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

[maroo]

I think GKTW offered to set it up for everyone. What it amounted to was a TSA agent meeting us at the counter for our airline and escorting us through security and to our gate. It was such a big help.

On the kids night out: Our wish kid has very significant medical issues that require 24 hour nursing or parent support. What we did was just hover nearby, out of sight of the kids but accessible to the volunteers if they needed us (they also had our mobile phone #). My son's medical issues didn't come up in terms of eligibility to participate. We might have just slipped through the cracks in that regard.

I guess we never really checked out the Parents Night Out - I had just read on the website that they won't supervise any child that needs help with bathroom stuff...Which, really makes a lot of sense. But it seems like a lot of the wish kids would be excluded...so I am glad that they have made some sort of compromise on that?

We weren't offered any TSA help when checking in or out of GKTW. Maybe this is reserved for children in wheelchairs or for kids that have greater needs than others.


Thanks for your review! GKTW is such a great place in it self. I think all the volunteers make it so much more magical! I can understand your frustration in MK. I think we found a few CMs in MK who could care less about the button or the GAC card.

You think they are new? Or maybe they have more things "to do" with the wheelchairs and GAC cards since that park is less accessible? I am just baffled by the difference at the MK vs other parks?

I hope he does once I talk to him in person.

I might have to check out Apple Scooters, just in case.

Did you call ahead or when you got there?

Great idea about the Wish Trip discounts.

Thanks so much.

I would call ahead. You can actually reserve it on their website...which I think is www.applescooters.com or something like that?

But you can also call...and I think I would do that to make sure they will deliver to GKTW and see what the price is for a Make a Wish family.

You also might want to call GKTW and see if they already have a contract of sorts with another company that may offer deeper discounts, too, if Apple won't offer you a discount. Apple was the cheapest that I found, though...and their customer service was great!

I have to share

Avy was just playing on the floor with baby bear (our newest foster baby) She was dancing the Mayor Clayton stuffed animal on his belly, then on the floor and back to his tummy. Baby Bear did his first ever Belly laugh it was so cute we all laughed and laughed with him. It went on for a good 5 mins till he grabbed it from Avy and rolled over on top of him

Awww!!

When we went at the beginning of 2009 MK was the worst in our opinion too. They were very blase and just not bothered about the wheelchair/GKTW badge or anything, they just pointed us to the Wheelchair access and left us to it.
The rest of the parks were quite good but Universal Studio's treated us like royalty throughout our visit, they couldnt do enough for us, even down to sometimes keeping us company whilst waiting to go on rides.

I have heard awesome things about Universal's VIP treatment of Wish Families.

I really believe that they see so many Wish kids a day that it gets old to them. We had a few experiences like you.

This could be....

She is quite good thanks
She still isnt back to the levels she was pre Brain surgery but we muddle along and accept the fact that there are things she cant do anymore. The differences are not that big as she has never been able to do all that much Bless her

She is happy and content, that is the main thing, and of course ooking forward to Christmas

I have to read a coupla hundred pages of this thread now to get myself back on track after being away for so long

Please tell her that Maroo said hello! And that I still have her letter on my fridge. I am so thankful she is doing so much better!

 

[Magicbus]

There are a few other examples, but I know I sound like a whiner now. The point is just that Magic Kingdom was notably different from a wish trip standpoint than other parks. I thought it might be an issue of training of cast members, but it was so across the board at one park compared to another that I’m not sure. I did hear a woman at GKTW complaining specifically about Magic Kingdom. It was the only time all week I heard anyone complain about anything. She was upset and said she had formally complained (I’m not sure to whom).

This paragraph concerns me. Especially the part about CMs not being trained. Trained how and why? I realize that you're talking about MK, but I've read comments like these about WDW before and never know how to take them.

As far as I know, Disney by far, is the single largest contributor to GKTW. GKTW would not be the place it is without Disney & it's CMs help. Wish trips wouldn't be the trips they are if it weren't for Disney's generosity. Among other things, Disney has established a long running CM volunteer program at GKTW. Pointing out, and sometimes criticizing Disney for not giving the Wish child the same treatment that they get elsewhere may be true, but it's slightly unfair.

My comments are made from the perspective of both a long time independent GKTW volunteer and WDW CM.

 

[maroo]

This paragraph concerns me. Especially the part about CMs not being trained. Trained how and why?

I don't want to speak for this person...so I type this cautiously...but I think they just mean that the way that the wish children are handled at the MK isn't consistent with the way they are handled at other parks. And it seems to be a theme lately - that the families are noticing a difference between the way they are treated at the MK vs the other Disney parks and other companies.

I have been here a couple of years reading the TR's and this thread's volumes and the issues families cite have been few and far between.

The vast majority of CM's seem to treat the wish families wonderfully - doing special things for them when they can and generally trying very hard to make sure they have a good trip and that they get through the parks as quickly as possible - but there have been a few CM's that have not done this and sorta left families waiting to get on a ride (for a while) or done something that made things seem less magical than most of the CM's that they have come across on the trip.

I choose to think it would be a training issue because I just don't believe the CM's would purposefully do anything to make a wish family feel bad at all...so I make that comment as a positive thought toward the CM, if that makes any sense?? I realize I am not making sense.

I realize that you're talking about MK, but I've read comments like these about WDW before and never know how to take them.

I hope you don't take offense at all. Please keep in mind that this thread is basically wish families talking to other wish families (although many, many people are lurking) - and I think they just want to help each other manage their expectations. We talk a lot about wish trips being the only "front of the line" access and I think the poster is just trying to tell future wish families not to expect that in all cases - that things tend to vary widely depending on which CM they encounter.

As far as I know, Disney by far, is the single largest contributor to GKTW. GKTW would not be the place it is without Disney & it's CMs help. Wish trips wouldn't be the trips they are if it weren't for Disney's generosity. Among other things, Disney has established a long running CM volunteer program at GKTW. Pointing out, and sometimes criticizing Disney for not giving the Wish child the same treatment that they get elsewhere may be true, but it's slightly unfair.

I think most of the families posting on this thread completely understand that Disney gives a lot to the families and I honestly don't think they are trying to be negative toward Disney - although it may seem like that at times - I think they are just trying to talk to other wish families and provide information that they wish they had before they went on their trip.

It has been discussed a lot on this thread (and previous volumes) that Universal actually seems to provide a more VIP experience than Disney does in the parks - generally families have reported that they are taken by the hand by the Universal employees and brought right to the front of lines, much like a VIP tour guide would do at Disney. So, from the wish family perspective, that treatment leaves a really good impression in their minds regardless of what Disney does behind the scenes.

My comments are made from the perspective of both a long time independent GKTW volunteer and WDW CM.

We have talked via PM and I have seen many, many posts here on the DIS and feel like I know you. I appreciate your input so much here on the DIS. And I really appreciate your years of volunteering for GKTW and the families here really appreciate the volunteers a ton.

Much like there are a few negative experiences with bus drivers at Disney, there are a few negative experiences by wish families and they are often shared here to either just vent or to inform a future wish family.


It is hard to explain how it feels on the family side of things...to have such a horrible thing happen to your child that you would be granted a wish trip and then to have such incredibly high hopes for a trip. Before you leave for the trip, your mind really creates this wonderful, magical, perfect trip in your mind. You want nothing more than the very, very best for your child and this once in a lifetime trip - so the negative things tend to stick out more than they would on a typical Disney trip - because the hopes you have before you leave are so intensely high and I think many families come back and want to share the good and bad so that future families can sort of keep those hopes in check as they plan and dream the best trip ever for their child and family.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

This paragraph concerns me. Especially the part about CMs not being trained. Trained how and why? I realize that you're talking about MK, but I've read comments like these about WDW before and never know how to take them.

As far as I know, Disney by far, is the single largest contributor to GKTW. GKTW would not be the place it is without Disney & it's CMs help. Wish trips wouldn't be the trips they are if it weren't for Disney's generosity. Among other things, Disney has established a long running CM volunteer program at GKTW. Pointing out, and sometimes criticizing Disney for not giving the Wish child the same treatment that they get elsewhere may be true, but it's slightly unfair.

My comments are made from the perspective of both a long time independent GKTW volunteer and WDW CM.

I for one can't say enough for what Disney and all the volunteers do for wish kids. Words just can't describe what they(you) mean to us parents of wish kids. Now we did come across some CM at the park that seemed not to care and acted like we were a bother, but most did. Were we treated differently at Universal park..yes, but I also think Universal doesn't see as much wish kids as Disney does. I think alot of folks skip Universal due to it having faster rides and not really made for younger kids. I want to thank each and every volunteer at GKTW, Disney, and Universal for all they(you) do.

 

[Magicbus]

Much like there are a few negative experiences with bus drivers at Disney

Negative experiences with the buses, say it isn't so.

I also think Universal doesn't see as much wish kids as Disney does.

That's true. I think it's like the celebration buttons, they've become so common that they're almost routine.

 

[tidrow]

Thanks Maroo for clarifying my post. Magicbus: We visited four Disney parks and had terrific times at all of them, including as I noted a couple times, the Magic Kingdom. We were also overwhelmed by the treatment we received by Disney cm’s. My attempt was to note as a point of information for other families that our treatment as a wish family at one of the four Disney parks, while not detracting from wonderful days, wasn’t at the same level as the three other Disney parks (or the Universal parks) we visited. To somehow take that as an indictment of Disney World or a failure to recognize its contributions to GKTW is hard to understand and in my view more than a little unfair. In any case, we return from our trip big fans of Disney and what it does for wish families.

 

[HeatherSP]

We have been waiting to hear back from MAW since veterans day when the volunteers came to visit. Finally about 2 weeks ago I called the local office and left a voicemail but didn't hear back. So Monday my husband called and spoke with someone and left a message. Yesterday we finally heard back and were asked for copies of birth certificates for all 5 children, drivers licenses and insurance information. I faxed all of that so hopefully we are straight now. But they told me that Princess Tiana doesn't do a meet and greet so that Lhea's wish of dancing with princess Tiana isn't going to happen However they will still be sending us to disney world and they are still aiming for spring break (with 5 kids in school I really need to try and do it while the kids are on break). Hopefully Tiana will be somewhere at MK and we will atleast get to meet her. So once again we are getting excited

 

[that's nice]

We have been waiting to hear back from MAW since veterans day when the volunteers came to visit. Finally about 2 weeks ago I called the local office and left a voicemail but didn't hear back. So Monday my husband called and spoke with someone and left a message. Yesterday we finally heard back and were asked for copies of birth certificates for all 5 children, drivers licenses and insurance information. I faxed all of that so hopefully we are straight now. But they told me that Princess Tiana doesn't do a meet and greet so that Lhea's wish of dancing with princess Tiana isn't going to happen However they will still be sending us to disney world and they are still aiming for spring break (with 5 kids in school I really need to try and do it while the kids are on break). Hopefully Tiana will be somewhere at MK and we will atleast get to meet her. So once again we are getting excited

Sounds like you are going!!!!

You can find Tiana once you walk into Liberty Square. She is to the left (or behind... depending how you look at it ) the Christmas Shop. We met her last week and had such a great experience with her. I don't see why Tiana wouldn't dance with her when you guys meet her!

 

[that's nice]

This paragraph concerns me. Especially the part about CMs not being trained. Trained how and why? I realize that you're talking about MK, but I've read comments like these about WDW before and never know how to take them.

As a 'seasoned' WDW traveler and a recent Wish family (last week! ) I can say that most CMs were wonderful in dealing with my DD. There were a few occasions that when a CM at a ride looked at my DDs GAC card (her button was attached on the same lanyard) and they just assumed that it was a 'normal' GAC. I did notice on my DDs GAC, there was a little stamp that had a little more information on it. It seemed that some CMs just treated it like any other GAC or their body language was like 'OH, not another one of these' But there was one occasion when we went to meet Santa next to City Hall where the CM made us feel guilty when we were brought around the line.

I guess what I am saying is that it did seem in these instances that the CM may have been misinformed on WHY we had the GAC or maybe didn't take to time to see my DDs GKTW button, which was literally inches away from the GAC or thought we were 'milking the system' when seeing my DD with the GAC with no visible reason (wheelchair, crutches, etc) to have one.

As far as I know, Disney by far, is the single largest contributor to GKTW. GKTW would not be the place it is without Disney & it's CMs help. Wish trips wouldn't be the trips they are if it weren't for Disney's generosity. Among other things, Disney has established a long running CM volunteer program at GKTW. Pointing out, and sometimes criticizing Disney for not giving the Wish child the same treatment that they get elsewhere may be true, but it's slightly unfair.

I didn't really see where the OP came across bashing Disney or the wonderful people that work there. I think we all realize the contributions that Disney has make to Wish families and to GKTW and it is truly amazing.

We ran into a CM on the way out of POTC and he saw the GKTW button on my daughter. He stopped us to talk for a minute and asked us about GKTW and if we were enjoying it there. So after talking for a few minutes he said that he hope to see us there because he was going there to 'work' that night. I really think that GKTW is so magical because every person (volunteer) we ran into there had the biggest smile on their face, were very outgoing, and always said hi.

My comments are made from the perspective of both a long time independent GKTW volunteer and WDW CM.

Thank you for volunteering at GKTW. Like I said before you (volunteers) are the ones who make it possible for GKTW to be what it is.

 

[kailatilear]

I just want to put a BIG thank you out there for all the special people on the disboards.
I cannot believe how many people here have put a smile on Abby's face, when there are times it is so hard for her to smile from being in so much pain. The letters, the gifts, the postcards and everything else, I cannot say thank you enough. Each and everyone of you are my special friends, although we have never met in person, I still consider everyone a friend and will always have a special place in our hearts.

 

[pacrosby]

Hi everyone. We just got back from using Ty's passport to go to Kennedy Space Center and also visited Magic Kingdom, DHS and we also went back for a visit to Give Kids The World. Ty did not want to leave GKTW. Melted my heart! We got to meet Pamela and Mattie and his siblings and family. It was quick (it was cold!) but really nice. I have pictures but need to download them.

The day before we left(last Thursday) we got a call from Childrens that they wanted to move Ty's bladder surgery sooner. So for now it is scheduled for January 25th. Alot sooner then March and I have so much to do. He will also need to go inpatient for about 3 days between now and then to do some other testing. I am quite nervous about it all but know God is walking along side us.

I will do a TR as soon as I get a chance to get started. We drove over 2000 miles and I am exhausted

I am praying for all who are waiting for their Wish to be granted as well as those who need pixie dust. I do read this thread quite a bit to keep up with the Wish Kids. Hugs to all

Hey Tonya!

Just checking to see if you made it back ok....didn't see any activity on your PTR so made it over here as a last resort. Yay....you,'re back safe and sound

Sorry it was such a quick hello. I would have loved to chat a bit. Matty and Murphy the Gingerbread Man had a wonderful reunion. GKTW even arranged to surprise Matty with the chance to walk in the parade AGAIN with Murphy shortly after you guys went in to the Gingerbread House to eat. It was so much fun

Hope your trip was a good one. Ours was a bit challanging to say the least (27 hour train rides, 29 degree temperatures, 6/7 of us coming down with a major nasty NASTY stomach virus, a trip to the hospital for Brennan and, if all that wasn't enough, not being let off at our Amtrak stop on on the way home!). Still, we managed to eek out some really fun times and have lots of memories. I just keep reminding myself it's all about the adventure and that trip most certainly WAS nothing short of an adventure

Looking forward to popping in on your trip report. In the meantime have a Very Merry Christmas! It was great to be able to actually meet you

Pam

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Hey Tonya!

Just checking to see if you made it back ok....didn't see any activity on your PTR so made it over here as a last resort. Yay....you,'re back safe and sound

Sorry it was such a quick hello. I would have loved to chat a bit. Matty and Murphy the Gingerbread Man had a wonderful reunion. GKTW even arranged to surprise Matty with the chance to walk in the parade AGAIN with Murphy shortly after you guys went in to the Gingerbread House to eat. It was so much fun

Hope your trip was a good one. Ours was a bit challanging to say the least (27 hour train rides, 29 degree temperatures, 6/7 of us coming down with a major nasty NASTY stomach virus, a trip to the hospital for Brennan and, if all that wasn't enough, not being let off at our Amtrak stop on on the way home!). Still, we managed to eek out some really fun times and have lots of memories. I just keep reminding myself it's all about the adventure and that trip most certainly WAS nothing short of an adventure

Looking forward to popping in on your trip report. In the meantime have a Very Merry Christmas! It was great to be able to actually meet you

Pam

Ok so can I DEMAND a trip report??Ok then I will beg. PLEASE???
It was so good to meet you too! We had quite the adventure too with my mil But I will save that for my TR So we know 2 things. No more trains and no more 2000 mile road trips right?

Wow I am so sorry to hear about your adventures! Not the adventures your supposed to have in Disney! When we came out of the Gingerbread House Ty saw the Gingerbread man.He wouldnt walk up to him though. He wouldn't even walk up to Mayor Clayton and we had to beg him to go up to Mickey. He was a little frustrated because we didn't bring his headphones to GKTW and it was a little loud at times. I hope you are all feeling better and are able to get caught up on some rest. I'm definately glad you are HOME! Seriously did I ask you to do a TR yet?? Ok I'm asking again! lol

I am lagging in my TR. It's been crazy here with school being out due to snow. I will get to it I promise. Still thinking of a good name. I will be ordering the photopass pictures soon. It was so good to be able to go back and see GKTW. The smile on Ty and Sierra's faces was unbelievable. It will always be a part of them and I am so thankful to them for that. Going back trully felt like we were "home".

To all of the families here-Hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas!

 

[maroo]

We have been waiting to hear back from MAW since veterans day when the volunteers came to visit. Finally about 2 weeks ago I called the local office and left a voicemail but didn't hear back. So Monday my husband called and spoke with someone and left a message. Yesterday we finally heard back and were asked for copies of birth certificates for all 5 children, drivers licenses and insurance information. I faxed all of that so hopefully we are straight now. But they told me that Princess Tiana doesn't do a meet and greet so that Lhea's wish of dancing with princess Tiana isn't going to happen However they will still be sending us to disney world and they are still aiming for spring break (with 5 kids in school I really need to try and do it while the kids are on break). Hopefully Tiana will be somewhere at MK and we will atleast get to meet her. So once again we are getting excited

Looks like Tim beat me to this, but I just wanted to say that you guys will DEFINITELY get to meet Tiana. And she is just beautiful. Several of our past wish families have had wonderful meetings with her. Let the Cast Member at the meet and greet know that this is her wish trip and that meeting Tiana (and dancing with her or whatever) is her special wish.

 

[maroo]

I just wanted to let the new people know this....and remind the old timers...that we will be starting a new thread on Christmas Day. Not sure exactly when on Christmas Day - but it is a tradition for me to start the new wish trippers thread on Christmas Day each year. It is pretty quiet on the DIS since most folks are doing the family thing for the day, but when you get back on the DIS, there will be a new thread for us.

I will copy everything from the first post and 2nd post over and will put a link to this thread in my signature, on Lauren's trip report (for anyone searching on Google) and in this thread so that people will all be able to find us.

I hope you all have a great Christmas Week!!!

 

[maroo]

Power of Ten...

You guys have got to see this!!!!


The Podcast Team has set up a First Giving page for Give Kids the World...

This is the way it works. They are hoping that 10,000 people will ask just 10 of their friends to donate just $10 to Give Kids the World.

If we can get that done - then we will have raised ONE MILLION dollars for GKTW! And that is the goal!! ONE MILLION bucks!!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE...and send your friends here, too.

You don't really have to donate anything... just find 10 friends that are willing to donate just 10 dollars to GKTW! (Of course, if you want to donate...feel free. )

 

[Haybuggsmom]

We have been waiting to hear back from MAW since veterans day when the volunteers came to visit. Finally about 2 weeks ago I called the local office and left a voicemail but didn't hear back. So Monday my husband called and spoke with someone and left a message. Yesterday we finally heard back and were asked for copies of birth certificates for all 5 children, drivers licenses and insurance information. I faxed all of that so hopefully we are straight now. But they told me that Princess Tiana doesn't do a meet and greet so that Lhea's wish of dancing with princess Tiana isn't going to happen However they will still be sending us to disney world and they are still aiming for spring break (with 5 kids in school I really need to try and do it while the kids are on break). Hopefully Tiana will be somewhere at MK and we will atleast get to meet her. So once again we are getting excited

You will DEFINATELY get to meet her!!! She and Prince Navene were sooo great when Haylee met them. He was kissing her hand even. They had a big conversation with my kids and the kids loved how in character all the Disney characters were. We voted her dress the "Best Princess Dress" the kids couldn't get too close because it was so big. Go to the exit to get to her.

 

[casper_jj11]

We have been waiting to hear back from MAW since veterans day when the volunteers came to visit. Finally about 2 weeks ago I called the local office and left a voicemail but didn't hear back. So Monday my husband called and spoke with someone and left a message. Yesterday we finally heard back and were asked for copies of birth certificates for all 5 children, drivers licenses and insurance information. I faxed all of that so hopefully we are straight now. But they told me that Princess Tiana doesn't do a meet and greet so that Lhea's wish of dancing with princess Tiana isn't going to happen However they will still be sending us to disney world and they are still aiming for spring break (with 5 kids in school I really need to try and do it while the kids are on break). Hopefully Tiana will be somewhere at MK and we will atleast get to meet her. So once again we are getting excited

Hi! Sydney loves Tiana. She was done up as Tiana at the BBB and we met her later that day at the gazibo. Best thing to do is have a look at the schedule of meet and greets in the park guide that you can pick up at the front of MK or, I believe, GKTW. The times that she and prince naveen are out are listed. It was starting to rain when we arrived and they were getting ready to leave but as soon as they realized Sydney was a wish child, they waited and spent as much time with her as she wished. I'm quite sure Tiana would dance with her if asked. They were wonderful.

 

[jj0plin]

I think I may have overdosed on this thread and a couple TR's!! Work is really, really slow right now and I have been reading for hours (this weekend and last)... I loved reading PACrosby's and alaskanaabbott's trip reports!

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Please follow me on our journey back to the one and only place Ty has never wanted to leave. The happiest place he has ever been is Give Kids The World. We would love for you to read along

Crash! You want us to do what? A Kennedy,WDW, and GKTW TR Dec 2010


It is also in my siggy. I will go alot slower with this TR as I kept a journal along the way and with Christmas New Year and Hospital admissions coming up I will move along as best I can. Maybe this time you can have some time to enjoy it before I end it so fast

 

[Redwavess]

Hi all!

I just posted the story of when Mallory first made her wish. It is a cute story complete pictures and a starring role by Rudolph... !

Now, on to the questions I have. I saw that some people make their PTR easier to read by providing links to certain important posts on the 1st page but I don't know how to do that. How do you link to individual posts in a thread? Also how can I change the name of link?

Second question... Does GKTW have internet access??

Thanks,

Madeline