Make a Wish (and other organizations) - Wish Trippers UNITE! Volume SIX!

[Fairy Dreamfinder]

Quick question, for those that have done their MAW trip during MVMCP or other special events requiring additional tickets, does GKTW provide said tickets or do you pay OOP?
Thanks!

 

[Fairy Dreamfinder]

I have a question though. My parents are thinking about going with us (but not with us). They wouldn't be staying at GKTW or anything, but would be joining us in the park. If they do this, would they be able to get on the rides with us? I know we would have the MAW pass, so we would get easy access, but would they? Do we have to make arrangements with MAW before or is it taken care of at GKTW?

Great question! I am wondering the same thing. I just assumed that MAW would provide the extra buttons since the grandparents will be paying their own way.

 

[moe10378]

Great question! I am wondering the same thing. I just assumed that MAW would provide the extra buttons since the grandparents will be paying their own way.

We went on our wish trip last Sept. We had a provider staying w/ us, and my mom. They have to be on your pass (use to be called GAC), so ask your wish granting org. All of ours were listed when Gktw gave it to us. I didn't have to many CM's ask me, but a few wanted to see how many were listed.

 

[moe10378]

Quick question, for those that have done their MAW trip during MVMCP or other special events requiring additional tickets, does GKTW provide said tickets or do you pay OOP?
Thanks!

It is my understanding that Gktw does not provide the extra tickets. I know they didn't for MNSSHP last yr. Your wish granter may if you mention it!

 

[moe10378]

No dates yet


We probably won't know until early September unfortunately.

I have a question though. My parents are thinking about going with us (but not with us). They wouldn't be staying at GKTW or anything, but would be joining us in the park. If they do this, would they be able to get on the rides with us? I know we would have the MAW pass, so we would get easy access, but would they? Do we have to make arrangements with MAW before or is it taken care of at GKTW?

If the total amount of people staying in the villa is 7 or less, they will typically allow grandparents to stay w/ you! My mom did. It's usually left up to your WGO!! They would not get tickets free though

 

[Fairy Dreamfinder]

It is my understanding that Gktw does not provide the extra tickets. I know they didn't for MNSSHP last yr. Your wish granter may if you mention it!

Thanks, Mindy! I feel that I've already made too many requests of my wish granter, so I am not sure how that would go over. (Maybe that's part of being paranoid when you're the parent of a child who's medically fragile.) I'm afraid that if I ask for any more, we'll lose what we were already promised. As far as I understand, MAW will give one additional experience plus the wish meet-and-greet, and that's it. We had requested CRT, but that wasn't available - even at 180 days out. So they offered Akershus with BBB thrown in. Anything else we want to do is left up to us to book. I just became aware of the MVMCP happening while we're there, so I am trying to rearrange our schedule so that it doesn't conflict with our park days. I am hoping that an opening becomes available for dinner at 1900 Park Fare that Friday, because our wish kid DD really wanted to see Cinderella, and now we won't be doing MK that day.
Our WGO does know about the grandparents coming down, and they did offer to accommodate them in the villa. Grandparents own a timeshare in Orlando, so they opted for that. Does MAW use the park's disability cards? I had read that when they changed GAC to DAS, WGO's were exempt from the new limitations. However, with all the recent changes, I am getting the feeling that Disney and MAW are not quite on the same page. I am hoping this isn't the case.

 

[moe10378]

Thanks, Mindy! I feel that I've already made too many requests of my wish granter, so I am not sure how that would go over. (Maybe that's part of being paranoid when you're the parent of a child who's medically fragile.) I'm afraid that if I ask for any more, we'll lose what we were already promised. As far as I understand, MAW will give one additional experience plus the wish meet-and-greet, and that's it. We had requested CRT, but that wasn't available - even at 180 days out. So they offered Akershus with BBB thrown in. Anything else we want to do is left up to us to book. I just became aware of the MVMCP happening while we're there, so I am trying to rearrange our schedule so that it doesn't conflict with our park days. I am hoping that an opening becomes available for dinner at 1900 Park Fare that Friday, because our wish kid DD really wanted to see Cinderella, and now we won't be doing MK that day.
Our WGO does know about the grandparents coming down, and they did offer to accommodate them in the villa. Grandparents own a timeshare in Orlando, so they opted for that. Does MAW use the park's disability cards? I had read that when they changed GAC to DAS, WGO's were exempt from the new limitations. However, with all the recent changes, I am getting the feeling that Disney and MAW are not quite on the same page. I am hoping this isn't the case.

Maybe you can call GKTW and see if they have any tickets. Or even Disney, maybe they can cut you a break! You would be surprised at the magic that can happen!! Or maybe use some of your expense check! We did not
Go through MAW, we went through The Special Wish Foundation.

I am being told the issues w/ GAC do not effect Wish families. GKTW gives you a lanyard with a card with the participants names, and number in party. I had a couple CM's request to see that. I would make sure grandparents are down as non complimentary and included as part of the wish party for the parks.

I have twins w/ autism, and both have epilepsy. They do not come out of there seizures w/out medical intervention. Last yr we went for Bailey. Bradley also qualifies, so we are heading to GKTW again Sept. 28! We are extending, and staying in Daytona on the beach.

Don't stress, you will have the time of your life! We could have stayed at GKTW the entire wk and been happy!!!! The place is pure magic!!!

 

[aRaegne]

Hello, everybody! I'm so glad I found this forum! I just received a phone call yesterday from MAW letting us know that my 6 year old (Alana) has been approved for a wish! We are hoping to go to Disney World (she wants to be a princess for a day at Disney), and I'm interested in finding out about other families experiences with MAW, GKTW, and Disney. Also, knowing what to bring with us and how much money we will need would be helpful, because I've got no clue as far as what we will need and what will be provided.
We are SO excited for Alana's wish!

 

[moe10378]

Hello, everybody! I'm so glad I found this forum! I just received a phone call yesterday from MAW letting us know that my 6 year old (Alana) has been approved for a wish! We are hoping to go to Disney World (she wants to be a princess for a day at Disney), and I'm interested in finding out about other families experiences with MAW, GKTW, and Disney. Also, knowing what to bring with us and how much money we will need would be helpful, because I've got no clue as far as what we will need and what will be provided.
We are SO excited for Alana's wish!

First let me say,
You have def came to the right place!!! There are tons of wish trip reports to sift through, with just about anything you need to know!! If you can't find something, ask, everyone is really helpful and friendly!!

 

[Fairy Dreamfinder]

Hello, everybody! I'm so glad I found this forum! I just received a phone call yesterday from MAW letting us know that my 6 year old (Alana) has been approved for a wish! We are hoping to go to Disney World (she wants to be a princess for a day at Disney), and I'm interested in finding out about other families experiences with MAW, GKTW, and Disney. Also, knowing what to bring with us and how much money we will need would be helpful, because I've got no clue as far as what we will need and what will be provided.
We are SO excited for Alana's wish!

Welcome, aRaegne!
Congratulations on Alana's wish! My daughter Cassie is also six and will be going on her MAW trip in November! Here is some information that I have found helpful:
1. GKTW actually handles most of the Disney wish trips. Your local MAW chapter will be able to add a few things to the trip, but GKTW has their own specific package that they give to all wish recipients. You will get one week's stay at the Village, 3 days park hopper passes to Disney, 2 days passes to Universal, and 1 day at Sea World. MAW will be sure that you get a "wish experience" (such as a meet+greet FP time, or a visit to BBB) and depending on your local chapter, they might add in something extra like a character breakfast.
2. You get to do your own planning. If you want extra character meals, you can make your own ADRs. (I would recommend choosing trip dates at least 6 months out, so that you can take advantage of that 180 day reservation time.) Your local MAW chapter will provide some expense funds, enough so that you can get at least a CS meal, snacks, and souvenirs for each family member each day. You can ask about what your exact allotment might be. Meals at the GKTW Village are free. MAW also handles all travel arrangements and expenses.
3. You will get a "magic button" from GKTW that will help you get priority access to some attractions (does not apply to character meets or food places at Disney). I do not think that you will be able to take advantage of the FP+ system or be able to pre-book attractions at this time. (You receive your special passes from GKTW at orientation, and FP selections have to be linked to the park tickets. So no pre-planning there.)
3. Talk with your MAW Wish Granting Volunteers. They may have experience with either helping on past wishes, volunteering at MAW or GKTW, or might even have spent time as Disney CMs! They are your liaisons to MAW. Talk to them about your wish and see what kinds of special things they might be able to make happen. You never know with MAW, they like doing special surprises!
4. Take the time to enjoy it! This is a process, and yes, at times it can be stressful. For me, the hardest thing is not micromanaging every little detail. (I think that's just part of being a parent to a child with a terminal illness, I over think everything!) The trip is intended to be a vacation away from the medical worries. Although you might not get everything on your wish list, MAW and GKTW will make your experience special! Do what you can and just remember that Alana is going to enjoy this immensely regardless of what you end up doing or not doing on your trip.
I wish you all the best. If you would like to talk or have any other questions, feel free to contact me. Here are links to a couple of great GKTW brochures that are full of information!
http://www.gktw.org/wgo/pdf/wish-step-by-step.pdf
http://www.gktw.org/pre/pdf/village-guide.pdf

 

[sarahtar]

Welcome, aRaegne!
(I would recommend choosing trip dates at least 6 months out, so that you can take advantage of that 180 day reservation time.)

Our local MAW told us not to expect to hear travel dates until a few weeks in advance. We were hoping to go to MSSSHP, but am worried we won't be able to get tickets. (We're waiting to hear if they approved our preferred travel dates in October.)

 

[mamamousejess]

Hi! I have been lurking the past couple of days and decided to go ahead and join!
My DD is 3 and had a heart transplant at 5 weeks old due to several severe heart defects. She was also diagnosed last year with Autoimmune Enteropathy, a rare autoimmune disease that affects the immune system and digestive tract. She spent nearly a year in the hospital, fighting the disease and having several surgeries. She is g-tube and trach dependent.
She qualified for a wish through MAW, met her wish volunteers and her wish has been submitted.
We are just waiting to hear if she has been approved.
Her wish is to meet all of the princesses at Disney World and see a parade.
I am a planner and I am already trying to come up with a game plan for what would interest DD and my DS (her twin) and what I think they would enjoy in the parks.
I can't wait to read everyone's trip reports and get to know you all

 

[Topdogie01]

Hello everyone, ill do a pretrip report later when im actually awake and DS gives me time to.

My son has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (hlhs) that he was born with. To put it simply, a normal heart is roughly divided equally into four sections yeah? DS's heart did not develop right and his left side did not form in the upper left and the lower left was about the size of a pea. Since birth he had had 3 separate open heart surgeries (one week old, about a year and a half, and 3 and a half). He is finishing healing from the last one done in june.

My son qualifies for a Make a Wish trip and has been approved for a trip in November. We chose Nov 20-26th as that's when we have the most time off from work.

I guess I need help trying to figure out what to ask for his special part of the trip that we are supposed to pick out. Its tentatively set for the jake and the Netherlands pirates package.

He has always loved cars the movie. Lilo and stitch. And starting to like jake and the Netherlands pirates.

 

[moe10378]

Hi! I have been lurking the past couple of days and decided to go ahead and join!
My DD is 3 and had a heart transplant at 5 weeks old due to several severe heart defects. She was also diagnosed last year with Autoimmune Enteropathy, a rare autoimmune disease that affects the immune system and digestive tract. She spent nearly a year in the hospital, fighting the disease and having several surgeries. She is g-tube and trach dependent.
She qualified for a wish through MAW, met her wish volunteers and her wish has been submitted.
We are just waiting to hear if she has been approved.
Her wish is to meet all of the princesses at Disney World and see a parade.
I am a planner and I am already trying to come up with a game plan for what would interest DD and my DS (her twin) and what I think they would enjoy in the parks.
I can't wait to read everyone's trip reports and get to know you all

 

[moe10378]

Hello everyone, ill do a pretrip report later when im actually awake and DS gives me time to.

My son has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (hlhs) that he was born with. To put it simply, a normal heart is roughly divided equally into four sections yeah? DS's heart did not develop right and his left side did not form in the upper left and the lower left was about the size of a pea. Since birth he had had 3 separate open heart surgeries (one week old, about a year and a half, and 3 and a half). He is finishing healing from the last one done in june.

My son qualifies for a Make a Wish trip and has been approved for a trip in November. We chose Nov 20-26th as that's when we have the most time off from work.

I guess I need help trying to figure out what to ask for his special part of the trip that we are supposed to pick out. Its tentatively set for the jake and the Netherlands pirates package.

He has always loved cars the movie. Lilo and stitch. And starting to like jake and the Netherlands pirates.

Congrats on the wish trip approval!! I love Fl in the fall!! We are flying out Sept. 28!

I can't help you as far as what to ask for, neither of my boys' wishes were granted through MAW. I'm sure someone will come along and help you! The pre and trip reports are soo valuable for info also. One things for sure, you all will have the time of your lives!!

 

[Kristi77]

We are so excited. We just received the call yesterday with the date's of our MAW trip. November 17-23rd. Now we can officially start planning.

 

[moe10378]

We are so excited. We just received the call yesterday with the date's of our MAW trip. November 17-23rd. Now we can officially start planning.

YAY for dates!!!! The time will fly, and it'll be here before you know it!!!!!

 

[Diegosmom]

I know I need to start my pre-trip report but had a few questions.

We just found out that we will be allowed to extend our trip. So we will be staying 4 more days. My question is will we be able to use the park tickets? I know Disney is good for 14 days but would the GKTW button still work?

Was also thinking of doing our LEGOLAND day after we leave GKTW and was wondering how quick we could use the free tickets from the passport that we get when we check out. Also online I read that the passport is good for wish child and immediate family. Well its just me and my son, his grandma and aunt are coming on the wish trip would they be included in immediate family?

We are needing to book a hotel. MY dad is also coming (paying his own way) so we need a hotel for 5. I was looking at Sheraton Vistana Villages. Any opinions? Thanks

 

[Kristi77]

Can anyone tell me about the weather in November? Should we be packing fall clothes or still shorts etc.

TOPDOGIE01 - Can you tell me a little bit about the Jake and the Pirates Package. Our Little Wish Guy is 3 and obsessed with Jake the Pirate.

 

[Topdogie01]

Can anyone tell me about the weather in November? Should we be packing fall clothes or still shorts etc.

TOPDOGIE01 - Can you tell me a little bit about the Jake and the Pirates Package. Our Little Wish Guy is 3 and obsessed with Jake the Pirate.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package (starting at $44.95 plus tax):
·******** Jake and the Never Land Pirates bandana with faux hair
·******** Jake facial effect
·******** Sword and sheath
·******** The Pirates League bag
·******** Unique pirate coin necklace
·******** Exclusive Jake and the Never Land Pirates costume T-shirt
·******** Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...bidi-bobbidi-boutique-and-the-pirates-league/

That is what my maw coordinator shared with me.