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

[yeti5353]

not that we are excited or anything....

 

[taliasmom]

We received a letter on May 24th that our son has qualified for a wish! We are very excited for him. He has autism and mental retardation and is considered nonverbal (although he can say some words). When we talked to him and asked what he wanted he kept saying "Lightning McQueen, Fish" lol. That is the thing with him, people think he does not know what is going on but ask him what he wants and he will tell you. Anyways... We are thinking that since his birthday is in October maybe Disney then would be good so he could go see lighning and also go to Sea World and see the fish. However, we have not heard from the wish granters in regards to coming and seeing him. The letter said it would be a few weeks. I did contact them just to check in and they said they were working on trying to find volunteers in our area. Is this something that normally takes a lot of time? We are very appreciative of what they are doing for us but am worried because October is closer than it seems.

They had a hard time with volunteers for us too, I think because this is major fundraising season, and most of our kids can't take the heat well, so more work during the cooler months. We ended up driving to the office to place Talia's wish, but from the time of the letter it was about six weeks till that was suggested. Just waiting on the official approval and dates! Congrats and welcome!

 

[Rx774]

Wish Granters come to our home tonight. So nervous. So excited at the same time. The one wish granter sounds very nice, but you can tell she's strict on the rules of how this works out, so i wouldn't be shocked if they seperate the kids still. They will meet with our son and daughter. My daughter ... still wants the Disney Cruise. Hopefully they can get us in a cruise by mid August around her birthday.

My son wants a trip to California, to do the new Cars Land at Disney Land. Hopefully they'll include Universal Studios Hollywood, so he can do Transformer's The Ride as well. But we won't try to do that till next summer. He'll be 7 by then, and our youngest will be 3, and he'll enjoy it better.

 

[lorasmom]

not that we are excited or anything....

We are officially less than 2 weeks out!!

 

[Moodyzblu]

We are officially less than 2 weeks out!!

Thats awesome !! SO excited for you guys !

 

[blessedmom4]

ok Judy, I am here, hello everyone! I'm the LisaB Judy is talking about..we had talked about me helping out here with questions, but I felt funny about it since we are not a WISH family but have been to WDW 7 times.

My DD Megan and I were truly blessed last October to meet the wonderful Judy and her sweet family during Lisa's MAW trip and they invited us to spend an afternoon at GKTW. So while I can't answer most questions about the MAW organizations or GKTW I am happy to help with anything concerning the parks, restaurants, etc.

I will say that GKTW is so magical and a great place for you and your families to spend your week! they welcomed Megan and I with open arms during our day with Judy....to me its like CandyLand exploded, so fun and lots of activities.....we were able to go to Mayor Clayton's b-day party which was fun!

so welcome to all the new MAW families and hope your planning time will be fun and that your trips will be full of magic and pixie dust!!!

Yea Lisa, out of lurk mode! Did you know the answer about Kris??? Can you remember who else was nervous to fly...My mind is a blank (No wise cracks now).

We were approved for a 4 day Disney cruise. We have submitted 2 requested sailings on the Disney Dream. We have been on many cruises but never a Disney cruise. If we get our first choice of dates we would be going the week of thanksgiving. We were thinking about going to Disney world the 4 days before our cruise. Does anyone know if you get the MAW button before you leave? Is this the only thing they check when you go to the park for the fast pass entrance or is there a separate card that you have to show? Does anyone know if MAW does anything special aboard the cruise (not that the cruise is not special enough) ?

Never been on a cruise, it is high on my bucket list...You will not get the magic button from GKTW, nor the green light GAC from them if you don't stay there...HOWEVER, you are able to get a GAC at WDW guest services if you need one and you could tell them you are on a wish trip and see if they could sprinkle any pixie dust your way! I DID have some Make a Wish buttons to wear as well, although those really didn't make any difference, it is the MAW GAC that will open a few doors for you.

I included a link to it in my siggy - I will try again later to make the pictures work. I am about to start the bedtime routine. With meds and everything, it takes a little while.

Just posted!

They had a hard time with volunteers for us too, I think because this is major fundraising season, and most of our kids can't take the heat well, so more work during the cooler months. We ended up driving to the office to place Talia's wish, but from the time of the letter it was about six weeks till that was suggested. Just waiting on the official approval and dates! Congrats and welcome!

I am SO excited for you!

Wish Granters come to our home tonight. So nervous. So excited at the same time. The one wish granter sounds very nice, but you can tell she's strict on the rules of how this works out, so i wouldn't be shocked if they seperate the kids still. They will meet with our son and daughter. My daughter ... still wants the Disney Cruise. Hopefully they can get us in a cruise by mid August around her birthday.
Your DIS name cracks me up, as a nurse I know those call letter/numbers. Relax and TRY to have fun!! WHY would they separate the kids, tell them this is a family affair! One wish or three...FAMILY affair!
My son wants a trip to California, to do the new Cars Land at Disney Land. Hopefully they'll include Universal Studios Hollywood, so he can do Transformer's The Ride as well. But we won't try to do that till next summer. He'll be 7 by then, and our youngest will be 3, and he'll enjoy it better.

May all of your CHILDREN'S Wishes come true!

 

[Momtokcc]

we are going Oct 19! going to be hard to fit in the things molly wants to do with the gktw parties too. Very excited!

If we get the dates we want, we will be going on Oct 20 so we would be there at the same time as you !

 

[livndisney]

We were approved for a 4 day Disney cruise. We have submitted 2 requested sailings on the Disney Dream. We have been on many cruises but never a Disney cruise. If we get our first choice of dates we would be going the week of thanksgiving. We were thinking about going to Disney world the 4 days before our cruise. Does anyone know if you get the MAW button before you leave? Is this the only thing they check when you go to the park for the fast pass entrance or is there a separate card that you have to show? Does anyone know if MAW does anything special aboard the cruise (not that the cruise is not special enough) ?

The MAW buttons are given to wish familes staying at GKTW. If you are paying for the Disneyworld part of the trip there is no magic button.

If your wish child has needs, you may be able to request a GAC at the parks. But it is not intended for front of the line.

As I understand it Wish chapters have asked families to not ask or expect the "magic" button for visits outside the actual "wish".

I am sure your child's wish cruise will be magical!

 

[blessedmom4]

Just an FYI...EVERY wish chapter is different and as such can vary wildly how they handle things...from how long a wish may take to be granted, to if you will be allowed to extend your trip. Extending your trip outside the original wish is handled entirely by you (accommodations, extending your car rental, tickets, etc.). If you or someone in your party needs a GAC, Sue has great info on them here

 

[Nanookz]

Wish Granters come to our home tonight. So nervous. So excited at the same time. The one wish granter sounds very nice, but you can tell she's strict on the rules of how this works out, so i wouldn't be shocked if they seperate the kids still. They will meet with our son and daughter. My daughter ... still wants the Disney Cruise. Hopefully they can get us in a cruise by mid August around her birthday.

My son wants a trip to California, to do the new Cars Land at Disney Land. Hopefully they'll include Universal Studios Hollywood, so he can do Transformer's The Ride as well. But we won't try to do that till next summer. He'll be 7 by then, and our youngest will be 3, and he'll enjoy it better.

To give you an idea of a time line. We had our MAW visit in April and we have been approved for the cruise however they have not nailed down the dates yet. So my guess would be August would be hard to guess if your MAW operates at the the speed ours does.

 

[yeti5353]

we are going to discovery cove - make a wish cannot pay for this as its a wish of its own, but we have sold many things, garage sales, camping trailer, fund raisers, to come up with the money to do this. Discovery cove will give the Florida resident rate of 199 to make a wish families, for us that saved about 280. So now we have confirmed reservations for a character breakfast at ohnana- for stitch time and also for Teppan Edo a request of both girls. I dont think we will actually be at GKTW all that much. Which is kind of sad, because it seems so cool. Hoping now that I finaced discovery cove the rest of the money worries will go away and the money MAW gives us will be enough. I do know this, its going to be truely magical no mater what happens.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Yea Lisa, out of lurk mode! Did you know the answer about Kris??? Can you remember who else was nervous to fly...My mind is a blank (No wise cracks now).

I do think Kris had issues with the flying, but can't remember for sure don't remember anyone else either... who me never !

Never been on a cruise, it is high on my bucket list...You will not get the magic button from GKTW, nor the green light GAC from them if you don't stay there...HOWEVER, you are able to get a GAC at WDW guest services if you need one and you could tell them you are on a wish trip and see if they could sprinkle any pixie dust your way! I DID have some Make a Wish buttons to wear as well, although those really didn't make any difference, it is the MAW GAC that will open a few doors for you.

Just posted!

I am SO excited for you!

we are going to discovery cove - make a wish cannot pay for this as its a wish of its own, but we have sold many things, garage sales, camping trailer, fund raisers, to come up with the money to do this. Discovery cove will give the Florida resident rate of 199 to make a wish families, for us that saved about 280. So now we have confirmed reservations for a character breakfast at ohnana- for stitch time and also for Teppan Edo a request of both girls. I dont think we will actually be at GKTW all that much. Which is kind of sad, because it seems so cool. Hoping now that I finaced discovery cove the rest of the money worries will go away and the money MAW gives us will be enough. I do know this, its going to be truely magical no mater what happens.

you will LOVE Discovery Cove...I took my DD last year for her bday surprise plan on being there for the whole day, its a great place to unwind and your chill for the day! the food is so yummy and its wonderful everything ...food, drinks, snacks, snorkeling stuff, swim noodles, lifevests and even sunscreen - its a special blend they want you to use - is all included....are you going to swim with the dolphins?

 

[newdrama12]

we are going to discovery cove - make a wish cannot pay for this as its a wish of its own, but we have sold many things, garage sales, camping trailer, fund raisers, to come up with the money to do this. Discovery cove will give the Florida resident rate of 199 to make a wish families, for us that saved about 280. So now we have confirmed reservations for a character breakfast at ohnana- for stitch time and also for Teppan Edo a request of both girls. I dont think we will actually be at GKTW all that much. Which is kind of sad, because it seems so cool. Hoping now that I finaced discovery cove the rest of the money worries will go away and the money MAW gives us will be enough. I do know this, its going to be truely magical no mater what happens.

The good thing about GKTW is once you have stayed there as a WISH family, you are more than welcome to come back and visit anytime and take part in the activities. You just won't be able to stay in the villas.

 

[yeti5353]

you will LOVE Discovery Cove...I took my DD last year for her bday surprise plan on being there for the whole day, its a great place to unwind and your chill for the day! the food is so yummy and its wonderful everything ...food, drinks, snacks, snorkeling stuff, swim noodles, lifevests and even sunscreen - its a special blend they want you to use - is all included....are you going to swim with the dolphins?

yes all three of us will do the dolphin swim. and I have the money put away for the photo stuff.

this will likely be the only trip to florida for us so not sure if/when we would ever be back.

 

[GavandGraciesMommy]

They had a hard time with volunteers for us too, I think because this is major fundraising season, and most of our kids can't take the heat well, so more work during the cooler months. We ended up driving to the office to place Talia's wish, but from the time of the letter it was about six weeks till that was suggested. Just waiting on the official approval and dates! Congrats and welcome!

I think I may ask them if they would like us to come to the office. I do not want to be a pain and seem unappreciative though. WE really really appreciate everything. Gavin has said several times he wants "lightning mcqueen, zebras, and fish." (He has MR so communication is vastly delayed-- he is technically considered nonverbal). I was hoping he could do it the week of his birthday (october 15th) so want to make sure there is enough time to get those dates. Do you think if I asked they would even have time or is that too close?

 

[taliasmom]

I think I may ask them if they would like us to come to the office. I do not want to be a pain and seem unappreciative though. WE really really appreciate everything. Gavin has said several times he wants "lightning mcqueen, zebras, and fish." (He has MR so communication is vastly delayed-- he is technically considered nonverbal). I was hoping he could do it the week of his birthday (october 15th) so want to make sure there is enough time to get those dates. Do you think if I asked they would even have time or is that too close?

I understand not wanting to sound ungrateful, I called at four weeks instead of the three the letter suggested. I was told to expect a call the following week, two went by and I called again, that's when the poor lady told me how busy she was, and how many families she had to visit, and since I lived in Mojave (about an hour away in the sticks) that by the time she found a volunteer it would be mid July, and asked if I ever went to Bakersfield. We figured the best thing to do was go out there, it was easier on her and faster for us. When we did get there, the strict sounding lady on the phone turned out to be very sweet and charming in person, and very appreciative that we came to her. She was just one person in a tiny office buried in paperwork and signage, I figure she's glad for any breaks she gets. I had a chat with Talia on being responsive , "make noise, look at things, smile". I don't know how much she understands anymore, but apparenly more than we think, she was absolutely her best in that office. Talia is nonverbal as well, I would do backflips if she would say "fish" again, lol. Since we live in socal we took her to Disneyland a while ago to see if Disneyworld would be an appropriate wish for her, and it went so well that Daddy and I were in tears a couple times. I really think between the way she was at DL and the way she behaved in that office that we must just bore the heck out of her at home!

I don't know if your chapter will be different, but ours said most likely in the spring, and her condition is very progressive, so I am nervouse about her declining too much for her to go. I'm hoping God helps us out on that one, my gut tells me it will all work out.

On another note, many of us save our precious pictures and videos on our computers nowadays, we thought we were being safe backing them up to an external drive. We accessed the drive to pull some of Talias videos for our MAW chapter, and somehow the file for video became corrupt and we lost them all (since birth). Luckily my grandma has a hard copy of some of my favorites, but my point is no matter how incovienent, save your memories to DVD disc and keep in a firebox, its well worth the hastle.

 

[Nanookz]

For backing up my photos I keep a copy on my computer and on an external drive and back them up to the Internet. Depending on the total size of your files it is free to save to the Internet . I have a bunch so I spend $5 a month. I figure they are worth 5 bucks. Having a copy in another location is a good idea to but then you have to take the files over there. Internet backups can be set to update automatically. I've used carbonate, most, and crash plan.

 

[mommy2mrb]

yes all three of us will do the dolphin swim. and I have the money put away for the photo stuff.

this will likely be the only trip to florida for us so not sure if/when we would ever be back.

the dolphin swim is so much fun! you also get a video of your swim!

 

[GavandGraciesMommy]

I understand not wanting to sound ungrateful, I called at four weeks instead of the three the letter suggested. I was told to expect a call the following week, two went by and I called again, that's when the poor lady told me how busy she was, and how many families she had to visit, and since I lived in Mojave (about an hour away in the sticks) that by the time she found a volunteer it would be mid July, and asked if I ever went to Bakersfield. We figured the best thing to do was go out there, it was easier on her and faster for us. When we did get there, the strict sounding lady on the phone turned out to be very sweet and charming in person, and very appreciative that we came to her. She was just one person in a tiny office buried in paperwork and signage, I figure she's glad for any breaks she gets. I had a chat with Talia on being responsive , "make noise, look at things, smile". I don't know how much she understands anymore, but apparenly more than we think, she was absolutely her best in that office. Talia is nonverbal as well, I would do backflips if she would say "fish" again, lol. Since we live in socal we took her to Disneyland a while ago to see if Disneyworld would be an appropriate wish for her, and it went so well that Daddy and I were in tears a couple times. I really think between the way she was at DL and the way she behaved in that office that we must just bore the heck out of her at home!

I don't know if your chapter will be different, but ours said most likely in the spring, and her condition is very progressive, so I am nervouse about her declining too much for her to go. I'm hoping God helps us out on that one, my gut tells me it will all work out.

On another note, many of us save our precious pictures and videos on our computers nowadays, we thought we were being safe backing them up to an external drive. We accessed the drive to pull some of Talias videos for our MAW chapter, and somehow the file for video became corrupt and we lost them all (since birth). Luckily my grandma has a hard copy of some of my favorites, but my point is no matter how incovienent, save your memories to DVD disc and keep in a firebox, its well worth the hastle.

I think I will email her and make the suggestion that we come by Thanks for the advice.
I hope that things work out for your daughter and her trip. We will keep you in our prayers. Gavin did not start talking until just recently. He is currently up to 10 words which is kind of funny because of the ten they include "Ipad, pizza, lightning mcqueen, fish, pop, and zebra". He is a boy that knows what he likes. The others are "mom, dad, book". Gavin was born with a heart condition and unrelated developmental delays. He now has been diagnosed with severe autism and mild-moderate mental retardation. We took him to Mall of America to meet Spongebob and he was soooooo excited. Gavin doesnt get excited over much but he kept shaking and kissing them. I think if he went to Disney he would freak out meeting all of the characters. He loves his movies! If Disney is as magical as I hear I am sure both of our children will have all their wishes come true! What are your dates?

 

[taliasmom]

I think I will email her and make the suggestion that we come by Thanks for the advice.
I hope that things work out for your daughter and her trip. We will keep you in our prayers. Gavin did not start talking until just recently. He is currently up to 10 words which is kind of funny because of the ten they include "Ipad, pizza, lightning mcqueen, fish, pop, and zebra". He is a boy that knows what he likes. The others are "mom, dad, book". Gavin was born with a heart condition and unrelated developmental delays. He now has been diagnosed with severe autism and mild-moderate mental retardation. We took him to Mall of America to meet Spongebob and he was soooooo excited. Gavin doesnt get excited over much but he kept shaking and kissing them. I think if he went to Disney he would freak out meeting all of the characters. He loves his movies! If Disney is as magical as I hear I am sure both of our children will have all their wishes come true! What are your dates?

No dates yet, I think that'll be a while still. She just told us spring would be the most probable time, but on paper to the main office she wrote "fall/spring", so we could get lucky. Sounds like Gavin will have a fantastic time! Yeah, just offer to drive to them if it would make things easier. I know sometimes chapters make the wish process a little more fun/magical than our chapter, so they may want you at home. Hope you get to see them soon in any case! Talia's first three and a half years were normal, she could walk,run, jump, talk, was counting into her teens, start to recognize letters in words, then it slowly all disappeared, skill by skill. We could tell she was aware of it, she still tries to sit up on her own sometimes, and gets so frustrated when she can't, but she does try. She is still a happy positive girl for the most part, and we enjoy her, I know she'll have a spectacular time on our trip!