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

[my2girlsrock]

Taylor's MAW trip is quickly coming up & we are looking for any feedback for US/IOA... We are planning on doing these parks in one day.. Taylor is 9 & my other daughter Sami is 7, neither one is really into rollercoasters...

I also was going to ask about shoes to wear but Kris asked that question ... Great minds think alike

We were asked to be a part of the Big Give a couple of weeks back but I had to keep quiet until we received the first Big Give. The girls received their first Big Give "Mickey Mail" on Friday... They were so very excited. Taylor was amazed that someone she doesn't even know would send her something for our trip. She kept saying "Oh my goodness these people are so nice..."

Thank you very much to all of you who are part of the Big Give, you are truly special people.....

 

[tinytreasures]

What are the best shoes to walk in the parks? My feet get tired so quickly. I have heard Crocs are the best...Is this true? I live in my Uggs during the winter and flip flops during Summer, but I can only wear those for a short time. I bought some tennis shoes, but they also hurt after awhile.

Whatever you decide on make sure you wear them a lot before the trip to break them in. You don't want blisters and sore feet

 

[my2girlsrock]

Wow! We received our "Wish kit" today which included our flight info! We will arrive in Orlando at 3:45 pm on 2/27 and leave at 5:25 pm on 3/5. I guess I should start coming up with a plan! Do you mind giving some advice??

Sunday arrive 3:45 head to GKTW
Monday ?????
Tuesday GLORIA'S BIRTHDAY!!
BBB in DD @ 10:30 am
Choose between Askershus @ 1:25 w/o Cinderella
OR
1900 Park Fare @ 4:55 with Cinderella
Wed. ?????????
Thurs ?????????
Friday ????????
Saturday Leave @ 5:25

The boys want to see Harry Potter's world and Glo LOVES SpongeBob but other than that we're pretty open......

CONGRATS on getting your dates!!!! We are going on Taylor's wish trip in about 6 weeks & we got some really good advice from someone on the boards for helping us to plan our trip... They said to look at the GKTW schedule & choose what we definately wanted to do there and plan around that. For example Thursday night is "Christmas Winter Wonderland" at GKTW so we are planning to do Seaworld on Thurs because the kids really want to do the Christmas festivities so we figure we will be back from Seaworld around 4:30 - 5.

 

[Emilyswish]

Taylor's MAW trip is quickly coming up & we are looking for any feedback for US/IOA... We are planning on doing these parks in one day.. Taylor is 9 & my other daughter Sami is 7, neither one is really into rollercoasters...

Hi there!

I haven't gotten to US/IOA on my TR yet, but I will tell you that IOA was SUPER ridiculous crowded when we were there because of the popularity of Harry Potter World. Drew (our 7 year old) is very into HP so we made a point to see that. It might not be worth it if your girls aren't into that yet though, because the 3 rides are all roller coasters of varying degrees. We went Ollivander's wand shop (there is a little show), and Honeydukes candy store. It is cool just to walk the streets and get a Butterbeer (we liked the frozen kind)! Mmmmmmmmmm.

As for the rest of IOA, there is a lot to see in Seuss Land, I think your girls would probably enjoy all of the rides there. We only had time for the Caro-Seuss-el.

We didn't make it to US at all, but there is a ToonTown section (Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, and a Curious George play area that I had hoped to see). Other than that, I know it has a lot of Super Hero themed stuff and big roller coasters. Hope that helps a little.

 

[my2girlsrock]

Hi there!

I haven't gotten to US/IOA on my TR yet, but I will tell you that IOA was SUPER ridiculous crowded when we were there because of the popularity of Harry Potter World. Drew (our 7 year old) is very into HP so we made a point to see that. It might not be worth it if your girls aren't into that yet though, because the 3 rides are all roller coasters of varying degrees. We went Ollivander's wand shop (there is a little show), and Honeydukes candy store. It is cool just to walk the streets and get a Butterbeer (we liked the frozen kind)! Mmmmmmmmmm.

As for the rest of IOA, there is a lot to see in Seuss Land, I think your girls would probably enjoy all of the rides there. We only had time for the Caro-Seuss-el.

We didn't make it to US at all, but there is a ToonTown section (Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, and a Curious George play area that I had hoped to see). Other than that, I know it has a lot of Super Hero themed stuff and big roller coasters. Hope that helps a little.

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

 

[kellyw8863]

Wow! We received our "Wish kit" today which included our flight info! We will arrive in Orlando at 3:45 pm on 2/27 and leave at 5:25 pm on 3/5. I guess I should start coming up with a plan! Do you mind giving some advice??

Sunday arrive 3:45 head to GKTW
Monday ?????
Tuesday GLORIA'S BIRTHDAY!!
BBB in DD @ 10:30 am
Choose between Askershus @ 1:25 w/o Cinderella
OR
1900 Park Fare @ 4:55 with Cinderella
Wed. ?????????
Thurs ?????????
Friday ????????
Saturday Leave @ 5:25

The boys want to see Harry Potter's world and Glo LOVES SpongeBob but other than that we're pretty open......

Congrats! I just wanted to throw out that our experience at 1900 PF was nothing short of AMAZING. Granted we never made it to Askershus, but I can't say enough about the folks at PF. Happy planning!

What are the best shoes to walk in the parks? My feet get tired so quickly. I have heard Crocs are the best...Is this true? I live in my Uggs during the winter and flip flops during Summer, but I can only wear those for a short time. I bought some tennis shoes, but they also hurt after awhile.

I, too, am a huge flip flop person. The girls both wore their Crocs, and I wore my Croc flip flops part of the time, and these the rest of the time.

I ordered them from L.L. Bean - cheaper than Keen's but extraordinarily comfortable.

Hey everyone thanks for the warm welcomes, I have thought about something ever since our last two trips to WDW. Something that will benefit future wish families. First thing I am wanting to know if there is a email address to Guest Services at WDW. If so does anyone know it. Here is what I am working on and don't know if anyone else as tried or in the process. But here is my idea, we have been very lucky to be able to visit WDW as many times has we have in the past and looking forward to many more in the future. I was at Epcot one night and talking to a cast member about GKTW and was wondering some wish families only get to come down once and it's their wish trip. The wish trip is a one time deal so you want to make it as magical as possible for the wish child and family. I am getting ready to inquire why doesn't WDW adopt GKTW village as a Disney Resort for Wish kids and their families. This way families staying at GKTW can take advantage of the special magic hours and the little extra perks. Families staying at GKTW wouldn't need the meal plan due to breakfast and dinner served at the village. Since wish families don't stay officially on property, maybe Disney can change this as they do the Swan and Dolphin. Also something that I thought about to was the 3 day park hopper to WDW and 2 day hopper to Universal. We came down with my 3 yr old daughter, she is only 11 lbs. and 23 inches long. So she wasn't able to do much at Universal(only 3 things). But at Disney she was able to much more, and this trip was for her. I called the front desk at GKTW and asked if we could exchange our Universal tickets to just Disney. They said since they where donated they couldn't exchange them. So Morgan couldn't hardly do anything at Universal so for her it wasn't much. So I am just going to see if they may be able to adjust these issues. Guest we will see.

Welcome! Have you had a chance to read Landwirth's The Gift of Life? My guess is that he (or Pamela as the case may be) would never do that. He has tried so hard not to "sell out" to major corporations despite offers of considerable financial contributions in exchange for something as simple as a plaque hung in a villa. It really is a great read.

Welcome to all the new faces, and congrats to everyone who has recently received dates. It's such an exciting time!

 

[Haybuggsmom]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[newdrama12]

Welcome! Have you had a chance to read Landwirth's The Gift of Life? My guess is that he (or his daughter Pamela as the case may be) would never do that. He has tried so hard not to "sell out" to major corporations despite offers of considerable financial contributions in exchange for something as simple as a plaque hung in a villa. It really is a great read.

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

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Renea, I'm new around here so I don't know your story but I'm so sorry for everything you've just been through. We've been through our fair share of long hospital stays in 2010 and its horrible. I hope your daughter is back to her old self in no time. Welcome home!!

 

[Glo's wish]

CONGRATS on getting your dates!!!! We are going on Taylor's wish trip in about 6 weeks & we got some really good advice from someone on the boards for helping us to plan our trip... They said to look at the GKTW schedule & choose what we definately wanted to do there and plan around that. For example Thursday night is "Christmas Winter Wonderland" at GKTW so we are planning to do Seaworld on Thurs because the kids really want to do the Christmas festivities so we figure we will be back from Seaworld around 4:30 - 5.

Great advice! Thank you!!

 

[Glo's wish]

Congrats! I just wanted to throw out that our experience at 1900 PF was nothing short of AMAZING. Granted we never made it to Askershus, but I can't say enough about the folks at PF. Happy planning!
Thanks Kelly! I am feeling more at peace with the decision. The money thing will work itself out!

 

[brookerene]

[/QUOTE] He has tried so hard not to "sell out" to major corporations despite offers of considerable financial contributions in exchange for something as simple as a plaque hung in a villa. It really is a great read.
[/QUOTE]
I'm gad to hear that.... I think GKTW should be it's own place, making its own decisions on how to help people. And I'm glad that they are supported by many great organizations like Disney.... I think the number of tickets are a good balance to meet the needs of most people.... Not everybody needs or wants the same thing and so you have to find a happy medium.... GKTW is about the kids.... and they do their best to balance things out for all wish families... Three days at Disney is not enough to fully do all parks, but it is enough to do the most important things. And as stated in other posts, most of the kids attending are medicaly fragile and unable to do many long days. Although I can understand that it would be nice to have 5 days since some children don't last too long....then you can do more.

 

[kellyw8863]

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

Doh! Don't know how I messed that up, but thank you! I went back and edited my post.

 

[Ciara's Wish Trip]

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

 

[tinytreasures]

Glad Haylee is hope but so sorry things are not going so well for her

 

[tinytreasures]

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

Welcome to our group

 

[HeatherSP]

With Lhea's trip not until April I thought we had plenty of time to schedule a character meal. However when I was looking it up tonight it seems they are all booked up for the times/days/place we wanted. Lhea's wish was to dance with princess Tiana but Tiana isn't in any character meal. So I thought she would still enjoy just eating in the castle but couldn't find anything. Should I keep searching and maybe try somewhere else or change to another day. It still might not work out since we are going at spring break. How nice are these meals? Is it worth all the effort? Will she be just as happy if we just make sure she gets to meet all of the princesses in the park? Any advice is appreciated.
I also wanted to thank you all who have posted pictures. If Lhea sees me on the computer she comes running and asks me to show her pictures of disney world. She loves them! Thanks!

 

[newdrama12]

With Lhea's trip not until April I thought we had plenty of time to schedule a character meal. However when I was looking it up tonight it seems they are all booked up for the times/days/place we wanted. Lhea's wish was to dance with princess Tiana but Tiana isn't in any character meal. So I thought she would still enjoy just eating in the castle but couldn't find anything. Should I keep searching and maybe try somewhere else or change to another day. It still might not work out since we are going at spring break. How nice are these meals? Is it worth all the effort? Will she be just as happy if we just make sure she gets to meet all of the princesses in the park? Any advice is appreciated.
I also wanted to thank you all who have posted pictures. If Lhea sees me on the computer she comes running and asks me to show her pictures of disney world. She loves them! Thanks!

Tiana does her meet and greets in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. I'm sure that when your daughter meets her, that Tiana would dance with her if she asked her too.

 

[Ciara's Wish Trip]

I have been reading a lot of the trip reports and seeing the pictures and am wondering what are the Panama Jack shirts?

 

[syammt]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we made it home late on Saturday. The flight was a little bumpy, but not to bad. Madison is doing pretty good. She still has the cough, but that is to be expected because of the asthma. Came home with a load of meds. Have to get an appointment with her immune doc her so she can do the follow up and put her on her new maintenance med. Dr. Freeman (doc at NIH) is changing her maintenance med and is supposed to call immune doc here. Should be an interesting call since she didn't even know we were going to NIH. Oh well I have to take care of my girl.
So we got home Saturday evening after the unexpected long stay at NIH and while we were at Awana (a church program) last night Madison fell on some black ice and hurt her leg. She keeps telling me it is ok, but she is walking with a limp. Going to see how she does today at school and may be taking her to get it xrayed when she gets home. With her high tolerence for pain I am a little concerned that there actually may be something wrong. We will see.
Thanks and hugs to everyone who keeps her in prayers.