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

[yinyanggirls]

This could be an ice storm for our area and with the very cold (in the TEENS) temps coming our way afterward, it could be a major problem for us.

Please pray for my friends - that they would all make good preparatory decisions - some are even planning to leave town.

I am heading to Orlando (unless my friends want me to stick around).

Wow, Mary, that looks like a pretty serious storm! I remember the ice storms we got in North TX. There was one coming the night we got Tessa from the hospital. That should have told me something! LOL Anyway, of course you and your friends will be in our prayers. Please update when you can!

 

[SueM in MN]

I know we could probably do it pretty quickly, but part of my dilemma is that the morning seems to be the best time to see the animals, yet I think she would love the parade in the afternoon. But, I have also read that it is hot, hot, hot there, or at least it feels that much hotter than any of the other parks. That worries me, as she'll just wilt. I think that's something that we'll just have to play by ear. Worst case scenario, we will have more time to spend at GKTW!

We have been to AK at different times. My DD does not do well early in the morning, so when we have been with her, we don't get there early.
When DH and I have taken trips without the kids, we have gotten there when the park opens.
So, we have seen the park at different times and found lots of animals early and late. In fact, this October, on a late morning ride on the Safari, we saw the lions very well. Usually, you see nothing or just the top of the lions' backs. This time, we actually saw the male lion with his head up so you could see the whole lion. Our 'worst' safari was an early morning because fog interfered with being able to see the animals.
We try to watch the weather and spend the coolest day at AK.
The parade is cute and the handicapped viewing areas are mostly shaded. They are marked on the park maps - check the locations out early in the day so you can find the best location for you.

Just wanted to say that Islands of adventure at universal is amazing. We spent the day at seuss landing, from 9am-ish until 5ish.
There's tons of stuff to do there, maybe not a whole days worth, but at least a couple of hours. and sea world is awesome, but if your kiddo's aren't into animals much you might skip it? I loved the shows and feeding the dolphins, though. (sea world & seuss landing were my favs- over disney!)

This is a link to Universal's Rider's Guide for Guests with Disabilities. It has a lot of very specific information, starting with height requirements and going on about what skills/abilities you need to go on the attractions. There are some more links to Universal information in post #9 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. (There is a link in my signature to that thread).
Post #10 of that thread includes information about SeaWorld, including this link to a place where you can download SeaWorld's Disability Guidebook.

We're flying out January 23rd at 8am.

We've got a lot of stuff to take, but none of it too big. I think all of it will fit in a carry on. We have Cambell's special formula as well as Sloan's syringes, lancets, test stips, extra insulin, extra meter just in case. All of that is stuff we will need on the plane with us anyway. Yws, we will have an over abundance on the plane, but no sense in shipping it when they are going to have to go through part of it anyway.

Just in case you were not aware, the medical equipment you carry on will not count toward your carry on allowance as long as it contains just medical equipment and supplies.

I have not caught up on this thread..

But I am asking you guys to pray for us.

This could be an ice storm for our area and with the very cold (in the TEENS) temps coming our way afterward, it could be a major problem for us.

Please pray for my friends - that they would all make good preparatory decisions - some are even planning to leave town.

I am heading to Orlando (unless my friends want me to stick around).

Prayers sent.
It is bitter cold up here in Minnesota, but at least we are prepared for it.

Talk about miracles in the making. Our foster agency supervisor found out that Charlie was staying home with B instead of going on the MAW trip. She got together with B's CYS caseworker and MAW and they performed a little magic. Barring unforseen things, all 4 of us hit GKTW on Saturday!!!!!! Karen

 

[momma_mouse]

Maroo, where do you live? I hope you don't end up with ice. We're supposed to get snow, but no one knows how much as of now. I normally wouldn't get into the hype of it all, but after last years ice storm and now having a child with special health needs, I ran to the store tonight. We've got extra milk, eggs, bread and peanut butter so we'll be good for several days if need be. I hope the weather is nice to you.

 

[pipersmom]

Talk about miracles in the making. Our foster agency supervisor found out that Charlie was staying home with B instead of going on the MAW trip. She got together with B's CYS caseworker and MAW and they performed a little magic. Barring unforseen things, all 4 of us hit GKTW on Saturday!!!!!! Karen

Karen..that is so completely wonderful! I'm so glad the whole family is getting to go on the trip! I'm so excited for you..only a few more days!!!

 

[maroo]

I will say that we did all of the Disney Parks. However, we did not do Universal or Sea World. We planned on doing either IOA or Sea World, but my kids chose to stay at GKTW instead. We ended up spending 2 days at GKTW. My kids loved being there.
We live in Texas and were able to use our Sea World tickets 6 months after our trip. We were even able to feed the dolphins in San Antonio.

This is a great tip about using those Sea World tickets!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I have been trying to post a new thread on our wish trip report but I am not being allowed to do so....I have no idea why? I am going to finish it up in the next few days on Savvy's COTA site though.

Maroo --- THANK YOU for the photopass code --- I am going to work on editing today and hopefully get it done!!!

Bargain of the day ---- Snapfish has 50 prints for a penny a piece...thought I share for those who have a ton of picture to print.

I bet this is because they have locked the thread...send OhMari (I think that is right) a PM and let her know you would like to work on it and to please open it back up - they will do that with no problem!

They go through and "close" inactive threads every now and then...and sometimes they accidently close one that is not quite done yet.

I had an issue with one of the PhotoPass codes that I had...I think I gave 1 code to TWO families...so if yours does not work, don't panic...just PM me and I can get you a new one! But it should be fine...I think it is solved.

Talk about miracles in the making. Our foster agency supervisor found out that Charlie was staying home with B instead of going on the MAW trip. She got together with B's CYS caseworker and MAW and they performed a little magic. Barring unforseen things, all 4 of us hit GKTW on Saturday!!!!!! Karen

Oh that is GREAT news!

I am still planning on seeing you guys there!!! Call me when you land and get settled and I will call you guys when I am at GKTW if I have not heard from you so that I can meet up with you guys.

Wow, Mary, that looks like a pretty serious storm! I remember the ice storms we got in North TX. There was one coming the night we got Tessa from the hospital. That should have told me something! LOL Anyway, of course you and your friends will be in our prayers. Please update when you can!

Yeah...they are NOT fun.

So far they are saying it all depends on a degree or two of temperature in the upper atmosphere and on the surface...but there is a lot of uncertainty!

Either way...I am leaving TODAY to go to Disney - driving instead of flying...just didn't want to take the chance on the flight being canceled.

Maroo, where do you live? I hope you don't end up with ice. We're supposed to get snow, but no one knows how much as of now. I normally wouldn't get into the hype of it all, but after last years ice storm and now having a child with special health needs, I ran to the store tonight. We've got extra milk, eggs, bread and peanut butter so we'll be good for several days if need be. I hope the weather is nice to you.

I live just north of Jackson, MS. We are right at the line between heavy rain and heavy ice... It all depends on a degree or two of temperature...maybe it will stay warm enough to just get rain. If we get that much FREEZING rain......it will be a MESS.

I went to the store for Lauren and her family last night. Lisa was really busy and wasn't going to make it...they may not need the stuff if it misses us...but it is good to have it if it hits us.

We will see! Keep an eye out on the news for central MS - if you don't hear about us...that is probably good. Prayers are a great help!

 

[twinmum]

Hello! Wonderful to see how this thread and community keeps going strong...Volume 3 already! Thanks to Maroo and all the Wish Trip families who keep it alive...must pause to swallow back guilt for never having finished our trip report...but I do check and I'm happy to chime in when I think I have info of value to add!

Our big news is...we're going back to WDW!!! We have twin boys (now 11), and we enjoyed Mark's magical Wish Trip last November. Mark and Douglas were born >3 months prematurely and Mark has cerebral palsy and some related medical issues. Life has been very busy then...a major renovation to make our house accessible for Mark, significant health issues for my mother, seeking out schools for the boys after they graduate (from Grade 6) this spring (we're exploring private schools, so they prepared for and wrote the SSATs, lots of tours, applications and interviews), H1N1 for all of us and my mother (Mark was first to come down with it just 2 days before they opened up the vaccine clinics for high risk individuals here!). Thank goodness for Tamiflu! We stayed out of hospital, with the exception of my mother, who contracted pneumonia - although she is still weak, 2 months later, she's OK...well, except for the dementia but that's another story!

So what have we planned? We're planning our first trip to the Polynesian!!! Douglas and Mark are supposed to be going on a 3 day outdoor education trip at the end of February. Now this might be lovely in some parts of the world, but we live in Toronto, Ontario...and February can be cold and snowy! With the combination of snow, ice, and cold, accessibility and health issues were going to make this quite a challenge, so we made the only sensible decision...We're going to miss the trip and go to WDW!!! My hubby is not able to join us, so I am taking the boys, and their shared best friend. That way our able-bodied boy has a friend to ride with while I ride with Mark.

Yes, that's me and three, count 'em, three 11 year old boys..including a wheelchair!

This is the 3rd WDW and 4th Disney trip for the boys. We've had a WDW trip staying at the Grand Floridian, a Disneyland Grand Californian trip, a Wish Trip (stayed at Give Kids the World and a few days on our own back at the GF...it was all absolutely magical) and now this trip. The prices at the GF were $$$$$ and I wanted to stay club level because that makes it easier for us, and is a lovely treat. Our travel agent priced out options and recommended the Poly, in the Hawaii building and that's what we're doing!

Club level means that breakfast is included, makes it easy in the morning, and we can take some fruit for snack in the parks. (And yes, we'll still get a Mickey bar or two!) At WDW we often eat "dinner" at lunch time so we all get a longer break - helps with Mark's stamina. In the club lounge at the hotel, there are also evening (5-7 p.m.) snacks. These can almost become dinner if you have a big meal at lunch and aren't big eaters. I'll supplement for us all from the counter service place in the hotel...or the sushi bar, we all enjoy sushi! There's lots of CMs to help, and oh yeah...drinks of all kinds, to suit every age...soda, lemonade, juice etc for the boys...a nice glass of wine for me! It costs more, but will help me maintain my sanity and enjoy the time with the boys.

We won't feel the outpouring of affection and support we did at GKTW, but I am sure we'll be taken care of and have a good time.

The boys and I will be there from February 21-28th. We've got ADRs for some of our favourite places and some new ones too. I think the boys will really enjoy the theming at the Poly, although they love the GF too. I love the convenience of the monorail!

I'll check out this thread to see if there are any families on Wish trips while we are there. We won't have our own transportation, so I don't think we can make it back to GKTW, which is a shame...but a reason for another trip in the future! The boys are very keen on seeing the Harry Potter area at Universal once it is open, so I suspect we'll go again sometime down the road.

I'm so pleased to be going back, relieved Mark (and Douglas and friend Max) will get extended outdoors time as he is cooped up too much of the winter (it's one of the reasons we all ski) and will be able to get around the hotel etc in his walker...so much nicer than the slush around here right now.

And the boys...well they are SO excited! And, they are working very, very hard to not show it too much at school - none of their classmates are very excited about their own outdoor education plans. They'd rather be going with us!!!

Sorry for the novel...I just had to tell you all!!!
Yippee!!!
Alison

 

[maroo]

Hello! Wonderful to see how this thread and community keeps going strong...Volume 3 already! Thanks to Maroo and all the Wish Trip families who keep it alive...must pause to swallow back guilt for never having finished our trip report...but I do check and I'm happy to chime in when I think I have info of value to add!

Please don't feel any guilt! I know your life was crazy as soon as you returned (and as you were leaving! ) Family first!

Our big news is...we're going back to WDW!!! We have twin boys (now 11), and we enjoyed Mark's magical Wish Trip last November. Mark and Douglas were born >3 months prematurely and Mark has cerebral palsy and some related medical issues. Life has been very busy then...a major renovation to make our house accessible for Mark, significant health issues for my mother, seeking out schools for the boys after they graduate (from Grade 6) this spring (we're exploring private schools, so they prepared for and wrote the SSATs, lots of tours, applications and interviews), H1N1 for all of us and my mother (Mark was first to come down with it just 2 days before they opened up the vaccine clinics for high risk individuals here!). Thank goodness for Tamiflu! We stayed out of hospital, with the exception of my mother, who contracted pneumonia - although she is still weak, 2 months later, she's OK...well, except for the dementia but that's another story!

Goodness! I am so glad that your Mom is doing some better...so sorry about the dementia.

So what have we planned? We're planning our first trip to the Polynesian!!! Douglas and Mark are supposed to be going on a 3 day outdoor education trip at the end of February. Now this might be lovely in some parts of the world, but we live in Toronto, Ontario...and February can be cold and snowy! With the combination of snow, ice, and cold, accessibility and health issues were going to make this quite a challenge, so we made the only sensible decision...We're going to miss the trip and go to WDW!!! My hubby is not able to join us, so I am taking the boys, and their shared best friend. That way our able-bodied boy has a friend to ride with while I ride with Mark.

AH! That is awesome!!!

What a great idea! Glad you are taking an extra person with you! That will make things a lot easier!

Yes, that's me and three, count 'em, three 11 year old boys..including a wheelchair!

Well...now that you put it THAT way.

This is the 3rd WDW and 4th Disney trip for the boys. We've had a WDW trip staying at the Grand Floridian, a Disneyland Grand Californian trip, a Wish Trip (stayed at Give Kids the World and a few days on our own back at the GF...it was all absolutely magical) and now this trip. The prices at the GF were $$$$$ and I wanted to stay club level because that makes it easier for us, and is a lovely treat. Our travel agent priced out options and recommended the Poly, in the Hawaii building and that's what we're doing!

That is so awesome! I will be at the Poly that very next weekend! (Not Club Level. )

Club level means that breakfast is included, makes it easy in the morning, and we can take some fruit for snack in the parks. (And yes, we'll still get a Mickey bar or two!) At WDW we often eat "dinner" at lunch time so we all get a longer break - helps with Mark's stamina. In the club lounge at the hotel, there are also evening (5-7 p.m.) snacks. These can almost become dinner if you have a big meal at lunch and aren't big eaters. I'll supplement for us all from the counter service place in the hotel...or the sushi bar, we all enjoy sushi! There's lots of CMs to help, and oh yeah...drinks of all kinds, to suit every age...soda, lemonade, juice etc for the boys...a nice glass of wine for me! It costs more, but will help me maintain my sanity and enjoy the time with the boys.

This will be a GREAT help to you with the three boys! Sounds like a great investment in your trip!

We won't feel the outpouring of affection and support we did at GKTW, but I am sure we'll be taken care of and have a good time.

I bet you will feel lots of magic your direction!

The boys and I will be there from February 21-28th. We've got ADRs for some of our favourite places and some new ones too. I think the boys will really enjoy the theming at the Poly, although they love the GF too. I love the convenience of the monorail!

The monorail...can't beat that!

I'll check out this thread to see if there are any families on Wish trips while we are there. We won't have our own transportation, so I don't think we can make it back to GKTW, which is a shame...but a reason for another trip in the future! The boys are very keen on seeing the Harry Potter area at Universal once it is open, so I suspect we'll go again sometime down the road.

Oh! I do hope you will get back to GKTW at some point. I know getting a vehicle is a pain!

I'm so pleased to be going back, relieved Mark (and Douglas and friend Max) will get extended outdoors time as he is cooped up too much of the winter (it's one of the reasons we all ski) and will be able to get around the hotel etc in his walker...so much nicer than the slush around here right now.

And the boys...well they are SO excited! And, they are working very, very hard to not show it too much at school - none of their classmates are very excited about their own outdoor education plans. They'd rather be going with us!!!

Sorry for the novel...I just had to tell you all!!!
Yippee!!!
Alison

I am so glad you stopped by!

 

[myasma]

Mya and I are also going back to WDW during her birthday week in October. The 26th to Nov 1 to be exact. We are staying at Pop century and have the deluxe plan. We will also be planning to stop back at GKTW on November 1 while we are down there to revisit Mya's star and have fun. Unfortunately writing a pre trip report has not been as much fun this year since we dont have the wonderful wish trip families following. I have no subs nor responses. I even added a link on my signature but still, nothing. I will say that our wish trip last year totally spoiled us and while I know it won't be the same am still trying to duplicate somethings. This time we will also be adding another little princess as I decided to take my 3 year old niece along.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Shardai, I'm sorry no one has subbed to your thread. I have just recently started reading more non-wish threads. It seemed like a lot when I first joined but I'm getting better at navigating this place. I just tried your link and it wasn't working. Is the DIS having trouble tonight or is the link broken for some reason? I'd love to check it out if I can find it....

 

[yinyanggirls]

Alison, how fun to be going back!!! We haven't even gone yet and I'm starting to think we will need to plan a return trip in the year or two after.

 

[myasma]

Shardai, I'm sorry no one has subbed to your thread. I have just recently started reading more non-wish threads. It seemed like a lot when I first joined but I'm getting better at navigating this place. I just tried your link and it wasn't working. Is the DIS having trouble tonight or is the link broken for some reason? I'd love to check it out if I can find it....

Okay, I fixed the problem. It should work now. Thanks for going to check it out.

 

[dmbfan]

I'll check out this thread to see if there are any families on Wish trips while we are there. We won't have our own transportation, so I don't think we can make it back to GKTW, which is a shame...but a reason for another trip in the future!

Yeah... We too are going back next month. We are staying at Port Orleans French Quarter, which we are excitied about, but we decided to go back to GKTW and volunteer two evening shifts as a family during this trip. We do not have a car either, so we will take a cab or shuttle of some sort, still trying to see what would be cheaper, since we will be going back and forth 2 times. We can't wait.

I just hope the weather is good down there.... Enjoy and I hope you all have a wonderful trip back as well..

 

[that's nice]

Hey everyone!

I didn't realize that the old thread was closed. I was wondering why it wasn't showing up on my subbed threads. I'll be looking forward to trying to help or answer any questions I can on the new thread!

My DD3 was approved for a wish at the beginning of December and her granters are coming next Friday! I hope she wishes to goto Disney but we will see what happens.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Hey everyone!

I didn't realize that the old thread was closed. I was wondering why it wasn't showing up on my subbed threads. I'll be looking forward to trying to help or answer any questions I can on the new thread!

My DD3 was approved for a wish at the beginning of December and her granters are coming next Friday! I hope she wishes to goto Disney but we will see what happens.

I didn't realize you guys hadn't been on a WISH trip yet. You sound so knowledgeable, I guess I just assumed. I hope she chooses Disney too!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Okay, I fixed the problem. It should work now. Thanks for going to check it out.

Found it! I subscribed! I don't know if I'll be any help since we've never been to the Magic Kingdom but I'll follow along.

I also think I missed your WISH TR. Not sure how I did that, 'cause I thought I read them all. I'll go and read that now.

 

[twinmum]

Yeah... We too are going back next month. We are staying at Port Orleans French Quarter, which we are excitied about, but we decided to go back to GKTW and volunteer two evening shifts as a family during this trip. We do not have a car either, so we will take a cab or shuttle of some sort, still trying to see what would be cheaper, since we will be going back and forth 2 times. We can't wait.

I just hope the weather is good down there.... Enjoy and I hope you all have a wonderful trip back as well..

That sounds like so much fun! You know, I think I did read that you were going back and volunteering too. Hmmmm..... I would love to do that, but I think we should save it for a true family trip when my husband can come too. He's still feeling badly that he won't be with us this time - missing a return visit to GKTW would make him sad. It might also be tougher with the 3 boys, including 1 who wasn't actually on the Wish trip.

We are looking for ways to volunteer for the wish-granting organization that sponsored us, something we can do locally. We may be creating gift bags for kids in hospital - we go to their warehouse and stuff tons of bags to be given out to kids in the ER and on the floors.

When are you there?

Also, if you figure out your transportation before you go, would you let me know how you're doing it? That would be good to know, just in case. I know the boys would love to visit GKTW!

Have a wonderful trip!
Alison

 

[Momofwishkid]

Okay, I fixed the problem. It should work now. Thanks for going to check it out.

Im subbing right now! Cant wait to follow along with your planning and how exciting to be going back.

 

[Momofwishkid]

Hey everyone!

I didn't realize that the old thread was closed. I was wondering why it wasn't showing up on my subbed threads. I'll be looking forward to trying to help or answer any questions I can on the new thread!

My DD3 was approved for a wish at the beginning of December and her granters are coming next Friday! I hope she wishes to goto Disney but we will see what happens.

I hope she choses Disney too! Keep us updated and you will definetley have to start a PTR if she does chose Disney.

 

[that's nice]

I didn't realize you guys hadn't been on a WISH trip yet. You sound so knowledgeable, I guess I just assumed. I hope she chooses Disney too!

We have been to Disney a few times in the last few years. So I kinda know about different resorts, restaurants, and how things work. I've been following the Wish trippers thread for some time and I try to answer a question if I can. Some people are faster than me though and when I see an answer I know, usually someone has it answered already!

I hope she choses Disney too... we'll see I guess.

I hope she choses Disney too! Keep us updated and you will definetley have to start a PTR if she does chose Disney.

I will start a PTR if she does. There is a lot of GKTW info I don't know. I'm sure you all will be able to help me with it!

 

[myasma]

Hey everyone!

I didn't realize that the old thread was closed. I was wondering why it wasn't showing up on my subbed threads. I'll be looking forward to trying to help or answer any questions I can on the new thread!

My DD3 was approved for a wish at the beginning of December and her granters are coming next Friday! I hope she wishes to goto Disney but we will see what happens.

That is great!!! You have been giving such good advice to other families on this thread. Now you guys get to be apart of the magic!!! Cant wait to start reading your pre trip report.