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

[LVMom23]

Hey everyone!

We have our meeting with the Make A Wish team this Friday. Our youngest, Hannah , was approved for a wish, and we would like to take her and our other kids to Disney World.

She has significant neuro and physical involvement due to her disease, and this puts her at about a 1yo level developmentally.

I was told that Hannah has to be able to "express" her wish, but that is almost impossible outside of her smiling and getting happy when she is seeing or doing something she likes.

She loves Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and I know that she would love the parades with the lights and music because that is what gets her excited. I think it would also be a great experience to be able to share with her brother and sister, and those are the memories that I want them to have about their little sister (her disease is progressive, and she has already outlived her prognosis).

Can you give me some insight into the meeting and how this is all going to work? Has anyone else had children who really cannot express a true wish?

Thanks

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Does anyone know if there are any photos of the Villas at GKTW? I've seen some random ones on here of the outside (of course I can't find them now), but we'd like to see some of the inside as well.

 

[blessedmom4]

Does anyone know if there are any photos of the Villas at GKTW? I've seen some random ones on here of the outside (of course I can't find them now), but we'd like to see some of the inside as well.

I LOVE Melissa's TR for that...Squirrels, Ducks and Coconut Butts!

 

[Bill_Lin]

I wanted to just thank everyone who has provided so much information on all the different things for Make a Wish trips. My daughter Aliann has been granted a wish trip next month, and we have been racking our brains for a while trying to figure out what is going to happen. We tend to be such control freaks about trip planning and so little information was given to us about what happens, and how things work.

After spending the last three days reading so many peoples wonderful suggestions and explanations of their own experiences I felt compelled to offer a thank you to everyone.

I do however have one questions that I am hoping someone may be willing to share their experience with. My daughter was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia in 2010, which is a life threatening genetic condition that has the most immediate result of bone marrow failure. Currently she is in the initial stages and we elected to have her complete her wish now, which she is basically healthy and can fully enjoy it. While she has low platelet counts she is otherwise normal looking an energetic. I'm curious is any other family has experienced a Make-a-Wish trip without any physical or other issues that readily confirmed or identified the child as being a Make-a-Wish child?

I know so many others had so much more to deal with and go through prior to having a Make-a-Wish trip, and we are not normally ones to take advantage of a situation, but worry if we wait she may not ever be able to take advantage of this later. With the GKTW button and all I'm wondering if others have different experiences than most of those I have read?

Thanks again for any help anyone has.

Sincerely,

Jeff

My daughter's medical condition is not visible. She shows no outward signs of a medical condition. We were treated like ROYALTY on our Wish Trip, especially at Disney and the Village. We only ran into ONE incident where someone showed negativity about the privileges we enjoyed and they were from Europe and did not understand the concept of GAC/ GAP.

 

[blessedmom4]

Does anyone know if there are any photos of the Villas at GKTW? I've seen some random ones on here of the outside (of course I can't find them now), but we'd like to see some of the inside as well.

Also, Amber's TR, starting on PAGE 2 has good photos. I am sure others do as well.

 

[Bill_Lin]

Hey everyone!

We have our meeting with the Make A Wish team this Friday. Our youngest, Hannah , was approved for a wish, and we would like to take her and our other kids to Disney World.

She has significant neuro and physical involvement due to her disease, and this puts her at about a 1yo level developmentally.

I was told that Hannah has to be able to "express" her wish, but that is almost impossible outside of her smiling and getting happy when she is seeing or doing something she likes.

She loves Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and I know that she would love the parades with the lights and music because that is what gets her excited. I think it would also be a great experience to be able to share with her brother and sister, and those are the memories that I want them to have about their little sister (her disease is progressive, and she has already outlived her prognosis).

Can you give me some insight into the meeting and how this is all going to work? Has anyone else had children who really cannot express a true wish?

Thanks

Wish Granters are trained to be VERY creative in finding out about non-verbal Kid's wishes. Sometimes kids draw pictures, but you could try having some of the pictures handy that she loves to see, like Mickey, etc. so they can see the level of excitement she shows.

 

[blessedmom4]

Hello! My daughter, Ireland, will be taking her wish trip on April 10th (Disney Dream Cruise). How do I start a post for her? Thanks so much!

PLEASE let us know when you start the PTR so we can follow along and

 

[Bill_Lin]

Does anyone know if there are any photos of the Villas at GKTW? I've seen some random ones on here of the outside (of course I can't find them now), but we'd like to see some of the inside as well.

This won't help you with the villa pictures, but it can show you most everything else at the village:
http://gktw.org/aboutUs.asp?a=1&page=scrapbook
There used to be a virtual tour of the Village and Villas that was really helpful. I can't find a link to it now. The Villas are duplexes with each side having two bedrooms, two bathrooms one with a whirlpool tub (a must for sore theme park feet), a living/ dining room, a complete kitchen and a utility closet with washer and dryer.

Some have story book themed appearances that are wonderful.

 

[blessedmom4]

Steven really wants to do this and I was wondering how you sign a child up. I believe the Jedi is at DHS...which is our first park. We won't be able to get there until at least 12 since we have the Orientation that morning too. Will it be too late to do this? where do you sign the child up and are there special times for this. I tried to look up Jedi Training and can't find anything on it. Oh...can you call and sign up?

http://www.studioscentral.com/attractions/jedi-training-academy
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/pa...ntertainment/star-wars-jedi-training-academy/

 

[Mom2Miracles]

I LOVE Melissa's TR for that...Squirrels, Ducks and Coconut Butts!

Also, Amber's TR, starting on PAGE 2 has good photos. I am sure others do as well.

This won't help you with the villa pictures, but it can show you most everything else at the village:
http://gktw.org/aboutUs.asp?a=1&page=scrapbook
There used to be a virtual tour of the Village and Villas that was really helpful. I can't find a link to it now. The Villas are duplexes with each side having two bedrooms, two bathrooms one with a whirlpool tub (a must for sore theme park feet), a living/ dining room, a complete kitchen and a utility closet with washer and dryer.

Some have story book themed appearances that are wonderful.

Thank you!!!

 

[blessedmom4]

Thank you!!!

My Pleasure...the inside looks AMAZING doesn't it?? I can't wait!

 

[blessedmom4]

How could I forget Laura showing us what was IN the fridge. (Page 3...I NEED my diet coke, as some of you know)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2480872

Kelly's has a lot around the Village, as well as a close up of the porch where I plan to rock and relax!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2453995

 

[Corrine 1973]

Steven really wants to do this and I was wondering how you sign a child up. I believe the Jedi is at DHS...which is our first park. We won't be able to get there until at least 12 since we have the Orientation that morning too. Will it be too late to do this? where do you sign the child up and are there special times for this. I tried to look up Jedi Training and can't find anything on it. Oh...can you call and sign up?

The Jedi Training Academy is preformed many times a day (practically every hour) through out the day. It is located right next to the Star Tours Ride. When we went in Sept. 2009 I went to a CM that was gaurding a gate by the show and asked her what we needed to do to be picked for the show. She started telling me that the kids were picked randomly so there was no garantee that he would be chosen, I than explained to her that we were on a Wish trip and how much my son loved Star Wars. She told me to wait a moment and disappeared behind scenes. She than returned to tell me to be back as a certain time so that the show manager could get a look at Liam and be chosen.
I hear that they are chosen slightly diffrent now though. From my understanding, you go to the stage and sign up your child for one of the shows. You might want to call WDW and see if that is the case and than explain to them that you will be arriving later in the day and fear all the spots in the show are full. Maybe they would be willing to save a spot for you. Otherwise go to the show spot when you get there and talk to a CM about how to get your child in the show. They seem to be very accomidating for Wish families.

 

[Corrine 1973]

I wanted to just thank everyone who has provided so much information on all the different things for Make a Wish trips. My daughter Aliann has been granted a wish trip next month, and we have been racking our brains for a while trying to figure out what is going to happen. We tend to be such control freaks about trip planning and so little information was given to us about what happens, and how things work.

After spending the last three days reading so many peoples wonderful suggestions and explanations of their own experiences I felt compelled to offer a thank you to everyone.

I do however have one questions that I am hoping someone may be willing to share their experience with. My daughter was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia in 2010, which is a life threatening genetic condition that has the most immediate result of bone marrow failure. Currently she is in the initial stages and we elected to have her complete her wish now, which she is basically healthy and can fully enjoy it. While she has low platelet counts she is otherwise normal looking an energetic. I'm curious is any other family has experienced a Make-a-Wish trip without any physical or other issues that readily confirmed or identified the child as being a Make-a-Wish child?

I know so many others had so much more to deal with and go through prior to having a Make-a-Wish trip, and we are not normally ones to take advantage of a situation, but worry if we wait she may not ever be able to take advantage of this later. With the GKTW button and all I'm wondering if others have different experiences than most of those I have read?

Thanks again for any help anyone has.

Sincerely,

Jeff

My son has Cystic Fibrosis and besides being small for his age he looks like a typical boy. Most of the time we were treated like royalty. We only had one small problem at the Haunted Mansion where we were told to go through the exit and than yelled at by the man at the exit for being there. Other than that we had no problems at any of the parks (including US, IOA, and SeaWorld) I wore Liam's GAC around my neck (with GKTW button attached) and flashed at everyone as I asked where we should go.
I think it is great that you are taking advantage of this trip now. The more your daughter can enjoy, the better. Unfortunalty many of us are living with children whose illnesses can sprout thier ugly heads when we least expect it. Enjoy yourselves!!!!!

 

[Mom2Miracles]

My Pleasure...the inside looks AMAZING doesn't it?? I can't wait!

YES, I cannot wait. After reading so much on here, it truly does seem like it will be the most magical week ever.

How could I forget Laura showing us what was IN the fridge. (Page 3...I NEED my diet coke, as some of you know)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2480872

Kelly's has a lot around the Village, as well as a close up of the porch where I plan to rock and relax!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2453995

Thanks, i'll check them out too!

 

[fulseasmama]

Steven really wants to do this and I was wondering how you sign a child up. I believe the Jedi is at DHS...which is our first park. We won't be able to get there until at least 12 since we have the Orientation that morning too. Will it be too late to do this? where do you sign the child up and are there special times for this. I tried to look up Jedi Training and can't find anything on it. Oh...can you call and sign up?

We did this with Fuller and here is how it worked for us. We got to the park around 10:00 ish and headed right to the area you sign up which is by the line area for the closed Star Tours. When we signed up the soonest he could do it was around 2 pm which I think was the third jedi training of the day and it was really empty at the park that day. My guess is they fill up faster on busy days which hopefully it won't be when you are there. They sign up a certain amount of kids per time frame and they only have space for that many as they have each kid stand on a dot and there are only a certain number of spaces. Because of this it may be hard to sign him up later in the day if there are no spots left even if you are a wish family. I bet there are people who will not always show up however so maybe if you talk with the cast members it will be possible to show up for any shows coming up and if someone does not show up then he could participate. I hope he gets a chance to try it...Fuller really had fun with it.

 

[maroo]

wow! I feel like I have been gone a month!

I have some catching up to do!

 

[blessedmom4]

wow! I feel like I have been gone a month!

I have some catching up to do!

You have been missed! I was thinking about you this afternoon, I hope all is well!

 

[maroo]

For us...we are hoping for one EMH and that is at DHS. The night before we don't get in until after 6pm and time we get to GKTW it'll be about 8pm. The next morning we have the orientation at 9am and then we need to eat...BTW..sleep in a little from the exhausting travel day. We won't get to our first park(DHS) until at least 12pm. The park closes at 7pm for EMH. The EMH is from 7-10. Even though we won't be staying until 10pm...I'm hoping we can stay at least 8-8:30pm. This is one of our favorite parks. If we can't we can't and I sure we can get everything done we want, but since we are going at very busy time..those extra hours can help.

I am almost certain that the CM's will let you continue to stay in the park and ride stuff. I would do TSM before EMH, though, because they tend to be a little "stricter" about TSM because it is so popular - especially if you want to ride it multiple times. But I feel sure you can stay in the park.

PS....we will be there when you guys are there!! Not sure of what day we will be where...

I want to thank everyone for all your help regarding the EMH.

Here are our plans so far.

Thurs 2/24
Arrive in Orlando at 9:20 am
Spend the day at GKTW

Fri 2/25
SeaWorld
Afternoon or evening is open

Sat 2/26
Chef Mickeys @ 7:25 am
AK in the am
DHS in the afternoon

Sun 2/27 Epcot

Mon 2/28
Driving to Daytona
Abby really wants to see Daytona speedway

Tues 3/1
MK

Wed 3/2
Day open
Have to be at the airport at 6pm for our 9pm flight

Any suggestions are appreciated. Also, where are the fairies located now that Toontown is closed. Kaila really wants to see Tinkerbell.

Looks great!!!

You guys are going to have a blast!! I just realized you guys are already there!

We aren't going to do AK this time. We went for my youngest wish trip in 08..so we kind of know the ropes. The last time we didn't go to Epcot, so this time that is a must. Disney World is differently a whole day and so is Epcot. Since we have been to DHS and even though it's one of our favorites..If we don't see everything...that's ok..as long as we ride TSM 5 times...lol. With all of Kylee's medical stuff and SN chair..it's just too hard to park hop.

Oh...we are going March 13th...right in the heart of Spring break. If we get the Pixie Dust...great...if not..that's ok too.

I think I answered this above...

I assume you know about the boat from Epcot to DHS.

Have you considered Islands of Adventure with Harry Potter etc.

I think the boats are not operating right now??? I thought I read that somewhere?

I would check that before you count on the boats.

Hello! We're planning another WDW trip (4 weeks!) and I'm following updates from our TA. She posted this on Facebook a while back:

"Futureworld Fairies? Mickey's Toontown Fair has it's final day of operation on February 11 2011...the new Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden will open at Epcot on February 12 2011. Meet and greet with Tinkerbell and the other fairies, in Pixie Hollow, near Mouse Gear in Epcot's Future World daily from 9:30am to 5:45pm."

Also, FYI:

"With the closing of Toontown Mickey and Minnie will be greeting guests in Tomorrowland near Space Mountain & the Princesses will be visiting with guests at the Adventureland Veranda"

(Mickey's Toontown closed Feb 12)

From the WDW website:
Mickey's Toontown Fair Closed

The Magic Kingdom is beginning an expansion that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. To make way for this transformation, Mickey's Toontown Fair will close February 12, 2011. Fantasyland construction will be completed in phases with most new attractions open by 2013.

Attraction Changes

In the meantime, you can meet Mickey, Minnie and the Disney princesses throughout Magic Kingdom. Starting Spring 2011, they will greet Guests at the Town Square Exposition Hall.

Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will be joining the cast of Epcot, where they bring magic to the International Flower and Garden Festival in the spring.

The Walt Disney World Railroad will stay open, but the Toontown station will be closed during construction.


Alison

check your PMs...we ARE going to Disney that week!

 

[maroo]

I posted this on my PTR, but I wanted a few more views. Does anyone know what to expect at an initial Immunologists appt? Peanut is meeting with one for the first time tomorrow, and i'm not sure what to expect. They mentioned blood work, otherwise I have no clue. Do they just go over her history and why she was sent there? I know her GI Specialist mentioned she might be a candidate for IVIG therapy, so i'm guessing that will be discussed as well?

How did this go? I am still going through the pages...so it may be on a later page! But I hope this went well!!

Hello.

I just signed up today my son received a make a wish trip and we are going in March 2011. I'm so lost and have no idea what to do first on the website. Would you be able to help me.

What should I do first.

How do I go about signing up for The Big Give.

Do you know if anyone donates disney clothes, camera, video camera or luggage to go on the trip?

Thanks.
Roxanne
MonkeyManMichael

HI! Welcome to the DIS!

I don't know of any individuals that donate those things - but you can get disposable cameras at GKTW and they have video cameras you can borrow, too!

Very happy to say that after much persistance (basically checking for reservations every day) I was able to get Fantasmic! Dining reservations.Very excited!

Plus question for those who have gone to WDW after their Wish trips. Our only knowledge of WDW is our Wish trip and I don't want to be disappointed that we are not going to get the same amount of pixie dust we recieved then. Any advice on how to set our expectations where they should be. TIA

I have been on several trips...Wish and others...

Depending on the needs of the child, it is possible to get a GAC that will help with the lines. Go to guest services when you get there and explain your needs and they will help you. You can't use it for character lines (that is a wish trip only sort of thing), but it can help with the attraction lines.

I'm glad they are doing a fastpass for Mickey. I remember waiting 45 min to get my oldest's photo with tigger (when he was 9 mo's old..). and he screamed and I took the photo anyway...made tigger hold and then I snapped the shot. I need to scan it and post it. It's one of my fave photos...but I wouldn't do it again....I wish Fantasyland was already expanded -I heard the new 7 dwarves mine ride is going to be really neat with rail cars that rock as you go...!

This FP thing is really going to help for Mickey!!! I am excited about that!

I've found out last week that i'm going to have my wish granted to go to WWOHP.

We are still in the early process, passport details etc.....but I CANT WAIT. We will most likely be going in October and I probably spend at least 2/3hrs on the internet a day just looking at florida related things.

Because me and my family will probs never do anything like this ever again we will get our own Disney Passes. Its too big of an opportunity to waste.

I have a heart condition but luckily I can go on big coasters Its been a turbulant few yrs lots of ops some with side affects. I have fluid in my stomach. I was told in September that I will eventually need a transplant. But hopefully that wont be anytime soon. Things are starting to get better now I had op in December which strangely (with my track record) went perfectly so to hear about the wish was the icing on top of the most delicious cake in the world.

What a cool wish!!!!! That is fantastic!

Welcome to the boards and to the wish trippers thread!!

Anyone ever call GKTW in advance of your trip? I read about the Cessna flights offered to wish families and it is something my husband really wants to do. I'd like to schedule it for the Saturday after we arrive (we arrive Thursday late afternoon) but I remember reading that they are only done during certain days of the week. Should I just wait to see if it's available when we get there?

I call them fairly often!

During the day they have more people available to answer questions - but they should answer 24/7.

You do need to sign up for the Cessna ride - so definitely call them beforehand.

I have a quick question for those of you who have gone on your trips already. I am trying to keep the Wish expense money completely seperate from my household checking account. Have any of you done the prepaid debit cards, traveler's checks, or anything else?? What works the best????
Thanks for the help!!!

We ended up putting the bulk on the money in the checking account - just felt like it was safer there - and used the debit card for the big things.

But we did get cash out and put it envelopes for the kids snack money, souvenir money, and for meals - so we could stay on budget.