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

[yinyanggirls]

Also, what about character dining? Does Make a Wish cover this or is the spending money enough to cover it? We aren't going to have a large personal budget for the trip, so I'm wondering how I need to plan.

Thanks in advance!

Miranda, Each chapter seems to do things differently, but all seem to wait until the last minute to present you with any surprise arrangements and expense money. If your child has a specific wish (to meet Goofy, Ariel, whatever...) they might arrange to have you go to a character meal or something like that. They might not. I would go ahead and book any meals that you think will be most fun for your kids and then cancel if you have to later. The only one I know of that charges you in advance is Cinderellas Castle but even that is refundable if you cancel in 24/48 hrs (I forget which). If you wait until you get your check to decide what/how many to reserve they may not have openings at that point. Although, people should definitely try, because there are always cancellations at the last minute!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Does anyone have any ideas for songs that I could use for my wish video? I'm putting together pictures to make a video and i can't find any songs that go with it. I want a wish-y song

I also got the stuff to make my wish quilt! I'm printing out my autographs and ironing them onto fabric to make a quilt. I'm super excited and i'll post pictures when i'm done

I like the new ticker! The first song that came to mind was "When you wish upon a star". Then "I Hope you Dance" , not exactly wishy but so pretty and hopeful. Then Snow White came to mind with "I'm Wishing" the one she sings at the well. Even though it's lovey dovey you could use that to go along with pics of your fave character.

 

[momma_mouse]

Miranda, Each chapter seems to do things differently, but all seem to wait until the last minute to present you with any surprise arrangements and expense money. If your child has a specific wish (to meet Goofy, Ariel, whatever...) they might arrange to have you go to a character meal or something like that. They might not. I would go ahead and book any meals that you think will be most fun for your kids and then cancel if you have to later. The only one I know of that charges you in advance is Cinderellas Castle but even that is refundable if you cancel in 24/48 hrs (I forget which). If you wait until you get your check to decide what/how many to reserve they may not have openings at that point. Although, people should definitely try, because there are always cancellations at the last minute!

Yep...I agree with this. We're Dream Factory, not Make a Wish, so it's different I'm sure, but our chapter doesn't do anything special. I asked about a few things and was told we would get to see the characters at GKTW. I wish something special had been set up for Sloan, but I know the trip is going to be special enough and in it's own special way. We're getting our check either the end of this week or the begining of next (we leave Friday the 22nd and will fly out the 23rd) and depending on it, I might add on one character meal then, if I can get a reservation. Don't do what I'm doing though. I would suggest getting a reservation now and you can always cancel later.

 

[Wee Annie]

We are going in April (4/17), and our MAW rep called me before Christmas to give me the heads up that they have booked CRT for lunch the Monday we will be there. She told me not to tell the girls, as it's supposed to be a surprise, but said she wanted me to know so that I wasn't planning to be elsewhere that day. Which I was (but it was just Epcot, so it wasn't that difficult to change around).

I don't know if this "heads up" is normal for our chapter (Northern NJ), but perhaps she pegged me for the obsessive planner that I am, and knew she should mention it to me!

That being said, I don't think they do a party for us beforehand (not that that really makes a difference to me). So each chapter really is different.

If you know you would really like to do something, I would really make your own reservation now, and then you can always cancel as the date approaches. I had already made a CRT lunch reservation for later on in our vacay (on Elke's birthday), so I just cancelled that one.

Ann

 

[maroo]

If it was damaged, wouldn't it be covered under the airlines damaged luggage policy, thus making the airline responsible for purchasing a new one? I thought it was that way for gate-checked items? And that usually covers up to $3000 which should be enough to cover even the Maclaren double. Am I wrong? Cause we'll be taking our special needs stroller as well.

I agree with this...

Take a few pics of the stroller as you check it...(or at home so it isn't forgotten)...and then declare any damage at the airport. They will replace it if they have to!

Yes, I need the stroller in the airport. I do want to gate check the stroller, but I have heard stories of strollers being torn up from being gate checked. So I was trying to come up with some way to protect it. After asking some moms on another board, I'm not sure that will work. I don't know what we're going to do. Perhaps I just need to bubble wrap the kids to DH and I's side in the airport and rent a stroller when we get there.

I really think you would be ok taking the stroller.

Let us know what you decide and how it works - this will help future families, too.

I've got a couple of quick questions for those of you who are experienced with this. We will have a rental car on our wish trip. I'm wondering how we deal with the car seat issue. Our oldest child is in a booster seat, our middle is in high back booster seat, and our youngest is in a forward facing toddler car seat. Do we have to pack these? Can we get them with our rental car? Does Make a Wish cover the cost if they are rented?

Also, what about character dining? Does Make a Wish cover this or is the spending money enough to cover it? We aren't going to have a large personal budget for the trip, so I'm wondering how I need to plan.

Thanks in advance!

Call MAW about the car seat issue and see what they say. I am not sure if they pay to rent them or not?

Character Dining...
You should be able to squeeze in a character meal with your spending money - especially if you eat snacks you bring with you and most meals at GKTW. The best thing would be to get reservations before you leave.

However, if you are not able to get reservations...don't hesitate to ask - often - if you can be a walk up...make sure they know you are a on a wish trip. Even Cinderella's Royal Table has been known to accept a wish child family as a walk up.

I started Maddie's PTR. I am not a very good writer but I am going to give it a try. We are going to Disney 2/28 - 3/6 and staying at GKTW.

I am so excited to read this! I will find it and post a link here for us to follow you!

Deyki is sick again. We have been back and forth to the hospital for IV meds and labs twice this week and go back tomorrow. He was there once last week and three times the week before that. Be praying they find out what is going on and come up with something to make him better.

On a Disney/MAW note, we went on a tour of our local Y. I was telling the attendant in the child care room about Deyki and asking her questions. Somehow his Wish trip came up. She says, "Did you stay at GKTW?" I was shocked she knew about it. Turns out she and her son went on his Wish trip to Disney about ten years ago. Even more surprising, she just happened to have brought her pictures along that day to show someone at work! I showed her the pictures on my phone and enjoyed listening to her memories from a decade ago.

I want to find a way to go back. We need the peace and the fun again.

We will keep praying for Deyki.

Cool that she is still carrying around pics of GKTW - it is a very special place.

As for car seats, I want to add a very important detail....If you plan to have a child sit in it on the plane it MUST SAY FAA APPROVED ON THE CAR SEAT ITSELF. The flight attendants have to check for it before you can belt it to the airplane seat. If it does not say that, and it is too big for overhead, you will have to gate check it or leave it behind. No other choice. No amount of arguing or "I checked the carseat website" type of thing will make a difference. So make sure you look for it before you go. If you can't find it, then try calling the company and asking if your model is and where to find the info on the seat. That way you won't be holding up the line to board looking for it for the FA.

Another important note, if you have a young child who HAS to be in a carseat, either use it on the plane if it's approved, or gate check it, because if you send it through the belt with your luggage and it doesn't make it on the plane you will have to get really creative or wait a long time at the other airport if your luggage gets lost or held up for any reason.

This is a very, very good point.

Does anyone have any ideas for songs that I could use for my wish video? I'm putting together pictures to make a video and i can't find any songs that go with it. I want a wish-y song

I also got the stuff to make my wish quilt! I'm printing out my autographs and ironing them onto fabric to make a quilt. I'm super excited and i'll post pictures when i'm done

I would search for GKTW, Make a Wish, Disney Wish Trips...etc...on you tube and listen to the songs on there. We used a David Cook song on ours.

Lauren's Make a Wish Trip Video

Miranda, Each chapter seems to do things differently, but all seem to wait until the last minute to present you with any surprise arrangements and expense money. If your child has a specific wish (to meet Goofy, Ariel, whatever...) they might arrange to have you go to a character meal or something like that. They might not. I would go ahead and book any meals that you think will be most fun for your kids and then cancel if you have to later. The only one I know of that charges you in advance is Cinderellas Castle but even that is refundable if you cancel in 24/48 hrs (I forget which). If you wait until you get your check to decide what/how many to reserve they may not have openings at that point. Although, people should definitely try, because there are always cancellations at the last minute!

Very true!

Yep...I agree with this. We're Dream Factory, not Make a Wish, so it's different I'm sure, but our chapter doesn't do anything special. I asked about a few things and was told we would get to see the characters at GKTW. I wish something special had been set up for Sloan, but I know the trip is going to be special enough and in it's own special way. We're getting our check either the end of this week or the begining of next (we leave Friday the 22nd and will fly out the 23rd) and depending on it, I might add on one character meal then, if I can get a reservation. Don't do what I'm doing though. I would suggest getting a reservation now and you can always cancel later.

You are right...it is going to be really special for you guys! Just being at GKTW is so wonderful!

Guest Services can help you get a reservation, too...if you are not able to get one. They can pull some strings.

Which characters do you guys want to see? Maybe I can make some suggestions for character meals.

We are going in April (4/17), and our MAW rep called me before Christmas to give me the heads up that they have booked CRT for lunch the Monday we will be there. She told me not to tell the girls, as it's supposed to be a surprise, but said she wanted me to know so that I wasn't planning to be elsewhere that day. Which I was (but it was just Epcot, so it wasn't that difficult to change around).

I don't know if this "heads up" is normal for our chapter (Northern NJ), but perhaps she pegged me for the obsessive planner that I am, and knew she should mention it to me!

That being said, I don't think they do a party for us beforehand (not that that really makes a difference to me). So each chapter really is different.

If you know you would really like to do something, I would really make your own reservation now, and then you can always cancel as the date approaches. I had already made a CRT lunch reservation for later on in our vacay (on Elke's birthday), so I just cancelled that one.

Ann

This is AWESOME that they let you know. I am glad that they recognized you are a planner and let you know in advance! This was very helpful for us...to know.

Each chapter is totally different on what they provide.

Some provide limos to the airport...some don't. Some do pre-parties, some don't. Some provide spending money for souveniers, some don't. Some provide more spending money than others...and even that depends on the particular family make up (how many adults, children). They are all so different....varying from state to state.

To make reservations call 407-WDW-DINE and they can help you. Let them know you are a family going on a wish trip - that may help.

 

[pacrosby]

re: spending money. Don't be afraid to call your rep and ask them if they could let you know ahead of time what, if any, expense money you will be getting so that you can properly plan your trip. I did that and had no difficulty getting the total. I actually don't really understand why they wait until the last minute to tell families this information. Seems rather obvious to me that that information could be quite useful.

also re: special meet and greets etc. I've been led to believe (and to a certain degree know from personal experience) that if you aren't afraid to pick up the phone yourself or physically seek out the right people, you can make things happen. It's a matter of figuring out who you need to talk to. Guest services might be able to point you in the right direction. I've also heard of instances where a particularly nice and helpful CM was instrumental in making extra magic. Sometimes if you hammer home a desire enough times on these boards some nice DISser jumps in and helps you make things happen I think the MAW offices have more than enough on their plates. In some ways I bet WDW Wish Trips are easy and straight forward and a nice break from the crazy running around and coordinating that is required for other kinds of wishes. If they started trying to personalize everyone's WDW Wish Trips too it could be a nightmare for them. Lately I've been trying to get our chapter to consider matching families awaiting a WDW Wish Trip with those who have already gone and it's not being received all that well. I really think they are just overwhelmed


Pamela

Matty's Wish Trip PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607
Matty's Wish Trip TR "Mom, Dad, 3 Kids, and a Gingerbread Boy" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356739

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I just found out that our airline (Air Tran) does count the the medical supply bag against us for a carry on. I just wanted to let others know. If you know different please let me know as I just called Air Tran and that is what they told me.

 

[Wee Annie]

I just found out that our airline (Air Tran) does count the the medical supply bag against us for a carry on. I just wanted to let others know. If you know different please let me know as I just called Air Tran and that is what they told me.

Wow. That's unbelieveable! Thanks so much for the heads up. We traveled to the midwest last November on Continental with a whole large cooler bag full of ten liquid meds, ice packs and supplies, and they didn't bat an eyelash.

Yikes. Definitely something to check into.

 

[pacrosby]

Tonya - don't forget that you are allowed a carry on for EACH person traveling.....and that includes the kids no matter how young. You should have seen us coming back...............6 suitcases, 6 carry-ons and 6 personal bags!!!!(oh, plus 2 car seats!!). With Jet Blue all that didn't cost us a dime!!


Pamela

Matty's Wish Trip PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607
Matty's Wish Trip TR "Mom, Dad, 3 Kids, and a Gingerbread Boy" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356739

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Tonya - don't forget that you are allowed a carry on for EACH person traveling.....and that includes the kids no matter how young. You should have seen us coming back...............6 suitcases, 6 carry-ons and 6 personal bags!!!!(oh, plus 2 car seats!!). With Jet Blue all that didn't cost us a dime!!


Pamela

Matty's Wish Trip PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607
Matty's Wish Trip TR "Mom, Dad, 3 Kids, and a Gingerbread Boy" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356739

We will have to pay for at least one checked bag. It's only $15 though so far (one way). I was going to do one checked for our clothes but they all wont fit into one so I will let the kids have a carrry on with their clothes in them and a backpack for their blankets(comfortors lol) since they travel no where without them. We wont take a lot of clothes though since we will have a washer and dryer. Dh will have to have his carryon as the extra bag for the extra's we get during the trip. He will also have to carry the cpap machine. Oy I was trying not to pack so much

 

[kellyw8863]

I posted this in our PTR, but since we get more traffic here I'm going to ask here, too.

I've been pondering on how to safely take our stroller with us. A bag it will fit in would be $30 so we're trying to avoid that. I read something on another thread where she wrapped the handles in bubble wrap and then packing tape. I was thinking of doing that on the handles and wheels and then maybe putting it in a trash bag to protect the fabric as well. (We will be gate checking it.) Do you think that would work? If not, do you have any other suggestions. We have a Maclaren double stroller. We got a great deal on it so didn't pay retail for it, but we don't want to have to buy another one either.

I feel similarly to you. We have the CityMini and while not super-expensive, I'd like to not have to replace it. And there's no way Ali can get through the airport without it, so we definitely have to bring it. I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed!

I started Maddie's PTR. I am not a very good writer but I am going to give it a try. We are going to Disney 2/28 - 3/6 and staying at GKTW.

Yay! While I don't get to post much, I do look forward to reading along!

Deyki is sick again. We have been back and forth to the hospital for IV meds and labs twice this week and go back tomorrow. He was there once last week and three times the week before that. Be praying they find out what is going on and come up with something to make him better.

I'm sorry Deyki isn't feeling well.

Does anyone have any ideas for songs that I could use for my wish video? I'm putting together pictures to make a video and i can't find any songs that go with it. I want a wish-y song

I also got the stuff to make my wish quilt! I'm printing out my autographs and ironing them onto fabric to make a quilt. I'm super excited and i'll post pictures when i'm done

My new favorite after watching the whole Oprah thing is "I've Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. I already plan on using it in ours when we return.

re: spending money. Don't be afraid to call your rep and ask them if they could let you know ahead of time what, if any, expense money you will be getting so that you can properly plan your trip. I did that and had no difficulty getting the total. I actually don't really understand why they wait until the last minute to tell families this information. Seems rather obvious to me that that information could be quite useful.

also re: special meet and greets etc. I've been led to believe (and to a certain degree know from personal experience) that if you aren't afraid to pick up the phone yourself or physically seek out the right people, you can make things happen. It's a matter of figuring out who you need to talk to. Guest services might be able to point you in the right direction. I've also heard of instances where a particularly nice and helpful CM was instrumental in making extra magic. Sometimes if you hammer home a desire enough times on these boards some nice DISser jumps in and helps you make things happen I think the MAW offices have more than enough on their plates. In some ways I bet WDW Wish Trips are easy and straight forward and a nice break from the crazy running around and coordinating that is required for other kinds of wishes. If they started trying to personalize everyone's WDW Wish Trips too it could be a nightmare for them. Lately I've been trying to get our chapter to consider matching families awaiting a WDW Wish Trip with those who have already gone and it's not being received all that well. I really think they are just overwhelmed


Pamela

Matty's Wish Trip PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607
Matty's Wish Trip TR "Mom, Dad, 3 Kids, and a Gingerbread Boy" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356739

Just out of curiousity, did you go through the Springfield office or the Boston office? Any tips on making magic happen once you're down there?

Okay, so I think we may have dates, and I'm feeling a little meh about them (though I'm embarrassed to even admit that). We had put in for school vacation weeks (April first and February second) and were told that they don't do school vacation weeks because it's impossible to get direct flights and the cost of airfare is too high. I tried to explain our situation, that my husband and I are both teachers, that we already miss so much work due to appointments, illnesses, and hospitalizations. She asked about summer, and we explained that Ali has autonomic dysfunction and can't tolerate the heat. So they came back with April 20th - April 26th, which means taking a personal day on the 26th and then sucking it up and returning to work on the 27th. I guess since it is unlikely we will ever go back, I was just really hoping that we could add on a couple of days to stay at AKL since Ali's wish is the zoo. And, I dread having to tell my principal that I need a personal day after all the time I already take over the course of the school year.

So, does anyone have the crowd/park info for the 23rd to the 26th? I think Melissa posted the info for the beginning of the week.

Thanks so much!

Kelly

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I feel similarly to you. We have the CityMini and while not super-expensive, I'd like to not have to replace it. And there's no way Ali can get through the airport without it, so we definitely have to bring it. I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed!



Yay! While I don't get to post much, I do look forward to reading along!



I'm sorry Deyki isn't feeling well.



My new favorite after watching the whole Oprah thing is "I've Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. I already plan on using it in ours when we return.



Just out of curiousity, did you go through the Springfield office or the Boston office? Any tips on making magic happen once you're down there?

Okay, so I think we may have dates, and I'm feeling a little meh about them (though I'm embarrassed to even admit that). We had put in for school vacation weeks (April first and February second) and were told that they don't do school vacation weeks because it's impossible to get direct flights and the cost of airfare is too high. I tried to explain our situation, that my husband and I are both teachers, that we already miss so much work due to appointments, illnesses, and hospitalizations. She asked about summer, and we explained that Ali has autonomic dysfunction and can't tolerate the heat. So they came back with April 20th - April 26th, which means taking a personal day on the 26th and then sucking it up and returning to work on the 27th. I guess since it is unlikely we will ever go back, I was just really hoping that we could add on a couple of days to stay at AKL since Ali's wish is the zoo. And, I dread having to tell my principal that I need a personal day after all the time I already take over the course of the school year.

So, does anyone have the crowd/park info for the 23rd to the 26th? I think Melissa posted the info for the beginning of the week.

Thanks so much!

Kelly

Oh I love "I gotta Feeling!!" that is my favorite song. Even though I have no rythem I love to dance to it.

I would hope they would understand with your request for the personal days. hugs!

 

[Momofwishkid]

We will have to pay for at least one checked bag. It's only $15 though so far (one way). I was going to do one checked for our clothes but they all wont fit into one so I will let the kids have a carrry on with their clothes in them and a backpack for their blankets(comfortors lol) since they travel no where without them. We wont take a lot of clothes though since we will have a washer and dryer. Dh will have to have his carryon as the extra bag for the extra's we get during the trip. He will also have to carry the cpap machine. Oy I was trying not to pack so much

So can you do a carry-on and a back pack type on the plane?? That would be perfect.Kids clothes in their own carry on and then a little bag for little things to occupy them. Sorry not a big flyer here and never been with the kids.

 

[Momofwishkid]

Okay, so I think we may have dates, and I'm feeling a little meh about them (though I'm embarrassed to even admit that). We had put in for school vacation weeks (April first and February second) and were told that they don't do school vacation weeks because it's impossible to get direct flights and the cost of airfare is too high. I tried to explain our situation, that my husband and I are both teachers, that we already miss so much work due to appointments, illnesses, and hospitalizations. She asked about summer, and we explained that Ali has autonomic dysfunction and can't tolerate the heat. So they came back with April 20th - April 26th, which means taking a personal day on the 26th and then sucking it up and returning to work on the 27th. I guess since it is unlikely we will ever go back, I was just really hoping that we could add on a couple of days to stay at AKL since Ali's wish is the zoo. And, I dread having to tell my principal that I need a personal day after all the time I already take over the course of the school year.

So, does anyone have the crowd/park info for the 23rd to the 26th? I think Melissa posted the info for the beginning of the week.

Thanks so much!

Kelly

Kelly, Im so sorry you didnt get the exact dates you wanted. I know the feeling with not being able to extend. We so wanted to stay a few extra days but apparently our chapter dosent allow that. Im sure your trip is going to be wonderful anyway. Maybe just try to squeeze in more time at AK. I know easier said than done.

 

[kellyw8863]

Thanks for understanding. I know it will be fine. It's just the process of shifting gears, and I'm so thankful that we get to do this at all.

Tonya, have you seen the flash mob video of the Black Eyed Peas on Oprah? It's bound to put a smile on your face!

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Kickoff-Party-Flash-Mob-Dance

 

[pacrosby]

Just out of curiousity, did you go through the Springfield office or the Boston office? Any tips on making magic happen once you're down there?

Okay, so I think we may have dates, and I'm feeling a little meh about them (though I'm embarrassed to even admit that). We had put in for school vacation weeks (April first and February second) and were told that they don't do school vacation weeks because it's impossible to get direct flights and the cost of airfare is too high. I tried to explain our situation, that my husband and I are both teachers, that we already miss so much work due to appointments, illnesses, and hospitalizations. She asked about summer, and we explained that Ali has autonomic dysfunction and can't tolerate the heat. So they came back with April 20th - April 26th, which means taking a personal day on the 26th and then sucking it up and returning to work on the 27th. I guess since it is unlikely we will ever go back, I was just really hoping that we could add on a couple of days to stay at AKL since Ali's wish is the zoo. And, I dread having to tell my principal that I need a personal day after all the time I already take over the course of the school year.

So, does anyone have the crowd/park info for the 23rd to the 26th? I think Melissa posted the info for the beginning of the week.

Thanks so much!

Kelly

Before we left I worked with the ladies from the Springfield office. Primarily Jenna (who was terrific) and then once with Jessica.

What kind of 'magic' were you hoping for? Are you planning to have this trip follow some sort of theme (we played up Xmas and the gingerbread men for example)? Are you trying to incorporate activities that revolve around a certain character/characters or story? I think if you had an idea of what you were hoping to achieve someone might be able to help you figure out if/how you might be able to get it done. You don't have to arrange anything of course. I understand that for many the opportunity to go on this trip and have this stress-free family vacation is more than enough. Plus, even if you don't arrange something specific you are bound to experience some 'magic' here and there throughout your trip.....................most people seem to report that unexpected surprises tended to appear out of nowhere.

Sorry the dates didn't work out as you had hoped



Pamela

Matty's Wish Trip PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607
Matty's Wish Trip TR "Mom, Dad, 3 Kids, and a Gingerbread Boy" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356739

 

[maroo]

re: spending money. Don't be afraid to call your rep and ask them if they could let you know ahead of time what, if any, expense money you will be getting so that you can properly plan your trip. I did that and had no difficulty getting the total. I actually don't really understand why they wait until the last minute to tell families this information. Seems rather obvious to me that that information could be quite useful.

I asked our chapter about this too. They were hesitant to give us an exact figure, but gave me a ball park amount to plan from.

I think it has to do with the very few families that will take the wish for the child and use the money for something else...it has happened with our chapter. So they give the amt and check at the last minute on purpose.

also re: special meet and greets etc. I've been led to believe (and to a certain degree know from personal experience) that if you aren't afraid to pick up the phone yourself or physically seek out the right people, you can make things happen. It's a matter of figuring out who you need to talk to. Guest services might be able to point you in the right direction. I've also heard of instances where a particularly nice and helpful CM was instrumental in making extra magic. Sometimes if you hammer home a desire enough times on these boards some nice DISser jumps in and helps you make things happen I think the MAW offices have more than enough on their plates. In some ways I bet WDW Wish Trips are easy and straight forward and a nice break from the crazy running around and coordinating that is required for other kinds of wishes. If they started trying to personalize everyone's WDW Wish Trips too it could be a nightmare for them. Lately I've been trying to get our chapter to consider matching families awaiting a WDW Wish Trip with those who have already gone and it's not being received all that well. I really think they are just overwhelmed


Pamela

Matty's Wish Trip PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607
Matty's Wish Trip TR "Mom, Dad, 3 Kids, and a Gingerbread Boy" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356739

Yes...I think it is almost impossible for the people working at MAW to plan specific meet and greets...I just don't think they have contact with the right people at Disney.

Most of the families that I have seen are able to really address their particular childs wish...to see a special character or eat in the Castle, etc.

If your child has their heart set on doing something and it is off the wall...with the size of the DIS - sometimes you will be surprised who will come out and say that they know of someone that can help that become a reality.

In the case of Lucas - one of our wish kids on here - his whole wish was to see the Steam Trains in Disney World...he didn't really care so much about Disney World itself...he wanted to see those trains. And he reads books (big books) about the trains, their history...knows how they work. And his wish would have been fulfilled by going to the Steam Train Tour. But he was too young. Disney said no. THAT sparked some interest from a steam train engineer here on the DIS - who called their contacts at Disney - and magic flowed from that!

So you never know who is out there watching and gets their interest sparked by a sort of odd wish that can't be easily granted in the parks.

I just found out that our airline (Air Tran) does count the the medical supply bag against us for a carry on. I just wanted to let others know. If you know different please let me know as I just called Air Tran and that is what they told me.

Ok...Sue...Are you out there? Is this legal?

Sue in MN will know something about this....I am not sure they are allowed to count that against you...I think that is a federal law?

 

[twinmum]

Maroo: happy to see you posting, was wondering how things are at home. Is your water all fine again? My goodness, we deal with those temps etc all the time, but of course, we're set up for it. I hope all is well!

Seeing your advice about unique aspects of a wish made me laugh - it reminded me of one aspect of Mark wish that we never raised...goodness knows if anyone had tried to help us with it, we might not have survived! And what was that special wish? Well, our Mark just LOVE, LOVE, LOVES Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. On our first trip to WDW in 2006, we returned for a 2nd day at the MK, and of course, we rode BTMRR. We came through the wheelchair entrance and when it was our turn, we were invited to stay on for a 2nd ride (this happens quite a lot on this ride, I think it has to do with managing the w/c). After rides 1 and 2, a CM recognized us for the first day. She invited us to ride again rather than coming back later. "Great!" said Mark. And again, we rode twice. After ride #4 in a row, we disembarked with shaky legs. Mark, still keen for more, asked what the record for most rides in a day was. He was told it was 33.

Well, to make a long story short, we managed 10 rides on BTMRR that day. On his Wish Trip in 2008, he was all set to try and beat that record of 33 rides. He became so ensconced in other Wish Trip magic that he didn't pursue it. But what does he keep mentioning about our upcoming Feburary trip? Yup, you've got it..."maybe we can ride BTMRR 34 times in a day!"

My stomach is hoping for larger crowds, rendering this impossible. And yet, I am a "ride gal" and I love BTMRR too...can you imagine?!?

 

[Thumper321]

I am not sure they are allowed to count that against you...I think that is a federal law?

Not sure if this will help or not, but I found it in the United States Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement Rules, Part 382:

382.121 What mobility aids and other assistive devices may passengers with a disability bring into the aircraft cabin? Passengers may bring manual, but not electric wheelchairs, other mobility aids (e.g., canes, including those used by blind passengers), and other assistive devices (e.g., POCs), as well as prescription medications and any medical devices needed to administer them (e.g., syringes, auto-injectors), as long as they comply with applicable safety, security and hazardous materials rules. These devices and aids cannot be counted against the airline’s carry-on limits.

Here's the link: http://airconsumer.dot.gov/rules/rules.htm or http://airconsumer.dot.gov/rules/Part 382-2008.pdf

This rule is effective as of May 13, 2009.

 

[Thumper321]

P.S. I found the information in my last post from a link on AirTran's special needs information page. It is on this page: http://www.airtran.com/special_needs_information.aspx#med It's listed under Additional Resources towards the bottom of the page. The link is titled "Non Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel (14 CFR part 382)." I so hope this helps with your battle!