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

[Corrine 1973]

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 were given a Prepaid Discover card from our MaW chapter about a week before our trip. We had no problem using it anywhere. I was thinking about doing some disney dollars for Liam with the money he saves for the trip. It will be fun for him to have his own money that he can spend.
Though it is nice to know that if travelers checks or prepaid debit ia lost it can be reported and replaced while it is not the same for disney dollars.

 

[MonkeyManMichael]

I’m officially starting our pre-trip! I’m a little lost but hopefully everyone can help me and guide me on what I should to in order to get ready for my trip:

Hello. My name is Roxanne mom to MJ (3 this March), Jojo (6), Paulina (9) and Joey (dad). We all love Disney and can’t wait to go in March!

Our son MJ was born with medical conditions and we didn’t find out into he was about 9 months and I kept pushing and telling the doctors something was wrong and finally I found the one RIGHT doctor who believed in me and didn’t say I was a crazy and over protective mother. We found out in November 2009 MJ has Arnold Chiari malformation, spastic deplegia, cerebral palsy and swallowing issues as well as eating issues because of everything going on with him so he is under weight and on 4 pediasure a day. MJ has had 2 brain surgeries his first in November 2009 and his second in August 2010 than we just went in January and MJ had his tonsils, adenoids and ear tubes put in. MJ is finally starting to feel better and we are all looking forward to our make a wish Disney trip on March 20th.
A brief description of Arnold Chiari Malformation: Arnold-Chiari malformation is a malformation of the brain which consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils and the medulla through the foramen magnum.
My two wonderful girls: Jojo (6), Paulina (9) is our sweet girls who have their own struggles with everything going on and we feel horrible for both of them. But they have been pretty amazing the past two years with everything that is going on. This trip will be just as special to Jojo and Paulina as it is to MJ. The girls can’t wait. They ask me everyday how many more days to go and can we start packing.

We are arriving March 20, 2011, just 9 days after MJ 3rd birthday. We will be staying at GKTW. We are so excited about this since most of my family will be there as well it’s my bothers 40th and we wanted to go but just couldn’t afford the trip. We are so grateful that MAW is sending us at the same time! We can’t WAIT.

Any ideas to help us get started would be are greatly appreciated . I just have a few questions I was wondering if anyone could help me out:

Does anyone know if my family would be able to come visit us at GKTW?
Do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have a Wish Lounge?
Do I need to use the Fast Pass if I go on an Adult ride without the wish kid?
Does anyone know if MJ gets to see a specific character and have a meet and greet?
Does Make A Wish help set-up a character meal if needed?
Does anyone have any other information that would be helpful?
Does anyone know if I can purchase discounted tickets for the parks for my family that will be with us?
Sorry to bother everyone but I’m new to all this and want to make sure my family has the best trip ever.

Truly yours,
Roxanne.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Does anyone know if my family would be able to come visit us at GKTW?
We went in 2009 and I believe that others were able to visit but just couldn't stay overnight on sight. At that time they were also able to pay a small fee to eat at the Gingerbread House
Do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have a Wish Lounge?
Unfortunatly no. There are only Wish Lounges at MK and Epcot.
Do I need to use the Fast Pass if I go on an Adult ride without the wish kid?
Officially yes, but many CM's will let you through if they know you are on a Wish Trip. Ask and see what happens.
Does anyone know if MJ gets to see a specific character and have a meet and greet?
You can talk to MaW about setting up a special meet and greet with Disney, other wise go to guest relations and find out where the Charters he wants to see are and go. Your GAC card and GKTW button will get you into the exit of the line so you will not have to wait long to see characters.
Does Make A Wish help set-up a character meal if needed?
Our orginazation told us they would do one extra special thing, but every chapter is diffrent. It is actually very easy to make reservations on the WDW websites, for Character meals you will need a credit card to make it but will not be charged until the meal. Unfortunatly these dates fill up quickly. It will not hurt to ask for them to help make a reservation.
Does anyone have any other information that would be helpful?
Check out TourGuideMike and TouringPlans to help you plan your trip. These sites will tell you what the crowd levels will be at the parks and what parks are best to go to each day.
Does anyone know if I can purchase discounted tickets for the parks for my family that will be with us?
I have heard that sometime GKTW has extra tickets that are donated by families that don't use them. These are probably more the US, IOA, and SeaWorld because these are individual tickets. The Disney ones are one ticket for each person for all three days. Once used they can not be transfered to another person.
Sorry to bother everyone but I’m new to all this and want to make sure my family has the best trip ever.
No Problem, that is what we are here for.
Truly yours,
Roxanne.

Hope I was able to help, some things may have changed since our trip though.

 

[blessedmom4]

I’m officially starting our pre-trip! I’m a little lost but hopefully everyone can help me and guide me on what I should to in order to get ready for my trip:

Hello. My name is Roxanne mom to MJ (3 this March), Jojo (6), Paulina (9) and Joey (dad). We all love Disney and can’t wait to go in March!

Our son MJ was born with medical conditions and we didn’t find out into he was about 9 months and I kept pushing and telling the doctors something was wrong and finally I found the one RIGHT doctor who believed in me and didn’t say I was a crazy and over protective mother. We found out in November 2009 MJ has Arnold Chiari malformation, spastic deplegia, cerebral palsy and swallowing issues as well as eating issues because of everything going on with him so he is under weight and on 4 pediasure a day. MJ has had 2 brain surgeries his first in November 2009 and his second in August 2010 than we just went in January and MJ had his tonsils, adenoids and ear tubes put in. MJ is finally starting to feel better and we are all looking forward to our make a wish Disney trip on March 20th.
A brief description of Arnold Chiari Malformation: Arnold-Chiari malformation is a malformation of the brain which consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils and the medulla through the foramen magnum.
My two wonderful girls: Jojo (6), Paulina (9) is our sweet girls who have their own struggles with everything going on and we feel horrible for both of them. But they have been pretty amazing the past two years with everything that is going on. This trip will be just as special to Jojo and Paulina as it is to MJ. The girls can’t wait. They ask me everyday how many more days to go and can we start packing.

We are arriving March 20, 2011, just 9 days after MJ 3rd birthday. We will be staying at GKTW. We are so excited about this since most of my family will be there as well it’s my bothers 40th and we wanted to go but just couldn’t afford the trip. We are so grateful that MAW is sending us at the same time! We can’t WAIT.

Any ideas to help us get started would be are greatly appreciated . I just have a few questions I was wondering if anyone could help me out:

Does anyone know if my family would be able to come visit us at GKTW?
Do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have a Wish Lounge?
Do I need to use the Fast Pass if I go on an Adult ride without the wish kid?
Does anyone know if MJ gets to see a specific character and have a meet and greet?
Does Make A Wish help set-up a character meal if needed?
Does anyone have any other information that would be helpful?
Does anyone know if I can purchase discounted tickets for the parks for my family that will be with us?
Sorry to bother everyone but I’m new to all this and want to make sure my family has the best trip ever.

Truly yours,
Roxanne.

Oh good Roxanne, you found your way over here.
She has started a PTR and here is the LINK.

 

[luvmygrlz3]

I have a quick question...my hubby is doing some quick research and was wondering...are the Parking fees included for MAW/GKTW families? I can't remember it being discussed and we were just curious...Thank you in advance!!

 

[blessedmom4]

I have a quick question...my hubby is doing some quick research and was wondering...are the Parking fees included for MAW/GKTW families? I can't remember it being discussed and we were just curious...Thank you in advance!!

From what I have read and my notes...YES!!!! That is a HUGE savings!

 

[Bill_Lin]

From what I have read and my notes...YES!!!! That is a HUGE savings!

Not only is the parking paid, it is in special parking areas.

 

[Bill_Lin]

I’m officially starting our pre-trip! I’m a little lost but hopefully everyone can help me and guide me on what I should to in order to get ready for my trip:

Hello. My name is Roxanne mom to MJ (3 this March), Jojo (6), Paulina (9) and Joey (dad). We all love Disney and can’t wait to go in March!

Our son MJ was born with medical conditions and we didn’t find out into he was about 9 months and I kept pushing and telling the doctors something was wrong and finally I found the one RIGHT doctor who believed in me and didn’t say I was a crazy and over protective mother. We found out in November 2009 MJ has Arnold Chiari malformation, spastic deplegia, cerebral palsy and swallowing issues as well as eating issues because of everything going on with him so he is under weight and on 4 pediasure a day. MJ has had 2 brain surgeries his first in November 2009 and his second in August 2010 than we just went in January and MJ had his tonsils, adenoids and ear tubes put in. MJ is finally starting to feel better and we are all looking forward to our make a wish Disney trip on March 20th.
A brief description of Arnold Chiari Malformation: Arnold-Chiari malformation is a malformation of the brain which consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils and the medulla through the foramen magnum.
My two wonderful girls: Jojo (6), Paulina (9) is our sweet girls who have their own struggles with everything going on and we feel horrible for both of them. But they have been pretty amazing the past two years with everything that is going on. This trip will be just as special to Jojo and Paulina as it is to MJ. The girls can’t wait. They ask me everyday how many more days to go and can we start packing.

We are arriving March 20, 2011, just 9 days after MJ 3rd birthday. We will be staying at GKTW. We are so excited about this since most of my family will be there as well it’s my bothers 40th and we wanted to go but just couldn’t afford the trip. We are so grateful that MAW is sending us at the same time! We can’t WAIT.

Any ideas to help us get started would be are greatly appreciated . I just have a few questions I was wondering if anyone could help me out:


Does anyone know if my family would be able to come visit us at GKTW?
Do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have a Wish Lounge?
You can use the First Aid stations as a rest area in the parks without a Wish Lounge. The V.I.P. Lounge at Epcot is open to Wish Trippers just like the Wish Lounge at M.K.
Do I need to use the Fast Pass if I go on an Adult ride without the wish kid?
This really varies, especially at Universal/ I.O.A. Typically, the pass needs to be where the Wish Kid is, but we did not find that to ALWAYS be the case.
Does anyone know if MJ gets to see a specific character and have a meet and greet?
This is one of the main benefits of being a Wish Trip Kids, getting to see your favorite characters. Cast Members at Disney and Team Members at Universal or Sea World will help you with this. Check out our Wish Trip tread via my signature to see all the magic we experienced.
Does Make A Wish help set-up a character meal if needed?
Often the lead time is not long enough for special reservations, but the rule is IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK your wish granters. Again, check out our wish trip thread to see the magic we experienced at the Castle. Guest Services will often do amazing things when they see your badge.
Does anyone have any other information that would be helpful?
Read the thread in my signature on Wish Trip Planning Tips or PM me with any questions you might have. I always suggest that folks buy at least some of their souvenirs from the Wal-Mart by the Village or the indoor flea market across the highway from there and up two blocks east to save a bundle of money. Also it makes a difference which park you visit which day of the week as far as crowds and open hours.
Does anyone know if I can purchase discounted tickets for the parks for my family that will be with us?
Check out the Disney website for discount offers.
Sorry to bother everyone but I’m new to all this and want to make sure my family has the best trip ever.

Truly yours,
Roxanne.

 

[Bill_Lin]

Hi! I am the mother of a two great kids, a 6 yr old daughter and my 12 yr old son! He has been granted a trip from the Sunshine Foundation of Canada!!!! We are so excited!! I have to call my organizer back today with dining reservation ideas---any ideas out there??

Universal/ I.O.A. has a character meal with super heroes.

 

[Glo's wish]

Hi Jeannie! OUr chapter gave us an envelope full of travellers cheques for our expense money. I know they are all different. We had absolutely no trouble cashing them anywhere, even the smaller food carts and counter service restaurants at Disney. DH and I each signed some of them beforehand, so if we split up, either one of us would have the ability to spend them. We made sure to bring our ID with us to the park, but no one ever really asked for it, or watched us sign them in their presence. If you have $100 travellers cheques, once you break them, then you have the cash in hand to give to whoever is buying. It was a great way to go, IMO.

Disney accepts AMEX trav checks... and card... at least they did when I worked at DL and I'm sure they still do.....I've been debating on whether or not to do Travellers checks. I was thinking that the prepaid debit cards might have some additional fees on them and it's hard to know how much is left on them too. Altyposo been trying to figure how much to take with us and how much to leave at GKTW. I bought my husband a little pouch to carry money under his shirt because I don't know how much is stolen or lost there by people!

We were given a Prepaid Discover card from our MaW chapter about a week before our trip. We had no problem using it anywhere. I was thinking about doing some disney dollars for Liam with the money he saves for the trip. It will be fun for him to have his own money that he can spend.
Though it is nice to know that if travelers checks or prepaid debit ia lost it can be reported and replaced while it is not the same for disney dollars.

Thanks for the ideas/suggestions. I really appreciate it!! I hope to post on some more amazing BG we received today if I have time tomorrow! I can't believe we are almost there!!!!!

 

[blessedmom4]

Thanks for the ideas/suggestions. I really appreciate it!! I hope to post on some more amazing BG we received today if I have time tomorrow! I can't believe we are almost there!!!!!

Looking forward to seeing them!
We also used Traveler's checks without any problems...

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I’m officially starting our pre-trip! I’m a little lost but hopefully everyone can help me and guide me on what I should to in order to get ready for my trip:

Hello. My name is Roxanne mom to MJ (3 this March), Jojo (6), Paulina (9) and Joey (dad). We all love Disney and can’t wait to go in March!

Our son MJ was born with medical conditions and we didn’t find out into he was about 9 months and I kept pushing and telling the doctors something was wrong and finally I found the one RIGHT doctor who believed in me and didn’t say I was a crazy and over protective mother. We found out in November 2009 MJ has Arnold Chiari malformation, spastic deplegia, cerebral palsy and swallowing issues as well as eating issues because of everything going on with him so he is under weight and on 4 pediasure a day. MJ has had 2 brain surgeries his first in November 2009 and his second in August 2010 than we just went in January and MJ had his tonsils, adenoids and ear tubes put in. MJ is finally starting to feel better and we are all looking forward to our make a wish Disney trip on March 20th.
A brief description of Arnold Chiari Malformation: Arnold-Chiari malformation is a malformation of the brain which consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils and the medulla through the foramen magnum.
My two wonderful girls: Jojo (6), Paulina (9) is our sweet girls who have their own struggles with everything going on and we feel horrible for both of them. But they have been pretty amazing the past two years with everything that is going on. This trip will be just as special to Jojo and Paulina as it is to MJ. The girls can’t wait. They ask me everyday how many more days to go and can we start packing.

We are arriving March 20, 2011, just 9 days after MJ 3rd birthday. We will be staying at GKTW. We are so excited about this since most of my family will be there as well it’s my bothers 40th and we wanted to go but just couldn’t afford the trip. We are so grateful that MAW is sending us at the same time! We can’t WAIT.

Any ideas to help us get started would be are greatly appreciated . I just have a few questions I was wondering if anyone could help me out:

Does anyone know if my family would be able to come visit us at GKTW?Yes they can. I believe they can have 1 meal for a small fee.
Do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have a Wish Lounge? No...Only MK and Epcot
Do I need to use the Fast Pass if I go on an Adult ride without the wish kid?We had no problems during my youngest wish trip. My older ones wanted to ride the roller coaster and just took the GAC pass and no one said a thing. US/IOA literally took our hands and put us on rides.
Does anyone know if MJ gets to see a specific character and have a meet and greet?I'm not sure on this. I can say..you get front on line for character meet and greet.
Does Make A Wish help set-up a character meal if needed?Our Chapter does not.
Does anyone have any other information that would be helpful?
Does anyone know if I can purchase discounted tickets for the parks for my family that will be with us?We are bring my daughters friend and no discount is avalible. I called each park to see about a discount and no one was able to do it.
Sorry to bother everyone but I’m new to all this and want to make sure my family has the best trip ever.Ask away. This is waht the board is for.

Truly yours,
Roxanne.

Hi and welcome!!!

 

[MitoDadMO]

Awesome big give items arrived yesterday, outfits for the boys to wear at AK. Hop over to our PTR to see.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Posted more Big Gives.

 

[Irelandsmom]

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!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

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?

 

[brookerene]

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!

Go to post 2 and the directions are there!

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?

I'm not sure myself, but I was under the impression it was during Star Wars Weekend...I hope someone can clarify this! I think my boys would enjoy it.

 

[2littleprincess']

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

 

[kissesbykim]

I have a quick question...my hubby is doing some quick research and was wondering...are the Parking fees included for MAW/GKTW families? I can't remember it being discussed and we were just curious...Thank you in advance!!

Make sure to show the GKTW button and it's free. They also direct you to handicap parking (follow the blue line) which is nice because with many of the spots you do not need a handicap card. Have fun!

 

[kissesbykim]

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 Ty had his MAW trip last October. He has Leukemia. He had just got his hair back so although it was a little thin, he looked like any regular child visiting Disney. No one will treat you any differently if your daughter doesn't "look" sick. Many cancer kids decide to take their trips when off treatment (my SIL did, she had Lymphoma as a child and was off treatment for 3 years before they went to Disney).

The MAW trips are truly a dream come true. Your child is more than a VIP there! Hope you have so much fun!