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

[jj0plin]

Cross posting from my PTR...Does anyone know when Spring break in the US is? We were originally thinking end of April, beg. of May but i'm having a hard time trying to figure out possible dates - especially because we have to give 2 seperate weeks. I then thought about going the beg-mid April, before the Easter rush. Is Spring break over by then? What is the weather like? Is it warm enough in April for shorts/tees/swimming? Would the crowds be decent enough, I don't want it to be insanely busy like over the holidays? Seriously, how is picking dates THIS hard? lol.

They are actually all during the months of March and April. Ours is April 4-8th. Here is a great poll about this on the dis

 

[jj0plin]

oops... double post

 

[luvmygrlz3]

Just had to tell everyone. AirTran waived our baggage fees!!!!! I took a chance and emailed them again yesterday and I received the email today that they will waive them.

Thank you 4monkeys for your help!!!!!

That's WONDERFUL NEWS!! I wonder if I should check with US Airways...anyone have any experience with them? Are they kind enough to waive baggage fees?

Cross posting from my PTR...Does anyone know when Spring break in the US is? We were originally thinking end of April, beg. of May but i'm having a hard time trying to figure out possible dates - especially because we have to give 2 seperate weeks. I then thought about going the beg-mid April, before the Easter rush. Is Spring break over by then? What is the weather like? Is it warm enough in April for shorts/tees/swimming? Would the crowds be decent enough, I don't want it to be insanely busy like over the holidays? Seriously, how is picking dates THIS hard? lol.

I found this site and it may be helpful to you as far as crowd levels go...Hope it helps!
http://www.plan-a-magical-vacation.com/disney-crowd-level.html

 

[brookerene]

They are actually all during the months of March and April. Ours is April 4-8th. Here is a great poll about this on the dis

That is a great poll... I have been hoping that the spring breaks would be spread out a lot to lessen the crowd levels some....not that they won't be bad when we go, but I think they won't be as bad as they could if easter was earlier...... our break is the friday before easter and the mon after. we are on a modified 4 day system because it's the only way our little pub school can stay open....we have 100 kids k-12... we are avoiding disney on the weekend hoping that will help.

 

[kailatilear]

More good news to post today!!! The MAW volunteers just called and they are doing Abby's send off party next Tuesday Feb.15 at 6pm. She is able to invite 3 extra people. They are doing a pizza party with a cake for her. I am so excited and can't wait to tell her tonight. However, her choosing only 3 people is going to be torture for her

 

[Corrine 1973]

Before I start, let me begin by saying that these are my personal tips. Things I have learned from going there. I hope they will help you enjoy your trips, but don't feel you have to follow them. They are just suggestions.

10. REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARK. Most of us will be driving cars that we don't know in a place we don't know, and walking out of SeaWorld at one in the afternoon is not the time to relize that you forgot where you parked. I talk from experience. The parks have sign posts to help you find your car so memorize it, write it down, take a picture, what ever you need to do to remember where you parked. It might not hurt to take a picture of the back end of your car as well. It will show you the color, make, and license plate of the car.

9. GET CHECKED LUGGAGE PRICES. This might seem silly, but it is a good idea to double check the prices a week or two before your trip. You don't want to be surprised when an airline increases their prices. Don't assume that the money MaW alots for checked luggage is the amount you will pay. Our airline went up $5 a bag when went. We were able to take care of it, but if your budget is real tight, this might be a problem.

8. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Let's face it, you are running around having the time of your life, who has the time to drink water. You do. Counter services provide free ice water, that right FREE, so use it. Keep it on hand. Sip on it all day and when your cup is empty get some more. It is much easier to prevent heat related illness than to beat it back once it has begun.

7. EAT AT GKTW. Why not, it's FREE. Go ahead and indulge in that dole whip (a must), mickey shaped ice cream, and eat a meal a day at the parks (either sit down or quick service), but eat the rest of your meals at GKTW. It will save you alot of money to spend on souviners.

6. BRING FOLD UP DUFFLE FOR SOUVINERS. You think I am joking, far from it. After the souviners you buy and all the things given to you by GKTW you will need it. On the day we arrived and everyday we returned from the parks there were gifts waiting for us on the table. That is not to mention the stuffed animal the kids recieved during check in, the pillows they made, and the gifts they chose for the Christmas Party. Trust me you'll need it.

5. YOU HAVE A "GREEN LIGHT" GAC, USE IT. Don't feel ashamed to ask a CM where to go when you get to a ride, and if they are not sure ask for a supervisor. In most cases it will get you in faster through wheelchair entrance or FP lane. We only had problems at The Haunted Mansion. Plus GKTW will tell you during orientation that this will not work for characters. We found that this isn't the case and CM's told us to use it to go to the exits for Characters. We also used the card (and the fact we were on a Wish trip) to get Liam picked for the Jedi Training.

4. USE WASHER/DRYER AT GKTW. Once again it is free and comes with soap and dryer sheets. Pack less outfits (maybe cutting done on checked bags) and wash them. It is also nice to be able to pack clean cloths for the return home.

3. GET A PHOTOPASS. It is worth it. Try to buy it before hand and save some money. Share it with other families who are going at the same time and split the cost. (Remeber that the family he gets the CD will have the extra work of copying CDs for others and send them out. While the other family will need to wait for the pics.) This is a once in a life time trip and since you get to add cool graphics its alot of fun.-Informed that families are now given CD's but not sure of details.NOTE: This has changed for Wish Families - all families staying at GKTW now get a free photopass CD. You will have a code in your welcome pack that you can use. It will even pay for Shipping!


2. USE WALMART. It's on the corner before GKTW so use it. Buy extra snacks for your room. If you have a baby, buy baby food and diapers instead of packing them. They also have a great selection of WDW tshirts. They are just as good at a fraction of the price.

1. ENJOY YOU'RE WISH TRIP. This will probably be your only wish trip. There are things that you can only enjoy during this trip so take advantage of them. Go to the GKTW parties such as: the Holiday party, the princess/pirate party, and the Candy Land party. Also don't forget the Wish rooms at MK and EPCOT.

Hope you all have a wonderful time.

 

[brookerene]

Corrine...one change... I believe they now give wish families a free photopass cd! Thank you for the great tips.... I'll make sure to remember them...espeically the water and the extra duffle bag!

 

[brookerene]

More good news to post today!!! The MAW volunteers just called and they are doing Abby's send off party next Tuesday Feb.15 at 6pm. She is able to invite 3 extra people. They are doing a pizza party with a cake for her. I am so excited and can't wait to tell her tonight. However, her choosing only 3 people is going to be torture for her

WooHoo! I bet it will be hard to choose only 3! Take lots of photos! and I hope the time flies to get there and then stops for a while to enjoy!

 

[kailatilear]

WooHoo! I bet it will be hard to choose only 3! Take lots of photos! and I hope the time flies to get there and then stops for a while to enjoy!

I will be taking lots of pictues. Thank you I hope time flies too and then slows or stops for us to enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MitoDadMO]

5. YOU HAVE A "GREEN LIGHT" GAC, USE IT. Don't feel ashamed to ask a CM where to go when you get to a ride, and if they are not sure ask for a supervisor. In most cases it will get you in faster through wheelchair entrance or FP lane. We only had problems at The Haunted Mansion. Plus GKTW will tell you during orientation that this will not work for characters. We found that this isn't the case and CM's told us to use it to go to the exits for Characters. We also used the card (and the fact we were on a Wish trip) to get Liam picked for the Jedi Training.

We were told by our MAW folks that wish kids and wish families had priority at Character greetings.

I am glad you got Liam picked for Jedi Training. I really want Kade (wish kid) and his brother to get to do this. I hope that Kade being in a wheelchair doesnt hinder him getting picked. Although if they do get picked I will be balling my eyes out......My Boys.......JEDI'S!!

 

[tinytreasures]

Great list Corrine
I am going to add

#11 Take time to smell the roses.
Your family has been on the run for xx amount of years going back and forth between doctors. Now is the time to slow down and enjoy your time together. Remember this is your child trip, not yours so let them set the pace.

#12 Take time to enjoy GKTW
You may never get another chance to really enjoy it again. Yes you can go back to visit but it will not be the same as staying there. Play in the playground. Play a round of golf. Swim in the pool. Read the stones as you walk over them, each one is special.

 

[luvmygrlz3]

You all have really posted some awesome tips...Thank you so much for taking the time to inform us! This is such a wonderful board.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

We were told by our MAW folks that wish kids and wish families had priority at Character greetings.

I am glad you got Liam picked for Jedi Training. I really want Kade (wish kid) and his brother to get to do this. I hope that Kade being in a wheelchair doesnt hinder him getting picked. Although if they do get picked I will be balling my eyes out......My Boys.......JEDI'S!!

You just go up to the CM and show them the button and your next in line.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Great list Corrine
I am going to add

#11 Take time to smell the roses.
Your family has been on the run for xx amount of years going back and forth between doctors. Now is the time to slow down and enjoy your time together. Remember this is your child trip, not yours so let them set the pace.

#12 Take time to enjoy GKTW
You may never get another chance to really enjoy it again. Yes you can go back to visit but it will not be the same as staying there. Play in the playground. Play a round of golf. Swim in the pool. Read the stones as you walk over them, each one is special.

100% agree on these.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Cross posting from my PTR...Does anyone know when Spring break in the US is? We were originally thinking end of April, beg. of May but i'm having a hard time trying to figure out possible dates - especially because we have to give 2 seperate weeks. I then thought about going the beg-mid April, before the Easter rush. Is Spring break over by then? What is the weather like? Is it warm enough in April for shorts/tees/swimming? Would the crowds be decent enough, I don't want it to be insanely busy like over the holidays? Seriously, how is picking dates THIS hard? lol.

Steven and Kylee are from March 21st-April 4th
Korissa and Kyra from March 21st-25th

I looked on that poll and we are going on the 2nd busy Spring Break

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Before I start, let me begin by saying that these are my personal tips. Things I have learned from going there. I hope they will help you enjoy your trips, but don't feel you have to follow them. They just suggestions.

10. REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARK. Most of us will be driving cars that we don't know in a place we don't know, and walking out of SeaWorld at one in the afternoon is not the time to relize that you forgot where you parked. I talk from experience. The parks have sign posts to help you find your car so memorize it, write it down, take a picture, what ever you need to do to remember where you parked. It might not hurt to take a picture of the back end of your car as well. It will show you the color, make, and license plate of the car.

9. GET CHECKED LUGGAGE PRICES. This might seem silly, but it is a good idea to double check the prices a week or two before your trip. You don't want to be surprised when an airline increases their prices. Don't assume that the money MaW alots for checked luggage is the amount you will pay. Our airline went up $5 a bag when went. We were able to take care of it, but if your budget is real tight, this might be a problem.

8. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Let's face it, you are running around having the time of your life, who has the time to drink water. You do. Counter services provide free ice water, that right FREE, so use it. Keep it on hand. Sip on it all day and when your cup is empty get some more. It is much easier to prevent heat related illness that to beat it back once it has begun.

7. EAT AT GKTW. Why not, it's FREE. Go ahead and indulge in that dole whip(a must), mickey shaped ice cream, and eat a meal a day at the parks (either sit down or quick service), but eat the rest of your meal at GKTW. It will save you alot of money to spend on souviners.

6. BRING FOLD UP DUFFLE FOR SOUVINERS. You think I am joking, far from it. After the souviners you buy and all the things given to you by GKTW you will need it. On the day we arrived and everyday we returned from the parks there were gifts waiting for us on the table. That is not to mention the stuffed animal the kids recieved during check in, the pillows they made, and the gifts they chose for the Christmas Party. Trust me you'll need it.

5. YOU HAVE A "GREEN LIGHT" GAC, USE IT. Don't feel ashamed to ask a CM where to go when you get to a ride, and if they are not sure ask for a supervisor. In most cases it will get you in faster through wheelchair entrance or FP lane. We only had problems at The Haunted Mansion. Plus GKTW will tell you during orientation that this will not work for characters. We found that this isn't the case and CM's told us to use it to go to the exits for Characters. We also used the card (and the fact we were on a Wish trip) to get Liam picked for the Jedi Training.

4. USE WASHER/DRYER AT GKTW. Once again it is free and comes with soap and dryer sheets. Pack less outfits (maybe cutting done on checked bags) and wash them. It is also nice to be able to pack clean cloths for return home.

3. GET A PHOTOPASS. It is worth it. Try to buy it before hand and save some money. Share it with other families who are going at the same time and split the cost. (Remeber that the family he gets the CD will have the extra work of copying CDs for others and send them out. While the other family will need to wait for the pics.) This is a once in a life time trip and since you get to add cool graphics its alot of fun.-Informed that families are now given CD's but not sure of details.

2. USE WALMART. It's on the corner before GKTW so use it. Buy extra snacks for your room. If you have a baby, buy baby food and diapers instead of packing them. They also have a great selection of WDW tshirts. They are just as good at a fraction of the price.

1. ENJOY YOU'RE WISH TRIP. This will probably be your only wish trip. There are things that you can only enjoy during this trip so take advantage of them. Go to the GKTW parties such as: the Holiday party, the princess/pirate party, and the Candy Land party. Also don't forget the Wish rooms rooms at MK and EPCOT.

Hope you all have a wonderful time.

Thank you for taking the time to write all this out.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Just had to tell everyone. AirTran waived our baggage fees!!!!! I took a chance and emailed them again yesterday and I received the email today that they will waive them.

Thank you 4monkeys for your help!!!!!

Delta will not waive the fees. I emailed and called Carry on it is.

 

[Ciara's Wish Trip]

Has anyone been to Gatorland? Worth going to?

 

[4monkeys]

Just had to tell everyone. AirTran waived our baggage fees!!!!! I took a chance and emailed them again yesterday and I received the email today that they will waive them.

Thank you 4monkeys for your help!!!!!

Glad. To see it worked out for you. I saw this and figured I didn't need to send the email. Just now getting to reply to this (I saw this yesterday)

 

[4monkeys]

Glad. To see it worked out for you. I saw this and figured I didn't need to send the email. Just now getting to reply to this (I saw this yesterday)

Has anyone been to Gatorland? Worth going to?

We didn't go there, but went to one in Alabama and the kids really enjoyed it. Not sure if that helps any