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

[onceagain1]

Yikes!! my ds MAW trip is on! We are headed to Disney November 2-11! I am so stinking excited.
We have three choices for our wish: pirates league, grinchmas breakfast, or lunch at Cinderella's royal table!. Now it's stArting to feel real! We are taking our aunt sue along to help us Corral the kiddos.
Now we have to decide where to stay during our extended weekended vacation, what to do when!, and what in gods name are we going to wear!!!!! Any help is welcomed with open arms

Happy dancing

Yippeee!!! Exciting!!

 

[onceagain1]

I have never done a forum before but came across this one, as I am trying to find out more into regarding my son's upcoming Make-A-Wish trip to Disneyworld. Thank-you so very much for all of this information and am anxious to figure all of this out, let you know a little about us, and allow y'all to help me with my planning! I realize we're supposed to let them take care of it all, but I am naturally a planner and we are wanting to extend the trip on our own expense, as I have seen quite a few folks have been able to do! So please bear with me as I learn more about forums and what I'm supposed to do and I'm sure I'll be asking tons of questions! And yes, I'm from Texas!
Jamie

Welcome, everyone on this board (well, this thread, it's all I know) are fantastic resources of information, and so wonderful for answering questions. I have many as well.

 

[Rx774]

Finally, completed a trip report for my son's MAW trip to Disneyland last month. Quickly, drop what you are doing and take a gander. I thank you ahead of time...
Christian's MAW Trip

 

[onceagain1]

Finally, completed a trip report for my son's MAW trip to Disneyland last month. Quickly, drop what you are doing and take a gander. I thank you ahead of time...
Christian's MAW Trip

Loved seeing all the pics, and nice tip on mailing packages home instead of taking as luggage!!

 

[aym4Him]

Sea World....Polar Express Experience??? What??? I really need to get a handle on the research here. That's exciting! Chatterbox would be interested in that, so thanks for mentioning

ETA: Okay, I can't seem to find the schedule for the Polar Express....or ticket info, or whatever...help??? Please direct me?

I know, right?!

Per the customer service rep, the Polar Express Experience opens on 11/9. All the Christmas shows won't start until 11/17.

It's a simulator-type thing that gives "riders" the point of view the kids in the movie had. There are sights & smells (cinnamon, pine, etc) & at the end, upon arrival at the North Pole, they meet Santa.

I believe the attraction it is "replacing" is the Wild Arctic.

No special ticket is required. It's included with the price of admission.

Hope that helps!!! I also searched "Polar Express" within these boards to see of others had done it. Looks like Sea World gets pretty magical for Christmas!

 

[aym4Him]

I know, right?!

Per the customer service rep, the Polar Express Experience opens on 11/9. All the Christmas shows won't start until 11/17.

It's a simulator-type thing that gives "riders" the point of view the kids in the movie had. There are sights & smells (cinnamon, pine, etc) & at the end, upon arrival at the North Pole, they meet Santa.

I believe the attraction it is "replacing" is the Wild Arctic.

No special ticket is required. It's included with the price of admission.

Hope that helps!!! I also searched "Polar Express" within these boards to see of others had done it. Looks like Sea World gets pretty magical for Christmas!

I'm on my phone & I don't know how to edit so I'm gonna quote myself!

I forgot to add that, I'd motion sickness is an issue, there is a "walk through" option. I'm not 100% sure on the specifics, but read today that one member's mom opted to do the alternate version b/c she was afraid she'd get sick.

 

[Emmaswishtrip]

Woohoo! I'm doing the happy dance! We just heard from our make a wish chapter and our Disney trip is booked! We are going Nov 10-17!!! So excited! Can't wait to plan more!

 

[Abcam]

Hi, we are getting ready for our MAW trip... we are going 11/9 - 11/15. Excited to about everyone's trips! I'm new to this forum so I'm trying to figure out how personalize my signature, etc.

Laura

 

[alyssaswish]

Woohoo! I'm doing the happy dance! We just heard from our make a wish chapter and our Disney trip is booked! We are going Nov 10-17!!! So excited! Can't wait to plan more!

Yay for dates! We will be there at the same time! Less than 2 months!!!!

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

We are going to miss the gktw winter festival! The kids are so disappointed they'll miss santa. We arrive on Friday, so we have to check out of the village on Thursday at 11. Any advice? Can we still attend the party if we are still in town or are we out of luck? Stinky planning on my part! I was trying to miss the least amount of school days.

 

[krisalee]

Hi everyone!

Did anyone's child NOT get any 'extras'? Please don't take that the wrong way- we are so very, very grateful for this chance, and we are all so excited to go to GKTW, but it seems just about everyone here gets a little 'extra' for their wish child. My DS, Jake, wished specifically to go to Harry Potter World, so I just kind of assumed after reading so many other people's TRs that he would get an 'escort' and be picked to pick a wand at Ollivander's, etc. But when I talked to our Wish Coordinator this week, she said they don't do anything like that- they just give us tickets and expense money and let us do everything else.

Again, please don't take that the wrong way- I was just surprised and wondered if anyone else had that expierence.

Thanks!

 

[alyssaswish]

We are going to miss the gktw winter festival! The kids are so disappointed they'll miss santa. We arrive on Friday, so we have to check out of the village on Thursday at 11. Any advise? Can we still attend the party if we are still in town or are we out of luck? Stinky planning on my part! I was trying to miss the least amount of school days.

Yes, you can still attend the party. I called GKTW and spoke to a manager because we are moving onto Disney property on Friday of our trip but want to come back for the Pirate and Princess party. You can visit anytime after you check out and are entitled to one free meal during your visit.

 

[aym4Him]

Hi everyone!

Did anyone's child NOT get any 'extras'? Please don't take that the wrong way- we are so very, very grateful for this chance, and we are all so excited to go to GKTW, but it seems just about everyone here gets a little 'extra' for their wish child. My DS, Jake, wished specifically to go to Harry Potter World, so I just kind of assumed after reading so many other people's TRs that he would get an 'escort' and be picked to pick a wand at Ollivander's, etc. But when I talked to our Wish Coordinator this week, she said they don't do anything like that- they just give us tickets and expense money and let us do everything else.

Again, please don't take that the wrong way- I was just surprised and wondered if anyone else had that expierence.

Thanks!

Don't feel bad for asking that question!! I don't think our wish chapter does anything "extra," either. For instance, Ethan didn't make a specific wish but they still are having us pay for the MVMCP out of pocket (of course, we can use the spending money they give us for that- if it's enough after character meals). I think it just depends on the chapter. Maybe some years they have more funds than others???

Welcome aboard, by the way!!!!!!!

 

[aym4Him]

Yes, you can still attend the party. I called GKTW and spoke to a manager because we are moving onto Disney property on Friday of our trip but want to come back for the Pirate and Princess party. You can visit anytime after you check out and are entitled to one free meal during your visit.

That's good to know. You can only visit one time, though, right?

Hi, we are getting ready for our MAW trip... we are going 11/9 - 11/15. Excited to about everyone's trips! I'm new to this forum so I'm trying to figure out how personalize my signature, etc.

Laura

Woo-hoo! Welcome! We will be there the same time!!

Woohoo! I'm doing the happy dance! We just heard from our make a wish chapter and our Disney trip is booked! We are going Nov 10-17!!! So excited! Can't wait to plan more!

All-right!! It's going to be a fun November with all these wish families hitting GKTW at the same time! Can't wait to meet everyone!!

 

[Abcam]

We are thinking of extending our MAW trip and not sure how you coordinate it, etc. do we wait until we have our flight info from MAW and then change the return day or do you talk with the wish grantors and let them know you want to extend. Trying to decide if we want to stay for the extra days so any input is appreciated.
Also, I see where some are given extras for their trip...did you have to ask or was it offered? We want to eat at Cinderella's castle, but it's all booked - think MAW could help is at least get reservations?

Thanks,
Laura

 

[aym4Him]

We are thinking of extending our MAW trip and not sure how you coordinate it, etc. do we wait until we have our flight info from MAW and then change the return day or do you talk with the wish grantors and let them know you want to extend. Trying to decide if we want to stay for the extra days so any input is appreciated.
Also, I see where some are given extras for their trip...did you have to ask or was it offered? We want to eat at Cinderella's castle, but it's all booked - think MAW could help is at least get reservations?

Thanks,
Laura

You'll need to talk to your wish granters. We are hoping to extend, as well. Just waiting on the wish manager to get back to us (their fiscal year ended 8/31 so she is busy getting all their paperwork done- one of our wish granters said she'd get back with me in a couple of days). I'm still booking food reservations b/c, as long as you cancel 24 hours out, you're ok.

You have to ask. Not all chapters will do something special. I'm not sure they can help with that, but it never EVER hurts to ask!!!

 

[jjmomof4]

For those asking about extending their trip, I didn't know it was a possibility until reading it on here. MAW had already booked our tickets, so I went on Southwest and looked up another day that had the same flight and prices and simply asked if we could switch to that day giving us more time. If you want to stay longer, let them know asap, hopefully before they get flights. Everything after that though is your own cost, so I found a new hotel, and we'll pay to extend the rental car and wheelchair rentals. Hope this helps!

 

[jjmomof4]

I think I have plan...unfortunately we won't get our trip itinerary until four days before we leave for our trip, so this could change. I'd love any and all input and am willing to change this around if there is a better way!

Day One (Sept 26) fly to Orlando, stop at Walmart, explore GKTW
Day Two (Sept 27) IOA - Harry Potter World and Marvel Island, hopefully photo with characters, leave if boys are worn out, or stay for Suess Land. Head back to GKTW by 3 for nap. Santa Party at GKTW (one of two Colin is interested in) also Disney Characters in the am at GKTW
Day Three (Sept 28) - iFly and MNSSHP in the afternoon/evening with the generous military discount (sort of a low key day, but a late night)
Day Four (Sept 29) - Discovery Cove - some structure, but mostly a day of rest and back to GKTW by 5 to rest, and Colin wants to do Big Splash Bash
Day Five (Sept 30) - Disney (MK???) Try for Rope Drop to see that show
Day Six (Oct 1) - Disney (HS???), nap at GKTW in afternoon, back to MK in evening for Electric Parade and Wishes
Day Seven (Oct 2) - Disney (MK or Epcot???), leave GKTW, check into Bonnet Creek in PM, long nap for boys, back to Disney for Wishes if not done before, or just enjoy Bonnet Creek
Day Eight (Oct 3) - Disney or IOA or a little of both. Electric Parade if we missed it before. Nap and pool and enjoy Bonnet Creek for boys and relax.
Day Nine (Oct 4) - Check out and leave for airport early.
This of course all hinges on the itinerary that MAW gives us the Friday before we leave! They are scheduling Jedi Training and hopefully a surprise around that for Colin, so we may have to adjust days for that. Of course the girls will likely do their own thing some of the time, and we'll just plan to send a parent back to pick them up.

Any input would be appreciated! Especially with regard to which park which day.
Thanks,

 

[Lilfoot93]

Woohoo! I'm doing the happy dance! We just heard from our make a wish chapter and our Disney trip is booked! We are going Nov 10-17!!! So excited! Can't wait to plan more!

Yay for dates!!

Hi, we are getting ready for our MAW trip... we are going 11/9 - 11/15. Excited to about everyone's trips! I'm new to this forum so I'm trying to figure out how personalize my signature, etc.

Laura

Jackie

 

[Moodyzblu]

For those asking about extending their trip, I didn't know it was a possibility until reading it on here. MAW had already booked our tickets, so I went on Southwest and looked up another day that had the same flight and prices and simply asked if we could switch to that day giving us more time. If you want to stay longer, let them know asap, hopefully before they get flights. Everything after that though is your own cost, so I found a new hotel, and we'll pay to extend the rental car and wheelchair rentals. Hope this helps!

Unfortunately this is a chapter by chapter thing. Some just won't allow it .. not sure why some would and some won't but a few wish trippers had their request denied.
I didn't know about extending it either, until I read it on here and was very happy our chapter let us.
So my advice is to not get your hopes up until after you've discussed it with your particular chapter.