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

[aym4Him]

Yes, everyone can dress up for the GKTW halloween party if they want to. No, it is not scary at all!

Thank you!

Still trying to figure out the shoe situation. I know. We aren't leaving til November, but this is a huge deal b/c ouchy feet = misery = grumpiness. I think Ethan and DH will be ok- they can wear Crocs and tennies, no problem. I, on the other hand, have issues and I loathe them! Long story short, I wear Birkenstocks daily. I will probably bring both Chacos and Birkenstocks and wear one for as long as I can stand it and then change into the other. I'm guessing the blister stick/deodorant will be my friend. My arches will be happy but my skin will probably be feeling the "burn." It just kills me that endurance in the parks won't be a problem but it will be my FEET that gets me!

E and I have been scrolling thru pics of characters we'll possibly run into. I think he has a crush on Rapunzel! He said "yes" to all princess and fairies but both times we got to Rapunzel, he clammed up and averted his eyes. The last time, he sort of ducked his head and I said, "Oh, Ethan, do you love Rapunzel? Does she make you feel shy?" He mumbled, slid off his chair and slinked away! Hahaha...

He's got quite a few on his "no" list. Some, like superheroes and Star Wars characters, we've come to the agreement that we can get a family picture as long as the "no" characters aren't touching E! He RAVES about Spiderman and Darth Vader (in fact, he has been saying he wants a Spiderman, Darth Vader and Buzz Lightyear birthday cake...tonight, he's saying JUST Spiderman and Darth Vader- then he wants all the superhero masks, and a Spiderman costume WITH a Captain America shield! ) but he's not keen on shaking their hand or giving them high fives! Hopefully, if we get to meet them, he'll at least let them be in a picture so that when he's older, he can look back and say, "Hey, I met ______!"

He doesn't want to meet Stitch b/c "His eyes turn green!" I explained to him that the Stitch at Disneyworld is the GOOD Stitch. He just kept insisting that, "No, Mommy...I saw on the mooooovie that his eyes turned GWEEN!" Haha...We saw some pictures of a little girl holding hands with him and hugging him and Ethan's mind MIGHT actually be changing.

Sully (or is it Sulley?) and Mike are still a "no." Again, he's focusing on when they were "monsters" and not at the end of the movie when they are making kids laugh. We'll have to watch the movie again . I mean, he's only seen it 1,000,000 times, but maybe he'll hone in on the happy ending this time . This has been right up there with all the Toy Story movies- they are his favorite. It really surprises me that he is scared of them.

Ok. Well, since I'm not working on plans, I thought we'd cruise down character lane tonight, ergo my above ramblings. E is currently watching Wall-E for the 100th time. Time to get that little cutie in bed! He's having a spectacular start to the school year and tomorrow is another school day (he took a late nap so I let him stay up just a bit later tonight). I LOVE THIS BOY WITH ALL MY HEART! You guys know that feeling, right? That feeling when it just feels like your heart is going to BURST with all the love??? Oh my goodness....

Update on David. He was supposed to be transferred to Children's Dallas for the beginnings of his heart transplant eval. There were hurdles with his insurance and finding a bed. Insurance is handled but they are still waiting on a bed in the ICU. They were packed up and ready to be moved today; unfortunately, his new hospital wasn't ready for him yet. Please keep them in your prayers, especially big sister Abby. She's really having a rough time. Lil bro has been in the hospital for 100 days and has to now go to a new hospital. So hard for a sweet 6 yr old to take in. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for them!!!!

 

[Abcam]

Just heard from our wish coordinator that the Houston MAW chapter does not allow you to extend your trip. Wish we could of, but grateful for what we do have

 

[Lilfoot93]

Just heard from our wish coordinator that the Houston MAW chapter does not allow you to extend your trip. Wish we could of, but grateful for what we do have

Bummer! I just found out the other day that our chapter does not let you extend either. But we will still have a magical time!

Jackie

 

[BrycesDad]

Just wanted to say HELLO to everyone. I just stumbled across this site at work and had a question. Im quite sure like most men I didnt follow directions and put my question in the right spot or read a certain entry. ;o) so I am standing by to be corrected by the staff....

I am a father of 2(10&7) active duty Navy for 19+years living in Va Bch from Florida originally. My 10year old son just went into remission after 3 1/2 years of battling High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia(ALL) odds are pretty good that it will return
We went to LEGOLAND in CA, 2 years ago through MAKE A WISH. I dont want to sound greedy but is there something else available to my son now that he is actually healthy enough to enjoy DISNEY.. Is GKTW funded through WISH foundations.. Im sorry that I sound like the rookie, It just saddens me to see what my child has gone through and not being able to give him the world myself.. Thanks for your time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Brian
VABCH

 

[Indykjt]

Hi Everyone! We haven't posted many updates, as there hasn't been anything to post about, other than counting down the days, and nobody in the family has patience!

That is starting to change, as we are now just over three weeks out from Braden's Wish Trip! Last week he received a "Wish Sneak Peek" that had some basic trip info, including our awesome flight times! Then yesterday, Braden's Wish Granter's called to schedule his Wish Party! We will be having it a week from tomorrow at Coldstone Creamery!

I am sorry to hear so many people lately not being approved to extend their trip. We are fortunate that our chapter is allowing us to stay, so we will be on the trip from 10/14-10/24. We will be at GKTW from 10/14-10/20... so it looks like there will be some others from this thread that will be there around then too!

Some things just keep falling into place, and just a day or so ago my wife was able to figure out a day for her and I to enjoy a dinner, while the kids hang out with Grandpa at GKTW! On Monday, our plan is to hit the MK for the day, and head back to the village a bit early for some down time. Then, my wife and I will be dining at Biergarten in Epcot that evening, and sticking around for Illuminations afterwards!

It should work out pretty well, as Tuesday our plan is to hang out at GKTW for most of the day, and then go back to the MK for MNSSHP, which is the main part of Braden's wish! This way, we'll get to enjoy MK a bit more after a "short" day on Monday!

Now the challenge remains to try to not get overly excited about the trip (yeah, right!). It has been fun to see our wish kid's countdown chain getting shorter each day!!!

(In addition to this post our PTR has been updated as well!)

 

[nesser1981]

Pretty sure most organizations will not grant a wish if your child has already had one granted through another nonprofit wish type organization.

As far as I know, GKTW is funded through themselves & just work w/ other organizations. We stayed at a Fairfield Inn the othe day & they had fundraising for GKTW.

You should be able to get a good military discount @ shades of green.

Just wanted to say HELLO to everyone. I just stumbled across this site at work and had a question. Im quite sure like most men I didnt follow directions and put my question in the right spot or read a certain entry. ;o) so I am standing by to be corrected by the staff....

I am a father of 2(10&7) active duty Navy for 19+years living in Va Bch from Florida originally. My 10year old son just went into remission after 3 1/2 years of battling High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia(ALL) odds are pretty good that it will return
We went to LEGOLAND in CA, 2 years ago through MAKE A WISH. I dont want to sound greedy but is there something else available to my son now that he is actually healthy enough to enjoy DISNEY.. Is GKTW funded through WISH foundations.. Im sorry that I sound like the rookie, It just saddens me to see what my child has gone through and not being able to give him the world myself.. Thanks for your time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Brian
VABCH

 

[aym4Him]

Just heard from our wish coordinator that the Houston MAW chapter does not allow you to extend your trip. Wish we could of, but grateful for what we do have

I wish you could, too. You guys are going to have a blast, though!!!!!

Bummer! I just found out the other day that our chapter does not let you extend either. But we will still have a magical time!

Jackie

Awww...bummed for you, too. You're right, though! The magic is going to be soooooo abundant!!

Hi Everyone! We haven't posted many updates, as there hasn't been anything to post about, other than counting down the days, and nobody in the family has patience!

That is starting to change, as we are now just over three weeks out from Braden's Wish Trip! Last week he received a "Wish Sneak Peek" that had some basic trip info, including our awesome flight times! Then yesterday, Braden's Wish Granter's called to schedule his Wish Party! We will be having it a week from tomorrow at Coldstone Creamery!

I am sorry to hear so many people lately not being approved to extend their trip. We are fortunate that our chapter is allowing us to stay, so we will be on the trip from 10/14-10/24. We will be at GKTW from 10/14-10/20... so it looks like there will be some others from this thread that will be there around then too!

Some things just keep falling into place, and just a day or so ago my wife was able to figure out a day for her and I to enjoy a dinner, while the kids hang out with Grandpa at GKTW! On Monday, our plan is to hit the MK for the day, and head back to the village a bit early for some down time. Then, my wife and I will be dining at Biergarten in Epcot that evening, and sticking around for Illuminations afterwards!

It should work out pretty well, as Tuesday our plan is to hang out at GKTW for most of the day, and then go back to the MK for MNSSHP, which is the main part of Braden's wish! This way, we'll get to enjoy MK a bit more after a "short" day on Monday!

Now the challenge remains to try to not get overly excited about the trip (yeah, right!). It has been fun to see our wish kid's countdown chain getting shorter each day!!!

(In addition to this post our PTR has been updated as well!)

Yay!! I need to catch up on your PTR!

A little news.....

We got the all-clear that we are extending! I typed that small b/c I feel bad celebrating when others don't get to The bright side for you guys is, you don't have to fret over where you're gonna stay the extra days!! I'm in the process of trying to figure it out. I welcome suggestions, though we want to keep it under $100/night (so no Disney resorts). My SIL is staying at the Inn at Oak Plantation while we are at GKTW as it was recommended by our Wish Manager. It does offer a shuttle to the parks but it seems kind of far away (in Kissimmee). The Best Western on Disney property has some crazy low rates which has me leery. We will still have a rental car but if we find a place close enough, we can just take their shuttle to/from the Magic Kingdom. Any thoughts????? Any tips on where I can look for good deals or info on hotel decency? We just need someplace safe, comfy and economical. We will fly home on November 20th, so I guess we need a reservation for 3 nights.

 

[newdrama12]

I wish you could, too. You guys are going to have a blast, though!!!!!



Awww...bummed for you, too. You're right, though! The magic is going to be soooooo abundant!!



Yay!! I need to catch up on your PTR!

A little news.....

We got the all-clear that we are extending! I typed that small b/c I feel bad celebrating when others don't get to The bright side for you guys is, you don't have to fret over where you're gonna stay the extra days!! I'm in the process of trying to figure it out. I welcome suggestions, though we want to keep it under $100/night (so no Disney resorts). My SIL is staying at the Inn at Oak Plantation while we are at GKTW as it was recommended by our Wish Manager. It does offer a shuttle to the parks but it seems kind of far away (in Kissimmee). The Best Western on Disney property has some crazy low rates which has me leery. We will still have a rental car but if we find a place close enough, we can just take their shuttle to/from the Magic Kingdom. Any thoughts????? Any tips on where I can look for good deals or info on hotel decency? We just need someplace safe, comfy and economical. We will fly home on November 20th, so I guess we need a reservation for 3 nights.

This is the hotel that I stayed at before I moved to Orlando. It is about 20 minutes from Magic Kingdom and is near GKTW (which is the other reason taht I would stay there.) It is near a Walmart and has several restaurants in the immediate area. They do have a shuttle but I didn't use it. A quick search from 3 nights in November, has a total nightly rate of $28 to $32 a night. http://www.hojo.com/hotels/florida/...n-inn-tropical-palms-kissimmee/hotel-overview

 

[aym4Him]

This is the hotel that I stayed at before I moved to Orlando. It is about 20 minutes from Magic Kingdom and is near GKTW (which is the other reason taht I would stay there.) It is near a Walmart and has several restaurants in the immediate area. They do have a shuttle but I didn't use it. A quick search from 3 nights in November, has a total nightly rate of $28 to $32 a night. http://www.hojo.com/hotels/florida/...n-inn-tropical-palms-kissimmee/hotel-overview

Thank you! We're trying to decide if we want to be near GKTW or closer to the Magic Kingdom/DTD. I know the further away, the cheaper things will get. I also noticed that there are resort fees at some hotels ($10/night) and one charged for parking at the hotel itself! The rate at the Best Western was non-refundable. That's why it was so low. The next step up is around $70.

I'll call around to a few places to see if their in-house rate might be better than what I'm seeing online (I will also let them know we are extending a MAW trip to see if that helps!). I chatted with a Disney CM the other day about the different value resorts but they were all pretty much "peak season" prices since we are extending into the week of Thanksgiving. I can't complain b/c we were warned about that by our Wish Manager.

 

[Emmaswishtrip]

Kind of a random question but we are wondering when MAW gives you spending money what form is it in? We just got a great disney cc offer and are thinking of using that card for a free $200 disney gift card. Thanks!

 

[nesser1981]

Kind of a random question but we are wondering when MAW gives you spending money what form is it in? We just got a great disney cc offer and are thinking of using that card for a free $200 disney gift card. Thanks!

I think it depends on the chapter. They gave us a check and we just deposited it right into our checking account. I've heard others say it was a debit card.

 

[jessmomto3]

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

We're from Texas too! And welcome!

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

I am stressed out with Luke's trip this week. We were approved to take a third adult along to help with the trip. Unfortunately, the dates didn't fit into dh's sisters work schedule, so she can't come. Long story short, we have asked over five people to come along and no one can make it work. I really do not want to change our dates, our next dates would probably be december or January. I am frustrated, we are offering up a free vacation, but our son is hard to chase, so we have age and experience requirements. College students are out because it's an exam week, and it's not a paid nursing position so I can't offer a salary. I will have to call my maw chapter on Monday and see if they have any advice.

I know one or two months difference in dates shouldn't bother me, but I really don't want to change dates! I just have to accept that if we are meant to go, we will find the right person. I hate waiting patiently for God to show me His path. Patience is NOT my special gift!!

 

[aym4Him]

I am stressed out with Luke's trip this week. We were approved to take a third adult along to help with the trip. Unfortunately, the dates didn't fit into dh's sisters work schedule, so she can't come. Long story short, we have asked over five people to come along and no one can make it work. I really do not want to change our dates, our next dates would probably be december or January. I am frustrated, we are offering up a free vacation, but our son is hard to chase, so we have age and experience requirements. College students are out because it's an exam week, and it's not a paid nursing position so I can't offer a salary. I will have to call my maw chapter on Monday and see if they have any advice.

I know one or two months difference in dates shouldn't bother me, but I really don't want to change dates! I just have to accept that if we are meant to go, we will find the right person. I hate waiting patiently for God to show me His path. Patience is NOT my special gift!!

I'm so sorry!! I hope you get a solution soon. It IS hard to wait for God's timing.

I'll go

 

[yeti5353]

for all going to disney from now thru Halloween, I was just at wallgreens and they had a lot of disney themed halloween stuff, like light up toys with mickey ears and also glow in the dark bubbles, which I got for one of the parades! also disney halloween window clings that I think would help us identify our rental car!

 

[GavandGraciesMommy]

for all going to disney from now thru Halloween, I was just at wallgreens and they had a lot of disney themed halloween stuff, like light up toys with mickey ears and also glow in the dark bubbles, which I got for one of the parades! also disney halloween window clings that I think would help us identify our rental car!

Awesome! I have to pick up one of Gavin's meds tomorrow so will have to check it out I am getting super excited and super super nervous. Kind of going crazy I think lol

 

[nesser1981]

Awww, I hope you can get it worked out! I know, I wanted to go as soon as we could.

I am stressed out with Luke's trip this week. We were approved to take a third adult along to help with the trip. Unfortunately, the dates didn't fit into dh's sisters work schedule, so she can't come. Long story short, we have asked over five people to come along and no one can make it work. I really do not want to change our dates, our next dates would probably be december or January. I am frustrated, we are offering up a free vacation, but our son is hard to chase, so we have age and experience requirements. College students are out because it's an exam week, and it's not a paid nursing position so I can't offer a salary. I will have to call my maw chapter on Monday and see if they have any advice.

I know one or two months difference in dates shouldn't bother me, but I really don't want to change dates! I just have to accept that if we are meant to go, we will find the right person. I hate waiting patiently for God to show me His path. Patience is NOT my special gift!!

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

Thanks you guys I have a hopeful prospect. Not all is lost. Now I need to made supper and decompress from the crazy roller coaster day. Hope everyone's families are healthy an doing well over the weekend.

Tata for now

 

[yeti5353]

Awesome! I have to pick up one of Gavin's meds tomorrow so will have to check it out I am getting super excited and super super nervous. Kind of going crazy I think lol

its all I can think, dream and worry about. can hardly function at all!

for sure disney dreaming and disney crazy!!!!!


it is possible I am more excited than the kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[aym4Him]

Thanks you guys I have a hopeful prospect. Not all is lost. Now I need to made supper and decompress from the crazy roller coaster day. Hope everyone's families are healthy an doing well over the weekend.

Tata for now

Yay for hopeful prospects!! I hope you have a peaceful night and good weekend!

We are doing well. E's been sniffly for about a week and a half. It's seeming to be just allergies but I'm so paranoid we're all going to get some sort of sicky bug just before our trip! I told DH that we need to start inhaling copious amounts of vitamin C between now and then! He's diabetic and has sworn off all sugary drinks (doesn't even drink diet!) so I guess I'll have to make him take it in pill form??

As far as Disney dreaming, I had a monster headache earlier so I took advantage of E napping and I laid down. Well, I laid down fretting over hotel bookings and ended up dreaming that I was helping a SWIM TEAM?? Yes, they were having their first evening match and apparently the pool wasn't lit so they had GLOW IN THE DARK TAPE on the bottom of the pool so they could see the lane markings. Weird. I also forgot to pass out the playbook (yes, this was a dream..I know there is no playbook in swimming!) to the team and got in trouble for that. I think the glow in the dark stuff came from reading some Disney tips on here about bringing glow sticks for the kids....

Does anyone else have crazy dreams when their minds are so active? I paraphrased the above...it was weirder than that!

Happy Friday to you all and I hope you have a great weekend!