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

[noahsketomom]

thanks, Guys!

Good to know about rt 192 -- they will have a car, but we do want to be close since we'll be doing most of our stuff together. We will try to keep close to the Bass Road area.

Thanks for the info on the Best Western too! That's one they liked at first, but I think there are TWO of them on 192 and the close one doesn't have the good reviews....I think. Honestly I'm a bit confused right now anyhow.

Off to check out trip advisor. I wouldn't be stressing so much if I didn't have such a horrible track record for hotels!!

 

[casper_jj11]

I'm starting to worry about Sydney's wish trip. The foundation asked if we're interested in special events for her like BBB. She would just love that so I said yes. I also said she wanted to eat with the princesses (her only actual request) so I emailed and asked if we could coordinate booking bbb and crt. I still don't have dates yet. I was told early August would be ok. I've requested 2nd week preferably. I emailed a week and half ago about the bbb and crt but I've heard nothing. I sent in the paper work last week and again, nothing. I've decided to book adrs anyway since dates have opened for beginning of August trips. Wihtout knowing the dates, its hard. I've decided to book two CRT's for the first week and two for teh second week since I don't know our dates. Its costing a load of money taht I won't get back because we pay an exchange rate even if we get a refund. I haven't worried about BBB since they said they'd book it but I'm getting concerned. She'll really need an 8am BBB for breakfast at 10:15 which is waht I'm booking. I'm thinking I should be booking BBB as well... or can wish foundations get the apptmts they want for these things. I'm getting so stressed for this. Its the only thing she really wants and I want it to be perfect for her. If all they can get is a 3pm BBB or something ridiculous like that it won't work. We have a little guy that needs to nap. The kids will need afternoon breaks in the August heat. I just don't know what to do but I don't want $1000 on the credit card for ressies taht I'm going to have to cancel. Would Disney work with me to book four dates for BBB just in case? I know... I need to relax but I'm a bit of a control freak and this is the only thing I'm really trying to organize on my own.... I'm sure they must think I'm nuts trying to coordinate things but I don't think they realize how fast these apptmts and ADRs get books.... just worried

Any advice?

 

[yinyanggirls]

Joanne, I understand your anxiety. It took us a long time to find out our dates. I booked one CRT and a few other ADRs for the week that we requested, even though it was not approved yet. The CRT was able to be moved to another appt at no charge once we did get confirmation. If your wish granters are planning to book it for you, then you would lose some money, unless you decide to do it more than once. What about booking Askerhus or Park Fare as a back up? They don't cost to reserve and she would still meet the princesses. I would hate to give you bad advise and have it backfire, but if it were me, I'd try, try, try to be patient! It's so hard, I know! But there are ways to make things happen for wish families, and others are always cancelling things up until the last minute. You'll be fine!

 

[The Lurker]

I heard on the local news here in Orlando last night that Disney's Electric Parade down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom will be returning in June.

Katie

 

[noahsketomom]

Very quick question this time (PROMISE!)

What are the best Disney nightime shows (MK Fireworks/Spectromagic, Fantasmic at DHS, or Epcot fireworks)

If you had to miss one, which would it be? If you could only plan for one, which would it be?

Thanks for any input!!!

 

[dmbfan]

We are so excitied as we leave in FIVE days for Disney...however our trip will not be the same. A dear friend of mine was finally able to get her son's wish trip ( as he had been to sick to go anytime before this) for next week too, and we made our volunteer times at GKTW when they were there so Jake could show Ethan around ( they are the same age and with "some" of the same medical problems). However I got call last Friday that Ethan had passed away Friday morning...

This has been very hard for us, and Jake too...and it is hard to know that he was a week and half away from his MAW trip to Disney and he did not make for his wish.

We are hoping GKTW will allow us to do something for Ethan...like putting up a star for him or something. His mom told me that Ethan took the welcome packet to the hospital with him...she said it was almost like he was going to pass, and wanted to make sure he had all the things in his life that he enjoyed or was forward to.

Tomorrow us the funeral and the hardest part for me is that I can not be there....so please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers...and if you would like to read about this amamzing child...please visit his website.

http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/ethanjakob/

 

[maroo]

Hi guys! I have not dropped off the face of the earth!

I am going to have to answer you guys without quoting...I am on iPhone.

For the BBB/CRT - I would go ahead and book it...I know you will take a bit of a hit, but I think your anxiety about it is worth it. In our case, I booked it and then just used the expense check to pay for it (they just put it in our check) - but your foundation may be different and pay for it on your behalf?

For the BBB, I think, you don't have to pay in advance...just the CRT.


The night parades are changing and the details are sketchy...but let me give this a shot:

Epcot: Illuminations - music, laser lights, fireworks, the big globe in the middle. It usually is on every night.

DHS: Fantasmic! - More of a stage type show, but includes water features, fireworks, special effects. It should be noted that there are parts of this show that I would consider "dark" - so if your kids are fearful, I would prepare them. Frankly...people seem to LOVE this one or hate it. We were in the hate it category. Sometimes this is shown nightly, sometimes two times per night and sometimes just a couple of times a week. If you really want to see it, schedule it FIRST in your planning and work everything else around it.

AK: No night shows.

MK: This is where it gets tricky...

BEFORE JUNE: Wishes - fireworks show with music - very inspirational, especially for a family on a WISH trip. Wishes do come true - and you will be feeling it as you watch with your family on your wish trip! This is nightly.

Spectro: The night parade with lights, similar to the old Main Street Electrical Parade.

AFTER JUNE (and how long??? No one knows yet)...
Wishes is being replaced by another fireworks show - that is supposed to be bigger and better?

Spectro is being replaced with the OLD Main Street Electrical Parade...Frankly...I have no trips planned for this summer...and if I have to, I will possibly plan a weekend to get down there to see this! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that old parade!

 

[maroo]

Oh Christine..........

How simply horrible. I am so, so, so sorry.

Please give Jake our love - a big hug from me, too! I am so sorry for you guys and that precious family.

 

[noahsketomom]

We are so excitied as we leave in FIVE days for Disney...however our trip will not be the same. A dear friend of mine was finally able to get her son's wish trip ( as he had been to sick to go anytime before this) for next week too, and we made our volunteer times at GKTW when they were there so Jake could show Ethan around ( they are the same age and with "some" of the same medical problems). However I got call last Friday that Ethan had passed away Friday morning...

This has been very hard for us, and Jake too...and it is hard to know that he was a week and half away from his MAW trip to Disney and he did not make for his wish.

We are hoping GKTW will allow us to do something for Ethan...like putting up a star for him or something. His mom told me that Ethan took the welcome packet to the hospital with him...she said it was almost like he was going to pass, and wanted to make sure he had all the things in his life that he enjoyed or was forward to.

Tomorrow us the funeral and the hardest part for me is that I can not be there....so please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers...and if you would like to read about this amamzing child...please visit his website.

http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/ethanjakob/

Dmbfan -- so, unbelievably sorry to hear about Ethan. Heartbreaking. Prayers are with his family....and yours.

 

[casper_jj11]

Dmbfan - I'm so sorry to hear about Ethan. Hugs to all of you.

Maroo - Thank you so much for the info on BBB. I had no idea we didn't have to pay upfront. I'm going to give a call today. I'm so afraid of stepping on toes since I really do have a tendancy to be a control freak but I'm also very anxious. You're right it would make me feel better and maybe they'll just tack on the price to teh expense cheque. If not, we'll deal with it.

Very quick question this time (PROMISE!)

What are the best Disney nightime shows (MK Fireworks/Spectromagic, Fantasmic at DHS, or Epcot fireworks)

If you had to miss one, which would it be? If you could only plan for one, which would it be?

Thanks for any input!!!

I had no idea they were changing Spectro/Wishes. We've been 4 times and that is what Disney is for us. I wouldn't miss it for the world. We try to see it at least twice if possible and its huge for the kids to watch for Tink flying from the castle. I hope the new parade/light show is as good as Maroo says.

As for Illuminations, we saw it our first trip. Its ok but not worth the late night for the kids. We also saw it he second trip because DS got to open Epcot that day and they gave us special seating for Illuminations. We figured we'd try it again... not any better. We now don't bother.

I'd love to see Fantasmic but I've been concerned that the kids would be scared. Our littlest is still just 2 this trip so we're going to skip it again. Hopefully it'll still be around the nextt ime we go. I've heard its great though.

 

[Thumper321]

We are so excitied as we leave in FIVE days for Disney...however our trip will not be the same. A dear friend of mine was finally able to get her son's wish trip ( as he had been to sick to go anytime before this) for next week too, and we made our volunteer times at GKTW when they were there so Jake could show Ethan around ( they are the same age and with "some" of the same medical problems). However I got call last Friday that Ethan had passed away Friday morning...

This has been very hard for us, and Jake too...and it is hard to know that he was a week and half away from his MAW trip to Disney and he did not make for his wish.

We are hoping GKTW will allow us to do something for Ethan...like putting up a star for him or something. His mom told me that Ethan took the welcome packet to the hospital with him...she said it was almost like he was going to pass, and wanted to make sure he had all the things in his life that he enjoyed or was forward to.

Tomorrow us the funeral and the hardest part for me is that I can not be there....so please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers...and if you would like to read about this amamzing child...please visit his website.

http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/ethanjakob/

Went to Ethan's site. He is a beautiful boy who fought so hard. I cannot imagine some of the things he and his mom went through. I hope that GKTW will allow something, too. Hopefully a star, but if not, maybe they'll let you make Ethan's pillow and give it to his mother. You know, if you can't put the star on the ceiling for some reason, I wonder if they would let you write his name and take it home for his mom. I don't know. Trying to think of ideas here. We are going in a little over 2 weeks, so if you need me to do anything, let me know. If you do get to put his star up, I'll be glad to take a picture of it or something along those lines. Just let me know if I can help in any way.

Christine, I am so sorry. We had a friend (5 y/o) that passed away a few months ago due to ATRT (brain tumor). I'm a sensitive soul, and I cried and cried. I don't know why it seems so much harder when it's a child.

to you and Jake.

 

[Momofwishkid]

We are so excitied as we leave in FIVE days for Disney...however our trip will not be the same. A dear friend of mine was finally able to get her son's wish trip ( as he had been to sick to go anytime before this) for next week too, and we made our volunteer times at GKTW when they were there so Jake could show Ethan around ( they are the same age and with "some" of the same medical problems). However I got call last Friday that Ethan had passed away Friday morning...

This has been very hard for us, and Jake too...and it is hard to know that he was a week and half away from his MAW trip to Disney and he did not make for his wish.

We are hoping GKTW will allow us to do something for Ethan...like putting up a star for him or something. His mom told me that Ethan took the welcome packet to the hospital with him...she said it was almost like he was going to pass, and wanted to make sure he had all the things in his life that he enjoyed or was forward to.

Tomorrow us the funeral and the hardest part for me is that I can not be there....so please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers...and if you would like to read about this amamzing child...please visit his website.

http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/ethanjakob/

I am so sad to hear this news. Ethan's family and yours will be in my thoughts.

 

[LindaBabe]

Very quick question this time (PROMISE!)

What are the best Disney nightime shows (MK Fireworks/Spectromagic, Fantasmic at DHS, or Epcot fireworks)

If you had to miss one, which would it be? If you could only plan for one, which would it be?

Thanks for any input!!!

If I had to miss one, it would be Fantasmic. I've been twice and honestly - I not only DISlike it, I actively DON"T like it! It's dark and scarey, and unless you are perfectly positioned to see the water screens you miss a lot. Then it's dark and difficult to get out of - and crowded. UGH.

However I got call last Friday that Ethan had passed away Friday morning...

http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/ethanjakob/

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your little friend. I HATE when that happens, every single time

Maroo - Thank you so much for the info on BBB. I had no idea we didn't have to pay upfront. I'm going to give a call today. I'm so afraid of stepping on toes since I really do have a tendancy to be a control freak but I'm also very anxious. You're right it would make me feel better and maybe they'll just tack on the price to teh expense cheque. If not, we'll deal with it.

I had no idea they were changing Spectro/Wishes. We've been 4 times and that is what Disney is for us. I wouldn't miss it for the world. We try to see it at least twice if possible and its huge for the kids to watch for Tink flying from the castle. I hope the new parade/light show is as good as Maroo says.

As for Illuminations, we saw it our first trip. Its ok but not worth the late night for the kids. We also saw it he second trip because DS got to open Epcot that day and they gave us special seating for Illuminations. We figured we'd try it again... not any better. We now don't bother.

I'd love to see Fantasmic but I've been concerned that the kids would be scared. Our littlest is still just 2 this trip so we're going to skip it again. Hopefully it'll still be around the nextt ime we go. I've heard its great though.

Don't know about the new fireworks show, but I concur with Maroo - the Electrial Parade is WONDERFUL and that MEMORABLE MUSIC!

I Also love Illuminations - to me it's not only the history of how the world began, but also a message of hope for the future.

Please relax! No need to be a control freak - the magic *will* happen, and sometimes in the most unexpected ways. There is always the back up plan for seeing the princesses - in County Bounty in Toon town, the princesses are there all day, and in my view, less rushed than at the meal!

Remember, you can use the baby care center and wish (room) for your little one to grab a nap. I believe there is one in each park. I'm thinking due to the distance, you might not want to return to GKTW for a nap, especially from Magic Kingdom due to the extra mode of transportation, unless you were calling it quits for the day.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

We are so excitied as we leave in FIVE days for Disney...however our trip will not be the same. A dear friend of mine was finally able to get her son's wish trip ( as he had been to sick to go anytime before this) for next week too, and we made our volunteer times at GKTW when they were there so Jake could show Ethan around ( they are the same age and with "some" of the same medical problems). However I got call last Friday that Ethan had passed away Friday morning...

This has been very hard for us, and Jake too...and it is hard to know that he was a week and half away from his MAW trip to Disney and he did not make for his wish.

We are hoping GKTW will allow us to do something for Ethan...like putting up a star for him or something. His mom told me that Ethan took the welcome packet to the hospital with him...she said it was almost like he was going to pass, and wanted to make sure he had all the things in his life that he enjoyed or was forward to.

Tomorrow us the funeral and the hardest part for me is that I can not be there....so please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers...and if you would like to read about this amamzing child...please visit his website.

http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/ethanjakob/

Christine I am so sorry to hear about sweet Ethan. He certainly touched so many lives. I didnt realise they would have been there at the same time. I knew they were getting ready to go but didnt no it was then. I hope GKTW lets you put his star up that would be wonderful. My heart is with you all and Ethans family. Lots of prayers and hugs to you all.

 

[livndisney]

!
Please relax! No need to be a control freak - the magic *will* happen, and sometimes in the most unexpected ways. There is always the back up plan for seeing the princesses - in County Bounty in Toon town, the princesses are there all day, and in my view, less rushed than at the meal!

Remember, you can use the baby care center and wish (room) for your little one to grab a nap. I believe there is one in each park. I'm thinking due to the distance, you might not want to return to GKTW for a nap, especially from Magic Kingdom due to the extra mode of transportation, unless you were calling it quits for the day.

Each of the 4 theme parks have a Babycare center. They also have a first aid with cots for resting.

MK-Baby Care and FA and right next to each other near Cystal Palace.
Epcot-Baby Care and FA and right next to each other just before Mexico on the Future World side.
Studios-Baby Care is in the Guest Services building and FA and right next to Sid's at the entraqnce to the park.
AK-From the entrance and heading to the Safari-Baby Care is on the left hand side past Pizzafari and a shop(I forget the name of the shop).

 

[casper_jj11]

Please relax! No need to be a control freak - the magic *will* happen, and sometimes in the most unexpected ways. There is always the back up plan for seeing the princesses - in County Bounty in Toon town, the princesses are there all day, and in my view, less rushed than at the meal!

Remember, you can use the baby care center and wish (room) for your little one to grab a nap. I believe there is one in each park. I'm thinking due to the distance, you might not want to return to GKTW for a nap, especially from Magic Kingdom due to the extra mode of transportation, unless you were calling it quits for the day.

Thank you! To the op too who gave the locations for the baby care locations. We may very well use them to get a break. I'm feeling better now. Thanks to Maroo I called BBB and was able to book Sydney for each morning that I have a CRT ressie. No charge I still need to do one more tomorrow (both crt and bbb) but I'm feeling less anxious. I think I have the bases covered for the first two weeks of August. AS long as they don't put our dates in July, I'm ok. I figure I'm doing pretty good since I'm used to being the ultimate planner and I'm not bugging them for dates, hotel location (they said onsite), ticket requests (they said we could do Busch Gardens and possibly longer WDW pass than 3d so we'll see) ... its quite a miracle for me to be so hands off and not annoying the life out of people for information

 

[Wee Annie]

We are so excitied as we leave in FIVE days for Disney...however our trip will not be the same. A dear friend of mine was finally able to get her son's wish trip ( as he had been to sick to go anytime before this) for next week too, and we made our volunteer times at GKTW when they were there so Jake could show Ethan around ( they are the same age and with "some" of the same medical problems). However I got call last Friday that Ethan had passed away Friday morning...

This has been very hard for us, and Jake too...and it is hard to know that he was a week and half away from his MAW trip to Disney and he did not make for his wish.

We are hoping GKTW will allow us to do something for Ethan...like putting up a star for him or something. His mom told me that Ethan took the welcome packet to the hospital with him...she said it was almost like he was going to pass, and wanted to make sure he had all the things in his life that he enjoyed or was forward to.

Tomorrow us the funeral and the hardest part for me is that I can not be there....so please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers...and if you would like to read about this amamzing child...please visit his website.

http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/ethanjakob/

I am so so sorry to hear this. I visited his website -- it's truly heartbreaking. This must be absolutely devastating to you and Jake. I hope that, somehow, volunteering at GKTW will help you work through this loss. I think the idea of asking if you can make a pillow for him and bringing it back for his mother is a wonderful idea. But you know his mother best, and whether she would find any comfort in this.

Prayers with this family.

Ann

 

[dmbfan]

Thank you everyone...Karen has been a very good friend to me for the last 6 years....and it had been hard that we lived 6 hours away from each other.

I did talk to the voluenteer tonight and we did change the 21st date cause I think it would be just to hard to be there knowning Ethan was not coming...and I did ask her about what we could...get a star for Ethan and give it to his parents, or make pillow and give it to them...but I have to call tomorrow and talk to guest services...otherwise they said we can do a paving stone...and as I would do it in a heartbeat, they are quite expensive...and just not sure we can swing that right now.

I hope they can do something for him as he was only a week away from his trip

 

[yinyanggirls]

Christine, that is so sad. I hope that they let you guys do something in memoriam for him. Jake must be so sad.

 

[dmbfan]

Christine, that is so sad. I hope that they let you guys do something in memoriam for him. Jake must be so sad.

Jake is confused...he is at that age where he undestands, but to a degree..He just knows how amazing it was for him to get his wish, and now he see's a child wanted a Disney wish and was not able to get it.

I think if we could something, even if it is sending them a star just to have, would make this easier for him...I guess we will see.

Thank you