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

[casper_jj11]

Thats good that you guys got an early time, I hope are as lucky. I don't know which airline we will be flying with, and either did our wish co-ordinator. Which one did you guys use? I think she said they tend to use Air-Trans, or Air-Canada but wasn't sure if they flew out of Detroit. She said they had a few that they used, I think she said Delta was one of them. She said we should be able to fly out of Detroit, versus Toronto, which is great.

We were told that those out of Ottawa fly either Air Canada or WestJet. We didn't really have a choice of carrier (ended up flying AC). We did ask for a direct flight if possible but there were no direct at that time of year. We were also told we had to stop over in Toronto. We always do our first connector in the US so we can clear customs at home and not have to worry about our luggage once we've left Ottawa so that was different for us... and not an experience I wish to repeat to be honest. Since they told you you can fly from Detroit, I expect it'll be with an american airline or maybe one that coshares with Air Canada as Star Alliance so possibly United or US Air ... but if they said Delta, maybe they have agreements with other US airlines as well. I'm sure that if you ask for an early flight, they'll be able to arrange that for you.

I just noticed your other question about evening events. Illuminations is every night. Fantasmic is every second night or so. The parade and fireworks at MK depend on crowd levels. Here's a link to the Disney website calendar. Its for MK. It'll show you the park hours (just change the month to get April or May) and then click on a particular day in the calendar to get the schedule of events for that day. I'm not sure how far out they prep this and it can always change but it'll give you an idea http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/calendar/

 

[tinytreasures]

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 was a all day thing for us and we didn't even go on any rides except the water ride
We hope to hit the rides this time around

 

[Glo's wish]

I just posted pictures of our very 1st BIG GIVE!!!!! Thank you Mommy2mrb!!!!!

 

[MitoDadMO]

We had originally given Friday-Friday for our dates, but when I looked at the GKTW calendar, I noticed that Friday night was the Pirates and Princess party, which my kids would love. So now i'm thinking I need to change our dates (just a day or two in either direction), unless we can get early flights in. I just e-mailed our wish co-ordinator to find out about arrival times, like if they tried to get early arrivals, etc. I want to avoid Thursday arrival/departures as well, because of Christmas at GKTW. So I started to wonder about fireworks or parades (or whatever happens at night at Disney and surrounding parks), I'd like to do those once or twice at night. So what do you think is the best day to have as your travel days?

If for some reason you miss the pirate party, MK has what is called The Pirate League where you get "done up" like a pirate and get to be in the pirate parade in MK. We ALL (2 kids 2 parents and 4 grandparents) will be doing the pirate league in MK.

 

[luvmygrlz3]

Your opinions please on what I should do...

I called US Airways to discuss the procedures for Khelsey's wheelchair and to ask if they waive the baggage fees for MAW families. Of course they do NOT waive fees and it's $25 per bag for the 1st bag each person...then it goes up to $35 for 2nd, etc....anyhoo...the lady gave me our Confirmation numbers for the flight so I could use it to check in online if we wanted...we still haven't received our packet from MAW but I know we shouldn't get it until about a week or 2 before our trip. Well, I just so happened to "see" what type of plane we are flying on and how the seating arrangement was...they have us on a plane with 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other side. We have a family of 5!!! I don't know how we are going to do that with no one sitting with the little girls to help them for the flight! I know I will be sitting with Khelsey, I just don't know what to do! I had questioned our flight with our Coordinator before re: the 30 minute only layover we have and whether we could make our connecting flight with that little bit of time. She seemed to thing we'd be ok...then I asked about the type of plane and to make sure they had us with our girls...she said they did. What should I do? Should I call her back yet AGAIN and discuss our flight arrangement? I really need Travis to sit with the girls...they are going to be scared and need some assistance with their things to occupy them. I am nervous to call our coordinator because I just get a vibe that I am bothering her when I do have questions...I just don't know what to do...Can someone help me out here?

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Your opinions please on what I should do...

I called US Airways to discuss the procedures for Khelsey's wheelchair and to ask if they waive the baggage fees for MAW families. Of course they do NOT waive fees and it's $25 per bag for the 1st bag each person...then it goes up to $35 for 2nd, etc....anyhoo...the lady gave me our Confirmation numbers for the flight so I could use it to check in online if we wanted...we still haven't received our packet from MAW but I know we shouldn't get it until about a week or 2 before our trip. Well, I just so happened to "see" what type of plane we are flying on and how the seating arrangement was...they have us on a plane with 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other side. We have a family of 5!!! I don't know how we are going to do that with no one sitting with the little girls to help them for the flight! I know I will be sitting with Khelsey, I just don't know what to do! I had questioned our flight with our Coordinator before re: the 30 minute only layover we have and whether we could make our connecting flight with that little bit of time. She seemed to thing we'd be ok...then I asked about the type of plane and to make sure they had us with our girls...she said they did. What should I do? Should I call her back yet AGAIN and discuss our flight arrangement? I really need Travis to sit with the girls...they are going to be scared and need some assistance with their things to occupy them. I am nervous to call our coordinator because I just get a vibe that I am bothering her when I do have questions...I just don't know what to do...Can someone help me out here?

Shelby...I'm so sorry. I thought all planes were 3 and then 3. I understand your feeling about calling the coordinator. I get that same feeling when I call. I don't even call that much, but when I do..I just get that feeling I'm bothering them. I think you do need to call though. I know my kids wouldn't want to sit by themselves and they are older.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I posted our Big Give...page 34. Thank you Lisa(mommy2mrb) and Megan!!!!!

 

[luvmygrlz3]

Shelby...I'm so sorry. I thought all planes were 3 and then 3. I understand your feeling about calling the coordinator. I get that same feeling when I call. I don't even call that much, but when I do..I just get that feeling I'm bothering them. I think you do need to call though. I know my kids wouldn't want to sit by themselves and they are older.

Aww...I'm sorry you feel the same way. But then again, it's nice to know someone knows how I feel! I rarely call as well. I called a few times in the beginning because I didn't understand anything going on...but have always felt as though i'm a bother. I am calling today...wish me luck!

 

[jj0plin]

I've never called our MAW coordinators but I am starting to think it might be time. Two weeks ago she had called and we discussed flight times and the dates of the trip. She told me that they were scheduling the flights that day, but wouldn't get confirmation until the next day. I guess I thought she'd call me back with the confirmation but never did... I keep hoping that I will hear from them soon so I don't have to call but I want confirmation and I also have a couple questions. Thankfully our coordinator is very nice and friendly when we do talk.

 

[casper_jj11]

Your opinions please on what I should do...

I called US Airways to discuss the procedures for Khelsey's wheelchair and to ask if they waive the baggage fees for MAW families. Of course they do NOT waive fees and it's $25 per bag for the 1st bag each person...then it goes up to $35 for 2nd, etc....anyhoo...the lady gave me our Confirmation numbers for the flight so I could use it to check in online if we wanted...we still haven't received our packet from MAW but I know we shouldn't get it until about a week or 2 before our trip. Well, I just so happened to "see" what type of plane we are flying on and how the seating arrangement was...they have us on a plane with 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other side. We have a family of 5!!! I don't know how we are going to do that with no one sitting with the little girls to help them for the flight! I know I will be sitting with Khelsey, I just don't know what to do! I had questioned our flight with our Coordinator before re: the 30 minute only layover we have and whether we could make our connecting flight with that little bit of time. She seemed to thing we'd be ok...then I asked about the type of plane and to make sure they had us with our girls...she said they did. What should I do? Should I call her back yet AGAIN and discuss our flight arrangement? I really need Travis to sit with the girls...they are going to be scared and need some assistance with their things to occupy them. I am nervous to call our coordinator because I just get a vibe that I am bothering her when I do have questions...I just don't know what to do...Can someone help me out here?

I'd definitely call and mention your concerns about seating. If you have to fly on a flight with that configeration, see if they can do three in one row and two in the row behind... that would mean you and Khelsey in one row and then in the row in front of you, your other two kiddos with your husband in the aisle seat across from them. They'd have a parent behind and one on the side of them with just an aisle separating them and your husband and no stranger next to them. The other possibility is to have the seating of the other kiddos so that its kiddo and dad in the row with oldest kiddo across the aisle so dad is sitting between the kiddos but htat would mean one kiddo sitting next to a stranger if that seat is occupied. If not, all the better.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

We were told that those out of Ottawa fly either Air Canada or WestJet. We didn't really have a choice of carrier (ended up flying AC). We did ask for a direct flight if possible but there were no direct at that time of year. We were also told we had to stop over in Toronto. We always do our first connector in the US so we can clear customs at home and not have to worry about our luggage once we've left Ottawa so that was different for us... and not an experience I wish to repeat to be honest. Since they told you you can fly from Detroit, I expect it'll be with an american airline or maybe one that coshares with Air Canada as Star Alliance so possibly United or US Air ... but if they said Delta, maybe they have agreements with other US airlines as well. I'm sure that if you ask for an early flight, they'll be able to arrange that for you.

Apparently it is Delta, and thats who we would be flying with - I talked to our co-ordinator today. Since we are crossing at a land border, i'm hoping the transition will be smoother then what you had to go through. That sucks that you guys had so many issues.

I'm not sure what happened to the rest of the quote and my original reply, but thanks for the link about the night events. I added it to my other long list of links, lol.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Your opinions please on what I should do...

I called US Airways to discuss the procedures for Khelsey's wheelchair and to ask if they waive the baggage fees for MAW families. Of course they do NOT waive fees and it's $25 per bag for the 1st bag each person...then it goes up to $35 for 2nd, etc....anyhoo...the lady gave me our Confirmation numbers for the flight so I could use it to check in online if we wanted...we still haven't received our packet from MAW but I know we shouldn't get it until about a week or 2 before our trip. Well, I just so happened to "see" what type of plane we are flying on and how the seating arrangement was...they have us on a plane with 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other side. We have a family of 5!!! I don't know how we are going to do that with no one sitting with the little girls to help them for the flight! I know I will be sitting with Khelsey, I just don't know what to do! I had questioned our flight with our Coordinator before re: the 30 minute only layover we have and whether we could make our connecting flight with that little bit of time. She seemed to thing we'd be ok...then I asked about the type of plane and to make sure they had us with our girls...she said they did. What should I do? Should I call her back yet AGAIN and discuss our flight arrangement? I really need Travis to sit with the girls...they are going to be scared and need some assistance with their things to occupy them. I am nervous to call our coordinator because I just get a vibe that I am bothering her when I do have questions...I just don't know what to do...Can someone help me out here?

Yikes, that would make me nervous about the flights too, and I wouldn't be okay with my kids sitting alone without my husband or I with them. I hope your co-ordinator can help you out, and whatever her "attitude" may be, that she is nicer to deal with. You shouldn't be nervous to call her.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Your opinions please on what I should do...

I called US Airways to discuss the procedures for Khelsey's wheelchair and to ask if they waive the baggage fees for MAW families. Of course they do NOT waive fees and it's $25 per bag for the 1st bag each person...then it goes up to $35 for 2nd, etc....anyhoo...the lady gave me our Confirmation numbers for the flight so I could use it to check in online if we wanted...we still haven't received our packet from MAW but I know we shouldn't get it until about a week or 2 before our trip. Well, I just so happened to "see" what type of plane we are flying on and how the seating arrangement was...they have us on a plane with 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other side. We have a family of 5!!! I don't know how we are going to do that with no one sitting with the little girls to help them for the flight! I know I will be sitting with Khelsey, I just don't know what to do! I had questioned our flight with our Coordinator before re: the 30 minute only layover we have and whether we could make our connecting flight with that little bit of time. She seemed to thing we'd be ok...then I asked about the type of plane and to make sure they had us with our girls...she said they did. What should I do? Should I call her back yet AGAIN and discuss our flight arrangement? I really need Travis to sit with the girls...they are going to be scared and need some assistance with their things to occupy them. I am nervous to call our coordinator because I just get a vibe that I am bothering her when I do have questions...I just don't know what to do...Can someone help me out here?

I felt the same way when we had our trip. I felt bad wanting to call cordinator all the time to answer my questions. One day she called me with some trip information and asked me if I had any questions. I asked all the questions I had at that time and told her how bad I felt calling her with every question. She told me not to worry about it, that is what she was there for.
So please call the cordinator, she is there to make your trip as memorable as possible. It wont be good if you start out the trip with a bad note.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Aww...I'm sorry you feel the same way. But then again, it's nice to know someone knows how I feel! I rarely call as well. I called a few times in the beginning because I didn't understand anything going on...but have always felt as though i'm a bother. I am calling today...wish me luck!

I feel the same way. I hope the call today went well

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Apparently it is Delta, and thats who we would be flying with - I talked to our co-ordinator today. Since we are crossing at a land border, i'm hoping the transition will be smoother then what you had to go through. That sucks that you guys had so many issues.

I'm not sure what happened to the rest of the quote and my original reply, but thanks for the link about the night events. I added it to my other long list of links, lol.

Ugh...Delta doesn't waive the baggage fees.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Ugh...Delta doesn't waive the baggage fees.

I know, totally sucks. But our wish co-ordinator said that they add the cost of the baggage fees to the expense check, so it won't cost us anything out of pocket.

Annnnnnnnnnnnd....check out my PTR for some exciting news!!!

 

[luvmygrlz3]

First things first:
I called our Wish Granter this morning, and I'm so glad I did...she was actually very helpful and comforting. She told me to please call if I ever have ANY questions, etc. that that's what they are there for. She also told me that the airlines are fully aware of the ages of my girls and and that they will be with a parent. Like casper jj 11 said, they will put the 2 girls beside each other and the parent in the next seat on the other side of the aisle. The aisle is very small and a parent can reach them with no problem. Also, Khelsey & I will be behind them as well. So parents are around them at all times. She also told me that she had just faxed to our local chapter all of our paper work...and to be expecting a call for the Celebration Send-off party for Khelsey! I was sooo happy to hear that! Well, I get to work today and Rachel from our local chapter had called and we have a meeting with them on Wednesday at 3pm!!!

I am above and beyond excited and nervous at the same time! This is really going to come true!

Also, Khelsey received another BIG GIVE today from Flora (PurpleEars)!! I will post pics on my PTR in a bit...my camera died and I'm charging it as I type.

(ETA: I am putting this on my PTR as well...so you will see it double if you visit over there... )

 

[icecreamforbreakfast]

I just finished my trip report!

sorry if this is not the place to post that .... but I'm just so excited that I finally got it done!

 

[CeraMomof3]

Are we going to be there at the same time?!?!??!

We are going march 3-10!

 

[luvmygrlz3]

Are we going to be there at the same time?!?!??!

We are going march 3-10!

We are going March 3-9!!
Looks like we'll be there at the same time!!!