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

[Mom2Miracles]

I have a question and would love your input...Brooke orignally asked to swim with the dolphins. I spoke to her MAW planner today to see what was going to be included in our trip. I was told nothing extra as in no to Bippity Boppity Boutique and no to the character dining. They said that none of that was mentioned during her interview(because she didnt know we were doing the Dinsey thing, she just wanted to swim with the dolphins).

So my question to you is she is 3...would you go with the BBB or the character dining experience...or neither and spend our money on something else. I know she will see characters all over the place and not so sure about the dressing up, poor thing hardly has any hair!

Any other suggestions we should maybe try? I am defintley going to take her to the Nemo show and my older kids want to see the Monsters INC Laugh in. I am thinking maybe at this point do the parks and GKTW and that should be busy enough. We will probably take her to eat out at the Jap. Steakhouse as my older kids absolutly love it and she had never experienced that! Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

That makes me sad that she isn't getting anything extra. I mean, I know that they get a lot through MAW and GKTW, but just because she didn't say at her interview, why should that mean she doesn't get anything now. I don't know how it all works though, so who knows.

Is your daughter into Princesses? My daughter will be 5 in June, and we are doing BBB. She will go nuts, but she also LOVES Princesses. You can make it as expensive as you want (or can afford), so really you can do the most inexpensive package and she will still have so much fun. As for Character meals, it really depends on what you are looking for. I know we will probably do two of them though, one that is more princess focused and chef Mickeys (as long as we can get reservations, mind you), otherwise we will just enjoy what GKTW has to offer and everything else that the parks have. I think regardless of what you chose to do or not do, it will be incredible.

 

[LindaBabe]

I have a question and would love your input...Brooke orignally asked to swim with the dolphins. I spoke to her MAW planner today to see what was going to be included in our trip. I was told nothing extra as in no to Bippity Boppity Boutique and no to the character dining. They said that none of that was mentioned during her interview(because she didnt know we were doing the Dinsey thing, she just wanted to swim with the dolphins).

So my question to you is she is 3...would you go with the BBB or the character dining experience...or neither and spend our money on something else. I know she will see characters all over the place and not so sure about the dressing up, poor thing hardly has any hair!

I would skip the BBB - because the hairdo is such a big part of the experience. They do do some sort of little makeover thing at GKTW - not as elaborate - but it is FREE.

Charactor meals - kids don't eat much, usually - they so anxious to see the characters You have the "magic button", so if it was me - i'd go to the meet and greet places - the cast members will treat her like the princess she is.

Highly recommend the Lion King show at AK, also. Much more opportunity for interaction with the cast than at Nemo.

 

[twinmum]

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!!

Hello! Not sure if anyone else replied to this as I am not caught up. Yes, this was a highlight of our son's Wish Trip back in Nov 2008. And no, the wheelchair wasn't a problem...in fact, it might have helped (so did his "Jedi on Wheels" sign!)

But...newsflash...I thought I remembered seeing something about this. WDW has changed the way young jedi are selected for this. There's no "random" selection anymore, you can sign up, and know with confidence that your child will be part of the session! Whew, parental relief! And, I suspect that as a Wish Family, your group might get to select when in the day you want to come back. I googled and found this link:
http://www.everythingwdisneyworld.com/2010/12/trying-out-new-sign-up-process-at-jedi.html

Anyone have recent experience with this?

Have fun - the kids love it!

 

[twinmum]

We don't have Joann's here in Canada!

I didn't book BBB - that was done by our wish Organization I'm REALLY excited for Mila - for those of you who have done it, how long does it take? Any suggestions for what to do with the baby & 6 year old while she's having it done?

WELCOME!!!

I can't help you with fabrics in Canada, but I always like to say a special hello to fellow Wish Trip families from Canada!!! We're from the Toronto area. Our son had his Wish Trip back in Nov 2008, but it's fun to come over here from time to time and see if we can help, read wodnerful Wish Trip stories etc. It's especially fun when we have another WDW trip planned...which we do: just a couple of days at a WDW resort before our frist ever Disney Cruise (a 4 night), then over to Universal for 2 days of Harry Potter!

Everyone here will be happy to help out. Just try to find time give us some info about your family and we'll see what we can do.

What part of Canada are you from?

Alison

 

[CeraMomof3]

We are from Edmonton!

 

[kailatilear]

Just wanted to say, there are BIG GIVE updates on my ptr. Come check them out.

Also, tomorrow at 7:30 am we have to be at the hospital for Tilear's testing to see what his stomach issues are. Please say a prayer for him that they find out why his stomach has been hurting him so much.

 

[CeraMomof3]

Just wanted to say, there are BIG GIVE updates on my ptr. Come check them out.

Also, tomorrow at 7:30 am we have to be at the hospital for Tilear's testing to see what his stomach issues are. Please say a prayer for him that they find out why his stomach has been hurting him so much.

Your big give updates give me the shivers! What awesome people! Hope Tilear is feeling better soon!

We have an emergency appointment with neuro tomorrow to rule out / confirm hydrocephalus for Mila This could be the end of our MAW trip - if she needs surgery, we won't make it to WDW.

Has anyone shipped things BACK? How does it compare to baggage costs?

 

[blessedmom4]

Your big give updates give me the shivers! What awesome people! Hope Tilear is feeling better soon!

We have an emergency appointment with neuro tomorrow to rule out / confirm hydrocephalus for Mila This could be the end of our MAW trip - if she needs surgery, we won't make it to WDW.

Has anyone shipped things BACK? How does it compare to baggage costs?

I am so sorry to read this, I will be praying. We had to postpone our May trip due to medical problems. I hope that does NOT happen to you, because that will mean Mila is not well.

 

[blessedmom4]

Mila's Mom has started a PTR for her. Mila is going to meet MICKEY! MAW Let's all make her feel

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I have a question and would love your input...Brooke orignally asked to swim with the dolphins. I spoke to her MAW planner today to see what was going to be included in our trip. I was told nothing extra as in no to Bippity Boppity Boutique and no to the character dining. They said that none of that was mentioned during her interview(because she didnt know we were doing the Dinsey thing, she just wanted to swim with the dolphins).

So my question to you is she is 3...would you go with the BBB or the character dining experience...or neither and spend our money on something else. I know she will see characters all over the place and not so sure about the dressing up, poor thing hardly has any hair!

Any other suggestions we should maybe try? I am defintley going to take her to the Nemo show and my older kids want to see the Monsters INC Laugh in. I am thinking maybe at this point do the parks and GKTW and that should be busy enough. We will probably take her to eat out at the Jap. Steakhouse as my older kids absolutly love it and she had never experienced that! Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

How about this... http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=947 We were going to do this. I have read on a couple TR that they didn't charge for doing this for MAW families. I have been calling but didn't get anywhere. Maybe you can have better luck. When we get there I'm just going to ask.

 

[jwallaceent]

I would skip the BBB - because the hairdo is such a big part of the experience. They do do some sort of little makeover thing at GKTW - not as elaborate - but it is FREE.

Charactor meals - kids don't eat much, usually - they so anxious to see the characters You have the "magic button", so if it was me - i'd go to the meet and greet places - the cast members will treat her like the princess she is.

Highly recommend the Lion King show at AK, also. Much more opportunity for interaction with the cast than at Nemo.

Thank you very much I will definetly add the Lion King show! What you said is exactly what I was thinking too! Thanks for the input...greatly appreciate it!

 

[kailatilear]

Your big give updates give me the shivers! What awesome people! Hope Tilear is feeling better soon!

We have an emergency appointment with neuro tomorrow to rule out / confirm hydrocephalus for Mila This could be the end of our MAW trip - if she needs surgery, we won't make it to WDW.

Has anyone shipped things BACK? How does it compare to baggage costs?

I will be praying for Mila and your family tomorrow. I am hoping that it doesn't affect your MAW trip!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck and prayers to you all... Please keep us updated.

 

[jwallaceent]

That makes me sad that she isn't getting anything extra. I mean, I know that they get a lot through MAW and GKTW, but just because she didn't say at her interview, why should that mean she doesn't get anything now. I don't know how it all works though, so who knows.

Is your daughter into Princesses? My daughter will be 5 in June, and we are doing BBB. She will go nuts, but she also LOVES Princesses. You can make it as expensive as you want (or can afford), so really you can do the most inexpensive package and she will still have so much fun. As for Character meals, it really depends on what you are looking for. I know we will probably do two of them though, one that is more princess focused and chef Mickeys (as long as we can get reservations, mind you), otherwise we will just enjoy what GKTW has to offer and everything else that the parks have. I think regardless of what you chose to do or not do, it will be incredible.

Yes Kind of made me sad too, but I know whatever the week brings us will be magical and full of love and fun! Our family together for the whole week in Disney and Brooke at a point on her journey to enjoy this trip and go is a blessing all in it self! I am super excited and truly can not wait! 6 weeks is all we have! Thanks for the information...Brooke is just getting into the Princesses. Her birthday is February 27th and we are doing it Princess style! We are having a "Princess Ball" all little kids will come dressed in costume and I will attempt to try to turn my house into a ballroom!

 

[jwallaceent]

How about this... http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=947 We were going to do this. I have read on a couple TR that they didn't charge for doing this for MAW families. I have been calling but didn't get anywhere. Maybe you can have better luck. When we get there I'm just going to ask.

Defeinetly will look into it. I have been told and sent pictures of other wish kids where Brooke will be able to feed and get close to the dolphins! She will absolutely love this! We will see the show too! SeaWorld I have been told is a half day park but I see it be a little longer on our trip

Thanks for the info and chiming in! I appreciate it!!

 

[jwallaceent]

Your big give updates give me the shivers! What awesome people! Hope Tilear is feeling better soon!

We have an emergency appointment with neuro tomorrow to rule out / confirm hydrocephalus for Mila This could be the end of our MAW trip - if she needs surgery, we won't make it to WDW.

Has anyone shipped things BACK? How does it compare to baggage costs?

Keeping your sweet Mila in my prayers! Praying it will not end your MAW trip!

 

[LindaBabe]

Your big give updates give me the shivers! What awesome people! Hope Tilear is feeling better soon!

We have an emergency appointment with neuro tomorrow to rule out / confirm hydrocephalus for Mila This could be the end of our MAW trip - if she needs surgery, we won't make it to WDW.

Has anyone shipped things BACK? How does it compare to baggage costs?

My fingers will be crossed for Mila!

There are a couple post offices not far from GKTW - one on vineland just beyond the Oceola parkway overpass on the left in a quick stop kind of store, one in Celebration (Disney's town), and one near the end of hotel Blvd on Palm Parkway. You can google map for exact locations.

Just wanted to say, there are BIG GIVE updates on my ptr. Come check them out.

Also, tomorrow at 7:30 am we have to be at the hospital for Tilear's testing to see what his stomach issues are. Please say a prayer for him that they find out why his stomach has been hurting him so much.

Fingers crossed for Tilear, too.

Defeinetly will look into it. I have been told and sent pictures of other wish kids where Brooke will be able to feed and get close to the dolphins! She will absolutely love this! We will see the show too! SeaWorld I have been told is a half day park but I see it be a little longer on our trip

Thanks for the info and chiming in! I appreciate it!!

It's a two day park for the slow moving old lady. I think it will take you the whole day!

 

[wishin' on a star]

I have a question and would love your input...Brooke orignally asked to swim with the dolphins. I spoke to her MAW planner today to see what was going to be included in our trip. I was told nothing extra as in no to Bippity Boppity Boutique and no to the character dining. They said that none of that was mentioned during her interview(because she didnt know we were doing the Dinsey thing, she just wanted to swim with the dolphins).

So my question to you is she is 3...would you go with the BBB or the character dining experience...or neither and spend our money on something else. I know she will see characters all over the place and not so sure about the dressing up, poor thing hardly has any hair!

Any other suggestions we should maybe try? I am defintley going to take her to the Nemo show and my older kids want to see the Monsters INC Laugh in. I am thinking maybe at this point do the parks and GKTW and that should be busy enough. We will probably take her to eat out at the Jap. Steakhouse as my older kids absolutly love it and she had never experienced that! Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

We didn't have anything extra included in our trip either. Catherine had asked to meet Sleeping Beauty, and they did arrange for a private meet and greet, but it didn't work out with the ADR's we had, so we didn't even go. We met Sleeping Beauty and all of the princesses after BBB when we ate lunch at the castle. Every chapter is different, but even though they didn't pay up front for us to do anything like BBB or a special ADR, our expense check covered all that we wanted to do.

If you're not sure about BBB, than I wouldn't spend the money on it. getting the hair done is a big part of it. You can princess her up before you go to MK and she will probably never know what she missed. My kids loved the character interaction. I don't think we ever bypassed meeting one in the parks, and the character meals were a blast for us as well.

 

[maroo]

HI!

My name is Sarah and I am mom to 3 : Robby ( 6 ), Mila ( almost 4, my wish child ), and Shayla ( almost 2 ).

Mila has had open heart surgery and two brain surgeries. Her MAW trip is March 3-10 We will be staying at GKTW.

I'm NOT a surprise person. I hate surprises. Even Little Ones!

I feel very, VERY lost about our trip!

to the DIS! And to the Wish Trippers thread!!

It looks like you jumped right in, which is awesome!

I don't know what a prewish report is! And we don't actually HAVE any plans yet. I don't know where to start. Our trip was months away and then less than a month away before I could blink!

I was only at disney once, when i was 7. I remember NOTHING.

A pre-trip report can be detailed with lots of pictures...or it can be simple - totally up to you!

You can find instructions on doing one on the 2nd post of this thread...it is on the 1st page of this thread but under all of the trip reports and pre-trip reports.

Or you can certainly ask questions here!

Ok question for everyone.

I keep getting told by friends that we should be able to get "through" Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios 1/2 day each. Is this accurate? I know that is porbably with kids that dont have mobility issues like Kade. With that being said though, those families also didn't have the Magic button either.

We are trying to squeeze everything in and my wife (mitomommo) REALLY wants to goto DTD. And we all know what mom wants mom gets.

Comments??

I agree with most of what Tim said below...

But, I think you could do both Nemo and Lion King if you got to the park as soon at is opens and go straight to the Safari, then to Kali??...if you do those quick, then you should be able to get to the 10:30 Nemo Show, then ride EE and then go to the 12:00 Lion King.

You will be rushing through the AK...but that will get the highlights. But you will have to move fast. You might be better taking it slower and then I would definitely just pick one to see. And this gives no time for checking out the animals and such...and no character time.

Totally agree with Tim that you have to have a plan for both parks.

Check Steve Soares website for an up to date schedule of the shows right before you go...

But if you want to see several DHS shows, then you are going to need to get there pretty early...and you may want to try to hit the park on an EMH night, even if it may be a little more crowded so you can make sure you see everything.

Yes, it is possible to get through both in one day, IF, you have a plan. I would suggest going to AK first thing in the A.M. Go on the safari first since the animals are usually more active then. You need to figure out which show appeals more to your family- Nemo or Lion King. I don't think it is possible to do both shows in a 1/2 day.

In DHS, again, you need to have a plan. Keep in mind that if the kids want to see characters, some stop coming out at 5. Make sure you check the show guide when you walk into the park so you don't miss something you want to do. There are a few shows in DHS that young kids probably wouldn't like so you can skip those.

I don't care if you have all day in both parks you CAN'T see everything in 1 day. Hit the major attractions and make sure to take a few minutes to relax too.

Very true!!

Alison, thanks for letting me know about this board! I'm so excited - so much great information.

Mila has a princess makeover the day after we get in, at 10:00. We don't get in till 6:30 at night - how long does it take from the airport to the hotel? Any chance that we'll make the orientation that night? What happens if we don't make orientation?

What do people bring on the trip? Thank goodness walmart is close - I won't bring sunscreen or anything like that... And I don't think Shayla will be in diapers then....

I've seen so many beautiful Disney outfits ( and lots from YOU, Alison! )... Where do I buy Disney fabric to make such awesome outfits????????/

I would ask them for a private orientation, if they are willing. Because otherwise you won't make it by 10:00 to your appt...and frankly would be missing almost half a day of "good" park time since you are doing the MK.

You have a couple of options...one would be to go to the morning orientation and be ready to head out right after and just go late to the BBB appt. I am SURE that they would take you late as a wish family.

Or...you could swap your days and make another BBB appointment. When you call to make the appt, tell them you are a wish family needing to swap appt times and hopefully they can work with you on that...this is what we had to do because the time MAW set up didn't jive with the plans we had made.

I bet some places in Canada sell the Disney fabric...or can you order that stuff online? It is a great thing that you sew!!!

Just spent most of my morning reading many, many TR'S and cried through most of them. I am now wondering how I am going to make it through DD's wish trip....

Lauren is not my child, but I still cried at points during her wish trip. Good tears. You will be surrounded with happiness...it will be fun!!

I have a question and would love your input...Brooke orignally asked to swim with the dolphins. I spoke to her MAW planner today to see what was going to be included in our trip. I was told nothing extra as in no to Bippity Boppity Boutique and no to the character dining. They said that none of that was mentioned during her interview(because she didnt know we were doing the Dinsey thing, she just wanted to swim with the dolphins).

So my question to you is she is 3...would you go with the BBB or the character dining experience...or neither and spend our money on something else. I know she will see characters all over the place and not so sure about the dressing up, poor thing hardly has any hair!

Any other suggestions we should maybe try? I am defintley going to take her to the Nemo show and my older kids want to see the Monsters INC Laugh in. I am thinking maybe at this point do the parks and GKTW and that should be busy enough. We will probably take her to eat out at the Jap. Steakhouse as my older kids absolutly love it and she had never experienced that! Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

I am just a little confused...

Is she going to get to swim with dolphins? Or are you guys planning to feed the dolphins at Sea World?

I know lots of kids wish for Disney and dolphins and most wish organizations just do one...either swim with dolphins or Disney. A few wish org will do both, though...so I am just wondering which way you guys are going with your plans.

As far as BBB vs Character Dining...

I might get her a princess dress before you guys go and instead of doing BBB go to the Barber Shop on Main Street. I think they might take appointments now? But they can pixie dust her hair and make her feel special like she did BBB...she may not really know the difference. And it is MUCH cheaper.

Then use the money saved to do Princess meal? or other character meal? I recommend Askursuers...or however you spell that restaurant at Epcot in Norway...great princess interaction and good food. Unless she wants to eat in the castle...which is a cool experience, but not good food and less interaction with characters. I also recommend 1900 Park Fare...lots of wish families have reported a great experience there!

 

[jwallaceent]

[/QUOTE]
I am just a little confused...

Is she going to get to swim with dolphins? Or are you guys planning to feed the dolphins at Sea World?

I know lots of kids wish for Disney and dolphins and most wish organizations just do one...either swim with dolphins or Disney. A few wish org will do both, though...so I am just wondering which way you guys are going with your plans.

As far as BBB vs Character Dining...

I might get her a princess dress before you guys go and instead of doing BBB go to the Barber Shop on Main Street. I think they might take appointments now? But they can pixie dust her hair and make her feel special like she did BBB...she may not really know the difference. And it is MUCH cheaper.

Then use the money saved to do Princess meal? or other character meal? I recommend Askursuers...or however you spell that restaurant at Epcot in Norway...great princess interaction and good food. Unless she wants to eat in the castle...which is a cool experience, but not good food and less interaction with characters. I also recommend 1900 Park Fare...lots of wish families have reported a great experience there![/QUOTE]

No that is what she wished was to swim with the dolphins but was told she was too little so they did they Disney trip instead. =)

I am thinking to cross the BBB too...I think what you suggested is a great idea as she really don't have much hair poor thing...everytime she would grow a little they would have to shave and put in an IV! OUCH I know but the poor thing had such a rough time with IV plcaements!

I think we will try to make reservations for one of the character meals...I know our MIL was wanting to do something special for her for her birthday maybe I will suggest this for her.

Thanks for information! I am working on our itinerary can't wait to finish and post for opinions!

 

[jwallaceent]

We didn't have anything extra included in our trip either. Catherine had asked to meet Sleeping Beauty, and they did arrange for a private meet and greet, but it didn't work out with the ADR's we had, so we didn't even go. We met Sleeping Beauty and all of the princesses after BBB when we ate lunch at the castle. Every chapter is different, but even though they didn't pay up front for us to do anything like BBB or a special ADR, our expense check covered all that we wanted to do.

If you're not sure about BBB, than I wouldn't spend the money on it. getting the hair done is a big part of it. You can princess her up before you go to MK and she will probably never know what she missed. My kids loved the character interaction. I don't think we ever bypassed meeting one in the parks, and the character meals were a blast for us as well.

Thanks I think I am going to cross the BBB and go with character meal. I am thinking she can get dolled up anytime....especially with a 14 year old sister who loves doing hair and make up