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

[kayrason333]

Hi Everyone! I am starting to make plans for our trip. Our third day there is my DS's birthday and he wants to go to AK in the morning. I was assuming that we would eat at Rainforest Cafe.
Anyone have any other suggestions for lunch at AK?
That night for his B-day we are going to be at Epcot. Dinner suggestions for Epcot?

Pre-trip report for Jackson http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2518193

 

[brookerene]

Hi everybody, my sson's kidney transplant was postponed until Sept, so we are having to move our trip to later next year (We live on a ranch in NE and getting away in the winter is nigh impossible). I was wondering... we can go in the spring around easter---April 18-24 or we would have to wait until next Sept or Oct.... easter is late this year and I was wondering how much spring break would affect this trip. Has anyone gone under these circumstances? I believe most college spring breaks will be earlier, but high schools and lower would be around easter. Any advice? I really would prefer to avoid huge crowds and I know Sept/Oct are some of the lowest.

 

[visitingapril09]

Here are some pics of Noah that are some of my personal favorites.

I am honestly in tears. What a precious child - and amazing spirit. We miss you, Noah.

And we love you, Nichole, Brad, Joshua and Kailyn!


His blog is: http://noahgrantjohn.blogspot.com/

Let's leave them lots of comments today.



And if you are interested in reading about their trip - here is a long, but wonderful, thread to read:

Noah's Wish Trip Pre-Trip report and Trip Report

Maroo, thank you so much for sharing. That top photo is the big give outfit I made for their trip : ( but it made me smile and tear up. Thank you.

 

[kayrason333]

Maroo, thank you so much for sharing. That top photo is the big give outfit I made for their trip : ( but it made me smile and tear up. Thank you.

This is the first that I have heard about Noah, I just read his trip report and his family is truly amazing.....that is a beautiful smile on his little face.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Noah and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you Mary for sharing his pictures.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Hi everybody, my sson's kidney transplant was postponed until Sept, so we are having to move our trip to later next year (We live on a ranch in NE and getting away in the winter is nigh impossible). I was wondering... we can go in the spring around easter---April 18-24 or we would have to wait until next Sept or Oct.... easter is late this year and I was wondering how much spring break would affect this trip. Has anyone gone under these circumstances? I believe most college spring breaks will be earlier, but high schools and lower would be around easter. Any advice? I really would prefer to avoid huge crowds and I know Sept/Oct are some of the lowest.

Sorry you have to postpone your trip.
I think Spring Break is different for everybody. My kids are out March 21st for a week. This is when we are hoping to go. I think most collages are out sometime in April.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

How do you get people to post? do you post question here or on you PTR? Feeling kind of lonely.

 

[yinyanggirls]

How do you get people to post? do you post question here or on you PTR? Feeling kind of lonely.

Hi Kris! I'm sorry I haven't been to your PTR yet. I've been trying to get some momentum back on my TR from April. I promise to heed over to yours next!

The best way to get people to read yours is to leave comments on others pages. That seems to be where I got many of my readers. It's fun because you get to know their stories as they get to know you too. Welcome!

 

[rcq925]

Hi everybody, my sson's kidney transplant was postponed until Sept, so we are having to move our trip to later next year (We live on a ranch in NE and getting away in the winter is nigh impossible). I was wondering... we can go in the spring around easter---April 18-24 or we would have to wait until next Sept or Oct.... easter is late this year and I was wondering how much spring break would affect this trip. Has anyone gone under these circumstances? I believe most college spring breaks will be earlier, but high schools and lower would be around easter. Any advice? I really would prefer to avoid huge crowds and I know Sept/Oct are some of the lowest.

I think if you don't want to wait that you should do the Spring trip! With your GKTW button you will still get the front of the line access and character access, so it really just depends on when your son wants to go! Good luck with the kidney transplant, I truly hope everything goes well!

 

[rcq925]

Noah and his family are in my thoughts and prayers! I had read their PTR and trip report when I first found this board. Such a sweet little boy who was lost way too soon! I know that the year anniversary of his deathmust be heartbreaking for his family!

 

[rcq925]

How do you get people to post? do you post question here or on you PTR? Feeling kind of lonely.

I think people post on this link more often. I have been here for a few months, but my PTR is only like 3 pages long. I have read others that were over 20 pages long, so not sure. Maybe people are just busier with life over the summer!

 

[that's nice]

How do you get people to post? do you post question here or on you PTR? Feeling kind of lonely.

I think most people post questions in both places- here and on your PTR. That way both places are covered.

Some people have been on the DIS longer than others and have had more time to 'meet' more people. Becky (rcq) is right, if you post on others (P)TRs people will find you on yours.... make sure you have a link in your signature. (I think you do!)

I have read others that were over 20 pages long, so not sure. Maybe people are just busier with life over the summer!

I think the DIS does slow down in the summer when people are out of the house being more active.

I have to get over to your TR at some point today!!!

 

[casper_jj11]

Hi Everyone! I am starting to make plans for our trip. Our third day there is my DS's birthday and he wants to go to AK in the morning. I was assuming that we would eat at Rainforest Cafe.
Anyone have any other suggestions for lunch at AK?
That night for his B-day we are going to be at Epcot. Dinner suggestions for Epcot?

Pre-trip report for Jackson http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2518193

We're trying the Rainforest Cafe for the first time this year. I've heard its great. We're going it at lunchtime to give us a mid day break. We've eaten at Tusker House. Its really good and the charactesr are there in their safari gear.

As for Epcot, there are many places there that we like. The kids really enjoy Coral Reef because of the aquarium. We like the food in LeCellier, the atmosphere in Biergarten and although its not a favourite of lots of people, the kids love eating at San Angel Inn because of the pyramid. You could also check out the menus to see where he'd like the food best. They're all online here http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

When you make your reservations, make sure to add the birthday celebration to it. The restaurants often do special things for birthdays. You can also order a cake to be delivered to your table (book in advance for custom design or at the podium for non customed) Also, when you get to the park, go to guest services and get a birthday button (you can actually do this well before your day there if you want to speed things up a bit that day). He may get a bit of pixie dust with that button.

We're celebrating DS7's bday while there (and mine too!)

How do you get people to post? do you post question here or on you PTR? Feeling kind of lonely.

Hi Kris. My PTR hasn't been very busy lately either. I think its a summer thing. I have to say that for me, I've been so bogged down with planning myself that although I read new posts on those I'm subscribed to, I haven't posted on any. I'm going to keep up more once we get back.

 

[kayrason333]

We're trying the Rainforest Cafe for the first time this year. I've heard its great. We're going it at lunchtime to give us a mid day break. We've eaten at Tusker House. Its really good and the charactesr are there in their safari gear.

As for Epcot, there are many places there that we like. The kids really enjoy Coral Reef because of the aquarium. We like the food in LeCellier, the atmosphere in Biergarten and although its not a favourite of lots of people, the kids love eating at San Angel Inn because of the pyramid. You could also check out the menus to see where he'd like the food best. They're all online here http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

When you make your reservations, make sure to add the birthday celebration to it. The restaurants often do special things for birthdays. You can also order a cake to be delivered to your table (book in advance for custom design or at the podium for non customed) Also, when you get to the park, go to guest services and get a birthday button (you can actually do this well before your day there if you want to speed things up a bit that day). He may get a bit of pixie dust with that button.

We're celebrating DS7's bday while there (and mine too!).

Thanks for all of the helpful info!

 

[balloondoggle]

I think you only have to post one more time to be able to include links and pictures!

So feel free to post something random on here and let it be your tenth post!

I think you have the right idea on scheduling, totally...But don't discount, too quickly, not being able to ride some of the rides - obviously roller coasters and such will be out of the question, I suppose - but you will be surprised how many rides will allow Kayla to stay in the wheelchair. Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear, It's a Small World, even Alladin Magic Carpets will actually fit a full wheelchair on the ride.


That Limo ride sounds SOOOOOO awesome!

Lauren has always wanted to ride in a limo, but we have not really come up wtih a good way for her to ride. She would have to be in a car seat without her wheelchair and I guess going to the prom in a limo and riding in a carseat has not been her idea of a good time.

You guys are going to have a blast! I am sure Kayla will be tired some, from the traveling, but I figure you guys will have quite a trip!!!

Thanks for the tips on accessibility. That's the sort of info I've had trouble nailing down in any coherent form. I can't believe the number of books available out there, yet none seem to have the sort of info I want. I could spend days trying to find it all on DIS. I've seen a lot of youtube videos, but it's tough to judge certain things like actual speed and forces on the ride or security of the restraints. Some of the videos have scared off her sibs from certain rides, too - I don't think we'll be going on Expedition Everest, sadly. All I know for sure at this point is that Space Mountain is out because I can't sit next to Kayla and support her and the tee-bar restraint won't even begin to hold her in place on it's own. If anyone has suggestions on where to find detailed descriptions of the ride configurations and restraint systems I'd appreciate it. I'd hate to get everyone up to a ride only to find that Kayla can't be safe on it.

As a limo driver myself I would suggest that If Lauren is comfortable enough with the people she would share the ride with, a car seat may not be needed, but of course I say that without detailed knowledge of her abilities. In part because of my experience with Kayla and the company owner's own experience with a Down's kid, I often get to drive for folks with a range of disabilities. Solutions often involve a second vehicle with the assistive equipment following along. Some collapsible things can be stashed in the limo with minimal problems.

As for getting in and out and sitting up, that can be more challenging. Drivers will not be permitted to lift or generally even touch her per company policy, but if she and her friends are comfortable with it they may be able to provide all the assistance or support needed. Seat belts are not required in limos by most states so they are often difficult to find and use for a car seat. In the cars I drive the shoulder belt in the back seat by the door is often still accessible and leaning against the door is okay as long as the driver doesn't open it without warning.

I would call the companies in your area and talk to them about the situation and Lauren's needs. You may find that the issue has been handled successfully in the past. I always consider myself as the driver to be a big part of the prom experience (too self important? ) and take pains to ensure everyone has a good time. These are memories the kids will carry for many years, good or bad, so it's up to me to help make it good.

@kayrason333 - that's pretty cool that you get to celebrate a birthday on a wish trip. Was that by design or a happy coincidence? I'd like to hear about anything they do to make it even more special.

Thoughts to Noah's family. Friends of ours lost their daughter two years ago and it made a huge impact on our family in part because she and Kayla shared many similarities in their disabilities. I find it very difficult to read about a child's death on these boards and after Mya's loss I had to stay away for a while because I had followed her in near real-time. We often "anticipate" Kayla's demise and I sympathize/empathize with the families here that are in similar situations.

Wow, this is a lot for a "random" tenth post! But at least now I'll be able to post links!

 

[kayrason333]

@kayrason333 - that's pretty cool that you get to celebrate a birthday on a wish trip. Was that by design or a happy coincidence? I'd like to hear about anything they do to make it even more special.

It was by design. We went last year at the same time to celebrate both of my boys birthdays (their b-days are 2 weeks apart) and it was very nice and not too crowded, so we decided to go the same time this year. The birthday boy is not even my wish child, it is his older brother.

 

[jen-y]

Sounds like you are getting there the day we leave??? 9-26

 

[jen-y]

Leaving on Tuesday for Michigan (home state) to visit friends and family. Lots of fun activities planned. Can't believe that by the time we get back, it will almost be time for school to start (Aug 23rd) then the countdown will be on till the trip. My mom is going to help me with the t-shirts while I am there. I will try and post a picture of them when I get back. I say "try" becuase for some reason I always have a problem with posting pictures.

I wanted to post a picture of the trip countdown calender the kids made, but it does not seem to work

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[kayrason333]

It was by design. We went last year at the same time to celebrate both of my boys birthdays (their b-days are 2 weeks apart) and it was very nice and not too crowded, so we decided to go the same time this year. The birthday boy is not even my wish child, it is his older brother.

Just wanted to add that I love your little girls name....I am a Kayla too

Sounds like you are getting there the day we leave??? 9-26

Yep, maybe we will pass by each other at the airport I think our flight gets in a little after 11am.

Leaving on Tuesday for Michigan (home state) to visit friends and family. Lots of fun activities planned. Can't believe that by the time we get back, it will almost be time for school to start (Aug 23rd) then the countdown will be on till the trip. My mom is going to help me with the t-shirts while I am there. I will try and post a picture of them when I get back. I say "try" becuase for some reason I always have a problem with posting pictures.

I wanted to post a picture of the trip countdown calender the kids made, but it does not seem to work

Have fun with your family! Hopefully you will get the picture thing figured out, I want to see what your shirts look like when they are finished. I was just thinking about making shirts, but I am not the most creative person, so I am going to try to get some ideas from other peoples pictures.

 

[kayrason333]

Sounds like you are getting there the day we leave??? 9-26

Nevermind about the airport thing....just realized that you will be continuing your trip at US.