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

[wbh1964]

I have read on here people talk about their "wishing ceremony". Just curious, does anyone know if every chapter of MAW does this? Also, could someone tell me more details on the wishing ceremony itself?
Thanks!

 

[danut]

Thank you so much for your detailed response! It really helps a lot. I completely forgot about needing to go to the orientation for the button and tickets!

I think a lot depends on what you want to see. I always felt Animal Kingdom is a shorter day, but you could also happily spend a day there seeing all the shows,the parade and the attractions. We spent less than 3 hours there and our group made our way through 6 attractions, 1 show and 2 meet and greets. We have been there though and just wanted to hit our favorites.

Just a warning, you would have to work out something with GKTW though as the orientation is where they give out your tickets, your line assistance card and the GKTW "magic" button. I do know they often have an orientation in the afternoon which may be about when you arrive with a 10:15 arrival. Check out is at 11 so I don't think our villa was ready until after 1. You could then spend the afternoon/evening at a park. Check your arrival day against park hours too as AK usually closes earlier than other parks.

One of the Universal Days could be shorter if you are not interested in the attractions for adult riders It does take a long time to get in and out of those parks. I would also say Sea World could be shorter day, if you are not interested in all the shows or rides. You can see why I say a lot depends on what you want to see. I think with little ones MK is always a full day just because it takes a while to make your way through the attractions, parades, fireworks, etc.

As for crowd predictors, I have used TourGuideMike.com in the past. I have found him to be good as he takes into account all the special events, extra magic hours and other factors. We have used him on two trips. I think one of the forums has a link with a dis discount. He used to sponsor one of the forums, not sure if he still does. You will benefit from the button, but it always helps to minimize the crowd. One of the reasons we did so well at AK was we were there late in the day.

Happy Planning! You are going to love GKTW.

 

[disneymomma01]

Our son is getting a dream trip through the Dream Factory and I would love to do a pre trip report & trip report. Not sure were I should put it on the boards. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have never done this before but am looking forward to it.

My daughter had a Dream Trip through the Dream Factory as well!! We go in October!!

Here is the link where you post your pre-trip report!! Let me know when you get it up!! I will go subscribe!! Congrats on your trip!!

 

[brookerene]

I have read on here people talk about their "wishing ceremony". Just curious, does anyone know if every chapter of MAW does this? Also, could someone tell me more details on the wishing ceremony itself?
Thanks!

Not every chapter does a wishing ceremony. Our didn't but we did have a nice going away party!

 

[brookerene]

This Sunday I am going to help raise funds for Give Kids the World by marathon riding a roller coaster here in Cincinnati. I will be riding the coaster for 6hrs. and hope to reach my goal. All monies raised go directly to Give Kids the World. I know most of us stayed there and know the treatment they provide for us during our stay. So I figured I could give back a little, but a little goes along way. I am posting a link if you'd want to read about it and donate to GKTW.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/davefuhrman/coastingforkids-kingsisland

That sounds like an awesome fundraiser..... I hope the rollercoaster for 6 hours is a blast. I had seen about a radio station that did that one time and more people made it than they thought! the radio station gave up before the riders...
GKTW is a great cause.. may God Bless your fundraising...!

 

[brookerene]

I need some opinions about double strollers!

I had inquired with MAW about getting a double stroller that reclines, since our two girls are both toddlers and can tire easily. I especially wanted one that reclines, because my 15 month old still requires naps and I'm hoping (keeping fingers crossed!) that she'll be able to nap in stroller. My daughter's wish grantor said it would be no problem to rent us one and would like me to pick a stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals (http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/). Two of the three double strollers listed on the website seem to recline, and they all offer nice little canopies to keep the girls out of the shade. They all look great.

Before I make my choice, however, I'm just wondering if double strollers are too big for the parks? Will we be able to fit them on the monorails, in ride queues or stroller parking spaces? Would I be better off renting two single strollers instead? What's more cumbersome?

Opinions wanted and welcome! Thanks!

I used one of the park double strollers and it was not problem.. in fact I was greatful for it! So go for it!!! A lot of people have them!

 

[mom2pixies]

No worries, there are LOTS of double strollers in the parks.

Okay--good! I was a little worried the double would be too big. I've never used a double before! But, it makes sense that the parks would have made line-ups to accomodate double strollers. Thanks, Livndisney!

I used one of the park double strollers and it was not problem.. in fact I was greatful for it! So go for it!!! A lot of people have them!

That's good to hear, Brooke. They look great--the ones I was looking at recline and have nice little canopies to keep the girls out of the sun--I just wasn't sure about the size, weight, how easy they are to navigate, etc.

Thanks again!

 

[DaveF45150]

Hey all just a update....on the fund raiser for GKTW. We are going to be riding the Racer Roller coaster at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. Those that don't know this coaster, but are fans of the Brady Bunch it's the same one they rode and got scared on back in 1973. You can look it up on you tube the episode is called "The Cincinnati Kids."

 

[SueM in MN]

Okay--good! I was a little worried the double would be too big. I've never used a double before! But, it makes sense that the parks would have made line-ups to accomodate double strollers. Thanks, Livndisney!



That's good to hear, Brooke. They look great--the ones I was looking at recline and have nice little canopies to keep the girls out of the sun--I just wasn't sure about the size, weight, how easy they are to navigate, etc.

Thanks again!

If the double stroller is 32 inches wide or less, it will fit. Lines and doors will usually be 36 inches wide to comply with wheelchair accessibility.

 

[mom2pixies]

If the double stroller is 32 inches wide or less, it will fit. Lines and doors will usually be 36 inches wide to comply with wheelchair accessibility.

Thanks SueM! I knew you'd know!!

 

[Menfusse]

We got dates! Well, I think? LOL. They were actually going to send us next week!!! But, I can't get everything together in 6 days. So, while she hasn't called back to confirm, she was looking at Aug. 19-26th. EEK!

I didn't expect it to be soon, but it takes out the worry some of Emily's health. Once school starts, and the colds and bugs start...things go down hill for my girl. So, hopefully, even though it will be hot (of course it's hot all over the country right now), I think going while she's healthy and plump will be the best idea.

 

[Owensheart]

We don't have dates for December yet, but I have some questions. I emailed our wish manager last night and now I have decisions to make.

1. Has anyone needed oxygen at the parks? Owen (3 yrs) is on 1-2 liters of oxygen around the clock and we'll have a Portable oxygen concentrator for the airlines, but it's way too heavy and bulky to take on the rides. When we did Disneyland last year, we had a bunch of "D" tanks in our room, they are lighter to carry around and easy to get on/off the rides. The only problem is that they only last about 3 hours each. We were staying at the DL Hotel so I just jumped on the monorail and ran to the room to switch them out.

My question is.. if you had oxygen tanks with you.. how did you do it? We have the option of staying at one of the Disneyworld Resort hotels so we can just run back to our room and switch out tanks at naptime. Or we can stay at GKTW and there are a million benefits to that! I'm trying to choose convienience of staying at the parks vs the magic of GKTW.

How far is GKTW from Universal and Disney.. realistically from the gate to getting to your car and driving. An hour? 20 min? I'm thinking the weather might be good enough to keep tanks in my car and I can run and switch them out.

I thought about calling GKTW to ask them their opinion because I'm sure we are not the first family to try to figure out where to store a bunch of tanks while at the parks. I wonder if there is a way to store them in a wish lounge? Or first aid office?

Just brainstorming. Any input would be awesome.

2. If any of you have been to Disney in December.. what cool things are there to see. I have read about Osbourne lights at HS.. we won't miss that. I'm thinking we'll do MVMCP one evening for sure. Anything else that's a must see during the holiday season?

3. Last question.. which deluxe resort hotel at Disney is decorated fun for Christmas. We want to stay somewhere fun and festive!

Thanks for all your help! I'm hoping we'll get dates soon so we can start planning. Our requested trip dates would put us 4 months out.

 

[maroo]

Not every chapter does a wishing ceremony. Our didn't but we did have a nice going away party!

This varies chapter by chapter...

Ours didn't do a wishing ceremony. They did do a small going away type thing (but at Lauren's house - not a party where we invited people, etc) - they, instead, put that money they would have spent in the expense check so that the family can do something special on the trip.

We also did not do a Limo...but that could be because Lauren uses a powerchair?

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what parks that you can do in a half a day? Our flight arrives at 10:15, but then I am going to have to be back for orientation at 7pm that evening. So, we have enough time that I would like to go do something, but want it somewhere we can fit a lot in during that time so we won't have to go back.

Also, someone mentioned "crowd meters" to know what park is busy when. If someone could let me know where I can find it, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!

My guess is that it will probably take you at least an hour to get to GKTW from when your flight lands. Maybe an hour and a half.

Which puts you there for lunch, probably and then to unload your car, etc, etc. GKTW has a TON of things to do to fill up an afternoon (maybe not so much if it is raining) and that would also be a great time to go to Walmart and pick up snacks and anything you plan to buy there instead of bring.

You won't have your tickets yet...It may be cool to drive to a resort like The Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Grand Floridian and eat a nice meal? It is nice to be able to Drive in the Disney gates and feel like you are sort of there... but the kids may be disappointed not to go directly to a park. My favorite for this is Boma at the AKL - personally... because it is a beautiful resort and you can hang out some and see the animals.

This could also be a good time to check out Downtown Disney - because you don't have to have a ticket to do that. They have a lot of stores and Rainforest Cafe (and that TRex restaurant) if you wanted a fun place to eat.

I think I would be more likely to recommend staying at GKTW or going to DTD. Then you can get back and hang out for the night time activity and do orientation.

If you do get your tickets early - then maybe you could knock out Sea World, Universal, DHS or AK... just depends on what your must do's at each are. It is the shows that really take so much time in both DHS and AK. You could even knock out Epcot if you were not planning to do the countries... I think you could easily catch one show, several rides, and some characters at either AK or DHS.

 

[maroo]

We don't have dates for December yet, but I have some questions. I emailed our wish manager last night and now I have decisions to make.

1. Has anyone needed oxygen at the parks? Owen (3 yrs) is on 1-2 liters of oxygen around the clock and we'll have a Portable oxygen concentrator for the airlines, but it's way too heavy and bulky to take on the rides. When we did Disneyland last year, we had a bunch of "D" tanks in our room, they are lighter to carry around and easy to get on/off the rides. The only problem is that they only last about 3 hours each. We were staying at the DL Hotel so I just jumped on the monorail and ran to the room to switch them out.

You could bring as many as you will need (bring extra, though) and bring them in with you to the park. You can store them at First Aid and not have to carry them around.

My question is.. if you had oxygen tanks with you.. how did you do it? We have the option of staying at one of the Disneyworld Resort hotels so we can just run back to our room and switch out tanks at naptime. Or we can stay at GKTW and there are a million benefits to that! I'm trying to choose convienience of staying at the parks vs the magic of GKTW.

This is a hard call...obviously oxygen is a major necessity... can you bring a few tanks with you? Or does it have to sit in the room to "charge" or something?? Not sure how those work?

How far is GKTW from Universal and Disney.. realistically from the gate to getting to your car and driving. An hour? 20 min? I'm thinking the weather might be good enough to keep tanks in my car and I can run and switch them out.

Eek...how hot can they get? The sun is hot in FL and I remember the van being hot when we drove, even in March and it was in the 80's in 2009 when we went in Dec - so the weather could be an issue??

If you could keep them in your car - then I think from AK/DHS/Epcot - it is 20 min or less, probably less from the gate to the car. MK is more of a problem, because you have to take the ferry back to the parking lot - so that will take some time - more like 40 min??

If you can bring more than one tank with you, then I would just bring them and store them in First Aid. We stored Lauren's stuff in First Aid at all Disney parks and they were great!

I thought about calling GKTW to ask them their opinion because I'm sure we are not the first family to try to figure out where to store a bunch of tanks while at the parks. I wonder if there is a way to store them in a wish lounge? Or first aid office?

For Disney - definitely First Aid. Universal may be an issue?? Can someone comment on that? Sea World has First Aid...but I remember it being quite a walk from the gate?

Just brainstorming. Any input would be awesome.

2. If any of you have been to Disney in December.. what cool things are there to see. I have read about Osbourne lights at HS.. we won't miss that. I'm thinking we'll do MVMCP one evening for sure. Anything else that's a must see during the holiday season?

Osbourne and MVMCP! Both for sure!! Candlelight Processional was nice, but not sure if the kids will love it?? The parks are all decorated and the weather is usually great!

3. Last question.. which deluxe resort hotel at Disney is decorated fun for Christmas. We want to stay somewhere fun and festive!

I would think for decorations, I would have to say Grand Floridian...They have a Gingerbread House that almost made my must see list above. Animal Kingdom Lodge is also very nicely decorated, too! They all are, really...but Grand Floridian is the best for that. And AKL is a long bus ride to almost every park.

But...I would be so sad for you guys not to be at GKTW... I think you would be missing out... If you can work it out by storing the O2 at First Aid?

Thanks for all your help! I'm hoping we'll get dates soon so we can start planning. Our requested trip dates would put us 4 months out.

Hope that helps some...my 10 cents anyway...

eta...I had another thought...

The Monorail resorts are a huge bonus - because they are on the monorail line... but don't forget that they now close only 1 hour after park close... and they are not sure if they plan to run them for MVMCP or not... so you might be stuck getting in a car to get back and forth from the MK and Epcot...

So...if you did stay on site...I guess I would just keep that in mind...?? They will have boat service, though, I think. And you could walk from the MK to the Contemporary (about 5 min walk).

One more thought...

If I could choose any Deluxe to stay in for convenience...it would be the Poly. It is walking distance to the TTC and you can get the boat or monorail to the MK from there OR hop on the monorail to Epcot. You want to stay on the "TTC side" of the resort, though, or the benefit sort of goes away some because you have to walk all the way across the resort. I think it is the most central monorail resort.

 

[kdzbear]

I need some opinions about double strollers!

I had inquired with MAW about getting a double stroller that reclines, since our two girls are both toddlers and can tire easily. I especially wanted one that reclines, because my 15 month old still requires naps and I'm hoping (keeping fingers crossed!) that she'll be able to nap in stroller. My daughter's wish grantor said it would be no problem to rent us one and would like me to pick a stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals (http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/). Two of the three double strollers listed on the website seem to recline, and they all offer nice little canopies to keep the girls out of the shade. They all look great.

Before I make my choice, however, I'm just wondering if double strollers are too big for the parks? Will we be able to fit them on the monorails, in ride queues or stroller parking spaces? Would I be better off renting two single strollers instead? What's more cumbersome?

Opinions wanted and welcome! Thanks!

I know that you have received many responses. I have a Baby Trend jogging double stroller. I was able to use the stroller as a wheelchair tag on it. I have taken it to Disney World several times and I have never had a problem with it fitting on the monorail, boats, ride lines or shows. I have pictures of it in my two trip reports with my two little ones in it so you can see the size. It pushed with ease. It was nice to have the sun shade and the reclining seats. It also had lots of storage space. Since it was tagged as a wheelchair, we never had to leave it in stroller parking, but we brought a $1 shower curtain from the Dollar Tree and a bungee cord to cover it in case of rain. I hope this helps!

 

[Owensheart]

Thank you so much Maroo!! Very helpful! We really want to find a way to stay at GKTW for the week, so I'll contact Disney Direct and Universal to find out about using First Aid to store medical equipment.. that would be the best scenario possible!! My kids are so excited about GKTW.. they are. I'm going to make this work.

I was leaning towards the Poly for convienience, and I really like the large rooms at the contemporary. I suppose I should wait to find out what hotel has the best deal and that will probably make the decision for me. It always comes down to the final dollar.

We'll plan to visit the Grand Floridian to check out their holiday decor for sure.

 

[disneymomma01]

We got dates! Well, I think? LOL. They were actually going to send us next week!!! But, I can't get everything together in 6 days. So, while she hasn't called back to confirm, she was looking at Aug. 19-26th. EEK!

I didn't expect it to be soon, but it takes out the worry some of Emily's health. Once school starts, and the colds and bugs start...things go down hill for my girl. So, hopefully, even though it will be hot (of course it's hot all over the country right now), I think going while she's healthy and plump will be the best idea.

YAY!!! That was QUICK!!! I am so happy for you guys!! WOOHOO!!! Can't wait to see that pre-trippie quickly become a trippie report!!

I am doing the happy dance here for you!!

arty::

 

[WheelieBigDisFan]

If you need to take extra o2 I would definitely store it in First Aid for the park that you are visiting. Another thought would be, if the concentrator is battery powered (which I assume it is for the plane) then maybe you could use the concentrator while he is in the wheelchair/stroller and have a D bottle with you that has another nasal cannula attached and just switch out o2 methods for the attraction itself, or if you have to leave the stroller/wheelchair for any period of time to avoid carrying the concentrator. That way you don't go through too many D size cylinders when you are in the parks, and have to worry about getting them refilled. IDK if you will be bringing them from home, or if you will talk to a supplier (Apria or otherwise) in Orlando to supply them for the trip itself.
I would definitely try to stay at GKTW if at all possible. While I have never been there, I have heard many great things about GKTW and would want to experience all the wonderful evening activities, but also have all the amenities that they have there also (the Gingerbread House, Katie's Kitchen, the carousel, the Candy Land Playground (I forgot the name), Amberville Train Station, etc).
I hope you all have fun on your sons MAW trip. I'm sure the little man has gone through so much in his short life and deserves this break from reality and time to just be a kid! Can't wait to hear more about the wish trip planning!
Mandy

 

[Menfusse]

Ok, our dates are official. I see that I can leave meds at First Aide, so that's one question answered. What about the GAC stuff I'm reading about? Or do we need that since she's a wish kid? We're staying at GKTW. Does everything we'll need come with the tickets and stuff we get during orientation?

I have a month to figure things out, but it may as well be a day! I'm so lost! But beyond excited!

 

[livndisney]

Ok, our dates are official. I see that I can leave meds at First Aide, so that's one question answered. What about the GAC stuff I'm reading about? Or do we need that since she's a wish kid? We're staying at GKTW. Does everything we'll need come with the tickets and stuff we get during orientation?

I have a month to figure things out, but it may as well be a day! I'm so lost! But beyond excited!

No worries, your GAC will be addressed at orientation. You will get tickets and info at orientation as well. Relax and enjoy!