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

[jj0plin]

I posted this on my page but figured I'd post it here as well to get as much advice/answers as possible. Thank you in advance!!!

1. As far as packing goes, I am trying to travel with the least amount of stuff as possible. Khelsey IS in diapers and needs wipes too. I am worried about the "weight" limit on luggage if we were to pack her diapers...I was thinking about shipping her diapers but how far in advance should we ship them? Would you ship or just pack them in her suitcase?

Just an idea, are those something you could pick up at Walmart on your way to GKTW?

2. Anyone wanna share their favs at Seaworld? We have YET to even look into things to do...we've been concentrating on MK and the others! I KNOW Khelsey will love Seaworld...she loves aquariums, fish, etc. I have no idea what to expect there.

Sea World is awesome! My younger kids loved the rides in the kiddie section. My dh and ds14 loved Manta. Clyde and Seamore show is the best. They have a really cool dog and cat show indoors that is very funny, if that is something your kids would like. They also have a Sesame Street show there that was pretty good. Feeding the dolphins is great... there are so many great things there!

5. Also, BBB for the little girls...have any of you guys done this? What is the best way to go? I just want to do all that is possible but I don't want to overbook...so any advice on any of this is SOOOO welcomed.
Thank you!

I didn't do this for dd last time we went but she did wear a Cinderella gown of her own (from Lillian Vernon) and had her hair done up with glitter, etc before we went to MK. It seems like a very awesome experience though!

 

[casper_jj11]

I posted this on my page but figured I'd post it here as well to get as much advice/answers as possible. Thank you in advance!!!

1. As far as packing goes, I am trying to travel with the least amount of stuff as possible. Khelsey IS in diapers and needs wipes too. I am worried about the "weight" limit on luggage if we were to pack her diapers...I was thinking about shipping her diapers but how far in advance should we ship them? Would you ship or just pack them in her suitcase?

2. Anyone wanna share their favs at Seaworld? We have YET to even look into things to do...we've been concentrating on MK and the others! I KNOW Khelsey will love Seaworld...she loves aquariums, fish, etc. I have no idea what to expect there.

3. Which nightime firework display is your favorite and why? My DH and I are so overwhelmed with all that there is to do at the parks and we have no idea what is a "must do" or "must see". I'd love to hear your opinions. We are doing some booking and planning tonight! YAY!!!

4. With Akershus dining- do you recommend breakfast, lunch or dinner? Is there a difference in time with the princesses? Is there any way to guarantee Cinderella being there at any particular time? (Kaylie's fav)...What other Character dining do you recommend, maybe for the classic characters?

5. Also, BBB for the little girls...have any of you guys done this? What is the best way to go? I just want to do all that is possible but I don't want to overbook...so any advice on any of this is SOOOO welcomed.
Thank you!

1. GKTW is right next to Walmart... like within minutes and you have to pass it to get there. If you can get her diapers there, I'd actually stop on the way from the airport before you check in and get wipes and diapers. The other option is to pack them and once they're gone, they'll leave extra space for bringing things back... and you'll have loads of unexpected things to bring back.

2. Our fav experience there was by far feeding the dolphins. Wish children get free food for the wish child and the whole family. We started there since its best in the morning when they're not full yet. We spent as much time as possible and the dolphins were very attentive. We moved from there to feeding the sea lions (free food for the children) and feeding the sting rays (free food for the children). We took our time at each and the kids loved it. We visited one of the large underwater aquariums... not sure which one and saw Blue Horizons show (dolphin show). We only had a half day and had actually been to Seaworld a few years ago. If you have the full day, I'd also do Believe (the whale show) and the sea lion show (Clyde and Seamore). Those shows are amazing but you really need to be there awhile beforehand to get good seats so it can be a lot of waiting. We limited the shows for Sydney's wish trip for that reason.

3. We've been to Disney many times, the last for sydney's trip. Our fav by far is Wishes at MK. It's absolutely breathtaking. While you can see it from the Poly beach or other locations, there's nothing like being in the park and hearing Jimminy Cricket .... we actually missed it during Sydney's wish trip and its my one regret. The first part of the trip was a different light show for the summer and the fireworks were at 10pm because it was August and it was really too late for the children. As for the others, we've seen Illuminations in Epcot once. Nice to see once, not worth seeing again really. We've never seen Fantasmic but I've heard its wonderful. Can be scary for younger kids though and can have extremely long lines and waits to get in so we've skipped it each time... maybe next time.

4. We've eaten at Akershus twice. Both times for breakfast. You should check out the menus. Food for breakfast was great. Princesses were wonderful. We had a very long wait last trip but I expect that's not the norm. We've never seen Cinderella there. We ate at Cinderella's Royal Table last time as well and it was wonderful (breakfast). Just being inside the castle was amazing and the food was very good. They treated Sydney wonderfully. We also ate at Cinderella and Prince Charming's dinner at the Grand Floridian. I wouldn't do it again. Interaction wasn't that great. Despite a request to be near the floor to see them dance, we were way in back even though we had a ressie for opening. It was ok but nothing spectacular. For other character meals, Crystal Palace is great. Winnie the Pooh and friends are there. It's wonderful to have an 8am adr and be in the park before opening (you can do that with CRT as well ... we did BBB at 8am with CRT for 10:30am which worked perfectly for us)


5. Our MK princess day was the most amazing experience ever. Sydney did BBB at 8:10am and loved it. She had a photo shoot next door right away with photopass. We rode on the carrousel, visited the princesses and fairies in toontown and had a 1030am adr at CRT. She received so much special attention all day. It was just magical. I cried during the afternoon parade. She had met all the princesses and minnie and mickey that morning and every time one of them passed, they recognized her and pointed at her and blew kisses. It took my breath away. Our wish organization offered one 'event' for us. It could be a meal or something else. We chose BBB. I booked CRT on my own.

HTH

 

[luvmygrlz3]

Khelsey's diapers are delivered to us via her Med. supply store. We get them once a month. I will have to either bring them or ship them.

Thanks for your thoughts on Seaworld! I know my DD would LOVE to see everything there...I just did a quick glance on shows and things they have and I would love to have my girls check it out (myself as well...I LOVE dolphins).

 

[Happy Dreams1]

I hope everyone's plans are coming along swiftly..and I'm praying for those that I've read that are having issues. Pixie dust too!!!!!
please keep us updated!

Also, I know this is not a disney-topic...but how does MAW handle meet-and-greets with celebrities? does anyone know if just a little bit?

For those who ar enearing their MAW trip dates, remember that it's better safe than sorry..get everything ready in time.

 

[that's nice]

Special Thanks to you as well Tim, it is wonderful to hear the pool at GKTW is heated! Three of my four children have major medical issues and, unfortunately, temperature (hot and cold) can cause issues. A warm pool will make a huge difference if they can swim or not, especially for my sweet Wish Princess .

SIXTY FIVE DEGREES and outside swimming??? Not me, that sounds like torture. [/SIZE]

I think the pool will be nice and warm for them.

All Juliana wanted to do was swim. My DW wasn't going in so that left one other person to go in with her....

1. As far as packing goes, I am trying to travel with the least amount of stuff as possible. Khelsey IS in diapers and needs wipes too. I am worried about the "weight" limit on luggage if we were to pack her diapers...I was thinking about shipping her diapers but how far in advance should we ship them? Would you ship or just pack them in her suitcase?

Can you have 1 week shipped to GKTW instead of packing them? I saw another good idea of packing them and using that space to bring home everything that the kids will receive while there. Believe me, you will need some extra space to bring everything home!

2. Anyone wanna share their favs at Seaworld? We have YET to even look into things to do...we've been concentrating on MK and the others! I KNOW Khelsey will love Seaworld...she loves aquariums, fish, etc. I have no idea what to expect there.

I will second feeding the dolphins, Blue Horizons (dolphin show), Believe (the killer whale show- which has been scaled back since the death of the trainer and having 2 baby whales in the tank), the aquarium, and the shark exhibit. I don't think it will still be there but we did the Polar Express Experience which was neat as well. There are 2 roller coasters that have loops in them that are good for the adults!

3. Which nightime firework display is your favorite and why? My DH and I are so overwhelmed with all that there is to do at the parks and we have no idea what is a "must do" or "must see". I'd love to hear your opinions. We are doing some booking and planning tonight! YAY!!!

If there was one thing you should see (IMO) it is Wishes. That is the best part of the trip for us.. it is so magical and even I tear up watching it... shhhh don't tell anyone ok?

4. With Akershus dining- do you recommend breakfast, lunch or dinner? Is there a difference in time with the princesses? Is there any way to guarantee Cinderella being there at any particular time? (Kaylie's fav)...What other Character dining do you recommend, maybe for the classic characters?

Akershus breakfast is good. They have a buffet with muffins, bagels, fruit, etc... They serve the hot food to you table family style. You get you picture with Belle on the way in and the rest of the princesses come to visit you at your table.

Classic characters- Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort on the monorail)
Tusker House Breakfast in Animal Kingdom
Crystal Palace (Pooh & friends) In Magic Kingdom
Cape May Breakfast (Beach Club Resort)

5. Also, BBB for the little girls...have any of you guys done this? What is the best way to go? I just want to do all that is possible but I don't want to overbook...so any advice on any of this is SOOOO welcomed.
Thank you!

My DD did this on her Wish trip and she absolutely loved it. It was such a great experience. All the CMs called her princess throughout the day and really made her feel like a true princess. There are 2 BBB- one in DTD (Downtown Disney) and one in the MK (in the castle).

 

[4monkeys]

I hope everyone's plans are coming along swiftly..and I'm praying for those that I've read that are having issues. Pixie dust too!!!!!
please keep us updated!

Also, I know this is not a disney-topic...but how does MAW handle meet-and-greets with celebrities? does anyone know if just a little bit?

For those who ar enearing their MAW trip dates, remember that it's better safe than sorry..get everything ready in time.

When alli first put her wish in it was for a meet. And greet. We were told with most celebrities you get 48 hours notice and they are the most difficult to make happen. Hope that helps

 

[MitoDadMO]

Has anyone gone in March/April? We are already talking about what to take jeans/shorts/etc. We have to keep in mind that Kade (wish kid) cannot sweat due to meds. Heard from our Granters today and they were calling MAW to make sure the paperwork was received and etc. I will start bugging the Dr tomorrow. :>)

 

[luvmygrlz3]

I think the pool with be nice and warm for them.

All Juliana wanted to do was swim. My DW wasn't going in so that left one other person to go in with her....


Can you have 1 week shipped to GKTW instead of packing them? I saw another good idea of packing them and using that space to bring home everything that the kids will receive while there. Believe me, you will need some extra space to bring everything home!


I will second feeding the dolphins, Blue Horizons (dolphin show), Believe (the killer whale show- which has been scaled back since the death of the trainer and having 2 baby whales in the tank), the aquarium, and the shark exhibit. I don't think it will still be there but we did the Polar Express Experience which was neat as well. There are 2 roller coasters that have loops in them that are good for the adults!


If there was one thing you should see (IMO) it is Wishes. That is the best part of the trip for us.. it is so magical and even I tear up watching it... shhhh don't tell anyone ok?


Akershus breakfast is good. They have a buffet with muffins, bagels, fruit, etc... They serve the hot food to you table family style. You get you picture with Belle on the way in and the rest of the princesses come to visit you at your table.

Classic characters- Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort on the monorail)
Tusker House Breakfast in Animal Kingdom
Crystal Palace (Pooh & friends) In Magic Kingdom
Cape May Breakfast (Beach Club Resort)


My DD did this on her Wish trip and she absolutely loved it. It was such a great experience. All the CMs called her princess throughout the day and really made her feel like a true princess. There are 2 BBB- one in DTD (Downtown Disney) and one in the MK (in the castle).

OMGoodness you have some awesome views on things! Thank you so much! I'm going to see about pack a bunch of diapers in each suitcase, that way it's not so much weight in one suitcase...then like you said, it will have room for the goodies we come home with!

I started to change my mind to do the CRT for breakfast but NOTHING is available for dining there...not for Breakfast, lunch OR dinner. I was thinking of calling them tomorrow to see if they can try to work some Pixie Dust for us or something...my DH thinks that if we're going to do a Character Dining, we might as well do one that we know the girls would love the best. Might as well go all out and do it "right" in his words. LOL...but if it doesn't work out then we will do Akershus. Is there a table limit at CRT? Could that be why we can't get a time? We have a family of 5...

I'm also off to check out the BBB right now again...so much to think about and I don't want to overbook either...just want to do things we could never do again...

 

[Happy Dreams1]

When alli first put her wish in it was for a meet. And greet. We were told with most celebrities you get 48 hours notice and they are the most difficult to make happen. Hope that helps

Thank you!

 

[brookerene]

OMGoodness you have some awesome views on things! Thank you so much! I'm going to see about pack a bunch of diapers in each suitcase, that way it's not so much weight in one suitcase...then like you said, it will have room for the goodies we come home with!

I started to change my mind to do the CRT for breakfast but NOTHING is available for dining there...not for Breakfast, lunch OR dinner. I was thinking of calling them tomorrow to see if they can try to work some Pixie Dust for us or something...my DH thinks that if we're going to do a Character Dining, we might as well do one that we know the girls would love the best. Might as well go all out and do it "right" in his words. LOL...but if it doesn't work out then we will do Akershus. Is there a table limit at CRT? Could that be why we can't get a time? We have a family of 5...

I'm also off to check out the BBB right now again...so much to think about and I don't want to overbook either...just want to do things we could never do again...

For CRT, we have a table for 6 so keep trying..... it's just tough to get the res..keep trying online and on the phone.....There are a lot of good comments on Akershaus.....The only reason I even got a CRT ADR as I had enough notice prior to get it online, but there was only one opening. My friend Carole, has not been able to get one when she has gone.... I hope and wish for to come your way...!

 

[blessedmom4]

My DD did this on her Wish trip and she absolutely loved it. It was such a great experience. All the CMs called her princess throughout the day and really made her feel like a true princess. There are 2 BBB- one in DTD (Downtown Disney) and one in the MK (in the castle).

Which BBB did your Princess' transformation?

 

[blessedmom4]

Also, I know this is not a disney-topic...but how does MAW handle meet-and-greets with celebrities? does anyone know if just a little bit?

We were told by our chapter the average wait to meet a celebrity was two years (Often longer) and there were no guarantees, you had to be ready to travel within two days of them notifying you. One of our friends children met Adam Sandler, and they are not allowed to post any photos on their Caringbridge website (or any public place) of him. She was with him less than two hours, although they did enjoy a nice meal after he left and a hotel room for three days. Details were few, since she wasn't allowed to discuss it very much. Thankfully, Disney sounded like a MUCH more fun option to my Wish Child.

 

[brookerene]

We were told by our chapter the average wait to meet a celebrity was two years (Often longer) and there were no guarantees, you had to be ready to travel within two days of them notifying you. One of our friends children met Adam Sandler, and they are not allowed to post any photos on their Caringbridge website (or any public place) of him. She was with him less than two hours, although they did enjoy a nice meal after he left and a hotel room for three days. Details were few, since she wasn't allowed to discuss it very much. Thankfully, Disney sounded like a MUCH more fun option to my Wish Child.

The sounds about right...Celebrities own the copyright of their images and have the right to limit photos of themselves for their own PR purposes. Actually anyone does.... I have met or seen a few celebrities when I interned for Women in Film, and they are just people....and sometimes not what you think....I would not recommend a celeb meet and greet unless it was something really important to the child.... a trip or new room or something along those lines will last longer....and be more memorable...
sorry Adam Sandler.....

 

[blessedmom4]

The sounds about right...Celebrities own the copyright of their images and have the right to limit photos of themselves for their own PR purposes. Actually anyone does.... I have met or seen a few celebrities when I interned for Women in Film, and they are just people....and sometimes not what you think....I would not recommend a celeb meet and greet unless it was something really important to the child.... a trip or new room or something along those lines will last longer....and be more memorable...
sorry Adam Sandler.....

Brooke, I agree with you 100 percent! For us, Nothing could beat Disney and I am SO THRILLED that is what Lisa has chosen!! Now if we can ever get there...I know you understand with having to delay your trip as well.
I appreciate this board and all that share and allow me to learn so much!

 

[kellyw8863]

Has anyone gone in March/April? We are already talking about what to take jeans/shorts/etc. We have to keep in mind that Kade (wish kid) cannot sweat due to meds. Heard from our Granters today and they were calling MAW to make sure the paperwork was received and etc. I will start bugging the Dr tomorrow. :>)

We went in April and it was flat out hot. Ali sweats, but has temp regulation issues and had a tough time with it. We brought her cooling vest but because it relies on evaporation in order to cool, it just made her soggy. We now have a Sta-Cool vest, and I so wish we had it then.

I don't think we wore long pants the entire week we were there, though there were some evenings/early mornings that we wore light jackets/sweatshirts. And even then, we probably could have done without, but we were comfortable.

The good news is if he likes water, the pool there is amazing. That's where we spent most of our time as per Ali's request.

 

[maroo]

THANK YOU SO MUCH MAROO!!! Lisa REALLY wants to swim at GKTW. I know families are able to go back to visit GKTW in the future if they ever get to go back to Florida on their own. Do you know if they able to swim on those return trips?

I have quite a few more questions posted on Lisa's PTR, should I post them here instead? I didn't know if it was better to ask on our thread or here...I welcome any and all responses, Thank you

You are very welcome!

You can post questions anywhere...lots of times people post questions here and use the pre-trippie to post pictures, stories, plans, etc...for your trip. Questions and answers definitely help everyone reading...so keep asking questions and we will keep answering them. Things change over time, so it is great to have these former families on here, too and the ones that just got back weighing in, too.

I personally can hardly keep up with this thread (which is a sad commentary on my crazy life right now) and end up missing individual pre-trippie report updates sometimes.

I was wondering if any of you have taken an SLR to DW....I'm planning on taking mine..but I have been debating on saving for a P&S, I just hate the shutter lag on P&S......also...how are memory Cards on with the airport security? Do you have them check the camera by hand or send it through the machine? I would hate to have something happen to my memory cards/photos....or camera (I make part of our income with that camera!)

I have purchases a P&S Canon the last two times I have purchased a camera. I love it! The one I have now is the one that allows you to take pictures underwater and is very durable (you can drop it and it may not die). Can't remember the exact model...but it takes excellent pictures and I think it is the only one of it's kind.

I posted this on my page but figured I'd post it here as well to get as much advice/answers as possible. Thank you in advance!!!

1. As far as packing goes, I am trying to travel with the least amount of stuff as possible. Khelsey IS in diapers and needs wipes too. I am worried about the "weight" limit on luggage if we were to pack her diapers...I was thinking about shipping her diapers but how far in advance should we ship them? Would you ship or just pack them in her suitcase?

I would pack enough to get you through a day or longer....just in case something crazy happens and you are stuck in an airport. But otherwise, if they are something you buy at Walmart, then definitely do that (or maybe just the wipes)...

The other thing to think about is that it may be best to just pack the diapers...because you will have a LOT of stuff coming home with you...and the diapers will be gone...but you will have the weight of the extra stuff and it will take some room...so maybe just pack the diapers? I guess part of it depends on size. But I think I would bring an extra duffle bag anyway...so on the down you could pack it with the things that will be used up on the trip and then on the way back you can put all the stuff you get while you are there. Trust me...you will need the space.


2. Anyone wanna share their favs at Seaworld? We have YET to even look into things to do...we've been concentrating on MK and the others! I KNOW Khelsey will love Seaworld...she loves aquariums, fish, etc. I have no idea what to expect there.


Definitely make sure you feed the dolphins. And the dolphin show. And the big show, Believe. Remember that Sea World is HUGE...lots and lots of walking...so plan for that in your mind before you go, too.


3. Which nightime firework display is your favorite and why? My DH and I are so overwhelmed with all that there is to do at the parks and we have no idea what is a "must do" or "must see". I'd love to hear your opinions. We are doing some booking and planning tonight! YAY!!!

I personally think Wishes (fireworks at MK) is a must see for every wish family. And the electric parade.

Fantasmic is a must see for many people, but we did not like it and left in the middle of it.

I would skip Illuminations on a wish trip...too many great options at GKTW.


4. With Akershus dining- do you recommend breakfast, lunch or dinner? Is there a difference in time with the princesses? Is there any way to guarantee Cinderella being there at any particular time? (Kaylie's fav)...What other Character dining do you recommend, maybe for the classic characters?

Check out http://www.allears.net for info on this! They have up to date info and it is very easy to read, etc. I like Chef Mickey's for the characters or Crystal Palace.


5. Also, BBB for the little girls...have any of you guys done this? What is the best way to go? I just want to do all that is possible but I don't want to overbook...so any advice on any of this is SOOOO welcomed.
Thank you!

Lauren did BBB at the Castle. It was a good experience for us, except it was very difficult to get her changed into a costume in their dressing room - not very "accessible"...I wish we had just changed her at the First Aid place and then gone back to get her hair done.

But...Lauren thinks, in hindsight, that she would have not spent the time it took to get it all done. She did BBB and a Castle lunch...which at the time sounded wonderful...but she said after we got home that she would have rather played in the parks more and skipped that experience. Part of it was the fact that she was 15 at the time...and that she was sick...etc...

For a little girl...I think it will be amazing!!

Which BBB did your Princess' transformation?

Castle...but DTD would be cool, too. And one way to save some "park time" is to do it on a non-park day...BUT then you can't show off at the parks...which is half the fun.

 

[MitoDadMO]

He LOVES the water so we will surely be swimming while there. If she has a hard time with heat you should check out a Frog Togg. We got one for Kade last year and it stays cool for over 12hrs and does not make you wet. We also got a cooling vest too, but like the FroggTogg better.

 

[4monkeys]

I want to start my TR and post the links as titles (not the http://....) I know I saw the instructions somewhere, but can't find it now. Anyone have a quick tutorial or can tell me where to find it!?!?!?! Thanks in advance!

 

[blessedmom4]

You are very welcome!

You can post questions anywhere...lots of times people post questions here and use the pre-trippie to post pictures, stories, plans, etc...for your trip. Questions and answers definitely help everyone reading...so keep asking questions and we will keep answering them. Things change over time, so it is great to have these former families on here, too and the ones that just got back weighing in, too.

I personally can hardly keep up with this thread (which is a sad commentary on my crazy life right now) and end up missing individual pre-trippie report updates sometimes.


Castle...but DTD would be cool, too. And one way to save some "park time" is to do it on a non-park day...BUT then you can't show off at the parks...which is half the fun.

Thanks again Maroo, I have no idea how you keep up with everyone, you have such a giving heart! I think my questions are answered for the moment...I know I will have tons more! I also remember reading things and get confused who said what, although I DID remember Lauren's BBB experience and wondered if Rachel at 13 (by the time we FINALLY get to go) would be too old...plus, I have been investigating the price of "extras" such as BBB, table service meals (we had wanted to do 1900 Park Fare this time after reading some fun reports) and MNSSHP and all I can say is , even if we do have some MAW spending money...We will have to pick one fun thing for the family and that is okay, because we are typically very frugal, from necessity. We DID splurge on Akerhus when we went, because I had some Disney Dollars.

 

[4monkeys]

Thanks again Maroo, I have no idea how you keep up with everyone, you have such a giving heart! I think my questions are answerd for the moment...I know I will have tons more! I also remember reading things and get confused who said what, although I DID remember Lauren's BBB experience and wondered if Rachel at 13 (by the time we FINALLY get to go) would be too old...plus, I have been investigating the price of "extras" such as BBB, table service meals (we had wanted to do 1900 Park Fare this time after reading some fun reports) and MNSSHP and all I can say is , even if we do have some MAW spending money...

Not sure if it will help....but allison is 12 and we gave her the option of BBB and she didn't want to do it. She did like the idea of her nails being done at GKTW, but we never got to do that. We had enough to do what Alli wanted. That was a family of 6. Have fun planning! You can always make reservations and cancel if you change your mind... I think