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

[IrishIz]

MNSSHP or MVMCP

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. If you are going in August neither of these parties are held then.

I sat here trying to figure it out....got it! Yeah we are doing August. We wanted to do it before school in case kids are out for surgeries. The MAW lady kept reminding me it's hot. I know it's hot but I really want to avoid taking them out of school just in case there are surgeries (which are good possibilities). There are lots of places with AC and shade and I'm sure it will be fine. We have been there in the summer before...not or favorite time but hey it's never bad in Disney.

 

[princessmamaof5]

My question is the same as katies can we use our disney gktw issued tickets for the not so scary party ?

 

[chelleydi77]

More Mickey mail at the T house! Come see what it is!

 

[mysevendwarfs]

My question is the same as katies can we use our disney gktw issued tickets for the not so scary party ?

I have a feeling they don't since it is a specially ticketed event. A number of us asked at orientation if we could use the extra magic hours that are for Disney hotel guests and the answer was no and that is not a special event. I pulled out our tickets and it says on them"not valid for special events, premium events, or other activities which are separately priced or for any park commencing operation after May 1, 1998." Maybe you could ask your wish organization to arrange it? I hope it works out for you both. I have friends who just rave about the MNSSHP.

 

[angeque143]

My question is the same as katies can we use our disney gktw issued tickets for the not so scary party ?

I believe that they are purchased separately. I am unsure if MAW will include them that is really up to the chapter

 

[SueM in MN]

My question is the same as katies can we use our disney gktw issued tickets for the not so scary party ?

No, you would not be able to do that.
The parties are separately ticketed events. So, for example, even though my family has annual passports, we would not be able to go to the parties without buying a party ticket.

 

[IrishIz]

I don't really know what that is all about but the stuff is really neat!

More Mickey mail at the T house! Come see what it is!

 

[katieb4]

No, you would not be able to do that.
The parties are separately ticketed events. So, for example, even though my family has annual passports, we would not be able to go to the parties without buying a party ticket.

I didn't think they would really. I dont' think we are going to spring for it, I want the kids to experience the "regular" spectacular fireworks show as I'm not sure I'll ever get them back there. I myself am anxious to see the electrical parade! I've not been to the parks in 10 years and it wasn't happening then. CAN'T WAIT!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

I didn't think they would really. I dont' think we are going to spring for it, I want the kids to experience the "regular" spectacular fireworks show as I'm not sure I'll ever get them back there. I myself am anxious to see the electrical parade! I've not been to the parks in 10 years and it wasn't happening then. CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Yes, it is rather expensive and since they have not seen the 'regular' fireworks and parade, I think they would enjoy those more.

The other thing to think about is that the parties don't start until 7 pm and they last until midnight. That's a pretty late night with little ones and I would be afraid your Wish girl would poop out before the parade and fireworks.
Then, you also have to think of the drive back to your room to go to sleep.

 

[katieb4]

Yes, it is rather expensive and since they have not seen the 'regular' fireworks and parade, I think they would enjoy those more.

The other thing to think about is that the parties don't start until 7 pm and they last until midnight. That's a pretty late night with little ones and I would be afraid your Wish girl would poop out before the parade and fireworks.
Then, you also have to think of the drive back to your room to go to sleep.

Very good points! Gabbie would NOT make it until midnight. We are fully planning on her crashing in car and being carried in to sleep as it is. We will most likely need to use the MAW resting place to at some point. It'll still be a magical night!

 

[livndisney]

Very good points! Gabbie would NOT make it until midnight. We are fully planning on her crashing in car and being carried in to sleep as it is. We will most likely need to use the MAW resting place to at some point. It'll still be a magical night!

Just an FYI-on party nights the MK closes at 7pm to those without party tickets.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just an FYI-on party nights the MK closes at 7pm to those without party tickets.

Thanks. Forgot to mention that.

 

[maroo]

I want to say a few things about the parties - MNSSHP (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party) and MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) and the specific advantages of the parties for a wish family...

MNSSHP typically starts the 2nd week of September and ends on November 1st. It isn't offered every night, so check the schedule for any particular year...
MVMCP typically starts in the 2nd week of November and ends around the 15th-19th of December any particular year...

The parties are definitely not for every family. There are a LOT of things to do on a wish trip and adding another thing really may be too much, especially if your family is going to Disney for the first time and has not experienced "regular" Disney World. It makes a lot more sense for many families to just stick to the basics.

If you can't extend your trip, and you plan to do Disney, Universal and Sea World - then doing an extra party may not make sense either...you will have plenty to fill up all of your time without spending any extra money.

If you don't celebrate Christmas or Halloween, then the parties won't make much sense either...

But...I think it can be a great "tool" for a wish family - here's how...

First, you can ask your MAW chapter to provide the tickets. They are fairly expensive - around $60 for an adult ticket - but many MAW chapters will pay for one "special" event - a meal at the castle, a party, etc, etc...and this can be a good way to do something special. You can't use the complimentary tickets provided by GKTW for the parties.

Second, MAW families only get 3 park hopper days at Disney. If you are planning to extend your trip by a few days and you want to spend more time at Disney - then your 3 days of tickets won't go that far. Adding a party day can add an extra 9 hours of MK time without paying the full day ticket price (which are now $85 to $90 for just one day with no park hopping). You are allowed to enter the park at 4:00 PM on a party day and can do regular rides and such before the regular party activities start.

Third - both the Christmas party and the Halloween party have GREAT opportunities to meet characters. The magic button becomes VERY magical at these parties, because you can meet rare characters, typical characters dressed up, etc, etc in a very short amount of time. The button usually allows a MAW family to meet a character without waiting in a long line - and these parties have LONG character lines. But a MAW family can meet a lot of special characters very quickly, even on a party night.

Even if you don't plan to stay till midnight - MAW families can get a LOT done in a short amount of time at a party.

The Christmas Party has an amazing parade and it snows on Main Street (magical!!)...the Halloween party has trick or treat locations where they give out candy, they have a cool parade and a great fireworks show!


Anyway...There are some distinct advantages to attending a party on a MAW trip. IF you are going on a party night that is not likely to sell out, then the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to buy your tickets "in advance" - but you can wait till the week before to do this - even a few days before - and then you will know the possible weather forecast, which can be very helpful. Plus you will have a much better idea of what your possible schedule may be. I purchased tickets to MNSSHP "in advance" the DAY BEFORE a party in 2008 and 2010. So that is one way to save money and make sure that there isn't a monsoon expected on your party night. This particularly works if there are two party dates that work in your schedule and you can't decide which to do...you can wait and decide. IF there is only one party that works - go ahead and get tickets.

Parties are not ideal for every family - but for some families, it can be a very special way to do something extra and add some Disney park time to your trip.

 

[teresajoy]

I don't really know what that is all about but the stuff is really neat!

This is for the Big Give, Maroo posted some links explaining it on the first page. (It's not something you can sign up or ask for)

 

[katieb4]

Maroo, thanks for laying it out like that! Lots of good things to consider.

 

[Happy Dreams1]

My doctor has consulted an Infertility specialist and has agreed to do a laparoscopy in partnership with another doctor. Right now, there are no instruments to do a laparoscopy for the pediatric population. There is another girl in the island, same age as me who also needs a laparoscopy. With two cases now, maybe the people will buy the instruments. My sister will maybe also need surgery and will be having a sonogram today.

My doctor says it is most likely Endometriosis. I want to be able to have kids so I want this to be treat as soon as possible. I'll update as soon as I get more info. Thanks for the prayers!

 

[mysevendwarfs]

We are settling in after Bridget's amazing wish trip. Somehow coming back home is just not as fun!

I have finished up all the Big Gives in our PTR and will be starting our trip report soon!

I know all of you planning trips are going to have a fabulous time. GKTW is the most amazing place and whereever we went the button brought magic. God bless all of you and your wish kiddos!

 

[BabyBearsMommy]

Wanted to say...Welcome! My son has Neurofibromatosis Type one and was recently granted a wish through Make A Wish! We are hoping to find out our dates this week. He wished to help set off the fireworks at Disney!

Oh wow! Disney Fireworks are great!! I remember seeing them as a child!! I loved it! I hope you all have a blast!! *hugs*

Welcome: to the DISboards!! And to the wish trippers thread! We are so glad to have you!

Make sure the wish organization understands the extenuating circumstances...I think many of the organizations can put together a pretty quick trip!

Thanks Maroo!! I called the Children's Wish Foundation thursday because we hadn't received our welcome package with all the information. Turns out they didn't have our Unit # listed!! So she is sending it out courier and should be here Monday. She mentioned normally it takes a couple months but she said as soon as I get the package back to them they will start working on it as soon as possible! My Mom's surgery is mid Sept and it could be moved up but shes hoping not!! *hugs*

 

[sgarrity]

Suggesions please:

Our trip is not until the Dec 20th But I like to plan anyway. We did schedule a Lilo Breakfast on the 21st but that is all we have planned. We need to reserve the 2nd week where we will be staying. We are trying to decide if renting a house for the 2nd week might be a better option for our family of 6.

I have a few questions. We know we will bveling during a very busy time and want to make the most of our GKTW button to cut down on waiting. Also how difficult is it to get a GAC button and what benefits does it have? Does Universal Studios, Sea World or Diney respect the GKTW button during the 2nd week.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[livndisney]

Suggesions please:

Our trip is not until the Dec 20th But I like to plan anyway. We did schedule a Lilo Breakfast on the 21st but that is all we have planned. We need to reserve the 2nd week where we will be staying. We are trying to decide if renting a house for the 2nd week might be a better option for our family of 6.

I have a few questions. We know we will bveling during a very busy time and want to make the most of our GKTW button to cut down on waiting. Also how difficult is it to get a GAC button and what benefits does it have? Does Universal Studios, Sea World or Diney respect the GKTW button during the 2nd week.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Here is what Maroo posted recently about this:

"The button officially stops "working" after the last day on the button...so you will want to try to do as many character lines as possible (because that is the biggest thing the button helps with that a typical GAC can't help you with, for the most part). I would also consider doing MNSSHP or MVMCP within the official button time, too.

Many families have said the button still "works" after the official trip is over - it won't work for months after, obviously, but as long as you are still on your magical trip, most CM's will recognize it and allow it to help while you are on the trip - but don't count on all CM's doing this.

Generally using a GAC card after the last date is something that can get a little bit trickier...so you will want to get a new one re-issued. Depending on who you talk to, families have reported that GKTW gave them an extended one and families have reported that Disney extended theirs, too - just depends on who you talk to..."

The GKTW button is not the same as GAC. The GAC is a card given to people with non visable disabilities (requiring assistance). The normal GAC is not a front of the line card. But if your DD has medical needs, she would be able to get a GAC after the Wish trip card expires.

In my experience, the week after Christmas (the busiest time at WDW) the info on the GAC is CLOSELY followed. Expired cards are not honored and the number of people that can go with the person with the card is stricly enforced.

I do know SW and Universal read the cards very carefully as well.