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

[Wee Annie]

Hey everybody....former wish trip mom here!
I just wanted to encourage you all to go see the new movie out today called "Letters To God"....I'm sure it has been discussed on here (I am WAY behind in reading posts) but part of the movie was filmed at Give Kids The World!!
And I just heard a commercial on the radio for GKTW!! I got chill bumps listening to it!! Encouraging people to donate!!
Just wanted to share!!
Tiffany

Tiffany (or anyone who knows),
do you know whether the movie has a happy or sad ending (you can pm me if you don't want to reveal anything about it). I have been looking forward to the release of this movie, first because it's supposed to be good, and second, as a route to raise awareness of pediatric cancer, but I'm reluctant to take my older children to it if the end is truly heart-wrenching. (They are keenly aware that cancer could kill their sister, and I don't need them to have it thrown in their face in the movie). Does anyone know?

Thanks

 

[pacrosby]

I just wanted to let people know about a really cool new store in Downtown Disney (Westside). It just opened in March and at this point is on 'limited engagement' but the plans are to hopefully make it a permanent fixture. It's along the lines of a Build A Bear Workshop but you build Remote Controlled Cars instead! My boys would've absolutely flipped over such a thing had it been there in December when we went.

Anyway here's a blog about it from Allears if you want to check it out:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/ridemakerz_1.html


and here's the official website:

www.ridemakerz.com



I'm thinking the Lego store's gonna have some serious competition

 

[TTomlinson]

OMG my boys will go crazy over the new store. I haven't even looked at the links yet but just the idea is awesome! They love remote controlled cars and such and love building and creating things. We will definitely have to make this a stop on our trip! Thanks for sharing!

Tami

 

[WishMom09]

Tiffany (or anyone who knows),
do you know whether the movie has a happy or sad ending (you can pm me if you don't want to reveal anything about it). I have been looking forward to the release of this movie, first because it's supposed to be good, and second, as a route to raise awareness of pediatric cancer, but I'm reluctant to take my older children to it if the end is truly heart-wrenching. (They are keenly aware that cancer could kill their sister, and I don't need them to have it thrown in their face in the movie). Does anyone know?

Thanks

I will let you know! We are planning to go see it if my hubby gets home in time!

 

[Wee Annie]

I will let you know! We are planning to go see it if my hubby gets home in time!

Thanks, Tiffany! Would love a heads up!

 

[alaskanabbott]

Thanks, Tiffany! Would love a heads up!

Heads up here too....we had an insensitive PT last week mention in front of James that he has a "terminal neurological disorder"...we never ever ever use that word, we want to stay upbeat and positive, so IF the movie is like that, then we would love to go see it.

 

[Wee Annie]

Heads up here too....we had an insensitive PT last week mention in front of James that he has a "terminal neurological disorder"...we never ever ever use that word, we want to stay upbeat and positive, so IF the movie is like that, then we would love to go see it.

Amber,
that is unreal. How horrible that a PT would do that. Honestly! I would have been pissed.... (but trying not to have a serious reaction i/f/o my child so as not to draw attention to it.)

 

[cajunfan]

Hi folks...I have not seen the movie, but saw the news clip where they interviewed dad at the premier...I suspect that it is a positive upbeat movie, but the child did die in reality, so I am sure that is reflected in the movie.

 

[WishMom09]

We went to see the movie...it was AWESOME! Seeing GKTW on the movie was so amazing!! It is a tear jerker though! It had some really funny parts as well as some sad ones! But I would recommend everyone see it!

 

[alaskanabbott]

my BF just called and told me not to watch "My Sister's Keeper" either, lol

 

[newdrama12]

We went to see the movie...it was AWESOME! Seeing GKTW on the movie was so amazing!! It is a tear jerker though! It had some really funny parts as well as some sad ones! But I would recommend everyone see it!

That is true it is definitely a tear jerker. I saw it this afternoon. It was amazing seeing GKTW in the movie. I volunteer with them, so I have experienced the magic that in is the atmosphere there. I recommend it as well!

 

[myasma]

Just wanted to update everyone on the funeral arrangements on MyaRose. The funeral will be held at the Beleved St. John Envagelistic Church on April 15th 2010. The adress is 4541 N. Broad street. The veiwing will be held at 9:30 am untill 11:00 am. The service will start at 11 am. I want to thank everyone for thier support during these hard times. Mya left in peace and ran right into the Lord's arms.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

my BF just called and told me not to watch "My Sister's Keeper" either, lol

Oh that one is a really big tear jerker! I cannot watch that without bawling my eyes out!!

 

[maroo]

I can see from a few posts here that some of you have seen THE MOVIE.

I say THE Movie - because it has rocked my small world.

I would say I don't know why...but I guess I do.

I just thought it was going to be a hopeful movie...but I didn't really catch that hope as much?? I just cried through the whole darn thing. Maybe it was all the kids we have lost this year - here on the DIS and in my home town - and all the kids going through it right now.

I also hoped the GKTW section would be HAPPY and just them having fun while he was well - instead it is towards the end of the movie when he is about to die.

The movie tore me up. I am not sure I can recommend it to my friends? Does that make sense? It upset me so much??

But maybe that is just me. At some point I will see it again and see if I see it differently?

I did LOVE the Message it sent. The decided Christian message that I believe is the only hope we have of ever understanding why any of this happens and what good comes out of it. But, there again, if your belief system is different, then the movie could be a turn off right off the bat.

Anyway...> Those are just my thoughts.

I cried buckets. I miss GKTW.

 

[owensdad]

Hi folks, just joined up and had a quick read through some of the thread.

Our son Owen is almost 4 and has Menkes disease, despite his disabilities he is a very happy little boy and he is just the light of our lives. We are based in the UK and Owen has just recently been granted a wish from MAW to go to Florida and we are staying at GKTW. I've read so many great things about the place and really cant wait, I think i'm more excited than he is!! We are planning on going in early December as the theme parks will hopefully be quiter then or so i've read, one thing we are not looking forward to though is the 9 hour flight.

As Owen is confined to his special wheelchair he will be limited as to what he can do, we also have Olivia who will be almost 2.5 years when we travel so really we need to plan whats best for them both. I'm thinking that US would probably be a bit too much for them, not sure if they have much for their age groups and I think the time may be better spent elsewhere. Certainly we will be spending the 3 days around Disney without question, we all adore anything Disney! epsecially Owen. I think they will both really enjoy Seaworld too, is there any possibility we can arrange to have Owen (and Olivia) swim with dolphins there? I think Owen would love this kind of interaction and especially in the water where he can feel much more free than in his chair.

We are not keen on driving around in America so was wondering about transport, MAW over here told me that they provide shutles to and from the parks and when you want to return to GKTW then you just ring for a shuttle, is this correct?

All in all really looking forward to it, after a week in Disneyland Paris 10 weeks before we go it should put us right in the mood!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Hi Owens dad! Welcome to the board. I'm glad your son had his wish approved! My daughter had a friend in preschool who had Menkes syndrome. I'm guessing it;s the same thing? She said it was very rare and there were only a few known in the world (not unusual for many chromosomal abnormalities). We were very sad when he passed because of a seizure during the night. My daughter is undiagnosed but the specialists all believe she has a chromosomal abnormality, but can't find which one.

For info on GKTW shuttle service you should read AlaskanAbbott's TR. For info on what Universal has to offer younger kids you should read pacrosby's TR. I believe that Sea World does not offer any swimming opportunities at the main park (the one you will get tickets to) but they do offer it at their other park. You would probably have to arrange it and pay for it yourselves (although some people have inquired about special events like that and had them covered by their wish granters). As for what to do with your time when not at Disney, as everyone who has been will tell you, there is plenty to entertain the kids at GKTW.

 

[The Lurker]

The only "swim with the dolphins" experience I know of in Central Florida is at Discovery Cove which is one of Sea World's three parks. I just checked it out and the child has to be at least 6 years old to participate. I have done it and it is a neat experience, but very controlled and not really a "free swim". You are in a small group with a trainer and the dolphin does specific tricks. In one trick, you go out a short distance, tread water, (you are wearing a lifevest) and the dolphin comes up, you hang on and the dolphin brings you to the shore in a manner of seconds.
Sea World has a new waterpark with dolphins and the ad I have seen on TV shows what might be interpreted as "swimming with the dolphins" but I understand is a slide that goes either through or by the dolphin area. I haven't done it, but have been told you are going too fast to actually see the dolphins.

However, at the main Sea World Park wish children are given a small tray of fish to feed the dolphins. I believe you can request a "dolphin encounter" which will allow the child to be with a trainer for a longer close up experience, but it does not include actually swimming with the dolphins.

You are right about early December being a great time to see Disney World. It is my favorite time. The weather is usually cool and dry (though it can be cold). The parks are decorated for Christmas but fairly empty until Christmas week at which time it is unbelievably crowded.

 

[kellyw8863]

I can see from a few posts here that some of you have seen THE MOVIE.

I say THE Movie - because it has rocked my small world.

I would say I don't know why...but I guess I do.

I just thought it was going to be a hopeful movie...but I didn't really catch that hope as much?? I just cried through the whole darn thing. Maybe it was all the kids we have lost this year - here on the DIS and in my home town - and all the kids going through it right now.

I also hoped the GKTW section would be HAPPY and just them having fun while he was well - instead it is towards the end of the movie when he is about to die.

The movie tore me up. I am not sure I can recommend it to my friends? Does that make sense? It upset me so much??

But maybe that is just me. At some point I will see it again and see if I see it differently?

I did LOVE the Message it sent. The decided Christian message that I believe is the only hope we have of ever understanding why any of this happens and what good comes out of it. But, there again, if your belief system is different, then the movie could be a turn off right off the bat.

Anyway...> Those are just my thoughts.

I cried buckets. I miss GKTW.

Thanks for the review. I don't think it is something that I will be able to watch, at least not in the theater. I was the same way with My Sister's Keeper. I read the book, but I waited until it came out on video to watch it. Even then, I cried the entire time and just did not feel "good" after watching it. I could've done without that one.

Hi folks, just joined up and had a quick read through some of the thread.

Our son Owen is almost 4 and has Menkes disease, despite his disabilities he is a very happy little boy and he is just the light of our lives. We are based in the UK and Owen has just recently been granted a wish from MAW to go to Florida and we are staying at GKTW. I've read so many great things about the place and really cant wait, I think i'm more excited than he is!! We are planning on going in early December as the theme parks will hopefully be quiter then or so i've read, one thing we are not looking forward to though is the 9 hour flight.

As Owen is confined to his special wheelchair he will be limited as to what he can do, we also have Olivia who will be almost 2.5 years when we travel so really we need to plan whats best for them both. I'm thinking that US would probably be a bit too much for them, not sure if they have much for their age groups and I think the time may be better spent elsewhere. Certainly we will be spending the 3 days around Disney without question, we all adore anything Disney! epsecially Owen. I think they will both really enjoy Seaworld too, is there any possibility we can arrange to have Owen (and Olivia) swim with dolphins there? I think Owen would love this kind of interaction and especially in the water where he can feel much more free than in his chair.

We are not keen on driving around in America so was wondering about transport, MAW over here told me that they provide shutles to and from the parks and when you want to return to GKTW then you just ring for a shuttle, is this correct?

All in all really looking forward to it, after a week in Disneyland Paris 10 weeks before we go it should put us right in the mood!

Welcome!

Shardai, thinking of you.

 

[wishin' on a star]

Hi Owensdad! Congrats on the wish. Melissa gave you some great advice on your questions, so I don't have much more to add. Looking forward to hearing more about your family!

Okay guys, I posted this question in my PTR, but can anyone tell me about any "wish party" experiences? Our granter e-mailed me about availability, but now I've got a million questions about exactly what this entails! Who comes? Is this something that is just for our family and the MAW granters? THanks for any info you can give me! I've e-mailed her again, but I thought I'd see what others experiences were. I know every chapter does things differently.

 

[pacrosby]

Hi folks, just joined up and had a quick read through some of the thread.

Our son Owen is almost 4 and has Menkes disease, despite his disabilities he is a very happy little boy and he is just the light of our lives. We are based in the UK and Owen has just recently been granted a wish from MAW to go to Florida and we are staying at GKTW. I've read so many great things about the place and really cant wait, I think i'm more excited than he is!! We are planning on going in early December as the theme parks will hopefully be quiter then or so i've read, one thing we are not looking forward to though is the 9 hour flight.

As Owen is confined to his special wheelchair he will be limited as to what he can do, we also have Olivia who will be almost 2.5 years when we travel so really we need to plan whats best for them both. I'm thinking that US would probably be a bit too much for them, not sure if they have much for their age groups and I think the time may be better spent elsewhere. Certainly we will be spending the 3 days around Disney without question, we all adore anything Disney! epsecially Owen. I think they will both really enjoy Seaworld too, is there any possibility we can arrange to have Owen (and Olivia) swim with dolphins there? I think Owen would love this kind of interaction and especially in the water where he can feel much more free than in his chair.

We are not keen on driving around in America so was wondering about transport, MAW over here told me that they provide shutles to and from the parks and when you want to return to GKTW then you just ring for a shuttle, is this correct?

Hi there and Welcome!


We just went on our trip this past December. It was a just wonderful time of year to go (so much so that we are planning an "Anniversary Wish Trip" for this coming December). The parks are decorated beautifully and there are special holiday parades, shows and parties. When we were there the temps were great. Shorts and t-shirt weather. We actually even had a couple of 80 degree days but I think that was kind of unusual.

Re: your thoughts about transportation, Melissa is right. AlaskanAbbott just went on their trip and had experience using the shuttle (not 'good' apparently LOL). As far as Universal, well.................everyone here knows me as the Universal 'nut' but even I'd have to admit that in your situation (with a 2 yr old and a small child in a wheelchair) it may have limited appeal. Do your children know Dr. Seuss? Seussland at the Islands of Adventure park is wonderful ESPECIALLY at Christmas (very festive and has a live show, an adaptation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"). I have alot of pictures and even some video from the show on my Trip Report ("Mom, Dad, 3 Kids and a Gingerbread Boy). Also at Christmas time Universal Studios has a great holiday parade (there's also lots of px from that on my Trip Report also). As far as other areas of the US/IOA parks you can check a post on this Wish Tripper's Unite (Page 45 Post #668) for a quick summary of the different rides that might be appropriate for younger children, height requirements etc..

Anyway, hope that helped. You've got lots of time to plan. Take advantage of it. I really feel like the planning was almost as much fun as the actual trip