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

[pnutallergymom]

You know, as everyone says, the bottom line is that you need to choose what will make this trip the most special and memorable for your family. For us, we consider this more of a MAW trip than a Disney trip (does that make any sense?). We are blessed to have the resources to possibly visit WDW in the future (assuming hubby can keep his job!), but I know that this is our one and only chance to stay at GKTW (or so we hope, assuming our other kids stay healthy). I have heard magical things about GKTW, and our family really, really needs to be able to relax and regroup as a family a little bit (I know, we shouldn't have chosen WDW if we want to relax...). We have stayed at WDW on property before Elke was born, and we want a different experience. I want to be somewhere where everyone "gets it" -- either that you currently have a child that is struggling against serious medical odds, or that you have been through that in the past. I guess what I'm saying is that I want to walk around our hotel with the knowledge that everyone there knows, in a general way, the struggle we're in (or have been in, for those who are now "survivors"), and that there is this intangible "bond" among the families there, despite their different diagnoses, that we have all been through something your "average" family hasn't.

I hope I'm not building up this experience too much in my mind, but I truly want this trip to be different than anything we've ever done, or could ever do in the future.

Guess I shouldn't have had a glass of wine with dinner (waxing philosphical). The snow (and tomorrow's snow day) drove me to it. At least that's my story (and I'm stickin' to it).

But those are my reasons for staying at GKTW. I think an equally wonderful wish trip can be had on-site. You just have to weigh the pros and cons of each location yourself. And definitely visit the GKTW website.

Its funny, I just wanted to throw in there, that this is one reason why we are happy that we are staying on-site at Disney. In Brigitte's 3 1/2 years of being alive, we have pretty much spent almost a week inpatient every month since she has been born..we may have skipped a few here or there, but also made up for it by staying multiple times in the same month. I don't want to be reminded of it every single day. I have my "I get it" conversations with moms and dads all the time when we are inpatient. I want to enjoy a week of not talking about it. I just want to leave all the pain behind and enjoy the fun. I want Brigitte to be just "average" for one week in her little life. She is spoiled rotten anyways and certainly will be well taken care of in the parks. The other kids are too. They are so used to everyone doing everything for them because they "feel bad" for them that I don't need someone doting on our every move all day long!!

I have no doubt whatsoever that GKTW is a fabulous, once in a lifetime, unbelievably special experience not to be missed. For us, we just need it in small doses!! I think we are in the minority and often on this board you are "the outsiders" if your staying onsite and people make you feel crazy for doing so. We all have our reasons. So don't feel bad for making whatever choice you make for your family. That is what makes us all so different!!

 

[pouty_tink]

can't say anything about GKTW...since we have never stayed there. I just think it is great that we get the best of both worlds. We do plan on doing Mayor Claytons Birthday Party on our check in day since we have orientation at the same time and are hoping to hit the Christmas Party.

What is Mayor Claytons Birthday Party?



And one other question, we werent planning on doing Universal at all, figuring with 2 little ones, there wouldnt be much for them. However I saw insomeones TR that Shrek is there.. Kaylin LOVES that green ogre, so is there enough there for a 14 month old and 4yr old?

 

[pnutallergymom]

What is Mayor Claytons Birthday Party?



And one other question, we werent planning on doing Universal at all, figuring with 2 little ones, there wouldnt be much for them. However I saw insomeones TR that Shrek is there.. Kaylin LOVES that green ogre, so is there enough there for a 14 month old and 4yr old?

GKTW has different theme nights at the village. According to alot of the former wish trippers, some are not to be missed. I think Mayor Claytons BDay (which is Saturday nights) CandyLand (Sundays?? I think) and Thursday nights is Christmas are the 3 big ones.

I honestly don't know alot of what goes on at the Bday party one, but we will be there for orientation which is at 7:45, so we plan on bringing the kids.

As far as US/IOA....head over to Matty's TR. Pamela is a huge US/IOA advoacte and has alot of pictures from their recent trip.

My .02 is that if it weren't for my older kids, who are 8,7, and 6. We would likely skip it. I think. We did it last year. My older kids LOVE it. They are into Shrek(3D movie experience), Jimmy Neutron (awesome ride), Simpsons (great ride). US has Seuss Landing which can be fun for the little ones. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish is a really cute ride. It is kind of like Dumbo, but you get a little wet. The Carroseussel (sp??) is a Carousel with Dr. Seuss animals. They have Curious George, and a few other things. It is a cute little area for the little ones. Brigitte will enjoy those things, but is to small to go on the other rides. We did have a good time here..

I think it depends on what type of vacation you are looking for too. Are you extending by any days? If we weren't and didn't want a commando vacation, I would say skip it. If you don't mind coming home and needing a vacation from your vacation, by all means do it!! It is fun.

Sorry for the ramble, I am just all over the place!!! I have a million thoughts!! I could go on and on...but I think the best thing is to look over alot of the trip reports! You will get tons of information....and keep asking questions!!

 

[pouty_tink]

Ok, you had me at curious george.. that is her favorite aside for of course disney. Ive been reading a few trip reports, and am loving all the info. Kaylin is very much a go getter, and will just go til after she drops. And our other daughter doesnt seem to mind going along for the ride, so im hoping to do quite a bit while there.
We do plan on adding on a few days to her wish trip. Im actually thinking of splurging and going AKL just cuz I know Kaylin would love that. I doubt our wish org. would put us up in AKL anyway, so we may just do it. We deserve it after this past year.
Thank you for all your help.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Shardai, when I read Maroo's post the first thought in my head was "NOOOOO!". I hope that you can be at peace with your decision for her. Sometimes it's so hard being the parent. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

 

[Wee Annie]

Its funny, I just wanted to throw in there, that this is one reason why we are happy that we are staying on-site at Disney. In Brigitte's 3 1/2 years of being alive, we have pretty much spent almost a week inpatient every month since she has been born..we may have skipped a few here or there, but also made up for it by staying multiple times in the same month. I don't want to be reminded of it every single day. I have my "I get it" conversations with moms and dads all the time when we are inpatient. I want to enjoy a week of not talking about it. I just want to leave all the pain behind and enjoy the fun. I want Brigitte to be just "average" for one week in her little life. She is spoiled rotten anyways and certainly will be well taken care of in the parks. The other kids are too. They are so used to everyone doing everything for them because they "feel bad" for them that I don't need someone doting on our every move all day long!!

I have no doubt whatsoever that GKTW is a fabulous, once in a lifetime, unbelievably special experience not to be missed. For us, we just need it in small doses!! I think we are in the minority and often on this board you are "the outsiders" if your staying onsite and people make you feel crazy for doing so. We all have our reasons. So don't feel bad for making whatever choice you make for your family. That is what makes us all so different!!

Amen! This is wonderful, having people with differing viewpoints weigh in! You just need to figure out what works best for your family.

 

[pacrosby]

I feel kind of odd asking this question, but I know many if not all of the Wish children stay at GKTW. We were told that we may stay on property as part of Kaylins wish.. Both my hubby and I have some reservations about staying there (GKTW) for a few reasons. But Im wondering since it will be the only time she would ever experience that should we just stay there. Can someone enlighten me a little more about GKTW?

Perhaps if you could be more specific about what your reservations are we could be more helpful. I think it's easy to overread or underread other people's general descriptions of GKTW (for example when people say it's nice to be in the company of other's who 'get it' I imagine some get the impression that everyone sits around commiserating about their child's medical journey; or that you are surrounded by children who appear visibly 'unwell' etc. - all very untrue; at the same time when people say it's nice to be away from the hubbub of all things Disney I imagine some get the impression that GKTW might be a bit boring and quiet and not 'magical enough' for them - again not true).

We went on Matty's Wish trip in December and stayed at GKTW. Initally, in our pre-planninig stages, I did not want to stay at GKTW and was hoping for AKL (seems to be a common request LOL). For many reasons I am very glad we reconsidered but if we hadn't, the truth is we wouldn't have known what we had missed so I probably would've been just as happy. Obviously you need to make whatever decision is right for your family but just make sure you aren't making it based on faulty impressions. Don't hesitate to pick the brains of those of us who have actually been at GKTW......................isn't that what we hang around here for?????????

 

[pacrosby]

Due to some of the recent discussions about the worthiness of US/IOA for the younger set I simply must pop on here with my two (three....four) cents about the who/what/why/where/when/why of US/IOA. Do I work for these parks? NO (I don't, really). I just love 'em! So much so that everytime I hear someone say they are going to skip it I have to hold myself back from replying "no no, don't do it!!!!" Of course I do know I shouldn't say that................everyone needs to do what's right for them BUT misinformation about today's US/IOA (apparently it's undergone quite a few changes over the years) seems to run rampant on these boards. And then of course there is simply the issue of bias (this is the DISboard afterall and 'DIS' stands for Disney). So I thought perhaps I could help people sort through the mess. Maybe I can try and summarize. We'll call it:

"Should We Or Shouldn't We?: Everything You May Want To Know About US/IOA For Wish Families With Younger Children"

For those who don't know me we went on our Wish trip in December. My kids range in age from age 4-9; no one is shorter than 42" but 2 are between 42" and 44". We chose to spend two days at US/IOA. Everyone rode on all but one ride that we wanted to go on and we easily filled up the 2 days (7-8 hours per day) and didn't do everything we wanted to (of course we skipped the bigger roller coasters but there are only a handful of them - 4 to be exact, 2 at each park............these are not the 'roller coaster parks' many suggest they are LOL) First IOA: SuessLand is large enough to spend a couple of hours in and even if a child is unfamiliar with the books it is very likely that they would still enjoy it thoroughly given the rides and whimsical atmosphere (the area actually consists of 4 rides and one large play area, all Suess-themed of course). Camp Jurassic is also great for little kids to explore with a really fun play area with tunnels/bridges/ropes/mazes/slides (my kids ran around in there forever) and the Discovery Center, an interactive learning zone. Toon Lagoon has a fun atmosphere (think 'carTOONS') with a couple of fun water rides and another play area 'Me Ship, The Olive' and then of course there's the super heros at Marvel Super Hero Island. In total IOA has 9 out of 13 rides that can be ridden by children under 44" (if a child is actually 44" make that 10). Combine that with the 3 interactive play areas and the Discovery Center in Jurassic Park and I'd say you've got a pretty full day for most 4/5 year olds.

At Universal there is a whole area devoted to little kids called the Woody Woodpecker Kidzone with a Curious George interactive play area, a Fievel interactive play area, a Barney show (YUCK!!), a little kid roller coaster (<36") and an animal show. Then there's the Jimmy Neutron ride, Shrek, the Simpson's Ride, ET and Men in Black (another version of Buzz Lightyear Ranger Spin/ Toy Story Mania) - none of these 5 rides have a height requirement over 42" and a few are so much fun they are worthy of multiple rides.

There are also numerous character zones where you can interact with the llikes of Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, SpongeBob, Popeye/Olive Oyl, Betty Boop, Spider Man and friends, Cat and the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 etc. etc.

So, bottom line......yes, there are more than enough things to amuse the average child ages 4 and up despite what you will hear people insist (and I'm betting my boots that there will be some who will continue to insist otherwise even after they read this LOL). Three and under.............maybe not so much, but over 4, definately (in fact I believe this so strongly that when someone says their child didn't like it I become suspicious of where in the park Mom/Dad took them and what rides they actually got a chance to ride). And of course if we're honest we'll have to admit that even at Disney World only 1/4 parks is really geared for the very young set. I'm thinking that the average 3/4 (maybe even 5) year old would actually find alot more to do and therefore have alot more fun in a 7-8 hour day at IOA/US than Epcot (possibly even HS and/or AK). I mean, seriously now, when you actually compare what is available to do for a little kid at US/IOA vs what's available at some of the other Disney parks????????? I don't know, call me crazy, but is it really possible a 3/4/5 year old is going to LOVE Epcot but be bored at IOA???


Of course I do know that part of it is that we're just not as Disney obsessed as most here are. And if you are Disney obsessed, nothing will ever really compare regardless of how much fun it is. I think that's REALLY the bottom line. My family is more 'amusement park' obsessed than 'Disney obsessed'. And as far as characters are concerned.....................Mickey Mouse and his clan really don't rank any higher in my house than Tweety Bird and Thing 1 and Thing 2 (or the Pink Panther, currently playing in the adjacent family room as I type).

Honestly we've never met an amusement park we didn't like. And as far as amusement parks go IOA/US rank right up there. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it

But, alas, I digress.

Now of course all of this information is not presented in the hopes of 'making people go to IOA/US' (really, it isn't) It's just put out here so everyone can know EXACTLY what these parks have to offer for your younger kids (4/5/6). It's hard to make any decision when you only have half the story and when people talk about IOA/US they typically only speak in ambiguous generalities ("my kid didn't like it", "it's only for older kids", "they have all those roller coasters", etc.etc.) but they never reveal what rides their kids went on but didn't like; what play areas their kids went to but didn't like, and most importantly what they didn't like about them. Sure if you are more of a Disney guru you probably will prefer to just do Disney and skip US/IOA and that makes great sense. They also may not be the most appropriate parks for children who's medical conditions limit them physically and/or children who don't/can't enjoy more active rides. That also makes great sense. But I would just caution anyone against skipping these parks because they've been led to believe their younger, typically active, adventurous 4/5/6 yo kids wouldn't have any fun. Honestly, I'd really be a bit worried about a child who spent a day or two at US/IOA with their 'enthusiastic' (enthusiasm is contagious) parent, were actually taken to the interactive play areas, actually sampled a good portion of the 15 rides available to them, and still walked away at the end of the day saying they didn't have some serious big-time fun!


Don't know if I helped but can't blame a girl for tryin'!!


(ok, goin' to collect my PR fee now )

 

[jessica52877]

OMGosh! Barney is my favorite! I really LOVE that they have that show there. It is probably my favorite thing there (even though I kind of forgot about it).

 

[livndisney]

OMGosh! Barney is my favorite! I really LOVE that they have that show there. It is probably my favorite thing there (even though I kind of forgot about it).

Jessica!!!!! Barney?



I know there has been some talk about Universal/IOA. I think it comes down to a matter of preference. We did not find a lot of things for DD to do when she was 4-6. She does LOVE the Grinch. So she only asks to go during December. LOL

 

[myasma]

Just wanted to let everyone know that for the moment, Mya is doing good. Maybe even discharged tommorrow or soon. Just wish I could have taken her to Disney one more time. I have been asking her what she wants to do and that's all she says.

 

[maroo]

Perhaps if you could be more specific about what your reservations are we could be more helpful. I think it's easy to overread or underread other people's general descriptions of GKTW (for example when people say it's nice to be in the company of other's who 'get it' I imagine some get the impression that everyone sits around commiserating about their child's medical journey; or that you are surrounded by children who appear visibly 'unwell' etc. - all very untrue; at the same time when people say it's nice to be away from the hubbub of all things Disney I imagine some get the impression that GKTW might be a bit boring and quiet and not 'magical enough' for them - again not true).

We went on Matty's Wish trip in December and stayed at GKTW. Initally, in our pre-planninig stages, I did not want to stay at GKTW and was hoping for AKL (seems to be a common request LOL). For many reasons I am very glad we reconsidered but if we hadn't, the truth is we wouldn't have known what we had missed so I probably would've been just as happy. Obviously you need to make whatever decision is right for your family but just make sure you aren't making it based on faulty impressions. Don't hesitate to pick the brains of those of us who have actually been at GKTW......................isn't that what we hang around here for?????????

I am glad you posted this.

All I know is that if I had one day to be anywhere I wanted to be - that it would be at GKTW. As much as I adore the Magic Kingdom, GKTW is the most magical place on earth.

Just wanted to let everyone know that for the moment, Mya is doing good. Maybe even discharged tommorrow or soon. Just wish I could have taken her to Disney one more time. I have been asking her what she wants to do and that's all she says.

I am so glad she is doing well.....and I so wish you guys could go to Disney again!!!

 

[pnutallergymom]

I just wanted to add, that if you choose to stay onsite vs. GKTW...I don't believe you get to pick where you stay. We didn't anyways. We were told that GKTW handles all of that and it really depends on what they have available to wish families that week. We had requested to be on the monorail...and we are at AKL. Not disappointed in the least, but didn't want someone who is thinking they can just pick anywhere they want to stay to think thats how it works. At least it didn't for us.

 

[maroo]

I just wanted to add, that if you choose to stay onsite vs. GKTW...I don't believe you get to pick where you stay. We didn't anyways. We were told that GKTW handles all of that and it really depends on what they have available to wish families that week. We had requested to be on the monorail...and we are at AKL. Not disappointed in the least, but didn't want someone who is thinking they can just pick anywhere they want to stay to think thats how it works. At least it didn't for us.

Here on the DIS I have seen families stay everywhere from the Grand Floridian to the POP, so I guess you never know.

 

[thatkid]

Just wanted to say that at GKTW, you're really not always reminded of sickness. When I was there, there was a couple of bald kids, one in a wheelchair and that was it, all of the kids, wish kids included looked normal. I was seriously able to completely forget about it all. I was stuck between a disney cruise & disney world, and chose the world just because of GKTW (and i'm 18)
but every family is different, and you'll all have amazing times no matter where you stay.

 

[LindaBabe]

At GKTW, no one will remind you you have an ill child. But what you *will* find is the kind of accommodations that make their lives easier - for example a 'roll on' carrousel where a child in a chair can ride the same as every other kid. And magical experiences - ice cream for breakfast if they want it and you allow it. Comfort and space (and a washer/dryer in the villa) Parking at your door. And volunteers willing to cater to almost every wish. Don't want to make breakfast? Too tired to go to the gingerbread house? Call for the breakfast cart! At night, Pizza delivery. Too tired to stand in line for charactors? At GKTW, it's easy to meet Mickey.

Whichever you choose, Disney Resort, or GKTW, the potential is there for you to have a GREAT time. The magic is waiting for you!

 

[pouty_tink]

After reading a bunch of the last few posts, I feel a little more comfortable saying what our reservations were/are about staying at GKTW. The last 6 months of our lives have been so stressful. Kaylin wanted her wish to be in Disney World. (makes momma proud!!!) But my husband and I were very unsure about it (GKTW) because we wanted this trip to be happy and a celebration of her being done with her chemo. We didnt want to be somewhere where we were reminded often, everyday whatever the case. I have no doubt that GKTW is magical. But someone mentioned, and I apologize I dont remember who, that they were treating their Wish trip as more of just that, her wish trip, and not a disney vacation. After reading some trip reports, and getting the varied opinions (which I greatly appreciate) we are leaning more towards staying at GKTW. I didnt want to offend anyone and thats why I phrased it the way I did without really saying why we were unsure of staying there. And I am really hoping I didnt. This is Kaylin's wish trip and she is well so no matter where we stay it will be special and happy, and a celebration. Since it will be a once in a lifetime experience for her and our family, I think we will be at GKTW. We'll always be able to stay onsite in the future, and heck I think we're even going to stay a few days extra and be on site.

 

[pnutallergymom]

After reading a bunch of the last few posts, I feel a little more comfortable saying what our reservations were/are about staying at GKTW. The last 6 months of our lives have been so stressful. Kaylin wanted her wish to be in Disney World. (makes momma proud!!!) But my husband and I were very unsure about it (GKTW) because we wanted this trip to be happy and a celebration of her being done with her chemo. We didnt want to be somewhere where we were reminded often, everyday whatever the case. I have no doubt that GKTW is magical. But someone mentioned, and I apologize I dont remember who, that they were treating their Wish trip as more of just that, her wish trip, and not a disney vacation. After reading some trip reports, and getting the varied opinions (which I greatly appreciate) we are leaning more towards staying at GKTW. I didnt want to offend anyone and thats why I phrased it the way I did without really saying why we were unsure of staying there. And I am really hoping I didnt. This is Kaylin's wish trip and she is well so no matter where we stay it will be special and happy, and a celebration. Since it will be a once in a lifetime experience for her and our family, I think we will be at GKTW. We'll always be able to stay onsite in the future, and heck I think we're even going to stay a few days extra and be on site.

I think this is probably the one place on all of the Disboards where people aren't offended by the decisions or feelings of others!! Either that, or they do a very good job of hiding it!!

I'm glad we were all able to help you make an educated decision!! You are going to have a great time and Kaylin's wish is going to be FANTASTIC!!!!

 

[pacrosby]

After reading a bunch of the last few posts, I feel a little more comfortable saying what our reservations were/are about staying at GKTW. The last 6 months of our lives have been so stressful. Kaylin wanted her wish to be in Disney World. (makes momma proud!!!) But my husband and I were very unsure about it (GKTW) because we wanted this trip to be happy and a celebration of her being done with her chemo. We didnt want to be somewhere where we were reminded often, everyday whatever the case. I have no doubt that GKTW is magical. But someone mentioned, and I apologize I dont remember who, that they were treating their Wish trip as more of just that, her wish trip, and not a disney vacation. After reading some trip reports, and getting the varied opinions (which I greatly appreciate) we are leaning more towards staying at GKTW. I didnt want to offend anyone and thats why I phrased it the way I did without really saying why we were unsure of staying there. And I am really hoping I didnt. This is Kaylin's wish trip and she is well so no matter where we stay it will be special and happy, and a celebration. Since it will be a once in a lifetime experience for her and our family, I think we will be at GKTW. We'll always be able to stay onsite in the future, and heck I think we're even going to stay a few days extra and be on site.

I suspected that that might be the gist of your reservation which is why I asked if you might wish to share. I think it's reasonable, to think that GKTW might mean being surrounded by 'sickness' and 'sadness' but it's not; at all. Also, when people talk about having people 'wait on you' (or however they choose to put it) they don't mean like people might wait on you in the hospital. It's not a "oh you poor thing, let me help you" kind of attitude; it's more like a "hey, you're a VIP, you're not supposed to have to do that, let me help you" kind of attitude. People are happy, not sad. And I did not ever once sit and talk with someone about our children's illnesses....................even the family we became friendly with after having 'met' here on the board. It's not that kind of place. It's a 'happy' place............just like Disney. I do think that many of us here are aware that these are common misconceptions among people who are unsure of whether or not they want to stay at GKTW vs. on-site and why we want so much to let people know otherwise. It's not that we want anyone who chooses not to stay at GKTW to feel badly. We just want to make sure no one makes that decision for the wrong reasons. And for those of us who have already been there.............often our experiences have been so wonderful that we just want others to have the same opportunity to experience the same wonder on their own trips.

Anyway, that's my long winded way of saying I'm glad to hear you've made a choice that you feel most comfortable with. Now...............happy planning!!

 

[pacrosby]

I think this is probably the one place on all of the Disboards where people aren't offended by the decisions or feelings of others!! Either that, or they do a very good job of hiding it!!

I'm glad we were all able to help you make an educated decision!! You are going to have a great time and Kaylin's wish is going to be FANTASTIC!!!!

Hey Shannon..................I just needed to say that I am sorry that you sometimes are made to feel like an 'outsider' given your choice to stay at AKL. I know that I am a real GKTW fan and no doubt have contributed to your sense of discomfort at times so I just need to say that that has never been my intent............to make someone who chooses otherwise to feel badly. Like I said above, I just ALWAYS (whatever the topic) want to make sure people aren't making choices based on misinformation or misconception. What they do once the have the facts is up to them.



As an aside............glad to hear you guys are home. Hope the mere existance of yet another 'teddy' isn't making you crazy. Gotta admit he was cute. He was, wasn't he?????

And I'm reeling at the thought that your dh thought I was a doctor I had no idea! Must be my authoritative demeanor huh???