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

[pnutallergymom]

I really wouldn't feel badly Shannon. I'm sure they would totally understand when you inform them of what you shared with us - "You have planned out your itinerary with ADR's and unfortunately you won't be in 'that' park for that day". That's not being unappreciative, it's being honest. They really should understand that not everyone is just planning on 'winging it'.

Is it a character lunch that you already had booked? If not would she be interested in it? Maybe they could just change the day to a day you are intending to be in that park? Or switch it for another ADR you've already made (either have them include the cost in your expense check for you to apply to one of your ADR's OR have them make an identical reservation and then you cancel yours). I understand maroo's concern but I really really doubt that Disney would make MAW pay for an ADR if the Wish family wasn't going to be able to use it.

Thanks guys....I actually wasn't even thinking about it, but it is Crystal Palace which you don't have to pre-pay for, so I am assuming that it probably is included in the expense check. I know that they mean well when they do these things, but I just think its funny that they don't ask if it something you are interested in. We went round and round when they wanted to book her at BBB and couldn't believe that I didn't want to do it for her. She doesn't have the attention span to sit that long, and forget about anyone touching her!!! Not happening. I told them that she isn't into princesses, but anything with Mickey Mouse or Minnie are safe bets! So how do they get CP? I don't know. Just annoyed. I'm sure I sound completely ungrateful, which isn't the case at all.

 

[TTomlinson]

Ok, so I'll admit I'm an OCD and impatient person lol. We are still waiting on dates and info about our trip from MAW and I'm trying so hard to be patient but with our trip only about a month or so away I'm going nuts wanting to plan and get organized. I know there is a lot of discussion about expense checks and which things they pay for and what they don't, I'm just curious what the approximate amount is they give you for spending from MAW? I know our wish screeners said its not nearly as much as they used to, and I understand that with the economy. I'm just already trying to get some idea of how much we will have to work with vs. what we want/need to pay for ourselves. Feel free to PM if you'd rather not post that kind of info on the board, I'm just wanting some idea of what we will have to work with

The boys are soooo into the pin trading idea now and we've already got some pin lots coming (thanks to some tips from members here!) and lanyards and such... they can't wait to start "practice trading" around the house. Probably a good idea so that they learn some etiquette and manners before we are in the park! They also are all totally pumped for the Ridemakerz shop... That's one of the reasons I need to figure out a budget because they are all counting on going there now and I need to make sure I can afford it since it isn't part of Disney and we will just be paying for it.

Thanks for the info and support everyone!
Tami

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Just wanted shout out a IM SO EXCITED FOR YOU ALL!! I can't believe how many are going in the next few weeks. I really hope all of the Wish kids and their families have the most magical trip EVER!

And just a little note. Don't forget to come back and post your Trip reports!!! Please don't leave us hanging

Wishing for safe travels, lots of magic and and some pixie dust too!

 

[TTomlinson]

I'm still trying to absorb all the info and get my mind around planning. Just curious if anyone has done the Pirates League? I have all boys and a few I think are at the ages where they would have a lot of fun with this. Just trying to decide if its something to add to the plan...

Tami

 

[Wee Annie]

Hi everyone,

Another WWYD question!!!

Our wish chapter just emailed me that they booked a character lunch for Brigitte on a day we weren't planning on going to one of the Disney parks.

I feel bad telling them and don't want to sound unappreciative, so how would you handle it? I would prefer they just include the money from that in our expense check and I can just use it for one of the ADR's I already have.

What do you think??

Shannon, a similar situation happened to us, except it was a lunch at CRT (and thus pre-paid). It was for a day that we weren't planning on being at the MK, and I had actually planned a CRT lunch for a different day. I decided just to not say anything and slightly rearrange our plans (flipped plans for a couple of days). I am a formerly (trying!) obsessive planner and control freak who is doing my best just to let go with this trip and "go with the flow" (to the extent that is possible for me!), so I decided it was the universe's way of telling me to be more flexible. It was a bit painful reconstructing my plans, but it was actually a bit freeing to be able to do so.

None of this means to suggest that the right thing for you to do is necessarily to rearrange your plans for this ADR. I just wanted to let you know that our chapter did something similar, so I think it's fairly common. If you do go the "graciously decline" route, just make sure that they haven't already arranged payment with WDW for this meal (you never know).

Good luck! I just wanted to let you know that I know the discomfort that this can cause when you have different plans. I hope it works out well for you!

 

[Wee Annie]

Hi everyone. Its been awhile since I've touched base. A few weeks ago we decided to take the kids to Mexico for our first non Disney vacation. Just before we left, Sydney was completely discharged from the oncology clinic and given a clean bill of health. They ran her catecholamine levels one last time. We just got back from Mexico last night and had a message waiting from her oncology nurse. I spoke with her this evening. Sydney's levels are up. They've put her back in the clinic (not as inpatient but as outpatient). We went through this last fall and they said it was lab error since the retest was fine... what's the chance of two lab errors in 6months? They're worried. They've said they don't know why her HVA is high... its higher now than it was an initial diagnosis three years ago. They're retesting next Monday with another test in 3 mo and another in 6mo. They're going to watch her now until she gets 3 negative tests in a row. I'm stunned and completely in shock. I was worried about leaving the clinic... just in case... but they said there was more danger to her in the playground or driving in a car than the neuroblastoma returning... and now this. Please pray for my little one. I'm scared.

Joanne,

I am so sorry that you are having this scare. As you know I know, the big "R" is every cancer parent's worst fear, forever hanging over our childrens' heads. Your little one and family are in my prayers. I am praying this is just some fluke. I went through a relapse scare with Elke in December, and most the time I felt like I was either going to vomit or cry (or both at the same time). I hope somehow that the fun of planning Sydney's wish trip can take your mind, somehow, off this stress. And pray that you receive normal test results next time (and the next, and the next, and so on...)!

 

[casper_jj11]

Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts. This is a terrible roller coaster ride. When I read Maroo's message yesterday about getting another lab to do the test, I didn't think it was possible as the children's hospital is the only one that does the test in Ottawa but I spoke with DH last night and just got off the phone with Sydney's paed office. I'm waiting to hear back from her. I'm working on finding another lab, either hospital based or not, in either Toronto or somewhere in the US that her urine can be expressed for another test. Whether the next test is positive or negative, after the past 6months, I just won't believe it. I can't stand the thought that this is back and growing in her without doing something to stop it and I know if it comes back negative, I won't believe it 100%. The only way is to have two tests done and hope for the same result from both so that we know exactly what we're facing.

I need to try and stop obsessing about this so I'm going to flip to planning Sydney's trip. I emailed the wish foundation for the latest details yesterday so I'm going to try and switch focus a bit.

 

[pnutallergymom]

I'm still trying to absorb all the info and get my mind around planning. Just curious if anyone has done the Pirates League? I have all boys and a few I think are at the ages where they would have a lot of fun with this. Just trying to decide if its something to add to the plan...

Tami

Hi Tami,

We haven't done it yet, but will be on our trip. Brigitte isn't, but my older kids are!! Jennifer has some pics from her trip I think. I have heard good things about it, but make sure you bring LOTS of make-up remover!! It stays on for a while!!!!

 

[maroo]

Ok, so I'll admit I'm an OCD and impatient person lol. We are still waiting on dates and info about our trip from MAW and I'm trying so hard to be patient but with our trip only about a month or so away I'm going nuts wanting to plan and get organized. I know there is a lot of discussion about expense checks and which things they pay for and what they don't, I'm just curious what the approximate amount is they give you for spending from MAW? I know our wish screeners said its not nearly as much as they used to, and I understand that with the economy. I'm just already trying to get some idea of how much we will have to work with vs. what we want/need to pay for ourselves. Feel free to PM if you'd rather not post that kind of info on the board, I'm just wanting some idea of what we will have to work with

The boys are soooo into the pin trading idea now and we've already got some pin lots coming (thanks to some tips from members here!) and lanyards and such... they can't wait to start "practice trading" around the house. Probably a good idea so that they learn some etiquette and manners before we are in the park! They also are all totally pumped for the Ridemakerz shop... That's one of the reasons I need to figure out a budget because they are all counting on going there now and I need to make sure I can afford it since it isn't part of Disney and we will just be paying for it.

Thanks for the info and support everyone!
Tami

I have heard from a lot of families over the last two years about their expense checks. It varies a LOT. It depends on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) the size of your family, how many adults/children, if you are staying at GKTW or on Disney property, if you are flying or driving, etc. It even made a difference in our case in what the gas prices were at the time. It also varies because chapters spend their money differently...for example: One chapter may pay for a limo to pick up your family at your home, another may pay for a send off party and another may pay for a special event (ADR, BBB, special ticket party) - some chapters do all of those things and some chapters only do one. Some of the chapters that may not do as much before the trip make it up when they provide the expense check.

Bottom line is that each chapter is responsible for their own fundraising and budgets for the trips - so it really varies.

So...I guess all of that to say that you may get PM's saying amounts, etc - but your chapter could be totally different.

I don't think they ever envisioned a site like this where we would all compare.

(And not that it is a bad thing - we all just want to know to be able to plan.)

I have seen as little as $500 and as much as a few thousand dollars. I know that doesn't help....

I did finally call our chapter and just told her that we really would like to know to be able to plan and got some info about 2 weeks before we left - it was an approximate figure, but it helped us plan.

Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts. This is a terrible roller coaster ride. When I read Maroo's message yesterday about getting another lab to do the test, I didn't think it was possible as the children's hospital is the only one that does the test in Ottawa but I spoke with DH last night and just got off the phone with Sydney's paed office. I'm waiting to hear back from her. I'm working on finding another lab, either hospital based or not, in either Toronto or somewhere in the US that her urine can be expressed for another test. Whether the next test is positive or negative, after the past 6months, I just won't believe it. I can't stand the thought that this is back and growing in her without doing something to stop it and I know if it comes back negative, I won't believe it 100%. The only way is to have two tests done and hope for the same result from both so that we know exactly what we're facing.

I need to try and stop obsessing about this so I'm going to flip to planning Sydney's trip. I emailed the wish foundation for the latest details yesterday so I'm going to try and switch focus a bit.

Bless your heart!

Things may be different there in Canada - but here in the states they allow us (but it could be at our expense) to have a test redone. We have some of our cancer patients that end up sending their tissue samples to Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson to come up with a definitive diagnosis.

I am so sorry this is happening and hope you get some clear answers very soon.

But...back to planning!!

 

[jen-y]

I am usually a fanatic about planning our Disney trips. I spend hours checking the park hours and parade and show times. Then I come up with a schedule of where we will be and when, to make sure we don't miss anything. I decided not to do that this time (or atleast to try not to), so now its like I don't know what to do with myself.
I am wondering the same things I see others are: We made some ADR's, but now I see that they make some for you (as part of the surprises), so I wonder how that will work out. Also, I am wondering how much spending money we get (just so that I can figure how many extra's we can do). I would really like to go to MNSSHP (did I get that abbreviation right?). Is that something they would possibly line up for us as part of a surprise? or are we on our own to do that?
We have family and friends meeting us there, who are staying at a Disney hotel, so they get extra magic hours and will have park hoppers. I am wondering if we get park hoppers, or just one park per day? Can we possibly pay to upgrade to hoppers and get extra magic hours (so that we can keep up with the rest of our group). Is there a limit to the number of park tickets we get? I am also uncomfortable asking these questions, but at the same time, I really need to know.

 

[owensdad]

Hi folks, reading through some posts and noticing alot of talk of expense checks, I suppose over here we would call it spending money! So from what i can tell MAW give some money for this, is it the same here in the UK with MAW?

just curious really and of course, every penny helps!

 

[tinkermomofjamie]

Hello all,

We finally had a visit with the wish grantors...short but sweet. Jamie told them that she wanted to go to DisneyWorld. Since it is just she and I at the house, she will get to invite someone else. She picked my dd...that is 23. We haven't got the date yet, but are hoping for June. We are all excited to go. I can't wait to see Jamie's face light up once we get there and she sees everything. She really has no clue what to expect and I don't want to tell her too much. I want her to just take it all in there.

I really don't know what all to expect. But I know that I have a WHOLE LOT of planning to start doing, but will probably wait until we have the date. Does anyone know how long that usually takes?? What should I start doing now to get ready for this wonderful adventure?? I am open to any and all suggestions, and in fact welcome them all.

I hope everyone is doing great here!

 

[pacrosby]

I am usually a fanatic about planning our Disney trips. I spend hours checking the park hours and parade and show times. Then I come up with a schedule of where we will be and when, to make sure we don't miss anything. I decided not to do that this time (or atleast to try not to), so now its like I don't know what to do with myself.
I am wondering the same things I see others are: We made some ADR's, but now I see that they make some for you (as part of the surprises), so I wonder how that will work out. Also, I am wondering how much spending money we get (just so that I can figure how many extra's we can do). I would really like to go to MNSSHP (did I get that abbreviation right?). Is that something they would possibly line up for us as part of a surprise? or are we on our own to do that?
We have family and friends meeting us there, who are staying at a Disney hotel, so they get extra magic hours and will have park hoppers. I am wondering if we get park hoppers, or just one park per day? Can we possibly pay to upgrade to hoppers and get extra magic hours (so that we can keep up with the rest of our group). Is there a limit to the number of park tickets we get? I am also uncomfortable asking these questions, but at the same time, I really need to know.

As maroo has said chapters are sooooooooo different that there is no way to know for sure unless you just ask them directly. Our chapter did not do a send-off party, did not make any ADR's, did not line up any surprises (but did give us a nice expense check). Therefore if I had sat and waited "just in case", I would have been in tough shape (seeing that reservations for many things can be very difficult to get at the last minute). I'd strongly encourage people to not be embarrassed and just ask any and all questions you have. Honestly, I think people (not 'you' necessarily or 'anyone' in particular, just 'people' in general) tend to get way too anxious about this. It's really not a matter of being unappreciative. I'm sure they would readily agree that the whole point is to grant your "child's wish" not just send you on vacation. And as we all know, it's all in the way it's asked. Just tell them that you were hoping to do some planning, you had been told that you "might" be recieving an 'expense check' and were wondering if in fact that was something they did and if so if they could possibly give you an idea of what it might be so that you could make some plans. "Remind" them that getting reservations for character meals and special events is not always possible at the last minute. How can anyone argue with that?

I also want to point out for anyone that is feeling a wee bit guilty and apprehensive with all this 'inside info' that these boards are not the only way Wish families can 'compare and contrast'. Many times people are referred for a Wish by families who have already had Wishes granted or from someone who has known a Wish family. Nevermind the fact that you've got 200 Wish families residing together for a week at a time at GKTW. People talk. Word gets out. I honestly don't think MAW is looking at the discrepancies between chapters as a big secret they need to keep. I'd like to give them more credit than that.

 

[jen-y]

Hello all,

We finally had a visit with the wish grantors...short but sweet. Jamie told them that she wanted to go to DisneyWorld. Since it is just she and I at the house, she will get to invite someone else. She picked my dd...that is 23. We haven't got the date yet, but are hoping for June. We are all excited to go. I can't wait to see Jamie's face light up once we get there and she sees everything. She really has no clue what to expect and I don't want to tell her too much. I want her to just take it all in there.

I really don't know what all to expect. But I know that I have a WHOLE LOT of planning to start doing, but will probably wait until we have the date. Does anyone know how long that usually takes?? What should I start doing now to get ready for this wonderful adventure?? I am open to any and all suggestions, and in fact welcome them all.

I hope everyone is doing great here!

Once we signed the "final papers", the wish granters sent them in to the home office. Then the home office called me about a week or so later and confirmed the dates and flight times and made the actual reservations. Then a few days after that, I received written confirmation in the mail. As far as what to start doing now, I suggest you decide which (if any) restaurants or character dining you want to do (brouse dining on the Disney website) so that you are ready to make reservations as soon as your dates are set. If you need any feedback or reccomendations on the dining, just ask. I think between the group of us, we have been to most of the restaurants before.

 

[maroo]

I am usually a fanatic about planning our Disney trips. I spend hours checking the park hours and parade and show times. Then I come up with a schedule of where we will be and when, to make sure we don't miss anything. I decided not to do that this time (or atleast to try not to), so now its like I don't know what to do with myself.
I am wondering the same things I see others are: We made some ADR's, but now I see that they make some for you (as part of the surprises), so I wonder how that will work out. Also, I am wondering how much spending money we get (just so that I can figure how many extra's we can do). I would really like to go to MNSSHP (did I get that abbreviation right?). Is that something they would possibly line up for us as part of a surprise? or are we on our own to do that?
We have family and friends meeting us there, who are staying at a Disney hotel, so they get extra magic hours and will have park hoppers. I am wondering if we get park hoppers, or just one park per day? Can we possibly pay to upgrade to hoppers and get extra magic hours (so that we can keep up with the rest of our group). Is there a limit to the number of park tickets we get? I am also uncomfortable asking these questions, but at the same time, I really need to know.

Yes - it is MNSSHP! They may line that up as a surprise - I agree with pacrosby - I would just ask. It is all in the way you ask, I suppose - as I know none of us want to seem pushy or difficult with our wish granters - it is, afterall, a gift - but I also think we want to do everything in our power to make it the best trip possible for the wish child.

You will have Park Hoppers. There is really not a way to officially "upgrade" to EMH - but I am willing to bet you $100 that if you go to Guest Services and explain your situation that they will make sure you are able to do EMH with the rest of your family there.

You get 1 3-Day Park Hopper to a Disney Park for each person that is officially part of your wish.

Then you get 1 day at Sea World and a 2 day Park Hopper to Universal, too.

Hi folks, reading through some posts and noticing alot of talk of expense checks, I suppose over here we would call it spending money! So from what i can tell MAW give some money for this, is it the same here in the UK with MAW?

just curious really and of course, every penny helps!

We also call it spending money, essentially - I think it was dubbed "expense check" because they give you a budget and the check is literally there to cover your expenses. Our chapter listed things like gas, tips, extra meals, etc.

And I am TOTALLY clueless about how it works with the UK MAW.

I do think that you guys get 7 nights as international guests and most families here in the States get 6 nights.

Otherwise - we will be excitedly awaiting what is in store for you guys.

Hello all,

We finally had a visit with the wish grantors...short but sweet. Jamie told them that she wanted to go to DisneyWorld. Since it is just she and I at the house, she will get to invite someone else. She picked my dd...that is 23. We haven't got the date yet, but are hoping for June. We are all excited to go. I can't wait to see Jamie's face light up once we get there and she sees everything. She really has no clue what to expect and I don't want to tell her too much. I want her to just take it all in there.

I really don't know what all to expect. But I know that I have a WHOLE LOT of planning to start doing, but will probably wait until we have the date. Does anyone know how long that usually takes?? What should I start doing now to get ready for this wonderful adventure?? I am open to any and all suggestions, and in fact welcome them all.

I hope everyone is doing great here!

I am so glad that she gets to bring an extra person!

I think it is a good idea to keep a lot of it a secret. She will be so excited and so surprised!

I feel like a broken record today...but that totally depends on the chapter.

If you are thinking you would be going in June - I would start figuring out if you want any special meals while you are there - maybe come up with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice on restaurants. Then maybe get Disney to send you park maps for each park? So you can sorta see what is there to do - then you will have an idea of how long you may want to be at each park.

We purchased the Unofficial Guide to WDW (Len Testa) and I love that book. It is HUGE and has lots to read - it also has a lot of info that you won't need for this trip (lodging, etc) - but they do have a good overview of the rides and attractions.

Another book I recommend is Passporter Open Mouse - it is a book that, although outdated, gives a good description of each attraction and how it may affect someone with special needs. These can be anything from mobility issues to children being afraid of the dark. And it also has a good overview of most rides. But the latest version is 2008, I think - so it is outdated with some information.

Other than that...maybe read trip reports - this gives you a good idea of what worked and what didn't for other families. Each family is different, but it gives you an idea.

 

[tinkermomofjamie]

Thank you Jen-y and Maroo....need all the suggestions/help I can get.

I talked with the wish grantors, and because Jamie was placed in my home by CPS, they will have to sign the forms also. I just hope they do it and not have the mom sign anything. I don't think she would. The mom won't even have her name changed on her birth certificate from "Infant" to "Jamie"! Legally, her name is infant, and that just brakes my heart!! Sorry to go on about this...just upset that we seem to be hitting a brickwall!

Anyway, any suggestions on where I should make reservations?? She LOVES the princess stories, and TINKERBELL too! she is very much a little girl and LOVES to do little girl things!! Like dress up as a princess. Any suggestions would be great! I will get online to see what all is available and try to find some maps. I will also see about getting the 2 books as suggested.

Thank you again for your help!!!

 

[jen-y]

TinkerMomOfJamie


I am probably not spelling these right, but Ackerhaus restaurant (in Epcot) is where I have gone before for dining w/ princesses. Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, and Alice in Wonderland were there and their may have been some others, but I don't remember. Cinderella's Royal Table (aka CRT) restaurant in Cinderella Castle is the ultimate (also expensive). Cinderella, the fairy godmother, and the mice are there. I have never seen Tinkerbell around the parks (but maybe thats just me) but do look for her to fly from the top of Cinderella Castle during the fireworks show. Thats pretty neat. Regarding dressing up as a princess, there is Bibity, Bopity, Botique in Downtown Disney that will do princess makeovers. There are different packages depending on what you want, but its also expensive. For my daughter, I brought her Cinderella dress and accessories from home. I bought some spray hair glitter from Claires at the mall and did her hair and put a little make up on her myself.

Ps. Did you order the free Disney vacation planning DVD? If not, you can order it on their website.
You can also order free maps on their website

 

[Adrismommy]

I'm glad to see that some others have the same questions I had regarding planning. It's funny because I wouldn't necessarily call myself a big planner by nature, but last year when we went to Disney I became obsessive, and now I'm at it again! I have ADRs and a time slot booked for BBB and wondered what in the world I would do if I had things all planned out and they sprung a surprise on me. In fact, they hinted that there would be a surprise but that they would plan it and we'd find out a week out when they came to give us the itinerary. So I'm trying - so hard - to have a flexible plan, with intentions of changing it whenever I see what they planned. But I can't for the life of me imagine just winging it and going with the flow. I just can't see that working well with a 3 year old and a baby. At any rate, I told Adri about BBB and what all it entailed. She is so excited, talks about it every day. I am so pumped for this trip!

 

[Wee Annie]

Okay, so we leave on Saturday and I am beginning to think about packing (didn't get to make "the list" today, will do tomorrow). Is there any reason why I would need ("need" being the operative word) anything other than purely casual clothing for our stay at GKTW?

I used the word "need," because although many people enjoy wearing nice things, I really like being comfortable. Very comfortable. So if I can get by with casual clothing (shorts, tees, jeans, etc), I will be ecstatic.

For those who have been, is there any event where I will feel uncomfortable if I wear casual clothing (I'm not talking things with holes, etc).

Thx!

 

[newdrama12]

Is there any reason why I would need ("need" being the operative word) anything other than purely casual clothing for our stay at GKTW?
Thx!

Nope, casual clothing is perfect for GKTW. I can't think of any event that would need something else. It is a fantastic place!! You and the family will have a blast!