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

[livndisney]

Message to xanphylus. Thanks for the info on The Big Give, quite a process to gain access to site but I'm very interested in what I'll find out. I can't wait to be part of that special group. Thank you so much!

There is information about the Big Give posted at the start of this thread. We are always looking for more people to sew.

 

[Moodyzblu]

My 11 year-old son Jack was just approved for a MAW trip! We are so excited! The MAW reps are coming over soon to help Jack figure out his wish but we already know what it is. Jack absolutely adores the "Dream Along with Mickey" show that is presented several times a day in front of Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom. His wish is to appear in the show! Hopefully, MAW can make this happen for him, but even meeting the characters and performers in the show would be magical for him!

I'm so happy to have found this forum! I look forward to getting to know you and sharing our story with all of you! I'm already enjoying the trip reports & can't wait to add our own PTR soon!

Tess (loving mom of Jack)

to the Dis !!

Make sure you let us know how the wish meeting goes !

 

[melissa924]

If she likes snow cones you much go to Epcot in the Japan area. There is a small stand there that sells the BEST snowcones very reasonable!!! We love the melon flavor and the cherry flavor. You will have to try one and let me know what you think. We look forward to that each time we are at Disney!

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind... I am sure we will try them!!

 

[Ana~n~Joseph]

Thanks to everyone who replied!!! I'll keep you guys updated and I'm sure I'll have lots of other questions. And I'll keep working on getting BFF to join the Dis....it's a work in progress

 

[Lilacs chosen]

I am going to try to get our wish trip report started tomorrow. I am to tired to start it tonight. we were there Dec 23rd to the 29th

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi everyone! I'm new on this thread (but not to the Dis ) and although I'm not the mommy of this child, I'm his honorary aunt (his mommy is my best friend). His mommy isn't on the DisBoards yet (I know, it's such a shame, I'm working on it) so I told her I would post for her.

Our little guy's name is Holden and he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at 6 months of age. It has been a tough battle but he is amazing and a true fighter. The treatment takes two years, we have one down and one more to go. It appears that he qualifies for a Make a Wish but he's still a bit young (he needs to be 2 1/2 to make it - he'll be 2 1/2 in July). We do have a few questions though as his mommy is thinking that Holdie will wish for something Disney....

1. Has anyone taken a child that young on their Make a Wish? I can't find any TR for a young 3 year old - maybe I'm not looking well.
2. How does the wishing process work? Would Holden be the one to "make the wish" even though he's so young?
3. We know we have to talk to the Social Worker who will then nominate Holdie and his doctors have to confirm it, then what?

Holdie loves Mickey and every time he sees the castle on TV he says "DISNEY!" - he also loves water and big boats. He has two siblings - T who is 6 and Sisi who is 14 who have both been to Disney before so I'm thinking that's where he gets it from

Anyway, I hope it's ok for me to post here. Even though "we" haven't been approved or anything, BFF is a HUGE planner and she wants to make sure she does everything right (she's a perfectionist) so any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Below are a few pictures of Holdie so you can get to know him - hopefully once BFF decides to join the Dis, she'll be the one doing a PTR and a TR (if not, I volunteer for the job )

Holdie shortly after being diagnosed - he was admitted to the hospital with a fever and a white blood count of over 348,000 (normal is 5-10,000)

And this is Holdie now - he receives chemo almost daily but thankfully most of it as at home. He goes to clinic every other week for the "rougher" stuff -- he currently has a little bit of hair!

Thanks again everyone

He's very cute!

As some of the others have mentioned, a lot of people wait until the child is a bit older if possible, so the child will remember it more. But, sometimes, that's not possible and the trip becomes about making wonderful memories for the family.

MAW does want the wish to be the child's wish, so the child does have to be old enough to indicate in some way what their wish is (Mickey+Disney+castle sounds like he would be able tot give some good ideas!).

As others posted, the person referring to MAW for the wish is often the Social Worker, but it can be anyone. The doctor will verify that the child has a life threatening condition and meets the criteria.

If she likes snow cones you much go to Epcot in the Japan area. There is a small stand there that sells the BEST snowcones very reasonable!!! We love the melon flavor and the cherry flavor. You will have to try one and let me know what you think. We look forward to that each time we are at Disney!

oh, yes.
One of my favorites. It is called Kaki-gori and is VERY tasty!
Melon, cherry, orange or rainbow. All are good.

The stand was recently enlarged and you will find it just before the large temple building of Japan, on the side nearest America.

 

[krisalee78]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to introduce myself!

I'm Kristie, married to my best friend, James for 14 years. We have 8 children- Samantha is 16, Jake is 13, Kirsten is 12, Avery is 10, Sophie is 8, Gage is 5, Rory is 3, and Ellie is 1. On June 3rd, 2011, Jake was diagnosed with ALL, and after a horrid 10 months of treatment, is now doing very well.
Shortly after being diagnosed, Jake asked Make a Wish for a trip to Orlando- mainly to see Harry Potter World, but also all of Disney, Sea World, and Universal.

We are looking to go late this year- Oct/Nov/Dec, and we couldn't be more excited. We've gone twice before as a family- once is 2005, and again in 2007, both times staying at ASM.

I have lots of questions, so I'm looking forward to reading here and figuring things out. And of course, I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone here!

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to the new posters

 

[krisalee78]

I've spent a few hours now reading, LOL- you guys are amazing with all your insight!

However, I am still very confused on extending trips. What is the difference between buttons, GAC (what exactly is this?) and park tickets? I saw that park tickets are good for 14 days, but GAC are only good for the dates you are at GKTW? So, if I'm reading this right, we should have no problems using our tickets during the trip extension as long as we don't go over the 3 days at Disney, 2 Days at Universal, and 1 day at Sea World- we just can't expect any special treatment? Is that right? And, if during our extension we go back to GKTW, we can only get 1 free meal and 1 free ice cream (is this per day, or per week, or per lifetime?)- but we can spend time on all of GKTW attractions and pool?

How much money do you find you spend during your wish trip (not extension) out of pocket? Does MAW cover lunches in the parks? Souvenirs? Snacks/Drinks in the park? With 8 children, we just want to make sure we have enough saved up to pay for all the extras!

With the World Pass you get when you leave (I only found about that while reading here- WOW- I had no idea!), are any parks in Florida included? If, while on the extension, can we visit them, or is there a certain time period it takes to be in effect? Are Disney/universal included? Can you only visit each park 1 time, or is unlimited times for a year?

THANKS SO MUCH!

 

[Lilacs chosen]

I've spent a few hours now reading, LOL- you guys are amazing with all your insight!

However, I am still very confused on extending trips. What is the difference between buttons, GAC (what exactly is this?) and park tickets? I saw that park tickets are good for 14 days, but GAC are only good for the dates you are at GKTW? So, if I'm reading this right, we should have no problems using our tickets during the trip extension as long as we don't go over the 3 days at Disney, 2 Days at Universal, and 1 day at Sea World- we just can't expect any special treatment? Is that right? And, if during our extension we go back to GKTW, we can only get 1 free meal and 1 free ice cream (is this per day, or per week, or per lifetime?)- but we can spend time on all of GKTW attractions and pool?

How much money do you find you spend during your wish trip (not extension) out of pocket? Does MAW cover lunches in the parks? Souvenirs? Snacks/Drinks in the park? With 8 children, we just want to make sure we have enough saved up to pay for all the extras!

With the World Pass you get when you leave (I only found about that while reading here- WOW- I had no idea!), are any parks in Florida included? If, while on the extension, can we visit them, or is there a certain time period it takes to be in effect? Are Disney/universal included? Can you only visit each park 1 time, or is unlimited times for a year?

THANKS SO MUCH!

Hello we just came back from our maw they do pay for one meal a day in the parks per a person. also they do give an amount of money for souvenirs for the wish child. any other souvenirs would be out of your expanse. The World pass has parks for alot of states. I have not looked at Florida but sure there is probably places on there for Florida. It is only good for 1 visit per a park. and some of the parks you have to call 1st before arriving and let them know you have a world pass. Those that require a call ahead of time will say on the list.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

Not sure how to get started already read on how to post pics now question is where to I post our MAW trip report?

 

[SueM in MN]

I've spent a few hours now reading, LOL- you guys are amazing with all your insight!

However, I am still very confused on extending trips. What is the difference between buttons, GAC (what exactly is this?) and park tickets? I saw that park tickets are good for 14 days, but GAC are only good for the dates you are at GKTW? So, if I'm reading this right, we should have no problems using our tickets during the trip extension as long as we don't go over the 3 days at Disney, 2 Days at Universal, and 1 day at Sea World- we just can't expect any special treatment? Is that right? And, if during our extension we go back to GKTW, we can only get 1 free meal and 1 free ice cream (is this per day, or per week, or per lifetime?)- but we can spend time on all of GKTW attractions and pool?

How much money do you find you spend during your wish trip (not extension) out of pocket? Does MAW cover lunches in the parks? Souvenirs? Snacks/Drinks in the park? With 8 children, we just want to make sure we have enough saved up to pay for all the extras!

With the World Pass you get when you leave (I only found about that while reading here- WOW- I had no idea!), are any parks in Florida included? If, while on the extension, can we visit them, or is there a certain time period it takes to be in effect? Are Disney/universal included? Can you only visit each park 1 time, or is unlimited times for a year?

THANKS SO MUCH!

GKTW = a special resort where many families on Wish trips stay. Guests staying there may be on a wish thru Make a Wish or through another wish granting organization. Not all families on WDW Wish trips stay there, but many do.
There is more information and links on the first page of this thread and in the disABILITIES FAQs thread (near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature).
There will be an orientation at GKTW that explains more of this.

Buttons = a pin with a message on it. At the parks, you can get messages that say things like -Birthday - First Trip - Anniversary - Special Event (fill in the event). Anyone can get these from Guest Relations at any park. They will get you hellos, Happy Birthdays, etc, depending on what is on the button.

MAW or Wish Buttons = Special buttons given to families on Wish Trips that you wear during your trip (not after). They tell Cast Members that you are on Wish trip and to give you extra pixie dust. The buttons go along with paperwork and you will get both at GKTW during orientation. If you are not staying at GKTW, you will be oriented in another way.

GAC = Guest Assistance Card. These are just what they sound like - a card that tells Cast Members a bit about the type of assistance your Wish child needs.
There is more information about GACs in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. People on Wish trips are usually given more assistance than other guests with GACs. The special Wish GAC is dated to expire when you leave GKTW Village or the Wish portion of your trip is completed.
You can still go to Guest Relations in a park and request a GAC if your trip is not over, but it will usually not give the same level of access/assistance as the Wish GAC.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Not sure how to get started already read on how to post pics now question is where to I post our MAW trip report?

You can go to the forum home page. Scroll down until you get to Trip Reports. When you get there you click on PreTrip reports. And than finally on click on New Thread toward the top of screen at the left.

To help yo a little I by passed everything but the last step, so click on this
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=144

 

[lorasmom]

Hello, new posters! I'm an ALL-mom too; Gabby was diagnosed in January 2011, and we're currently in maintenance . I'm on my phone so this is going to be short, but can't wait to get to know you both

 

[Delaney21]

Welcome to the new families!

I just updated our PTR, but it's mainly just a prayer request. My mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I would appreciate it if you could add her to your prayers. Thanks!

 

[lorasmom]

Oh no

Prayers and good thoughts for your mom and your family.

 

[Momto15]

I need to get caught up and welcome new members. I have found SO much helpful information on here. My daughter Angelina is having her MAW trip to Disneyworld in April. We are finally getting a free moment to start some "real" planning. It had felt like it wasn't forever and now the trip is going to be here before we know it.

We did hear from our wish grantor yesterday that they already have Angelina booked at the BBB. (Her wish was for a princess makeover at Disney.) She wasn't sure what time the make over is at but did say she thought it was at MK. (From what I understand there is a BBB at Downtown Disney and one at MK?)
We are trying to figure out what we should do after the makeover... a special meal? (I guess it depends what time of day its at.) If you have gone to BBB or know anything about it and have some suggestions as far as being all dolled up and still being able to do the park I would really appreciate it. I know we will be taking tons of pictures!
Thanks in advance for your time!
Blessings,
Sarah
Angelina's MAW Pre-trip report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2797616

 

[Momto15]

I will be praying for your MOM!!!
Hugs
Sarah

Welcome to the new families!

I just updated our PTR, but it's mainly just a prayer request. My mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I would appreciate it if you could add her to your prayers. Thanks!

 

[krisalee78]

I need to get caught up and welcome new members. I have found SO much helpful information on here. My daughter Angelina is having her MAW trip to Disneyworld in April. We are finally getting a free moment to start some "real" planning. It had felt like it wasn't forever and now the trip is going to be here before we know it.

We did hear from our wish grantor yesterday that they already have Angelina booked at the BBB. (Her wish was for a princess makeover at Disney.) She wasn't sure what time the make over is at but did say she thought it was at MK. (From what I understand there is a BBB at Downtown Disney and one at MK?)
We are trying to figure out what we should do after the makeover... a special meal? (I guess it depends what time of day its at.) If you have gone to BBB or know anything about it and have some suggestions as far as being all dolled up and still being able to do the park I would really appreciate it. I know we will be taking tons of pictures!
Thanks in advance for your time!
Blessings,
Sarah
Angelina's MAW Pre-trip report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2797616

On our last trip, 3 of our girls went to BBB at MK. We did it in the morning, right after we ate at CRT. In retrospect, I wish we would have done it before so we as I think it would be fun to eat in the Castle all dolled up. The experience itself was wonderful- take your camera! And even though it was HOT afterwards (we went in Sept)- the girls had no problems walking around like princesses the rest of the day.

Have a great time!

 

[Delaney21]

Oh no

Prayers and good thoughts for your mom and your family.

I will be praying for your MOM!!!
Hugs
Sarah

Thank you for the prayers! I really appreciate them!