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

[Hopem19]

I have also posted our "Plan of Attack" I would love input or thoughts.

 

[Blessed0602]

Did that make our trip less than spectacular? NO. BUT, it was NOT front of the line access as we had read about, except at Universal. I am doing my best to tell both the good AND the less than stellar things on our TR. I don’t want to sugarcoat anything, nor do I want to minimize how incredible a gift it was. I know you aren’t either. I for one, am Thankful for your candor. WELCOME HOME, Get some rest and know I look forward to reading your TR.

There have been others who have reported similar experiences here before. I DO hope you will tell GKTW what happened, they do NOT know unless we inform them. They greatly appreciated the feedback, trust me.

Thank you for the encouragement! I actually was thinking of you and your TR while I was trying to process my feelings of dissapointment. I remember reading something you wrote about wanting to be realistic about your experience. I'm glad to know what I'm feeling is normal. Or at the least, relatable. I hope things have calmed down a bit for your family and that Lisa is doing well. Hugs from one "heart Mom" to another!

 

[nesser1981]

Just remember each wish chapter is different. We had a great time, but I'll tell you all of the planning, that was up to me, which I actually loved. They did get our reservation for CRT, but I asked for that, because that was Keira's big wish, to meet the princesses.


Your trip will be amazing!

I am sorry that happened, This is a fear of mine that has come up over the last week or so. I am often bawling as I read about the magic experienced in past TRs, but later I wonder what if we don't have as magical experience. At the same time I get teary thinking about getting to the airport or driving into GKTW, plus GMA will be there so even if I could hold back a little she won't make it easy.

 

[Wee Annie]

As a relative "oldtimer" to some of you (my daughter went on her MAW trip two years ago), I was checking in and saw the discussion about trip "disappointment" with some interest. I think it's really important to have realistic expectations about these trips, even though they are MAW trips.

Not everything was "magical" about our trip, and so much of it was unpredictable and beyond our control. First, my daughter was in great pain for much of the trip, requiring morphine often to get her through a morning at the parks. Don't overestimate your child's stamina, or the extraordinary amount of over-stimulation these children are subjected to. After all, our children are getting these wishes because they are, often, seriously ill (I know some go after treatment ends, but for many, they are still in the throes of treatment for their conditions). Don't overplan if you have a child who fits this description. Make use of wish lounges and know when to "call it a day" and return to GWTW, even if there was more you wished you had accomplished in the parks.

Other things beyond our control on our trip? The second day we received a call that my dear FIL's cancer was back and he was terminal. Talk about bringing the whole tenor of the trip down. We even spoke briefly about leaving then and there, but decided to stay (with his blessing). And the weather -- we had quite a bit of serious rain in the beginning. The Candyland game at GKTW that we had so looked forward to was cancelled, etc. These things are all entirely unpredictable, beyond anyone's control, and happen. Life happens, even on MAW trips.

Our chapter arranged for a lunch at CRT, but beyond that, all the planning, etc, was done by me. Which was fine with me, because I love to plan Nothing "special" was done for my daughter in the parks above and beyond the GAC that allowed her to enter all fastpass lines. Oh, and very nice CMs that allowed her front access to characters. But I didn't expect anything more to be done.

What made our trip so special, and such a wonderful family time, regardless of all of the difficulties we sometimes encountered, was GKTW, plain and simple. We were treated so kindly and warmly there, and it is truly such a special place. Yes, it was great to get instant fastpass access to attractions, etc, but GKTW is what made it a "wish trip" for us. My best piece of advice? Do not shortchange your time at GKTW. That's the one place where you are assured that you will be treated like royalty, and where your wish kiddo will really, really be made to feel special. The rest is just icing on the cake. Yummy icing, often, but icing nonetheless.

GKTW is simply magical.

 

[nesser1981]

Well said. We also had CRT scheduled, but I took care of the rest, and it was great.

As a relative "oldtimer" to some of you (my daughter went on her MAW trip two years ago), I was checking in and saw the discussion about trip "disappointment" with some interest. I think it's really important to have realistic expectations about these trips, even though they are MAW trips.

Not everything was "magical" about our trip, and so much of it was unpredictable and beyond our control. First, my daughter was in great pain for much of the trip, requiring morphine often to get her through a morning at the parks. Don't overestimate your child's stamina, or the extraordinary amount of over-stimulation these children are subjected to. After all, our children are getting these wishes because they are, often, seriously ill (I know some go after treatment ends, but for many, they are still in the throes of treatment for their conditions). Don't overplan if you have a child who fits this description. Make use of wish lounges and know when to "call it a day" and return to GWTW, even if there was more you wished you had accomplished in the parks.

Other things beyond our control on our trip? The second day we received a call that my dear FIL's cancer was back and he was terminal. Talk about bringing the whole tenor of the trip down. We even spoke briefly about leaving then and there, but decided to stay (with his blessing). And the weather -- we had quite a bit of serious rain in the beginning. The Candyland game at GKTW that we had so looked forward to was cancelled, etc. These things are all entirely unpredictable, beyond anyone's control, and happen. Life happens, even on MAW trips.

Our chapter arranged for a lunch at CRT, but beyond that, all the planning, etc, was done by me. Which was fine with me, because I love to plan Nothing "special" was done for my daughter in the parks above and beyond the GAC that allowed her to enter all fastpass lines. Oh, and very nice CMs that allowed her front access to characters. But I didn't expect anything more to be done.

What made our trip so special, and such a wonderful family time, regardless of all of the difficulties we sometimes encountered, was GKTW, plain and simple. We were treated so kindly and warmly there, and it is truly such a special place. Yes, it was great to get instant fastpass access to attractions, etc, but GKTW is what made it a "wish trip" for us. My best piece of advice? Do not shortchange your time at GKTW. That's the one place where you are assured that you will be treated like royalty, and where your wish kiddo will really, really be made to feel special. The rest is just icing on the cake. Yummy icing, often, but icing nonetheless.

GKTW is simply magical.

 

[blessedmom4]

​

Thank you for the encouragement! I actually was thinking of you and your TR while I was trying to process my feelings of dissapointment. I remember reading something you wrote about wanting to be realistic about your experience. I'm glad to know what I'm feeling is normal. Or at the least, relatable. I hope things have calmed down a bit for your family and that Lisa is doing well. Hugs from one "heart Mom" to another!

You are welcome ...If you want to read a less than magical post (nothing bad, just not full of that Disney Spirit we have come to know), I posted one yesterday. I think as Wish Families we aren't ever supposed to say anything "negative" and that truly CAN make things difficult when something less than magical happens...because life DOES happen, even on a Wish Trip. Does that mean it wasn't the must amazing present someone ever gave us...NO. And it is okay to say we feel disappointment or our expectations were different and I think your post is a great reminder to those waiting to go on a trip.

As for Lisa, she will be hospitalized again for the fourth time since our Wish trip. She is having surgery May 15. Thank you for your good wishes and for reading our TR. I know many see the amount of posts and avoid reading or commenting. I assure you, I am thankful for all of our friends: new and those who have been with us from the beginning

As a relative "oldtimer" to some of you (my daughter went on her MAW trip two years ago), I was checking in and saw the discussion about trip "disappointment" with some interest. I think it's really important to have realistic expectations about these trips, even though they are MAW trips.
I remember you! I had finally re-joined the boards so I could post (I had joined back in 2006 but forgot my user name..) and you were ready for Elke's Wish Trip.
Not everything was "magical" about our trip, and so much of it was unpredictable and beyond our control. First, my daughter was in great pain for much of the trip, requiring morphine often to get her through a morning at the parks. Don't overestimate your child's stamina, or the extraordinary amount of over-stimulation these children are subjected to. After all, our children are getting these wishes because they are, often, seriously ill (I know some go after treatment ends, but for many, they are still in the throes of treatment for their conditions). Don't overplan if you have a child who fits this description. Make use of wish lounges and know when to "call it a day" and return to GWTW, even if there was more you wished you had accomplished in the parks.
EXCELLENT ADVICE!!!! Maroo used to say this all of the time and it was a HUGE piece of advice I used while I planned.
Other things beyond our control on our trip? The second day we received a call that my dear FIL's cancer was back and he was terminal. Talk about bringing the whole tenor of the trip down. We even spoke briefly about leaving then and there, but decided to stay (with his blessing). And the weather -- we had quite a bit of serious rain in the beginning. The Candyland game at GKTW that we had so looked forward to was cancelled, etc. These things are all entirely unpredictable, beyond anyone's control, and happen. Life happens, even on MAW trips.
I am so sorry about your FIL! And the rain...that is coming up next in my TR.
Our chapter arranged for a lunch at CRT, but beyond that, all the planning, etc, was done by me. Which was fine with me, because I love to plan Nothing "special" was done for my daughter in the parks above and beyond the GAC that allowed her to enter all fastpass lines. Oh, and very nice CMs that allowed her front access to characters. But I didn't expect anything more to be done.
LOVED all of the planning and the CM's that WERE wonderful!
What made our trip so special, and such a wonderful family time, regardless of all of the difficulties we sometimes encountered, was GKTW, plain and simple. We were treated so kindly and warmly there, and it is truly such a special place. Yes, it was great to get instant fastpass access to attractions, etc, but GKTW is what made it a "wish trip" for us. My best piece of advice? Do not shortchange your time at GKTW. That's the one place where you are assured that you will be treated like royalty, and where your wish kiddo will really, really be made to feel special. The rest is just icing on the cake. Yummy icing, often, but icing nonetheless.
GKTW is simply magical.

That is SO TRUE and well said!!!

FOR ELKE

​

 

[Wee Annie]

​

FOR ELKE

​

Thank You! She is very happy to be 6! And so are we

 

[jon03015]

Okay all my experienced friends with a princess in your home! I would like to take my daughter to BBB then epcot akershus castle for breakfast. Would there be enough time to do this? Any other suggestions? I want what is the easiest way to do BBB then see princesses for a character breakfast/lunch. And I am hoping that we will see Ariel/Cinderella. Either, or. Thanks!!! Appreciate this board, and all who contribute to it!

 

[jenb1023]

Okay all my experienced friends with a princess in your home! I would like to take my daughter to BBB then epcot akershus castle for breakfast. Would there be enough time to do this? Any other suggestions? I want what is the easiest way to do BBB then see princesses for a character breakfast/lunch. And I am hoping that we will see Ariel/Cinderella. Either, or. Thanks!!! Appreciate this board, and all who contribute to it!

The easiest way would be to do BBB in the castle and then breakfast at CRT. If you want to do Askershus, you should have enough time. you can also do BBB in DTD instead of in the MK. Either way just make the earliest BBB time you can get and then a late breakfast. BBB can take an hour especially if they are running behind or if you have a fairy godmother in training.

 

[aym4Him]

Hi, everyone.

My son, Ethan, has been granted a wish via Make a Wish and we are heading to Disney. This will be his first time and my hubby's first (his parents are joining us on their own dime- it will be their first time, too). I have been 3 times, but the last time was in 1993. It's been a while!

I'm very thankful to find you guys and all this information! I am feeling quite overwhelmed, though. I am not a planner by nature (much to my husband's chagrin) but am more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-and-see-what's-gonna happen kind of girl.

A little about us. We are a family of 3 (4, counting our "firstborn" son, our Mini Schnauzer, Giggs). I'm Amy and I'm married to Dillon and Ethan is our little super hero. He's 3 and has had two open heart surgeries (with at least one more to go). At 5 days old, he was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries and a Ventricular Septal Defect. He had his first OHS at 9 days old to put his arteries (arterial switch) back where they were supposed to go and to have the hole in his heart patched- thankfully, the operation went very smoothly. He had some hiccups in recovery (collapsed lung, feeding issues, etc) but was able to come home after a month.

During one of his routine followup visits with his cardiologist, an issue was discovered about a month and a half after he was discharged. In 5% of cases, scar tissue can develop from all the suturing required to re-attach his arteries to (what should have been) their native valves on the proper ventricles. He was one of the "lucky" 5% and had developed narrowing in his pulmonary artery and valve due to this. After an unsuccessful heart cath to try and widen things up, he underwent his 2nd OHS at 4 months old. It was successful but he will need his pulmonary valve replaced at some time in the future b/c he will outgrow the one he was born with due to the synthetic patch used to widen it.

For all intents and purposes, he is a typical 3 year old boy. In fact, he has given us his first non-heart emergency issue just this week! He swallowed a ball bearing (the size of a small marble) and was pretty proud to show off the xray to his teachers and friends at school and church. It successfully exited his system within a 24 hour period, so we are thankful.

Anyway, that's our story. Ethan has his annual cardiology check up on May 15th so prayers that all is well are appreciated! I'm so paranoid that something will go awry now that we have our dates for Disney! (Because, that's just how us Durhams roll!!! )

We just got our dates for our trip- November 10-16. Pleaaaase feel free to share any tips! I'll come back with another post about some of E's favorites later. For now, I better get back to Mom duty. Should I start a Pre-Trip Planning thread? Thanks!!

 

[alyssaswish]

Hi, everyone.

My son, Ethan, has been granted a wish via Make a Wish and we are heading to Disney. This will be his first time and my hubby's first (his parents are joining us on their own dime- it will be their first time, too). I have been 3 times, but the last time was in 1993. It's been a while!

I'm very thankful to find you guys and all this information! I am feeling quite overwhelmed, though. I am not a planner by nature (much to my husband's chagrin) but am more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-and-see-what's-gonna happen kind of girl.

A little about us. We are a family of 3 (4, counting our "firstborn" son, our Mini Schnauzer, Giggs). I'm Amy and I'm married to Dillon and Ethan is our little super hero. He's 3 and has had two open heart surgeries (with at least one more to go). At 5 days old, he was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries and a Ventricular Septal Defect. He had his first OHS at 9 days old to put his arteries (arterial switch) back where they were supposed to go and to have the hole in his heart patched- thankfully, the operation went very smoothly. He had some hiccups in recovery (collapsed lung, feeding issues, etc) but was able to come home after a month.

During one of his routine followup visits with his cardiologist, an issue was discovered about a month and a half after he was discharged. In 5% of cases, scar tissue can develop from all the suturing required to re-attach his arteries to (what should have been) their native valves on the proper ventricles. He was one of the "lucky" 5% and had developed narrowing in his pulmonary artery and valve due to this. After an unsuccessful heart cath to try and widen things up, he underwent his 2nd OHS at 4 months old. It was successful but he will need his pulmonary valve replaced at some time in the future b/c he will outgrow the one he was born with due to the synthetic patch used to widen it.

For all intents and purposes, he is a typical 3 year old boy. In fact, he has given us his first non-heart emergency issue just this week! He swallowed a ball bearing (the size of a small marble) and was pretty proud to show off the xray to his teachers and friends at school and church. It successfully exited his system within a 24 hour period, so we are thankful.

Anyway, that's our story. Ethan has his annual cardiology check up on May 15th so prayers that all is well are appreciated! I'm so paranoid that something will go awry now that we have our dates for Disney! (Because, that's just how us Durhams roll!!! )

We just got our dates for our trip- November 10-16. Pleaaaase feel free to share any tips! I'll come back with another post about some of E's favorites later. For now, I better get back to Mom duty. Should I start a Pre-Trip Planning thread? Thanks!!

We are going to be at GKTW Nov 10-16th also! My little girl, Alyssa (2 1/2), has leukemia and she was granted a wish through MAW. How neat to find someone who will be there at the same time. Check out our PTR!

 

[alyssaswish]

I just bought our tickets for MVMCP for Nov 12th! It's exciting and scary all at the same time. The nontransferable and nonrefundable part made me hesitate for a second. It's all become real now! We are going to Disney World!

 

[aym4Him]

I just bought our tickets for MVMCP for Nov 12th! It's exciting and scary all at the same time. The nontransferable and nonrefundable part made me hesitate for a second. It's all become real now! We are going to Disney World!

ACK! I need to do that, too! Oh my goodness, I just might

The 12th is my birthday. I SO wish E was celebrating his that week- that would be too cool. (His is Dec 3)

Congrats on your tickets!! Are y'all going to do a different park for the first part of the day and then hit MK for the party that evening? I've seen where some have gone to Animal Kingdom or Universal for the first part and I'm trying to decide if we should do that or not. SO much to do with such a short amount of time!

 

[Disneydragonfly]

I'm a registered nurse in home care and a patient of mine was just granted a wish with Make A Wish. She wants to go to Disney, but is unable to fly. Has anyone else had experience with what MAW does for families who are unable to fly? Would an RV rental be an option?

 

[nesser1981]

Okay all my experienced friends with a princess in your home! I would like to take my daughter to BBB then epcot akershus castle for breakfast. Would there be enough time to do this? Any other suggestions? I want what is the easiest way to do BBB then see princesses for a character breakfast/lunch. And I am hoping that we will see Ariel/Cinderella. Either, or. Thanks!!! Appreciate this board, and all who contribute to it!

Yes, I'd try CRT for breakfast or go to DTD for the BBB and then head to Epcot.

 

[nesser1981]

I'm a registered nurse in home care and a patient of mine was just granted a wish with Make A Wish. She wants to go to Disney, but is unable to fly. Has anyone else had experience with what MAW does for families who are unable to fly? Would an RV rental be an option?

Not sure about an RV, but there was a family here a while back that drove to Florida instead of flying.

 

[Moodyzblu]

I just bought our tickets for MVMCP for Nov 12th! It's exciting and scary all at the same time. The nontransferable and nonrefundable part made me hesitate for a second. It's all become real now! We are going to Disney World!

Wow... So early ?? I usually buy mine on check in day ! I never thought about buying them so far in advance !
It's an awesome party ... You're going to have SO much fun ... Just be sure to get lots of rest beforehand. We try to get naps in sometime that afternoon before the party. I know, in the past when we've gone, they let us in for the party around 4:00 pm and by 6:00 the park was pretty much empty. Plus since you are going so early in the season.. The party won't be crowded at all. You picked a great time to go.

 

[jon03015]

The easiest way would be to do BBB in the castle and then breakfast at CRT. If you want to do Askershus, you should have enough time. you can also do BBB in DTD instead of in the MK. Either way just make the earliest BBB time you can get and then a late breakfast. BBB can take an hour especially if they are running behind or if you have a fairy godmother in training.

Thanks for the suggestions. Excited to take her!

 

[threelittlebakers]

Hey everyone. I'm back. The trip was 90% successful. The limo rides were awesome. The air flight wasn't too bad. Being at Universal Studios was great. They treated Matthew like a King there. They took us to the front of the line for rides and meet character with ease. I say are best times were at Universal Studios even with the exception that Matthew and Emmy couldn't get to on a few rides because of their height. Now Disney was a whole nother story. The first day at Magic Kingdom was good. We didn't have to wait to long to see characters which was awesome. Getting on rides they just put us in fast track lane. Not like Universal Studios were the actually took us to the front of the line. Matthew became a Pirate at the Pirate League he looked so good and Emmy got dressed up at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and she looked so precious. At first i was hesitant to do those because its costly but its worth it. The only negativity on doing those is its time consuming. We ate at 1900 Park Fare. Not worth it. The food was expensive and not much of a selection. The only thing that is worth seeing is Cinderellas family. Then we left early. Matt, my husband had formed a blister on his foot and was in a lot of pain. We went and got some ice cream. Then the next day we went to Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Epcot was so boring for the kids the only thing they liked was the Seas area and Figment. We walked all around the countries. That was a waist of time. We wished we had left and spent more at the Magic Kingdom. The only reason we came back the Magic Kingdom was to see the night time spectacular. Oh boy, the only thing that was great was the rides and the projection show on the castle. The workers were so ignorant to us when trying to find a spot for the electric parade and the fireworks. They kept pushing us and denying us every location we were parking are stroller at. We only got a good spot for the projection show. We even saw are picture on the castle. We had to move for the fireworks because the trees were in are way. I got so upset with the workers ignorants, I ended up chewing them out and left. I went to the guest services and all we got was them trying to calm me down that was it. So word of advice. If you want a good seat for the night time show. Get a seat at least an hour or more before the shows begin. On our fourth day we went to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom was fun. The Safari was nice and the rides were great. The Nemo show was the best. We didn't get to explore Dino land or Lion King show. We had a late start that day. So we didn't see much. The Rainforrest Cafe was really good and fun to experiance. Then off to Hollywood Studios. Another advice Hollywood Studios should be an all day trip. The park consist of more shows then rides. We ended up missing a lot because the time we got to the park the last shows were just starting. Matthew did ended up seeing Buzz and Woody. They were so nice. They were heading for break when the CM's called them back so Matthew could meet them. We at 50's Prime time cafe and they were great and stayed in character. We highly suggest this restaurant. The waitress was so nice she even gave us proferred seating for Fantasmic show. We got awesome seating for the show. This was the best show that Disney had to offer. I ended up recording the whole show. The fifth day was awesome. We headed back to Universal Studios. We finished the right side of Universal studios where Matthew and Emmy got to splash around Curios George and Fievel Land. The Simpson ride was fun. The Men and Black wasn't that great. Then we headed over to Adventure Island. We had a blast all over that park. The kids favorite ride was the Hippogriff ride in Harry Potter World. The only bad part of the day is when we got back to are villa and i started packing everything i notice Matthews feeding pump was missing. Matthew feeding pump was stolen. I couldn't do anything. The parks were closed and when we called yesterday they had not found it. So i am borrowing my nieces extra pump until are supply company ships us a new one. The ride home yesterday was very sad. At first we were happy to go home because we were tired but when we got in the limo we started to cry. We even started crying last night when we went through all the photos. I have them posted with in a week or two .

 

[Kenziema]

Welcome back. Glad you had a mostly fun time on the trip. It was messed up about the feeding pump, I mean who would steal a feeding pump? How wierd is that. I hope you didn't let the mean CM's mess up your night. Are you planing on doing a TR?