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

[casper_jj11]

Abby finally went back to school today after beeing off the past week due to the compression fractures in her back. She was so excited to finally go back and see her friends and not have to sit in the house all day being bored. She has tons of make up work, which I picked up for her last week, however, I will be honest and say that we have not gotten very much done. It is so much that it is very overwhelming to her and myself. I told the teacher when I took her this morning that we haven't gotten very much done and she was fine. She just said to take our time, she didn't want to have Abby overdo it, especially with the trip coming up

Thank you to everyone here for all your thoughts and prayers for Abby and our family. I too am praying for all the sick little ones out there, I know how overwhelming it is and I just want everyone to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I cannot believe we are 23 days away

Yeah! She must be so happy to be back at school. I'm sure her teacher is very understanding. Don't push too hard to catch up... it'll happen with time.

We finally got our dates! Disney here we come!! I have already made reservations for Chef Mickey for breakfast, Pirate League, and Wish's Firework Dessert Party.....all on the same day!!

Yeah!

Kylee is in the hospital again. She is here for a cleanout, but now caught some bug and has a 102 fever.

Thoughts and prayers going out to Kylee. I hope her fever comes down quickly.


I wanted to quote the question about Cape May but couldn't find it We've eaten there several times and its one of our favourite places. Staff is wonderful and its not that busy so the interaction is great. BC stands for Beach Club. You can park valet at the resort and eat there ... if its valet you could also walk to Epcot or park there early in the morning and walk to Epcot and then back for breakfast if it is your Epcot day.

For those planning a Universal day, I posted our TR for our first Universal/IOA day this morning on Sydney's TR ... we went back for 1/2 day later but that's not up yet.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Kylee is in the hospital again. She is here for a cleanout, but now caught some bug and has a 102 fever.

Oh no, thinking about you guys. *hugs*

 

[brookerene]

Just a quick quote:

Around here, however we don't look backwards
for very long. We keep moving forward, opening
new doors, new things and doing because
we are curious.... and curiosity keeps leading
us down new paths. Keep moving Forward.
Walt Disney

 

[jwallaceent]

Just a quick quote:

Around here, however we don't look backwards
for very long. We keep moving forward, opening
new doors, new things and doing because
we are curious.... and curiosity keeps leading
us down new paths. Keep moving Forward.
Walt Disney

Something to definetly live our lives by! Tho hard at times, it truly is what our lives are about with sick children! Thanks for sharing!

 

[jwallaceent]

Can Brooke's trip be added? Her trip is March 23rd thru the 29th! We are so excited as first she gets a trip and we are going to Disney for the first time. Second my family is all flying for the very first time and third that we will actually have a real family vacation for the frist time since Brooke was born! Thanks in advance for ANY help, ideas, and information?

 

[LindaBabe]

Thank you for the info!!! I'm hoping Minnie will be there...my kiddos love her and that's Khelsey's theme for her birthday party for Sunday!

When You said that coming from GKTW and headed to Cape May Cafe, to park in BC? What/where is BC? I'm a newbie to DW so I am lost... Sorry!

Sorry! BC is Beach Club, the resort where Cape May is located. You will be given a map of the area in your packet - it's located in the EPCOT RESORT AREA. All the road signs are very good but be sure you do not follow the to "EPCOT" parking but rather the signs for the EPCOT RESORTS. It's a whole different access.

 

[MitoDadMO]

I have a question about lines and the Magic Button. We will have a party of 8, (4 grandparents 2 parents and 2 kids). Will all 8 of us get the benifits of the magic button with kade? Also what about rides that he would otherwise be too short for, does the magic button work for those too?

I am not trying to take advantage of the system, just trying to figure out how we are going to handle things.

 

[luvmygrlz3]

Sorry! BC is Beach Club, the resort where Cape May is located. You will be given a map of the area in your packet - it's located in the EPCOT RESORT AREA. All the road signs are very good but be sure you do not follow the to "EPCOT" parking but rather the signs for the EPCOT RESORTS. It's a whole different access.

Thank you soooo much for the info! You rock!

 

[maroo]

Had to remove the post to get this one to post.......

This was great info!! I put it on the 2nd post for everyone to see!!

Tim's awesome post...

This one was great too! It won't let me repost it here...but I put a link to it on page 2 of the wish trippers thread!!

And fourth, Since the children who are the primary Guests at GKTW are medically fragile, they generally cannot even spend a full day at the Parks, let alone the EMH.

This is the only thing I wish Disney would help us on...

They give a TON in the way of tickets, money, time, etc... But it would be awesome if they allowed MAW kids to do EMH and let them know in advance.

It would not cost Disney anything to do this. They already have the CM's checking KTTW cards and they have the 6 or 7 cards from the other hotels that have the perk...to add the wish button would be easy to do and not cost them anything.

I have heard of several families being allowed to stay and can't really see Disney kicking out a MAW family...

But I can think of several families (including the one I travel with) that do better getting up later and staying up later...and some times during the year the parks are all closed by 10 or even 9...

In our case, for example, it literally takes us hours to get all of the physical therapy, shower, dressed, make up, etc, etc, etc done before we can even think about heading to a park - so EMH would be helpful to have.

And I think about Tyler and how much fun he and his family had at 3 AM in the parks. It was the most magical part of their whole trip!

Plus you have international guests and those from the West Coast that may not even think the EMH is all that late.

Anyway...this is one thing I wish Disney would consider adding for MAW families and I have a feeling that the higher ups at Disney would want them to have access...if they really thought about it.

YES, YES, YES...THANK YOU!!! I now have a clickable link for our PTR!!! THANK YOU!



Tim, I am working on our Table of Contents...and it is WORKING!!! THANK YOU!

I want to sincerely Thank you both for teaching me how to do this.

I hope Maroo puts it on the helpful links page, because if I could follow it, anyone can!

Good idea!!! And done!

Thank you very much for the info..... I don't know if fighting the crowds at HP is worth it for us because they are not into that at all.... How long were you at IOA? We are trying to do both US/IOA in one day.... I am wondering if that is possible????

If you really are not interested in the HP stuff at all (I know several families that don't really like Harry Potter stuff for their family)...then that is one thing and I would stay away...

But for the crowds...don't stay away because of the crowds alone. Give them your GAP card (which you will get at orientation) and they will make sure you guys don't have to wait terribly long.

Hey Everyone!~!!
I feel like i may never get caught up but I wanted to give an update on Haylee. We FINALLY got to bring her home on Wednesday.

The epilepsy complications that lead to her intibation also lead to them deciding to put in a trach (they say she will probably only need it for the rest of the winter for easy access)

We ended up having to shut her brain completely off for 2 days to get the seizures to stop. Of course this lead to many othe r complications (to include issues with her heart and holding her boday heat)

She then ended up staying in because after her lungs were healed she cam down with pancreatitus. She is still battling it but they think it may be medication induced.

SOOO..
We went in on 3 seizure meds and a major diagnosis of CP and Epilepsy.
Came out on 17 meds with a trach, vent (onlyfor as needed!!) diabeties, chest PT vest, 2 nebs, 3 new seizure meds a j/g tube and a complete loss of movement (her head control and small use of hands started coming back today) and a nurse 12 hours a day.

It has been a long 5 weeks but I feel so blessed to have her home (well tired also) Now we just keep her well and let her heal and she should get back to her old self intime!!!

We were talking in the PICU and were so glad we had our Wish Trip when we did. The timing was PERFECT!!!

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers that have been sent to us!!

Aw man!!!

We are still praying for you guys!!!! I am so glad you went on your trip when you did!!

Just so that you know, Pamela is actually Henri's ex-wife.

Really?!? Totally did not know that.

So glad to have found this disboard. I have spent hours and hours (to the point that it is starting to irritate DH that I am on the computer so much) reading all the stories. They are all so helpful in planning our wish trip! Just wanted to say thanks for all the ideas and tips!!!

!! Glad you are here!

Tell DH to come on over and read...soon he will be drinking the koolaid.

We finally got our dates! Disney here we come!! I have already made reservations for Chef Mickey for breakfast, Pirate League, and Wish's Firework Dessert Party.....all on the same day!!

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!
I added them!!

Kylee is in the hospital again. She is here for a cleanout, but now caught some bug and has a 102 fever.

Oh no! Praying for you guys too!

Can Brooke's trip be added? Her trip is March 23rd thru the 29th! We are so excited as first she gets a trip and we are going to Disney for the first time. Second my family is all flying for the very first time and third that we will actually have a real family vacation for the frist time since Brooke was born! Thanks in advance for ANY help, ideas, and information?

I just added it!!

I have a question about lines and the Magic Button. We will have a party of 8, (4 grandparents 2 parents and 2 kids). Will all 8 of us get the benifits of the magic button with kade? Also what about rides that he would otherwise be too short for, does the magic button work for those too?

I am not trying to take advantage of the system, just trying to figure out how we are going to handle things.

You get two things...the button and a GAC (Disney) or a GAP (Universal)...you can technically split the familiy with these (we had to do this on Lauren's trip)...her Dad and brother took the GAC/GAP card and told the CM it was for her sister and that she was waiting on him and they let him go the fastest way (usually FP line) - so it can work for everyone.

TECHNICALLY it is not supposed to work for a large group and technically the extended family is not part of the wish...but most CM's will probably let you guys stay together...since it is a wish trip.

We went on a non-wish trip with 7 and only had one instance where I had to sit out of an attraction because we were over the limit of 6.

They Do not, however, want really large groups traveling and expecting to break lines...I saw a group of 13 on a wish trip once...they all just came to enjoy the time with the child...but they all did not have the access...just too many people.

Basically they will make exceptions whenever possible for wish families.

Keep in mind, though, that you are going at a busy time...so the CM's may have a harder time seeing you...if that makes any sense...just make sure they see the button/GAC and can help you with the crowds.

 

[Glo's wish]

Maroo- How do I change our PTR from anxiously awaiting dates to we now have dates!!!??
I'm sorry if you have instructions somewhere and I missed them.

 

[MitoDadMO]

You get two things...the button and a GAC (Disney) or a GAP (Universal)...you can technically split the familiy with these (we had to do this on Lauren's trip)...her Dad and brother took the GAC/GAP card and told the CM it was for her sister and that she was waiting on him and they let him go the fastest way (usually FP line) - so it can work for everyone.

TECHNICALLY it is not supposed to work for a large group and technically the extended family is not part of the wish...but most CM's will probably let you guys stay together...since it is a wish trip.

We went on a non-wish trip with 7 and only had one instance where I had to sit out of an attraction because we were over the limit of 6.

They Do not, however, want really large groups traveling and expecting to break lines...I saw a group of 13 on a wish trip once...they all just came to enjoy the time with the child...but they all did not have the access...just too many people.

Basically they will make exceptions whenever possible for wish families.

Keep in mind, though, that you are going at a busy time...so the CM's may have a harder time seeing you...if that makes any sense...just make sure they see the button/GAC and can help you with the crowds.

What is a GAC or GAP? The only rides I would hope to go on as a group wold be the safari or stuff like that.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Can I get our PTR report added as well? We don't have our dates yet, hoping soon though as we've already been in touch with our wish co-ordinator. The link is in my siggy.

 

[blessedmom4]

What is a GAC or GAP? The only rides I would hope to go on as a group wold be the safari or stuff like that.

GAC=Guest Assistance Card- Disney World
GAP=Guest Assistance Pass- Universal Studios

These are the passes that assist those with disabilities to get the accommodations they need at the Theme parks. There is a great post on page one of at the top of of the disabilities thread about what they can and can't assist with. Wish trips are a bit different . Sue M has done an amazing job of gathering that info into one place. Disabilities Link

 

[kailatilear]

Is it Friday yet???? I know it is only Wed, but this week has been a week and we are only 1/2 way through it. On my way to work from dropping Abby off at school, (she usually rides the bus, but with her back and having to have the wheelchair right now I have to take her) Tilear called me sobbing, his stomach was killing him and he couldn't hardly catch his breath. I took him to the ER where they think it is an ulcer. This morning back to the dr. his pedi, he thinks gallbladder or pancritis (sp), we go next Thursday morning to the hosptial for ultrasound, upper GI series and some other type of testing. Between Abby's back and now Tilear's belly, the pain my babies are in is killing me and there is nothing I can do for them. Abby can take pain meds, but Tilear they won't give anything for pain, because of the belly issues. I have never seen someone in so much pain from an ulcer. I had my gallbladder out and the pain he is in reminds me of that. It isn't a constant pain, but comes and goes several times a day and will last anywhere from 5min to 45 min, with him just balled up in a fetal position rolling around his bed.

Please pray that they figure out what is wrong with his belly and that all this gets figured out before our trip.

 

[kailatilear]

Have any of the kids received their post cards yet? I mailed them in Disneyland a week ago Friday and sure hope they did not sit in the mail box for a week. Can't believe I couldn't find them when at WDW

Be well - stay well, everyone!

Yes, Abby got hers on Monday. She was so happy. She said "Mommy I really do have a Fairy Godmother". Thank you so much for putting a smile on my baby girls face.

 

[kellyw8863]

I have a question about lines and the Magic Button. We will have a party of 8, (4 grandparents 2 parents and 2 kids). Will all 8 of us get the benifits of the magic button with kade? Also what about rides that he would otherwise be too short for, does the magic button work for those too?

I am not trying to take advantage of the system, just trying to figure out how we are going to handle things.

We went with 6 - the four of us and then the girls' paternal grandparents, and what we were told was that the GAC/GAP was good for the six of us (can't speak to other limits), and that it was good for everyone in our party. I probably would not have felt comfortable doing this if it wasn't a wish trip, but there were a number of rides that my older dd wanted to ride that Ali wasn't interested in. If Ali had to wait (sometimes in the sun because there was no place nearby in the shade), she would have lost it - physically and emotionally. So, even though Maya used it on a number of occasions (and dh and I used it to ride Expedition Everest), we thought of it as if we didn't use the pass, then Ali would have spent more time waiting and would've had less time to enjoy the parks (time that was already severely limited due to heat intolerance and fatigue issues). Even though Ali wasn't always the one using it, it was still used in the spirit of getting her through the parks.

Really, the CMs didn't even look at it that closely. They just asked us how many people were in our party and waved us through. We did get a couple of eyerolls at the size of our party, which I can understand, but it's not like the grandparents wanted to ride Winnie the Pooh for the thrill of the ride; they wanted to be with their grandchildren, and Ali wanted them there. At the end of the day, it was her wish and it was about what made her happy.

I just wanted to add that all six of us stayed at GKTW, so while the grandparents were not part of the official wish, they were included at GKTW. When we received the GAC/GAP at orientation, it was already stamped for six. So, I don't know if that made a difference.

 

[4monkeys]

I have to catch back up on the posts.. it seems to be moving fast. I also need to go back to the beginning to check out the PTR and TR I have missed.

I have finally started my TR. It is in my signature. I haven't made it far, but it's started!!

Maroo, not sure if there is anything I need to do to have the Trip report added ?

 

[MitoDadMO]

We went with 6 - the four of us and then the girls' paternal grandparents, and what we were told was that the GAC/GAP was good for the six of us (can't speak to other limits), and that it was good for everyone in our party. I probably would not have felt comfortable doing this if it wasn't a wish trip, but there were a number of rides that my older dd wanted to ride that Ali wasn't interested in. If Ali had to wait (sometimes in the sun because there was no place nearby in the shade), she would have lost it - physically and emotionally. So, even though Maya used it on a number of occasions (and dh and I used it to ride Expedition Everest), we thought of it as if we didn't use the pass, then Ali would have spent more time waiting and would've had less time to enjoy the parks (time that was already severely limited due to heat intolerance and fatigue issues). Even though Ali wasn't always the one using it, it was still used in the spirit of getting her through the parks.

Really, the CMs didn't even look at it that closely. They just asked us how many people were in our party and waved us through. We did get a couple of eyerolls at the size of our party, which I can understand, but it's not like the grandparents wanted to ride Winnie the Pooh for the thrill of the ride; they wanted to be with their grandchildren, and Ali wanted them there. At the end of the day, it was her wish and it was about what made her happy.

I just wanted to add that all six of us stayed at GKTW, so while the grandparents were not part of the official wish, they were included at GKTW. When we received the GAC/GAP at orientation, it was already stamped for six. So, I don't know if that made a difference.

Officially it is just the 4 of us at GKTW. The grandparents are renting a house nearby (MUCH CHEAPER than staying on resort).

I guess worst case the kids could ride a ride a few times one with each set of grandparents etc.

 

[kailatilear]

After a week of craziness, we have received a couple of very special BIG GIVE'S this week.

Here are just a couple of pictures of the Give's.

This one I have to give a BIG BIG thank you to Katie.

This one a BIG BIG thank you to Angie (Diz-Mommy)

If the curiosity is getting to you hop on over to our ptr to find out what was in those wonderful packages.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I wanted to let everyone know that the internet service here at hospital is really bad. It's taking over 5 min. just to post something. I just wanted to tell you I do go on everyones PTR, but hard to post. I maybe able to get to a few everyday to post back. Just know that I'm not ignoring you.

I'm loving all the Big Gives...thoughts and prayers to all that needs them. ((hugs)) to all