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

[Corrine 1973]

Hi Everyone,

Hope this is where I am supposed to be posting. We just got a letter in the mail for MAW that my 4.5 year old Emily is being granted her wish. I have so many mixed emotions right now. I am so happy for my little one has gone through so much like all of yours. Yet at the same time so sad that she has so many issues to qualify her for this. We already know that Em wants nothing more then to be a princess and see mickey mouse. She LOVE all of Disney. So any tips or anything else that will come in handy will be fantastic.

I will tell you a little about my Em. She is a spunky 4.5 year old who is a former 30 week preemie who went through a ton in her 11 weeks in the NICU. She ended up having part of her colon removed. She also has Eosinophilic esophagitis and as of now only has 3 safe foods. So becasue of that she is fed via a g-tube. She also has a Chiairi Malformation that in 2 weeks she will have brain surgery. 6 weeks ago she had spinal surger for an archnoid cyst on her spine. She also has dentinogenesis imperfecta, which means she was born without any dentin on her teeth so she has all caps. If you would like she has a caringbride page and you are all more then welcome to look at it. Since I can't post links yet, it's under Emily wallace

So any tips, or what is next for us would be great. I called them when I got the letter just to say thank you and she said that a wish granter will be coming to the house soon and we should get more info in the mail. So I look forward to this.

This came at such a great time since she is having her surgery soon. Something for us all to look forward too!

Thanks and look forward to getting to know all of you!!

Melissa

Hey Melissa, welcome to the the DISboards. I am so glad that your daughter is getting her wish, she sounds like a very special girl. My youngest son was born almost 14 weeks early so I know what it a rollercoaster the NICU experience can be like. But than again any hospital stay with your child can be a rollercoaster. We went on our wish trip almost two years ago, so feel free to ask any questions.

We have CONFIRMED DATES....after two postponements and countless medical delays...we are scheduled for our trip October 13 to October 23!!!!!!


Maroo, PLEASE move us to the confirmed dates list....FINALLY!!!!!!!!!! I thought I would NEVER be able to say that!!! I am incredibly happy!

What great news!!! Now let the planning begin. And what a great time to go. You guys get to see all the great Halloween decorations. Are you going to try to get in for MNSSHP? I highly recommend it. Went for our wish trip and had a blast!!!!

I have been told that I would be contacted by our wish granters for them to come to our house and get my son's wish. I has been over 2 weeks since Make A Wish called. How long before I should expect to hear from them about an appointment? Synovial

I think it depends on the chapter and when they get doctors approval. We meet our volunteers 2 weeks after I signed up on line, but than our doctor got the paper work back to them right away. If you are concerned, call the chapter and make sure everything is alright. I am sure they will be more than willing to answer any of your questions.

Like my post from yesterday said, we just found out that Em's is going to get her wish yesterday. I was wondering when did you all start telling people. We told people closest to us, but I was wondering when you told everyone else?

I think I waited until I saw the wish volunteers and knew for certain that we were going to Walt Disney World. Looking back I might have waited until I had dates because I was constintly asked when we were going and didn't have an answer. It took us a few months to get the dates locked in.

 

[katieb4]

A good way to celebrate brithday's is when you have an adr tell them whose brithday you will be celebrating and they'll bring them a cupcake!

That sounds fantastic....whats an ADR though??

 

[sgarrity]

Sooooooooooooooo? How did it go? What did DeAnna end up wishing for? Can't wait to find out!!!

Sorry, we got back late. In the end she could not make up her mind between either Disney Cruise or Disney World. The wish granters said she could not have a Disney Cruise and Disney World and that due to low funds they are limiting Disney Cruises. So that left Disney World.

Wish # 1 is GKTW at Disney with Lilo and Stitich Breakfast (although the wish granters said they do not do Character Meals - she still wished it and we will make it happen).

Wish # 2 is for Polynesian Resort at Disney World with Lilo Luau and Lilo and Stitch Breakfast.

So now we know that the cruise is not going to happen through MAW, I reserved a Disney Cruise today for next year. That way I have all year to pay for it . Also, DeAnna's tumor will eventually cause her to loose the use of her legs and we felt that DW was more important while she was still very mobile.

They asked for 3 sets of dates. My husband is a high school principal and I am a college professor. So...going during July (Professional Development and conferences for teachers) and going during the school year is out. We asked for early June (I know it may not happen then as it may be too soon). October (we have a 2 week break here from schools) or Christmas Break.

 

[mom2pixies]

Sorry, we got back late. In the end she could not make up her mind between either Disney Cruise or Disney World. The wish granters said she could not have a Disney Cruise and Disney World and that due to low funds they are limiting Disney Cruises. So that left Disney World.

Wish # 1 is GKTW at Disney with Lilo and Stitich Breakfast (although the wish granters said they do not do Character Meals - she still wished it and we will make it happen).

Wish # 2 is for Polynesian Resort at Disney World with Lilo Luau and Lilo and Stitch Breakfast.

So now we know that the cruise is not going to happen through MAW, I reserved a Disney Cruise today for next year. That way I have all year to pay for it . Also, DeAnna's tumor will eventually cause her to loose the use of her legs and we felt that DW was more important while she was still very mobile.

They asked for 3 sets of dates. My husband is a high school principal and I am a college professor. So...going during July (Professional Development and conferences for teachers) and going during the school year is out. We asked for early June (I know it may not happen then as it may be too soon). October (we have a 2 week break here from schools) or Christmas Break.

Glad she made her wishes! It's too bad they can't do a bit of both, but it makes sense that they would have some restrictions about it. But I have faith that they'll try to make the trip WDW as special as possible for her. I just know she'll be Lilo-ed out by the end of it! And, now you'll also have a cruise to look forward to next year....

 

[mommy2girlswv]

Sorry, we got back late. In the end she could not make up her mind between either Disney Cruise or Disney World. The wish granters said she could not have a Disney Cruise and Disney World and that due to low funds they are limiting Disney Cruises. So that left Disney World.

Wish # 1 is GKTW at Disney with Lilo and Stitich Breakfast (although the wish granters said they do not do Character Meals - she still wished it and we will make it happen).

Wish # 2 is for Polynesian Resort at Disney World with Lilo Luau and Lilo and Stitch Breakfast.

So now we know that the cruise is not going to happen through MAW, I reserved a Disney Cruise today for next year. That way I have all year to pay for it . Also, DeAnna's tumor will eventually cause her to loose the use of her legs and we felt that DW was more important while she was still very mobile.

They asked for 3 sets of dates. My husband is a high school principal and I am a college professor. So...going during July (Professional Development and conferences for teachers) and going during the school year is out. We asked for early June (I know it may not happen then as it may be too soon). October (we have a 2 week break here from schools) or Christmas Break.

Can't wait to hear what dates you got!! I saw a lot of dates here for Oct.

 

[starienite]

Hi super new to this.

My son is in the MAW system and right now still waiting to meet with the wish granters. Dev already decided that his wish is to go to Disney World and skip every line. Perfect dream for an 8 year old.

 

[billwendy]

Hi super new to this.

My son is in the MAW system and right now still waiting to meet with the wish granters. Dev already decided that his wish is to go to Disney World and skip every line. Perfect dream for an 8 year old.

Perfect dream!!!!! I bet that one will come true!! Welcome!!!

 

[Perrinsmommy]

We have 8 days til we leave!!!!






And the most important thing is I still haven't packed!!!

 

[Synovial]

I have heard of Give Kids The World, but I don't know much about it. Can someone give me some details on it? My son is up for a wish and he wants to go to Disney World. I've heard that Make a Wish sends you to Give Kids the World and I wanted to know a little about it. Thanks Synovial

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Go to www.gktw.org It is a very clear site and give tons of information.

 

[mysevendwarfs]

That sounds fantastic....whats an ADR though??

Advanced Dining Reservations. Disney's "reservation" system, though still be prepared to wait. If you want to do any character meals, eat at the Castle or the Epcot restaurants, Hoop De Doo Revue or any other Disney eating venues while at Disney, you need to make your reservations as soon as possible. Now that there are often free dining plans through Disney resorts, a lot of these restaurant reservations book up. Remember though that you have meals at GKTW village . I think most wish organizations do not pay for these special meals and it would be out of pocket. They are pricey, but our kids loved eating in the Castle with Cinderella.

 

[mom2pixies]

I have heard of Give Kids The World, but I don't know much about it. Can someone give me some details on it? My son is up for a wish and he wants to go to Disney World. I've heard that Make a Wish sends you to Give Kids the World and I wanted to know a little about it. Thanks Synovial

It looks like an amazing place! Almost completely run by volunteers. Created as the vision of a kind-hearted hotelier who used to offer up free accomodations at his hotels so that sick children could visit Disney World. But, when a child passed away before having her dream fulfilled because of a waiting list, he decided to make a special resort for these kids. No more waiting lists. You can read up on his story on the website.

We haven't been yet, but we will be staying there ourselves--and it looks like a dream come true. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience!

Kinda like a kids' dream resort--everything a child can think of us has been included there. Each family has their own little 'villa' to stay in (2 bedrooms, bath, kitchenette, etc.) and the 70-acre resort boasts a carousel, an ice cream palace, restaurants, a miniature train, horseback riding, a fishing pond, several pools, gardens, a Candyland-themed playground, dinosaur minigolf, a kids' spa, a theatre and lots more. There are planned activities everyday (park characters come every morning, themed parties and crafts and zoo pets every evening, etc.). The resort has its own set of characters who take part in the activities. The restaurants were clearly designed for children as the furniture is all kid-sized, while the playground and pool have been designed to be fully accessible, so plenty of room for wheelchair access or special needs equipment.

And the families are super taken care, from what I understand! Meals and accomodations are included and they really don't want you to do anything--from opening your wallet to carrying your own food back to the table from the buffet line. Just amazing!

I'm sure someone who has been there can give you some more info on what it's really like.

Here's the link to their site: http://www.gktw.org/

 

[fulseasmama]

I have heard of Give Kids The World, but I don't know much about it. Can someone give me some details on it? My son is up for a wish and he wants to go to Disney World. I've heard that Make a Wish sends you to Give Kids the World and I wanted to know a little about it. Thanks Synovial

I would try and take a look at some of the Wish Trip Reports. Many families have included pictures of GKTW as well as of the different activities they have there. It is hard to put into words how magical and wonderful a place it is. Our kids asked when we were out at parks to leave so they could return to GKTW and do things...not that they did not enjoy the parks but they LOVED it at GKTW. Everyone is so nice all the time and it is lovely to not have to worry about paying for anything you do there. I think your family will really enjoy it. If you have time check out some TR's as I think many of them give good information about GKTW...the link to ours, which is still a work in progress, is below. Have fun planning your trip!

 

[brookerene]

GKTW is a wonderful place... like was just said, you get your own villa, gifts, food, rides....characters...you can read my ptr/tr or one of the many others to see GKTW...it is definitely worth being there no matter how old your child is....

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Hi super new to this.

My son is in the MAW system and right now still waiting to meet with the wish granters. Dev already decided that his wish is to go to Disney World and skip every line. Perfect dream for an 8 year old.

Hi and welcome to the board. Disney World wish trips are the best. Depending on when you go...you may still have to wait in lines. At the Disney Parks..you get to go in the fast pass line. We went in March at a busy time and we had to wait 30 min for most of the rides, but much better than the 100min wait. Seeing characters you do get to go right up to the front. Just show the CM your button. Universal and IOA..you do get front of line passes. I don't think we waited more than 10 min for a ride.

 

[mom2pixies]

So, we just got our flight information and we were told that an airline rep would be escorting us through the gates for both our first flight and our connecting one (in which we must go through US customs). We are a little concerned about timing because customs generally takes a good chunk of time and we'll likely only have an hour between one flight and the next. We don't want to miss our flight because we got stuck in the customs line-up!

Just wondering whether or not anyone else was escorted to the gates and if so, was there a reason for it (like moving us along through the frequent flyer line, which can be a lot faster than the regular lines)? I think I read somewhere on a TR that being on a wish trip had its advantages at the airport, as well--and I'm just wondering if this is why we'll have a guide taking us through? Or is it more of a courtesy greeting thing?

 

[Corrine 1973]

So, we just got our flight information and we were told that an airline rep would be escorting us through the gates for both our first flight and our connecting one (in which we must go through US customs). We are a little concerned about timing because customs generally takes a good chunk of time and we'll likely only have an hour between one flight and the next. We don't want to miss our flight because we got stuck in the customs line-up!

Just wondering whether or not anyone else was escorted to the gates and if so, was there a reason for it (like moving us along through the frequent flyer line, which can be a lot faster than the regular lines)? I think I read somewhere on a TR that being on a wish trip had its advantages at the airport, as well--and I'm just wondering if this is why we'll have a guide taking us through? Or is it more of a courtesy greeting thing?

I can't comment on be escorted in the airport, but they did open up a new line when we checked in at the airport and didn't have to wait in line. We were looking around for where to go and they noticed our Wish Trip shirts and opened up the new line.

 

[Perrinsmommy]

Anybody needing to rent a comfortable stroller at Disney should go through Orlando Stroller Rentals!! I spoke to Shannon this morning and she was very helpful! I have my stroller rented, along with a roller board attached to the back! I also rented a gps unit for my very active ADHD daughter. She disappears at walmart, grocery store, etc. We went to Old Navy and she ran off because she saw shiny flip flops LOL.

 

[mom2pixies]

Anybody needing to rent a comfortable stroller at Disney should go through Orlando Stroller Rentals!! I spoke to Shannon this morning and she was very helpful! I have my stroller rented, along with a roller board attached to the back! I also rented a gps unit for my very active ADHD daughter. She disappears at walmart, grocery store, etc. We went to Old Navy and she ran off because she saw shiny flip flops LOL.

Our wish grantors said they were going to take care of the strollers, but I've heard from friends that the official Disney strollers don't recline. I'd like a reclining one for Avie because she (hopefully!) will nap in the stroller throughout the day. These look like great strollers, so I'm just wondering if you don't mind my asking whether or not you are renting this separately (out of pocket) or just renting it on behalf of MAW?

 

[Em'swish]

Was wondering if anyone can tell me how long it take from when you find out that your child qualify's for a wish and when the wish granters come? We got our letter on Tuesday, and I really was hoping that they would come before her brain surgery in 2 weeks. I know it won't happen, was just hoping to have her look forward to something.

Thanks-

Melissa
Mom to Emily (wish kiddo) and Abby (fantastic little sisiter)!!