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

[Laurensmom2004]

I posted Lauren's Make a Wish party from last night on to my ptr.......it was amazing--just wanted you guys to see it!!!

 

[Laurensmom2004]

Ok expense check is cleared up....they fedex it out to us in a couple of days. Thanks for the advice!!!!!

 

[maroo]

My daughter on this trip wants to do the pick a pearl thing, and from what i have been reading there is a place in epcot to do this and a place in seaworld. Has anyone done this? and which is the better place to do so?

I went to the craft store and picked up a pearl cage already, now just need to know where best place is to go and get one for her

I think both places are good. You can watch them pick it at Sea World and I think they may make a bigger deal out of it - but I don't think it is very handicapped accessible.

In Japan they make a big deal over it and they just pick the oyster and then they open it in front of them. It is really fun, too.

Tell them to pick an UGLY oyster - they usually have the most fun pearls in there.

Adri's wish party is a week from Wednesday and then we leave a week from Saturday. I'm so excited. I have everything planned... the only hiccup that I'm worried about is Cooper's naps. He turns 10 months old this week and is a great napper - that has been a huge blessing as Adri was not a good napper as a baby. We've committed to come back every day for a nap because we just think that's necessary for both kids. However, Cooper regularly takes a 2 hour morning an 2 hour afternoon nap. Obviously that won't be happening. If we have a double stroller and he's sitting beside Adri the whole time, I don't know if he'll lay back and go to sleep. I'm starting to have a mini freak-out over this. He is such a laid back and easy going baby... but we've never put him in a situation where we push him beyond his limits. Wish us luck!

Good luck! You are able to get a free stroller with your button? So maybe take one and then get one at GKTW? A small fold up stroller or something?

Okay now that it's getting so close I have some logistical questions. I know I'll learn this stuff at orientation but I'm curious how it works.

Honestly - some of the info I got at orientation made me doubt what I had learned here - like I remember them telling me that we can't use the GAC for character lines. But things worked out a lot more like what I heard on the DIS from the families that have been, honestly. I think I knew as much as the person doing the orientation about logistics in the parks. But there are lots of things you learn about GKTW and how they run things that change constantly, so that part is up in the air till you get there, really. Especially the schedule there.

When you are going on a ride, how do you use your pass. I've read and heard people are escorted through the back -- how do you get to the people to use the pass?

I agree with the response below out this. Usually the FP line, but sometimes just the exit. They will also help you at character lines, too.

Also, how does it work with character meet & greets? We know this will be a big part of our trip as Adri is scared of a lot of rides (and Cooper won't be able to do much anyway), but I'm wondering how I'm going to avoid feeling incredibly guilty? Is it a "hassle" to find someone who will let you skip the line? Another question - what if DH wanted to ride a roller coaster while we're in a park... is it "cheating" if he uses the pass so that he can quickly get in and out and get back to the rest of us? I don't want to misuse it at all. I also don't want to roam the park for an hour or more by myself for him to ride a ride alone, you know?

Not cheating at all! When you split up, just have one group take the magic button and the other take the GAC and you should be golden!

Last question - the stroller rental - with the above question about being afraid of naps, we're a little concerned that in their double stroller, Cooper will be less likely to lay back and fall asleep if Adri's getting in and out with him. If we're in a park and decided we just need to get an extra stroller for logistical purposes, do we just go up and show our pass and get a free one? We're planning to bring our double stroller to use most of the time but we realize there may be days or moments where we're better off having an extra one so Cooper can nap - is it simple to do that in the middle of the day or is that something we should do upfront?

Yes! You just show your pass and they will give you one! You can do upfront - I would - just to make sure they have some and you have it.

Very excited to have found this!!! I have been reading for all your posts for days and days!!! My son has been granted his wish trip and we are looking at the end of September for his trip to WDW!!
I would love to start his pre-trip info but dont know exactly how to start!

to the Wish Trippers thread!!

I am so glad you found us!

Check the 2nd post on the first page of this thread and there are instructions on there as to how to start a pre-trip report and how to post pics.

Are you talking spending money? Cuz our coordinator told us that we'll get a debit card with our money on it. I thought that was a nice way to do it. I don't know how much we get though. I've been curious, but didn't want to sound rude or greedy. I'm just wondering what we should plan for.

We got a check from our chapter...

I have seen some chapters give a check to be deposited and spent the way you want (cash, travelers checks, etc) and I have seen some get a Debit card and some get travelers checks.

But I agree with the cash statement - make sure you have some cash on hand. Especially for tips and such, too, if you need it. You can't tip at GKTW - but if you are at a resort for some reason, I usually tip those folks.

Yes! See I wasn't even counting on it...I know they're all different but it was their idea to pay for gas since we're not flying and they wanted to pay for a hotel on the way so we wouldn't have to drive straight thru so I thought we'd need it before......I'm not at all worried about it.....I was just curious if anyone had this happen that is-getting the check/card whatever at GKTW. Althoughhhhh lol I won't lie and say it wouldn't help!

They did this for us, too. Paid for gas and a hotel on the way up - very nice of them!!

But it looks like they took care of ya!

Not sure if you received an answer on this yet. I am a volunteer wish grantor for Make A
Wish. Policies varies by state, but you should clear it up as soon as you can. This is not something that Give Kids The World provides. That should be the wish granting organization. You should have received a number for a staff member at the organization. Have a great trip!

I just want to thank you for posting!!! It really helps to have wish granters post on here and feel free to post anytime!!!

Having just returned, here's how things worked for us. When a ride had a fastpass line, we were able to just show the GAC to the cast member at the FP line and go through that way. For rides that don't have FP, just show your card to a CM, and they will show you the way to go. Your hubby can definitely ride by himself and use the pass. That's what it's all about, the family not having to wait around. I rode rides with my oldest and used the pass every time. Your GAC is good for your whole family, and you SHOULD take full advantage of it! Don't feel guilty...Adri deserves it!

Regarding characters, just go to the CM/handler at the front, and show your button/GAC. They will take care of you. We didn't experience people who questioned us or seemed irritated at us going ahead of them. I think that wearing a MAW button or shirt helps with this. My kids LOVED the characters, and got tons of pictures and autographs...because they didn't have to wait in line. This is part of the magic of being on a MAW trip, so again, don't feel guilty...it's all about Adri!! Take advantage of every bit of magic you can, as it truly is a once in a lifetime experience!!

For a stroller, again, just show your lanyard with your GKTW button/GAC card at the stroller rental and they will take care of you. We did wait in line at the stroller rental, but it was never very long.

This sounds like how they handled us when we were there in 2008 and in most trip reports I have seen.

The only thing I would add is that if you think you have been sent the wrong way or find yourself waiting in a long line - don't hesitate to ask! There are new CM's hired every single day at Disney and some that will be there on a college program or other short term assignment and they don't always know the exact procedure for a wish family - so don't hesitate to ask another CM or come back to the attraction later if you don't want to "go over their head" if that makes sense.

In general CM's and Disney REALLY don't want wish families waiting in line and if they see you waiting may actually pull you out and tell you not to do that again. One family reported even feeling like they were "in trouble" for waiting - just to reiterate that they really don't want you guys to hop in a long line and wait. Really.

Ok expense check is cleared up....they fedex it out to us in a couple of days. Thanks for the advice!!!!!

I am so glad! I hope everyone on here helped answer your question so you could call them.

Have a GREAT trip!!!

 

[jen-y]

Adri's wish party is a week from Wednesday and then we leave a week from Saturday. I'm so excited. I have everything planned... the only hiccup that I'm worried about is Cooper's naps. He turns 10 months old this week and is a great napper - that has been a huge blessing as Adri was not a good napper as a baby. We've committed to come back every day for a nap because we just think that's necessary for both kids. However, Cooper regularly takes a 2 hour morning an 2 hour afternoon nap. Obviously that won't be happening. If we have a double stroller and he's sitting beside Adri the whole time, I don't know if he'll lay back and go to sleep. I'm starting to have a mini freak-out over this. He is such a laid back and easy going baby... but we've never put him in a situation where we push him beyond his limits. Wish us luck!

Hopefully everything will work out. Its probably eaiser to go to the wish lounge for naps than to drive back and forth to GKTW

 

[jen-y]

How exciting!! And if you click on my pre-trip report, you'll see that. It's not much yet... although I did add some the other day. But it's minimal right now!

I see you are from the Chicago area, same as me and are going the end of September. We are going Sept. 20-29th.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Okay guys I just started my TR! And I need someone to remind me of how to link my TR in my siggie...I know I know...it's probably around here somewhere I guess I'm just being lazy

Here is the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37276878#post37276878

 

[Adrismommy]

Okay two more questions, and sorry for being totally over-the-top with my questions during our final planning phase:

1 - Have any of your kids participated in the Village Idol? Or have you attended it? I'm curious to know what that has been like.
2 - What are the wish lounges like? Is it similar to the lounges you can go to for changing babies?

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

My daughter was in Village Idol last year! It was awesome. The kids perform and there are also kids who are judges! They really have a great time singing and performing and of course everyone is a winner!

 

[vincev33]

Okay two more questions, and sorry for being totally over-the-top with my questions during our final planning phase:

1 - Have any of your kids participated in the Village Idol? Or have you attended it? I'm curious to know what that has been like.
2 - What are the wish lounges like? Is it similar to the lounges you can go to for changing babies?

1 - I had one wish family tell me that they did the idol and loved it, but their son was older. I have only been to GKTW for a tour so I do not know first hand.

2- I visited the wish lounge in the Magic Kingdom (I am pretty sure it is the only one) on my last visit. I like to tell my wish families about all of their options while at WDW. It is a nice place to get out of the heat and relax. They have things to do for the entire family. There is a CM in the lounge that can help with information. It is really a nice place to relax and duck out of the heat. It is right next to the first aid station near crystal palace. Google Magic Kingdom Wish LOunge and you can find some pictures. If you have any other questions you can let me know.

 

[cajunfan]

My understanding is that there is also one in EPCOT near/in Spaceship Earth.

Lynn

 

[maroo]

Hopefully everything will work out. Its probably eaiser to go to the wish lounge for naps than to drive back and forth to GKTW

This is a good suggestion! It is cool in there and usually empty.

Okay guys I just started my TR! And I need someone to remind me of how to link my TR in my siggie...I know I know...it's probably around here somewhere I guess I'm just being lazy

Here is the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37276878#post37276878

Thank you so much for writing one!!

I will link it on the first page here in a few min.

Okay two more questions, and sorry for being totally over-the-top with my questions during our final planning phase:

1 - Have any of your kids participated in the Village Idol? Or have you attended it? I'm curious to know what that has been like.
2 - What are the wish lounges like? Is it similar to the lounges you can go to for changing babies?

Looks like you got the first question answered.

There is a wish lounge in the MK right next to First Aid (you enter the First Aid building to get to it). They have games, movies and a big fluffy pillow that your kids could rest on. The First Aid place has exam type rooms (like you would see in a doctor's office) and you could do any diaper changes and the like there, too.

There is actually a First Aid in every park and they are great to help out and a cool place to stop and rest a bit. And there is a baby care place in each park, too - usually very close to first aid.

There is at least one other lounge - in Epcot at the exit of Spaceship Earth. You will get a special VIP code to enter and they have cool stuff to do up there and places where you could rest and your kids could have some activity, too, if you wanted. Then they will escort you right to the ride to get on through a really cool VIP entrance! This lounge is only open on weekdays, though and has limited hours, I think.

Test Track used to have a similar VIP lounge, but I think it may be closed now that GM no longer is sponsoring it?? Not sure on that.

My understanding is that there is also one in EPCOT near/in Spaceship Earth.

Lynn

Yes!

 

[sacall]

I'm just a little confused about how and where we get the GAC and MAW button.

We are going to WDW August 13-22 for my daughter's MAW trip. I had planned on getting her a GAC to allow her to wait in the shade for rides that had lines in the sun. But, after reading some of the posts here, I have a few questions.

1. We go to GTKW to pick up our tickets and I'm assuming our MAW button (which has the dates of our trip - correct?) Or does that come with MAW package?

2. We will be going to the Magic Kingdom that Friday night for dinner and because it stays open until 2:00 am. I assumed that I would then take our MAW button and go pick up a GAC at guest services at the MK. Is that correct?

3. Another question, do we really get front of the line access while on our Make a Wish trip? I had no idea

Stacy

 

[maroo]

I'm just a little confused about how and where we get the GAC and MAW button.

We are going to WDW August 13-22 for my daughter's MAW trip. I had planned on getting her a GAC to allow her to wait in the shade for rides that had lines in the sun. But, after reading some of the posts here, I have a few questions.

1. We go to GTKW to pick up our tickets and I'm assuming our MAW button (which has the dates of our trip - correct?) Or does that come with MAW package?

Yes! You will get your button, GAC (issued by GKTW) and all information at your orientation.

Are you staying at GKTW or in a Disney hotel?

2. We will be going to the Magic Kingdom that Friday night for dinner and because it stays open until 2:00 am. I assumed that I would then take our MAW button and go pick up a GAC at guest services at the MK. Is that correct?

You should already have the GAC. I am sure they could add a stamp for not waiting in the sun, but you really won't have to wait in the sun anyway...you have the VIP GAC issued by GKTW that really lets you do whatever you need to do to keep her comfortable and hopefully moving through the lines fairly quickly.

3. Another question, do we really get front of the line access while on our Make a Wish trip? I had no idea

Basically. If it is an attraction with a FP line, you are able to use that line. If it doesn't have a FP line, then the CM at the attraction will help ya figure out where you need to go - but it is often through a back way or the exit to get on the ride. It is not 100% FOTL, but I haven't heard any families complaining that they had to wait.

It also works for character lines 99% of the time - even though they will tell you that the GAC doesn't help there, it really does! And that has been reported on dozens of wish trip reports.

Stacy

Have a great time!!!!

 

[sacall]

Have a great time!!!!

Can't figure out to quote all that you wrote - but we are staying at the Poly for our MAW trip.

Thanks for all your information! Getting through lines quickly will really help in the August heat for Emma.

We are very excited to be going

Stacy

 

[maroo]

Can't figure out to quote all that you wrote - but we are staying at the Poly for our MAW trip.

Thanks for all your information! Getting through lines quickly will really help in the August heat for Emma.

We are very excited to be going

Stacy

The Poly..... Ahhhhh

Have a GREAT time! You are very welcome! (Sorry, I wrote inside your quote, so it is almost impossible to quote that. )

Make good use of the lounges and First Aid, too, when you can. We always keep the good inside stuff for the mid afternoon if we are going to be out - since that is when it tends to rain and is so hot.

You guys are going to have a great time!

 

[J'sMum]

I think both places are good. You can watch them pick it at Sea World and I think they may make a bigger deal out of it - but I don't think it is very handicapped accessible.

In Japan they make a big deal over it and they just pick the oyster and then they open it in front of them. It is really fun, too.

Tell them to pick an UGLY oyster - they usually have the most fun pearls in there.

TY for the advice I was thinking since my DS (wish child) is more interested in epcot area that we may end up missing out on the Sea World all together so we can save some time to simply stay put at GKTW and allow J some rest. So we are almost 100% positive that we will get the pearl from the Japan area. I was reading forum the other day that had printable passports since we will be in those areas i thought it would be fun to have kids get as many of the areas signed as possible and from what i have read the passports at disney itself can be pretty expensive so by printing it would save money.

 

[J'sMum]

Is there a way to change the title of a pretrip report? now that I have definate dates I would like to add that as part of the ptr name, I tried looking around to see where it could be done and I seemed to fail.

I also have a question from those who have stayed at gktw before, is there a certain time people are expected to return to the gktw from being out in the day? I was reading where some places are open a wee bit late and was thinking if my son was having a good day that would allow us to stay out a bit late.

Also where it states on magic kingdoms hours of operation that they have extra magic hours do the tickets we get from gktw include that?

 

[casper_jj11]

Is there a way to change the title of a pretrip report? now that I have definate dates I would like to add that as part of the ptr name, I tried looking around to see where it could be done and I seemed to fail.

I also have a question from those who have stayed at gktw before, is there a certain time people are expected to return to the gktw from being out in the day? I was reading where some places are open a wee bit late and was thinking if my son was having a good day that would allow us to stay out a bit late.

Also where it states on magic kingdoms hours of operation that they have extra magic hours do the tickets we get from gktw include that?

We haven't done our trip yet so I can't answer the question about GKTW but I have heard the answer about the extra magic hours somewhere. EMH are for those staying onsite at Disney or at one specific hotel in Downtown Disney. It doesn't include GKTW. I believe you have to have a KTTW (disney hotel key card) to get access.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

We leave in 3 Days!! How much would you say for toll roads for the entire week? Think I should take a roll of quarters and that be enough?

 

[angcmom]

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, so if anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd sure appreciate it.

If you (as the parent) submitted your child's name to Make-A-Wish, how long did it take to hear back from them to begin the process?

I went through our local chapter's website to refer my daughter back in early May, and have not received any response nor request for additional information.

I really have no way to know if this is standard or not.

Thanks for any input!!