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

[Chipmonksmommy]

I know the trip and everything is FREE! and im not being selfish in the least bit. But im a planner. I like to be prepared before leaving. We leave in 19 days to go on this week long awesome trip for my 5 yr old. (also have 2 other children) I dont need any rude comments or anything, i just want to be ready for when we go so i know if i need to take extra money with us or anything. we are also a family of 5

I have asked and they said we shouldnt have to worry about any expenses. but my ? is because im a planner. and they dont give the checks until the day before when they do the "going away party" they throw for the wish child. I hate feeling like im in the dark. we're soo nervous because we've never been on a plane or to WDW or anything. i know the expense money covers everything we need but we just want to make sure we wont be 3 days in without money know what i mean? anyways, thats why i am asking. thanks for the help. (we're also in the texas chapter for MAW)

 

[angeque143]

I know the trip and everything is FREE! and im not being selfish in the least bit. But im a planner. I like to be prepared before leaving. We leave in 19 days to go on this week long awesome trip for my 5 yr old. (also have 2 other children) I dont need any rude comments or anything, i just want to be ready for when we go so i know if i need to take extra money with us or anything. we are also a family of 5

I have asked and they said we shouldnt have to worry about any expenses. but my ? is because im a planner. and they dont give the checks until the day before when they do the "going away party" they throw for the wish child. I hate feeling like im in the dark. we're soo nervous because we've never been on a plane or to WDW or anything. i know the expense money covers everything we need but we just want to make sure we wont be 3 days in without money know what i mean? anyways, thats why i am asking. thanks for the help. (we're also in the texas chapter for MAW)

There is no clear cut answer that can be given. I believe that the check is based on your family size and each chapter has a set amount that they give. As I was told bring $$ if you use it ok but if you dont at least you have it with you.

 

[mom2pixies]

There is no clear cut answer that can be given. I believe that the check is based on your family size and each chapter has a set amount that they give. As I was told bring $$ if you use it ok but if you dont at least you have it with you.

Seems like Angie's comment is right on the money (pun not intended, but appropriate!). Bring extra $ and if you need it, then you'll be glad that you did. If you don't, all the better!

Not sure if you are staying at GKTW, but from what I have heard, you can be pretty frugal with meals if you eat breakfast there, ask the folks at Katie's Kitchen to pack you a lunch or snacks (to take to the parks), and then come back to GKTW for most dinners. Maybe save the souvenir spending until the last couple of days, that way you will have the funds for the extras in the meantime. Then, you'll know just what you have left for the kids to spend on tees, toys and special trinkets. Good luck!

Also--I've heard that there is a WalMart just around the corner from GKTW that has lots of Disney merchandise and souvenirs available for half the price you'd get them at the parks or in DTD. Maybe worth a trip!

BTW: I know the topic of $ can be pretty delicate, but I don't think it's wrong to inquire with others who have been there. I'm sure we all feel the same way about this amazing opportunity---super blessed by the trip--but we are all planners who want to know what to expect! (Otherwise, I don't think any of us would be on these boards!)

 

[mysevendwarfs]

Just curious, I was reading a thread that said the lines for Rapunzel are incredibly long. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with character lines at Disney on a wish trip. Do they give wish kids any special treatment? I know my girls would love to see her, but those character lines are a little much for our daughter so we have tended to do character meals and no line characters on our previous trips. I know the GAC gives help for some of the lines, just didn't know about the characters. Thanks!

 

[maroo]

Just curious, I was reading a thread that said the lines for Rapunzel are incredibly long. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with character lines at Disney on a wish trip. Do they give wish kids any special treatment? I know my girls would love to see her, but those character lines are a little much for our daughter so we have tended to do character meals and no line characters on our previous trips. I know the GAC gives help for some of the lines, just didn't know about the characters. Thanks!

Most CM's will not only "let" wish kids go forward in character lines, but some will actually be pretty upset if they find out that they inadvertently let a wish family wait.

When you get to the character spot, just show the CM your GAC or the GKTW button. The GAC is stamped with a special stamp only given for wish kids and it should get you to the exit and pretty quick to see the characters...

But...be ready with your camera, autograph books and all of that...because it can happen really fast and then it gets crazy trying to find all the stuff...if that makes any sense. Especially with lots of kids in tow.

But generally, yes, they don't want wish families to wait.

Your orientation may tell you that the GAC is not for character lines...and I think it technically isn't supposed to count for them...but 99% of the time the reports from families that have been all say that they get basically FOTL at the character spots.

They will either sneak you in (if that is possible) or they will ask the family in line next if they mind if a wish family goes before them...Most families are honored to let you go ahead of them and really enjoy the front row seat they get to the magic of your family enjoying the characters. Since they are told that you are a wish family, they don't get mad, they just enjoy the moment with you.

We did have one family say "No" once...they were late for an ADR or something... so it is possible you may have to wait for a family that isn't in a hurry...but most people are going to be very nice and no one wants a wish family to wait a long time...It could happen somewhere on your trip, but they really try hard to make sure everyone is having a good time.

 

[mysevendwarfs]

Most CM's will not only "let" wish kids go forward in character lines, but some will actually be pretty upset if they find out that they inadvertently let a wish family wait.

Thanks Maroo! This is wonderful.

 

[LindaBabe]

Just an extra plug for that particular Walmart as a source of souvenirs - their selection is incredible! It's a full sized "department" in that store, not just a single rack - they have tee shirts, beach towels, post cards, key chains, lanyards, toys, sunglasses etc especially heavy on character themed stuff.

It's right on the corner of 192 and Bass Lake road, about 1 mile from GKTW.

There are other Walmart's in the area, but I've never been in them, so couldn't say if they offer the same selection.

Also, remember, if you're staying at GKTW, you *will* be receiving gifts, so be sure to pack an extra bag to bring home the loot!

 

[angeque143]

I have a question totally NON-DISNEY related.... DID I JUST SAY THAT?!?

We seem to have a BIG problem with Eva chewing on things...Any suggestions for toys that have NO stickers on them that are interactive? Just to give you an idea, she has even removed the paint on her little people...I am going crazy here because she silent aspirates as it is and with what we just went through you can bet I am not going to even chance it again!!!

 

[kdzbear]

I have a question totally NON-DISNEY related.... DID I JUST SAY THAT?!?

We seem to have a BIG problem with Eva chewing on things...Any suggestions for toys that have NO stickers on them that are interactive? Just to give you an idea, she has even removed the paint on her little people...I am going crazy here because she silent aspirates as it is and with what we just went through you can bet I am not going to even chance it again!!!

I am not sure how old she is, but if she needs the feeling of something in her mouth try this: http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-Massaging-Action-Teether/dp/B000V8AL3C I know that they have them also at Kohls and Walmart. My middle son always had to have something in his mouth and he loved this toy. I know it is a baby teether, but he used it much longer. Our verson had a fat purple handle rather than the new hand grip handle.

 

[evsmama30]

Getting my stuff together and wondered if anyone needed fairy godmail? we will be in the world in a week

if you do, please just pm me the info and character you need and we will get it taken care of!!!

ONE WEEK!!!!!!

 

[angeque143]

I am not sure how old she is, but if she needs the feeling of something in her mouth try this: http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-Massaging-Action-Teether/dp/B000V8AL3C I know that they have them also at Kohls and Walmart. My middle son always had to have something in his mouth and he loved this toy. I know it is a baby teether, but he used it much longer. Our verson had a fat purple handle rather than the new hand grip handle.

Been there done that she manages to kill them pretty fast!! LOL Thanks for the info though!!

 

[Tonyababyrn]

I came across an old GKTW newsletter online from fall 09. It says that GKTW families can get tickets to Aquatica during their stay. Does anyone know if this is still available? Trace expressed an interest in a water park and I had thought about buying 1 day passes to one of the disney waterparks....but if this is available...that would be wonderful!!

Here is the link to the newsletter: Newsletter

 

[brookerene]

I came across an old GKTW newsletter online from fall 09. It says that GKTW families can get tickets to Aquatica during their stay. Does anyone know if this is still available? Trace expressed an interest in a water park and I had thought about buying 1 day passes to one of the disney waterparks....but if this is available...that would be wonderful!!

Here is the link to the newsletter: Newsletter

Yes, they gave us that option at our orientation... so it is still valid.

 

[Shellyplus4]

Hey,

I am still new here and learning the ropes. How do I get our report added to the Anxiously Awaiting DATES! list?

Thanks,

 

[Shellyplus4]

I am sure this is a dumb question... What is fairy Godmail??

 

[Tonyababyrn]

Yes, they gave us that option at our orientation... so it is still valid.

Thanks Brooke! I also found they offer 1/2 fishing trips. Now to decide which to do.

 

[xanphylus]

I am sure this is a dumb question... What is fairy Godmail??

Not a stupid question at all! Fairy Godmail is when someone is heading tot he World before your trip and is willing to send your kiddos a postcard from their fav character saying something like, "can't wait to see you! Love, Mickey!" or "It was great seeing you last month, Love Cinderella." Very cute stuff. And for those kids who are aware of the post marks, it is much more legit- since it is marked from Orlando. Usually, if you get postcards sent to you, most people like to turn around and do the same special thing for someone else- pay it forward! I usually do like 5 cards or so every time we go. The kids love their "mickey mail".

 

[Tonyababyrn]

I am sure this is a dumb question... What is fairy Godmail??

It's usually a postcard that a "fairy godmother" will send to children at their home while the fairy godmother is visiting WDW. Just a little pixie dust.

 

[Chipmonksmommy]

I would love for someone to send something to my kids. Can't pm on here but email me at chipmonksmommy @ gmail dot com

 

[Perrinsmommy]

Guess what we got in the mail today?! Our GKTW packet! Not too much longer now!