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

[twinmum]

Thanks! I will check out the disney go code. Im sorry, but what is DVC board? I have never been to these sites and had no idea they even existed. Like I said I am new to all of this.


Thank you EVERYONE for the great advice. It sounds like I need to keep shopping around a bit.

One more question, what exactly is the transportation everyone keeps talking about that is on property? I am VERY unfamiliar with all of this. Thanks again for helping a Disney newbie!

HEllo! I seem to be on the DIS quite a bit today! I think this link will help explain the system of buses, boats...and of course the monorail...that is available to Disney resort guests (and the Swan and Dolphin).

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/benefits/resort-transportation/

You may need to peek at a WDW park to really appreciate the network of transportation options, though.

Happy planning!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

On the medical supply side, the lady you spoke to was wrong. Here it is directly from the Delta website:



The only caveat is that the bag has to contain ONLY medical supplies (as noted later in the bit I quoted and has been stated here by others).

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/special_baggage/medical_supplies/index.jsp

ETA - use this link to sign up for Mousesavers: http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=04019i

Thank you for that link. Not sure how I missed it when I was looking around the site.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Thanks! I will check out the disney go code. Im sorry, but what is DVC board? I have never been to these sites and had no idea they even existed. Like I said I am new to all of this.


Thank you EVERYONE for the great advice. It sounds like I need to keep shopping around a bit.

One more question, what exactly is the transportation everyone keeps talking about that is on property? I am VERY unfamiliar with all of this. Thanks again for helping a Disney newbie!

Not sure what DVC board is, but the transportation is where if you stay on property you can get free shuttle rides to each park. I have also heard from this board that sometimes you have to wait for these buses. I have not stayed on property before..just from what I heard. Maybe someone else will chime on that one. We are just extending our rental Van as we want to go other places. Beach is our #1 plan after GKTW. We also want to go to Busch Gardens.

 

[tinytreasures]

sorry DVC is disney vaction club
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=7

some people rent their points if they are not going to use their time share
we are planning on renting points and staying in a 2 bedroom at AKL for cheaper then the family rooms at all star
if we they are not booked up *fingers crossed*

 

[crashbb]

Thank you for that link. Not sure how I missed it when I was looking around the site.

I didn't find it by going through the site. I just googled "Delta medical baggage" (or something like that). I often find it easier to do that than to find something directly through the given website.

 

[katieswish]

Hello everyone! I am new to this and I hope I am posting this in the right spot (I am a little confused by this site). Anyway, I am a mommy to 2 kiddos Cami (age 5), Caden (age 2). My daughter Cami (5 Years) was diagnosed with leukemia on 7/10/10. She made her wish at MAW and wished to have a tea party with the princesses. We were just told that we will be going on her wish trip 2/28/11-3/9/11 (we are extending our trip a few days as some of our cancer friends have recommended extra time for fatigue).

We have never been to Disney World or Florida for that matter and while we are SO SO SO excited, we have no idea what to expect or what to plan for. That is what brings me here. I need all your expert opinions. Thanks in advance for helping out a new-timer.

First off, we booked a room at the AKL. We are a family of 4 (we are also bringing my mom along to help, she lives with us and knows the ins and outs of Cami's medical needs). So there will be 5 of us, 3 adults and 2 kids. The standard room was all we could afford if we want to stay at a Disney Resort. Lets just say it is going to be TIGHT sleeping quarters for a few days. The other option we have been looking into is staying off property at the Sheraton Safari. We are SPG gold members and get automatic upgrades and we can use our points toward the rooms. If we stayed at the Sheraton we could get 2 rooms that would most likely be upgraded to suites. I know this hotel is pretty dated, but from what I read has a good location and a great staff. This is a MUCH cheaper option and honestly we really cant afford the AKL, but we are willing to try and make it work as we know that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, we really want to make it special. I guess my question here is... is is worth all that extra money to be on property when you are out at the parks most of the time anyway? Would it be more important to have comfortable hotel space than being on property? Are the Disney resorts compassionate toward MAW kids (even though her wish will be officially over at this point)? Would they possibly upgrade us at AKL after finding out it is her wish trip? Has anyone found hotels that make the extended wish trips extra special?

We really want to make this trip a fabulous one, and I KNOW we will have a great time no matter where we stay, BUT I just want to make an informed decision. Thats where you guys come in.

Thanks for any and all help!

XOXOXOXO

Welcome and congrats on your trip! This will be our first time staying at Give Kids the World, but I have stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney POP Century value resort. In 2002 we were upgraded to AKL due to the fact that they did not complete POP Century on time, it was just a short stay while we were at Daytona 500. The room was beautiful as was the hotel, we had a queen bed with bunk beds. It was comfortable for the two of us but more than 3 it would have been tight. But first impression is breath taking when you enter.

In 2008 we stayed as a family of 4 with in laws in an adjoining room at Pop Century. It was clean and comfortable and the adjoining room made it feel at little less crowded. But we spent so little time there we were glad we decided against the more pricey resorts since we slept, changed, showered and napped in the room only. We did bring the kids by AKL just to see the lobby.

The Disney Resorts provide transportation for its guests to and from the park (buses, shuttles, monorail) from the hotel. It is a nice perk if you have a child and family that can wait. We found the due to stamina issues last time that it was easier for us to bring our car so when the kids had enough we did n;t have to wait any additional time.

I would find what you can get with SPG points and weigh pro and cons from there. Even 5 days in tight quarters can seem like forever...even with adjoining rooms we were ready to go at the end of the week.

have fun planning

 

[fulseasmama]

I just called Delta and they won't waive the baggage fees. I was so hoping to get somehere. The last time we had to spend $200 roundtrip on baggage fees. That could be food money. We don't have enough carryon luggage, so we would have to buy some..so we might as will check them in. Will cost the same. Unless my friend has some we can barrow.

I also asked about medical supplies. We will have a whole suitcase full of medical supplies. I asked if that was waived and they said no. I thought I read on here that they don't count medical supplies as luggage.

I did emial them too and see what they say..probably will get the same lady.

Sadly I got the same answer from them too...bummer huh!?! There is no chance while managing the kids we can take care of too much carry on luggage too so we will just check our bags I guess. Oh well...if I find a way on our trip to avoid the fees I will let you know.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Sadly I got the same answer from them too...bummer huh!?! There is no chance while managing the kids we can take care of too much carry on luggage too so we will just check our bags I guess. Oh well...if I find a way on our trip to avoid the fees I will let you know.

Just about all the airlines I have heard waived the fees..if you asked. I will try to have as many carry on as we can. We may have 1 big suitcase we will check in. This will be Scott and mine clothes...also to bring things home in. I did email them too and this was their response...

Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines.

While we would like to offer special consideration in cases such as
yours, we are unable to honor the many similar requests that we receive
from others in equally deserving situations. We follow a consistent
policy to ensure that we are fair to everyone who travels with us.
Accordingly, we must respectfully decline your request.

You will be charged $23 USD or equivalent currency for the first checked
bag if checked in online or $25 USD if checked in at the airport kiosk,
ticket counter or curbside. Fee for the second checked bag is $32 USD if
checked in online or $35 USD at the airport.

Your checked baggage must weigh 50 lbs. or less and its combined length,
width and height must measure 62 inches or less.

Additionally, our baggage allowances change frequently. For the latest
information on baggage allowances when traveling on Delta or Delta
Connection please check delta.com at:

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp

We appreciate the opportunity to review your concerns and hope your trip
is pleasant in every respect.


Oh well...not going to let us down. I can't believe how fast everything is coming. Still need to the rental van(after our stay at GKTW) and hotel.

 

[maroo]

Thank you! I understand the situation. BTW, I've been planning to change what I want to wish for, so it may possibly be not Disney..but it would still require travel. Thank you once again, and I'll let you know what happens!

I know you are going to have a great time regardless of what you decide to do!!!

Definitely think long and hard about it...it is a once in a lifetime deal. Reach for the stars!!

OK so it was suggested to me to post that I finally finished our trip report on this thread, so there it is. It is a kind of sad sad thing to be finished, but I am hoping that those of you that have followed her through our trip report will now follow her journey with Job's through her caringbridge page (link below).
On another note, Madison and I are headed back to the NIH to see the specialist. She is just not getting better from some of the things that are going on right now and her doctors here just aren't helping.

I know what you are saying!!! It is sad to finish! I am marking this to go back and read it!!

Thanks for putting all the fantastic links in one place! Some wonderful advise that is going to make the trip all the more magical!

I am so glad you are here! I will link your wish trip to the first page with your dates!

Hello everyone! I am new to this and I hope I am posting this in the right spot (I am a little confused by this site). Anyway, I am a mommy to 2 kiddos Cami (age 5), Caden (age 2). My daughter Cami (5 Years) was diagnosed with leukemia on 7/10/10. She made her wish at MAW and wished to have a tea party with the princesses. We were just told that we will be going on her wish trip 2/28/11-3/9/11 (we are extending our trip a few days as some of our cancer friends have recommended extra time for fatigue).

We have never been to Disney World or Florida for that matter and while we are SO SO SO excited, we have no idea what to expect or what to plan for. That is what brings me here. I need all your expert opinions. Thanks in advance for helping out a new-timer.

First off, we booked a room at the AKL. We are a family of 4 (we are also bringing my mom along to help, she lives with us and knows the ins and outs of Cami's medical needs). So there will be 5 of us, 3 adults and 2 kids. The standard room was all we could afford if we want to stay at a Disney Resort. Lets just say it is going to be TIGHT sleeping quarters for a few days. The other option we have been looking into is staying off property at the Sheraton Safari. We are SPG gold members and get automatic upgrades and we can use our points toward the rooms. If we stayed at the Sheraton we could get 2 rooms that would most likely be upgraded to suites. I know this hotel is pretty dated, but from what I read has a good location and a great staff. This is a MUCH cheaper option and honestly we really cant afford the AKL, but we are willing to try and make it work as we know that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, we really want to make it special. I guess my question here is... is is worth all that extra money to be on property when you are out at the parks most of the time anyway? Would it be more important to have comfortable hotel space than being on property? Are the Disney resorts compassionate toward MAW kids (even though her wish will be officially over at this point)? Would they possibly upgrade us at AKL after finding out it is her wish trip? Has anyone found hotels that make the extended wish trips extra special?

We really want to make this trip a fabulous one, and I KNOW we will have a great time no matter where we stay, BUT I just want to make an informed decision. Thats where you guys come in.

Thanks for any and all help!
XOXOXOXO

I am going to PM you. If you don't know how to check for a PM, please repost here and I will try to explain how to get there.

I just called Delta and they won't waive the baggage fees. I was so hoping to get somehere. The last time we had to spend $200 roundtrip on baggage fees. That could be food money. We don't have enough carryon luggage, so we would have to buy some..so we might as will check them in. Will cost the same. Unless my friend has some we can barrow.

I also asked about medical supplies. We will have a whole suitcase full of medical supplies. I asked if that was waived and they said no. I thought I read on here that they don't count medical supplies as luggage.

I did emial them too and see what they say..probably will get the same lady.

I would not expect it...budget otherwise...but anything can happen when you get there!! Try to get there early and wear your Make a Wish shirts, buttons, stickers...whatever they give you...and let them know you are on a wish trip...you never know what pixie dust will flow your way. I am sure they have to send that email out...

Thanks! I will check out the disney go code. Im sorry, but what is DVC board? I have never been to these sites and had no idea they even existed. Like I said I am new to all of this.


Thank you EVERYONE for the great advice. It sounds like I need to keep shopping around a bit.

One more question, what exactly is the transportation everyone keeps talking about that is on property? I am VERY unfamiliar with all of this. Thanks again for helping a Disney newbie!

There is a LOT of different transportation options on property...

They have the bus system, the monorail system, the boat system.

THe DIS is incredibly HUGE the first time you get on it...like drinking from a fire hydrant!

The main thing you will need to know, though, is to ask a CM when you get ready to go somewhere what the fastest/easiest way to get there...

The answer changes based on the time of day (park closing is different than the middle of the day)...I have been to Disney 9 times in the past two plus years and I still have to think through it, honestly.

There is a Transportation board on the DIS that may be able to help you with this, too.

Are you guys driving? Are you using a wheelchair or anything?

 

[kellyw8863]

Kris,

MAW will most likely include luggage fees in your expense check. At least the MA chapter does. And Delta will not charge for medical supplies as long as the bag includes only medical stuff. The good news is that since there is a washer/dryer there (with plenty of laundry detergent), it is possible to pack lighter than you might otherwise.

I'm trying to finish up my TR (finally!), but it has been moved to completed trip reports. I have PMd one of the moderators, so I will wrap it up as soon as it gets unlocked. All of my pics are uploaded to Photobucket and ready to go!

Kelly

 

[blessedmom4]

Kris,


I'm trying to finish up my TR (finally!), but it has been moved to completed trip reports. I have PMd one of the moderators, so I will wrap it up as soon as it gets unlocked. All of my pics are uploaded to Photobucket and ready to go!

Kelly

I have a question about TR's. I have become enmeshed with LOTS of your wonderful trip reports/families and then the TR's are closed before they are completed. I am certain some people just don't have time to complete their TR's; however, everyone that I have asked if they planned to finish told me they would like to. Often, the TR was moved to the completed section before they could finish. Is there a time limit on when they move them to the completed section? I type slowly and when we ever DO finally get to take Lisa's wish is there a certain time of inactivity before they are closed? (I hope this makes sense, it has been a long week).

Kelly, your TR is one I am looking forward to finishing as well!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Kris,

MAW will most likely include luggage fees in your expense check. At least the MA chapter does. And Delta will not charge for medical supplies as long as the bag includes only medical stuff. The good news is that since there is a washer/dryer there (with plenty of laundry detergent), it is possible to pack lighter than you might otherwise.

I'm trying to finish up my TR (finally!), but it has been moved to completed trip reports. I have PMd one of the moderators, so I will wrap it up as soon as it gets unlocked. All of my pics are uploaded to Photobucket and ready to go!

Kelly

Kelly,
With Kylee's wish they didn't give us luggage fees. The $200 came out of our money. We are just going to do 1 check in and the rest will be carry on. Kylee is the hard one. I need to bring extras clothes just in case pump leakage.
I'm so glad you are going to finish your trip report. I can't wait to finish it.

 

[Manymosi]

We leave in less than two hours! Thanks for all the advise and experiences you all have shared.

 

[luvmygrlz3]

We leave in less than two hours! Thanks for all the advise and experiences you all have shared.

OMGOODNESS!!! Have a load of fun!! I can't wait to hear all about ya'lls trip!!

 

[jj0plin]

One year ago yesterday Elliot received his last dose of chemo! A year later and we are planning the best celebration imaginable!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

One year ago yesterday Elliot received his last dose of chemo! A year later and we are planning the best celebration imaginable!

Hopefully you'll get dates soon.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Please go to Korissa PTR. I posted some pictures of a gift we received from a special lady that made Kylee a Cinderella dress with a tubie hole. Kylee can finally wear a dress. Page 22. Thank you...

 

[maroo]

I have a question about TR's. I have become enmeshed with LOTS of your wonderful trip reports/families and then the TR's are closed before they are completed. I am certain some people just don't have time to complete their TR's; however, everyone that I have asked if they planned to finish told me they would like to. Often, the TR was moved to the completed section before they could finish. Is there a time limit on when they move them to the completed section? I type slowly and when we ever DO finally get to take Lisa's wish is there a certain time of inactivity before they are closed? (I hope this makes sense, it has been a long week).

Kelly, your TR is one I am looking forward to finishing as well!

They are pretty quick to lock TR's...personally I wish they would wait a while longer...but they lock them up pretty fast to keep the board a little smaller and more organized.

But it is easy to get one moved back to the open board again...just PM either of the moderators and they will unlock it for you!

To keep it from locking up, just post occasionally and tell us you are still working on it...or tell us what is going on in your world or anything to just keep the conversation going a bit until you are done.

The vast majority of people that are able to finish do it fairly quickly upon getting home. Either take lots of notes during your trip or take a BUNCH of pictures...even pictures that don't really make sense to use in the TR, but would tell you where you went next...like a picture of the sign for the ride or anything. Anything to tell you what you did next.

Writing a TR is a lot harder than it seems before you go. Once you get back - life just seems to creep back in and it is harder to find time to do it...and most people really want to do it well, but uploading pictures, copying and pasting, writing the text, etc - is all harder than it seemed it would be. But is SOOOOOOO worth it! The finished product is something you will cherish long after it is read and enjoyed by thousands here on the DIS.

Some kids are also sick when they return and it just doesn't make sense for the parent to spend time ont he computer when they could be spending the time with their sick child.

For some the memories seem too hard to summarize and for some the trip was not quite what they thought it would be...so there are a number of reasons why a TR is never done.

But no matter what! Stick around! Keep posting here, keep answering questions, don't worry at all that people are wondering where your TR is...just keep coming and eventually you will either get to where you can write it or not, but we still want to see people around no matter what happens.

We leave in less than two hours! Thanks for all the advise and experiences you all have shared.

Woo Hoo!!! Have a blast!!

One year ago yesterday Elliot received his last dose of chemo! A year later and we are planning the best celebration imaginable!

Awesome way to celebrate that milestone!

 

[brookerene]

They are pretty quick to lock TR's...personally I wish they would wait a while longer...but they lock them up pretty fast to keep the board a little smaller and more organized.

But it is easy to get one moved back to the open board again...just PM either of the moderators and they will unlock it for you!

To keep it from locking up, just post occasionally and tell us you are still working on it...or tell us what is going on in your world or anything to just keep the conversation going a bit until you are done.

The vast majority of people that are able to finish do it fairly quickly upon getting home. Either take lots of notes during your trip or take a BUNCH of pictures...even pictures that don't really make sense to use in the TR, but would tell you where you went next...like a picture of the sign for the ride or anything. Anything to tell you what you did next.

Writing a TR is a lot harder than it seems before you go. Once you get back - life just seems to creep back in and it is harder to find time to do it...and most people really want to do it well, but uploading pictures, copying and pasting, writing the text, etc - is all harder than it seemed it would be. But is SOOOOOOO worth it! The finished product is something you will cherish long after it is read and enjoyed by thousands here on the DIS.

Some kids are also sick when they return and it just doesn't make sense for the parent to spend time ont he computer when they could be spending the time with their sick child.

For some the memories seem too hard to summarize and for some the trip was not quite what they thought it would be...so there are a number of reasons why a TR is never done.

But no matter what! Stick around! Keep posting here, keep answering questions, don't worry at all that people are wondering where your TR is...just keep coming and eventually you will either get to where you can write it or not, but we still want to see people around no matter what happens.



Woo Hoo!!! Have a blast!!



Awesome way to celebrate that milestone!

That is a great perspective on unfinished TR's... I hope that Kelly can finish too! Maybe she can start a new TR that is Part II? and then link them in her signature.... TR's & PTR's are not only a great way to share your planning and to record a special time, but to show people a slice of life with a special needs or ill child. It gives us perspective on their needs and special experiences. My son's illness opened my eyes to the challenges many families face. With dr's and dialysis and tubes and supplies. I am so thankful we don't have to carry his dialysis machine and supplies with us. Seeing others stories helped me to know that I wasn't alone...so even though I would love to read the wonderful endings of the stories, I can understand that the load can overwhelm and the excitement of the trip coming and going is overshadowed by life's challenges....
Thank you to everyone!

 

[blessedmom4]

They are pretty quick to lock TR's...personally I wish they would wait a while longer...but they lock them up pretty fast to keep the board a little smaller and more organized.

But it is easy to get one moved back to the open board again...just PM either of the moderators and they will unlock it for you!

To keep it from locking up, just post occasionally and tell us you are still working on it...or tell us what is going on in your world or anything to just keep the conversation going a bit until you are done.

The vast majority of people that are able to finish do it fairly quickly upon getting home. Either take lots of notes during your trip or take a BUNCH of pictures...even pictures that don't really make sense to use in the TR, but would tell you where you went next...like a picture of the sign for the ride or anything. Anything to tell you what you did next.

Writing a TR is a lot harder than it seems before you go. Once you get back - life just seems to creep back in and it is harder to find time to do it...and most people really want to do it well, but uploading pictures, copying and pasting, writing the text, etc - is all harder than it seemed it would be. But is SOOOOOOO worth it! The finished product is something you will cherish long after it is read and enjoyed by thousands here on the DIS.

Some kids are also sick when they return and it just doesn't make sense for the parent to spend time ont he computer when they could be spending the time with their sick child.

For some the memories seem too hard to summarize and for some the trip was not quite what they thought it would be...so there are a number of reasons why a TR is never done.

But no matter what! Stick around! Keep posting here, keep answering questions, don't worry at all that people are wondering where your TR is...just keep coming and eventually you will either get to where you can write it or not, but we still want to see people around no matter what happens.

Thanks Maroo, that is what I was curious about. I can certainly understand how life gets in the way of starting, writing and finishing a TR...it is hard to keep Lisa's CB website UTD, then add pictures in the mix that can be a chore that can be put on the back burner when so much else needs immediate attention. I find just updating Lisa's PTR, keeping up with the MAW thread and writing on TR's and PTR's more than I can handle usually! And if I do one, I usually can't hit all three I can also see how having all of the anticipation and excitement of the Wish and then the Wish being over could be very hard to deal with as well...reality is often harsh and it DOES help me to fantasize about "someday" FINALLY getting away from it all. Of course, I am certain when I see all of the luggage we have to lug with us I will feel as if it all is coming with me! (Okay, I am punchy I DO need to get away)!

I love the encouragement to stay and answer even if you can't write/finish a TR ...I know for me, it is wonderful to have a place to ask questions and occasionally feel as if I can help someone else with something they want to know. I DO type slowly and life gets in the way far too often...but I want the written memories to savor that week always!

I hope everyone has a peaceful, family filled Sunday full of love and health...