip report to Lindsay's Big Gives the past 2 days. Words can't explain how greatful we are! Come check out Lindsay's smiles....

 

[sgarrity]

More surprises found their way to the Garrity house!!!! Come take a look!

 

[lorasmom]

Hello All,

Need to ask you all to pray for one of our prior Wish kids - Kylee....her mom Kris (Mom2mitokids) is asking for extra prayers, Kylee is back in the hospital again with more blockage issues from her Mito.

thank you! will keep you updated with any new info Kris passes along to me!


Update: they are staying put for the time being!!!

Kylee is at the Providence Tarzana Medical Center and they have E-cards you can send

if you'd like to send on, go to the hosptial website and there is a link on the right hand side

her info is

Kylee Postel
Room 611A
Providence Tarzana Med Ctr

thanks!

Sending one now - hopefully she recovers quickly

 

[Moodyzblu]

Sending prayers for Kylee.

 

[sgarrity]

Levi was the recipient of the latest give at the Garrity's come take a peek.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Thank you's from Kris! Kylee is still in the hospital, nothing new to report as of yet, usually takes a few days to get her cleaned out!

The cards have been a big hit! please keep them coming!!

Lisa

 

[Owensheart]

WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!! Owen's wish granters came by this morning to bring us our itinerary, debit card and airline ticket information. They were so awesome! They brought muffins from Paradise Bakery, our favorite!! We talked about GKTW and signed a release for our extended stay. They said the "shuttle" will pick us up tomorrow morning. Then they will meet us at the airport to send us off. How cool are they?!

The expense debit cards was more than generous and we have no idea how we will ever need that much $$. The good news is that the leftover $$ goes back to Make A Wish funds.

They explained about the GKTW greeter in Orlando and said we will have a MiniVan. We have emergency contact info for everybody involved and I finally feel ready!!

I spent the week running errands, cleaning house and getting all our ducks in a row. Today we are packing! I have four suitcases lined up on our bedroom floor and they are overflowing with all the amazing Big Give items!! We are so very grateful for everything and I have had to choke back tears several times when I see all of the love filling those suitcases.

Thanks to everyone on the boards for all your knowledge, support and kindness. I'm sure I will post from our trip and you can expect one heck of a trip report when I get back!! I don't scrapbook anymore, so I journal everything on our family blog and print large blog books each year.

If I don't get back on here before tomorrow.. see you all in ten days!!

 

[kimmg]

Hello All,

Need to ask you all to pray for one of our prior Wish kids - Kylee....her mom Kris (Mom2mitokids) is asking for extra prayers, Kylee is back in the hospital again with more blockage issues from her Mito.

thank you! will keep you updated with any new info Kris passes along to me!


Update: they are staying put for the time being!!!

Kylee is at the Providence Tarzana Medical Center and they have E-cards you can send

if you'd like to send on, go to the hosptial website and there is a link on the right hand side

her info is

Kylee Postel
Room 611A
Providence Tarzana Med Ctr

thanks!

I'll be praying for her! Just sent her a card too. I hope she's better soon.

WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!! Owen's wish granters came by this morning to bring us our itinerary, debit card and airline ticket information. They were so awesome! They brought muffins from Paradise Bakery, our favorite!! We talked about GKTW and signed a release for our extended stay. They said the "shuttle" will pick us up tomorrow morning. Then they will meet us at the airport to send us off. How cool are they?!

The expense debit cards was more than generous and we have no idea how we will ever need that much $$. The good news is that the leftover $$ goes back to Make A Wish funds.

They explained about the GKTW greeter in Orlando and said we will have a MiniVan. We have emergency contact info for everybody involved and I finally feel ready!!

I spent the week running errands, cleaning house and getting all our ducks in a row. Today we are packing! I have four suitcases lined up on our bedroom floor and they are overflowing with all the amazing Big Give items!! We are so very grateful for everything and I have had to choke back tears several times when I see all of the love filling those suitcases.

Thanks to everyone on the boards for all your knowledge, support and kindness. I'm sure I will post from our trip and you can expect one heck of a trip report when I get back!! I don't scrapbook anymore, so I journal everything on our family blog and print large blog books each year.

If I don't get back on here before tomorrow.. see you all in ten days!!

I love how they have the unused expense money go back to MAW. So excited for you! I know what you mean about all the items. It's just so overwhelming. I've barely had to pack any of our own things for the kids because of the Big Give. So grateful and humbled by the time and love so many share. We leave tomorrow too, in the evening. DH gets home tonight and then we pick up our rental car tomorrow and drive to a hotel by the airport and leave Monday morning. Still can't believe it's happening!

 

[newdrama12]

WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!! Owen's wish granters came by this morning to bring us our itinerary, debit card and airline ticket information. They were so awesome! They brought muffins from Paradise Bakery, our favorite!! We talked about GKTW and signed a release for our extended stay. They said the "shuttle" will pick us up tomorrow morning. Then they will meet us at the airport to send us off. How cool are they?!

The expense debit cards was more than generous and we have no idea how we will ever need that much $$. The good news is that the leftover $$ goes back to Make A Wish funds.

They explained about the GKTW greeter in Orlando and said we will have a MiniVan. We have emergency contact info for everybody involved and I finally feel ready!!

I spent the week running errands, cleaning house and getting all our ducks in a row. Today we are packing! I have four suitcases lined up on our bedroom floor and they are overflowing with all the amazing Big Give items!! We are so very grateful for everything and I have had to choke back tears several times when I see all of the love filling those suitcases.

Thanks to everyone on the boards for all your knowledge, support and kindness. I'm sure I will post from our trip and you can expect one heck of a trip report when I get back!! I don't scrapbook anymore, so I journal everything on our family blog and print large blog books each year.

If I don't get back on here before tomorrow.. see you all in ten days!!

AWESOME!! Hope to meet all of you this week. I will be at GKTW Tuesday-Friday as a volunteer! So, look for the wizard, that will be me!